CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Card vs SBI Simplysave Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spending, the CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Card ⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 1% compared to SBI Simplysave’s 0.25%.
• For travel and lounge access, the CUB card stands out with 12 domestic lounge visits per year and a lower forex markup of 1%, while SBI Simplysave offers no lounge access and a higher forex markup of 3.5%.
• In terms of cost, SBI Simplysave has a slightly lower annual and joining fee of Rs 499 versus Rs 500 each for the CUB card, but the CUB card’s lower forex fees may save frequent travellers money.
• Choose the CUB SalarySe Level UP if you want better rewards on UPI and travel spend plus lounge benefits. Opt for SBI Simplysave if you prioritise dining, grocery rewards, and a fee waiver on Rs 1 lakh annual spend.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

The CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Card ⓘ offers a base reward rate of 1%, which equates to Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 of general spend. Its standout category is UPI transactions, where it provides a substantial 7.5% return, or Rs 750 on Rs 10,000 spent, making it highly attractive for digital payments. Other categories such as rent, insurance, education, utilities, and travel earn 0.2%, providing Rs 20 per Rs 10,000 spent in each.

On the other hand, the SBI Simplysave Credit Card ⓘ rewards a base rate of only 0.25%, resulting in Rs 25 back per Rs 10,000 general spend. However, it offers a higher category return of 2.5% on dining and grocery spends, giving Rs 250 back on Rs 10,000 spent in each category. This card is therefore more focused on lifestyle spends like dining and groceries, while the CUB card favours UPI and broader categories including travel.

Fees Compared

Both cards charge nearly identical fees: Rs 500 annual and joining fees for the CUB SalarySe Level UP, and Rs 499 for SBI Simplysave. However, SBI Simplysave offers a fee waiver on spending Rs 1,00,000 annually, which breaks down to about Rs 8,333 per month. This waiver can be a significant saving for users with sizeable monthly spends, effectively making the card fee-free if that threshold is met.

The CUB SalarySe card does not provide any fee waiver, so the Rs 500 fees are payable regardless of spend. The card’s higher base reward rate partially offsets this cost, with the break-even spend to cover the annual fee at Rs 50,000, compared to a much higher Rs 1,99,600 (about Rs 2 lakh) for SBI Simplysave due to its low base reward rate.

Which One Should You Pick

If you frequently use UPI payments, travel domestically, and want access to lounge benefits, the CUB SalarySe Level UP Credit Card ⓘ is the better choice. Its higher base reward rate and low forex markup of 1% make it excellent for everyday and foreign spends, while the 12 annual domestic lounge visits add value for travellers. However, you should be comfortable paying the Rs 500 fees without any waiver.

The SBI Simplysave Credit Card ⓘ suits customers who want a low-cost card focused on dining and grocery rewards, with the potential to waive the fee by spending Rs 1 lakh per year. Its 2.5% returns in these key categories can be rewarding if you target those spends. However, the higher 3.5% forex markup and lack of lounge access make it less attractive for travellers.

In conclusion, pick the CUB SalarySe Level UP if you prioritize rewards on UPI and travel plus lounge access, and can afford the fees without waiver. Choose SBI Simplysave if you want a budget-friendly card for dining and grocery rewards, and can meet the waiver spend. Those who rarely travel or use UPI should skip the CUB card, while those who want lounge benefits or lower forex fees should avoid SBI Simplysave.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if your typical monthly spend meets the fee waiver threshold on SBI Simplysave to avoid unexpected fees.
• Verify caps or limits on UPI rewards from CUB SalarySe, especially since 7.5% is unusually high.
• Check the redemption value of points for both cards to ensure you can convert rewards efficiently.
• Consider forex fees carefully if you travel abroad often; SBI Simplysave’s 3.5% markup is costly compared to CUB’s 1%.
• Review the domestic lounge access gates under the CUB card’s Rs 10,000 monthly spend gate to avoid surprises.

FAQ