Quick Verdict

  • The HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate of 3.33% versus SBI AURUM’s 1%.
  • For travel and lounge access, HDFC BizBlack Metal also leads, offering unlimited domestic and international lounge visits compared to SBI AURUM’s 6 international lounges per year.
  • SBI AURUM is slightly cheaper in joining and annual fees by Rs 1 but requires nearly triple the spend to cover its lower reward rate.
  • Choose HDFC BizBlack Metal if you prioritize premium travel benefits and high rewards on business or utility spends. Opt for SBI AURUM if you want a card with good dining and grocery rewards and some premium perks like golf access.

Side by Side

DetailHDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit CardⓘSBI AURUM Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 10,000Rs 9,999
Joining feeRs 10,000Rs 9,999
Fee waiver on spendRs 7.50 lakhNot recorded
Reward rate3.33%1%
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic loungeUnlimitedUnlimited
International loungeUnlimited6 per year
Forex markup2%1.99%
Best suited forbusiness, premium, travel, lounge, rewardspremium, lounge, rewards, dining, travel, shopping

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 333 in rewards at its base rate. This is over three times the Rs 100 earned by the SBI AURUM Credit Cardⓘ at its 1% base rate. The BizBlack card also shines in travel spends, offering an effective return of Rs 1,667 on Rs 10,000 spent, compared to SBI AURUM’s 2.5% dining and grocery categories that yield Rs 250 on Rs 10,000 spend. Utilities spend on BizBlack matches the base rate of 3.33%, making it a strong choice for business-related expenses. SBI AURUM’s rewards are more focused on lifestyle categories like dining and grocery, providing moderate returns for those specific spends.

Fees Compared

The HDFC BizBlack Metal card charges Rs 10,000 each for joining and annual fees, with a waiver if you spend Rs 7.50 lakh annually or Rs 62,500 monthly. SBI AURUM’s fees are Rs 9,999 for both joining and annual charges, with no specified waiver threshold. Despite a Rs 1 difference in fees, the BizBlack card’s higher reward rate means you only need to spend about Rs 3.00 lakh annually to cover the fee through rewards, whereas SBI AURUM requires nearly Rs 10.00 lakh. The small fee difference is negligible compared to the vastly different spend needed to break even on rewards.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ if you are a business or premium traveler who spends heavily on travel and utilities. Its unlimited lounge access and superior reward rates justify the higher fee waiver threshold. This card suits those looking for high-value rewards and extensive premium benefits.

Opt for the SBI AURUM Credit Cardⓘ if your spending is more lifestyle-oriented, especially on dining and groceries, and you value perks like golf access and concierge services. It is a better fit for premium users who want a balanced mix of rewards and privileges without the higher spend requirement for fee waiver.

Skip the BizBlack if you cannot meet the Rs 7.50 lakh annual spend or do not travel frequently enough to use the lounge access. Avoid SBI AURUM if you want higher returns on everyday business or travel spends and can afford the higher fee threshold.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if the fee waiver threshold suits your monthly spending pattern to avoid paying fees unnecessarily.
  • Check the redemption value of points and whether the rewards categories align with your regular expenses.
  • Verify forex markup charges if you travel abroad often; though close, SBI AURUM has a marginally lower forex cost.
  • Review the number and locations of lounges accessible, especially internationally, to ensure they cover your travel routes.

FAQ

What is the joining fee for both cards?+
The HDFC Bank BizBlack Metal Edition Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 10,000 as joining fee, while the SBI AURUM Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 9,999.
Are there any fee waivers available on these cards?+
HDFC BizBlack Metal provides a fee waiver if you spend Rs 7.50 lakh annually. SBI AURUM does not specify any fee waiver threshold.
Which card offers better rewards on travel spending?+
HDFC BizBlack Metal offers a superior travel reward rate of 16.67%, translating to Rs 1,667 on Rs 10,000 spent, much higher than SBI AURUM’s dining and grocery focused rewards.
How many international lounge visits are included with each card?+
HDFC BizBlack Metal offers unlimited international lounge access, whereas SBI AURUM allows 6 international lounge visits per year.
What is the forex markup charge on foreign transactions?+
HDFC BizBlack Metal charges a 2% forex markup, and SBI AURUM charges slightly less at 1.99%.