Quick Verdict

  • The HSBC Travelone Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate of 1% compared to RBL World Safari’s 0.4%.
  • For travel and lounge benefits, the choice depends on usage: HSBC offers more international lounge visits and premium benefits, while RBL World Safari has a 0% forex markup and a Priority Pass.
  • RBL World Safari is cheaper to hold with a Rs 3,000 annual fee and joining fee, versus HSBC’s Rs 4,999 each.
  • Pick HSBC Traveloneⓘ if you spend heavily on travel and dining and value premium perks; choose RBL World Safariⓘ if you want cost-effective forex transactions and decent lounge access with lower fees.

Side by Side

DetailHSBC Travelone Credit CardⓘRBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 4,999Rs 3,000
Joining feeRs 4,999Rs 3,000
Fee waiver on spendRs 8.00 lakh
Reward rate1% base; 3% travel, dining0.4% base; 2% travel
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International lounge6 per year4 per year
Forex markup0.99%0%
Best suited fortravel, rewards, lounge, forex, shoppingtravel, forex, lounge

Rewards Compared

The HSBC Travelone Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward of Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 spent, which is more than double the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ’s Rs 40 for the same spend. When focusing on travel spend, HSBC Traveloneⓘ jumps to Rs 300 per Rs 10,000, while RBL World Safariⓘ provides Rs 200. Dining rewards are only highlighted for HSBC Traveloneⓘ at 3%, also Rs 300 per Rs 10,000. This makes HSBC Traveloneⓘ a stronger card for those who spend heavily on travel and dining categories, delivering better returns per rupee spent.

RBL World Safariⓘ offers a modest 0.4% base reward rate, but its 2% travel category rate is competitive for occasional travellers who want some rewards without high fees. However, the overall reward earnings on general spend are significantly lower than HSBC Traveloneⓘ, which may not appeal to everyday spenders looking for higher cashback or points.

Fees Compared

HSBC Travelone Credit Cardⓘ charges a joining fee and annual fee of Rs 4,999 each, which is Rs 1,999 more expensive annually than the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ fees of Rs 3,000 for both joining and annual fees. HSBC Traveloneⓘ waives its annual fee if you spend Rs 8.00 lakh annually, which breaks down to about Rs 66,667 per month. RBL World Safariⓘ does not specify a fee waiver threshold, implying the fees are fixed.

To justify HSBC Traveloneⓘ’s higher fee with its better base reward rate, you need to spend about Rs 4,99,900 annually, or roughly Rs 5 lakh. The extra Rs 1,999 annual fee compared to RBL World Safariⓘ requires an additional Rs 3,33,167 in spend to break even on rewards. This means HSBC Traveloneⓘ is only cost-effective for high spenders who can maximize its premium benefits and reward rates.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the HSBC Travelone Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveller or diner who spends heavily on these categories and can meet the Rs 8 lakh annual spend for fee waiver. The card’s superior reward rates, multiple lounge visits, and premium benefits like purchase protection and holiday booking discounts make it ideal for premium users who want comprehensive travel and lifestyle perks. Avoid this card if you spend less than Rs 5 lakh annually or want a lower-cost option.

The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ suits travellers who prioritize zero forex markup and want a more affordable card with decent lounge access. Its complimentary Priority Pass and travel insurance add value for moderate travellers. It is also a good pick for those who want golf and concierge benefits without a high fee burden. However, skip this card if you want higher rewards on everyday spend or dining, as its base rate is low.

Overall, HSBC Traveloneⓘ is the winner for high spenders seeking premium travel rewards and benefits, while RBL World Safariⓘ is better for budget-conscious travellers focusing on forex savings and lounge access.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly spend gate of Rs 35,000 for RBL World Safariⓘ domestic lounge access to avoid surprises.
  • Check the redemption value and ease of converting points to air miles or cashback for both cards.
  • Understand the fee waiver math for HSBC Traveloneⓘ requiring Rs 8 lakh annual spend, which is high.
  • Consider the forex markup difference: 0.99% for HSBC Traveloneⓘ versus zero for RBL World Safariⓘ, important for frequent foreign currency spenders.
  • Verify the locations and availability of domestic and international lounges included with each card.

FAQ

What is the forex markup fee on these cards?+
The HSBC Travelone Credit Cardⓘ charges a forex markup of 0.99% on foreign currency transactions, while the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ offers zero forex markup, making it more economical for international spend.
How many airport lounge visits do these cards provide?+
HSBC Traveloneⓘ provides 8 domestic and 6 international lounge visits annually. RBL World Safariⓘ offers 8 domestic lounges per year with a quarterly spend requirement and 4 international lounges, including 2 Priority Pass visits.
Is the annual fee waived on either card?+
HSBC Traveloneⓘ waives the Rs 4,999 annual fee if you spend Rs 8 lakh annually. RBL World Safariⓘ does not mention any fee waiver, so fees are likely fixed.
Which card offers better rewards on travel spend?+
HSBC Traveloneⓘ offers 3% rewards on travel, equivalent to Rs 300 per Rs 10,000 spent, outperforming RBL World Safariⓘ’s 2% or Rs 200 per Rs 10,000 spend on travel.
Are there any welcome benefits with these cards?+
Yes, HSBC Traveloneⓘ offers Rs 1,000 cashback, a Rs 3,000 PostCard voucher, and 3 months of EazyDiner membership on spending Rs 10,000 within 30 days, plus 3,000 points on Rs 1 lakh spend in 90 days. RBL World Safariⓘ provides a Rs 3,000 MakeMyTrip voucher as a welcome benefit.