Quick Verdict

  • The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate of 0.5% and better returns on dining and online categories.
  • The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ is stronger for travel spend and international lounge access, offering 2% rewards on travel and zero forex markup.
  • The ICICI Bank Rubyx has a lower annual fee of Rs 2,000 compared to Rs 3,000 for the RBL World Safari, but requires a higher spend for fee waiver.
  • Choose ICICI Rubyxⓘ if you want balanced rewards with premium benefits and shopping perks; pick RBL World Safariⓘ if you travel abroad often and want superior forex and lounge privileges.

Side by Side

DetailICICI Bank Rubyx Credit CardⓘRBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 2,000Rs 3,000
Joining feeRs 3,000Rs 3,000
Fee waiver on spendRs 5.00 lakh
Reward rate0.5%0.4%
Reward typepointspoints
Dining category rate1%
Online category rate1%
Travel category rate2%
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International lounge2 per year4 per year
Lounge spend gateRs 75,000 quarterlyRs 35,000 quarterly
Forex markup3.5%0%
Best suited fortravel, rewards, lounge, shoppingtravel, forex, lounge

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 50 back at the base rate of 0.5%. It also offers enhanced 1% returns on dining and online spends, translating to Rs 100 back per Rs 10,000 in these categories. This makes it attractive for users who spend heavily on food and e-commerce. The rewards are points-based, with a variety of premium welcome vouchers adding value beyond the base returns.

The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ delivers Rs 40 back on Rs 10,000 at its base 0.4% rate, slightly lower than Rubyx. However, it shines in travel category spends, offering 2% rewards or Rs 200 back per Rs 10,000. This makes it a better choice for frequent travelers who prioritize travel bookings and related expenses. Its points reward type also comes with a MakeMyTrip welcome voucher, reinforcing its travel focus.

Fees Compared

The ICICI Bank Rubyx charges an annual fee of Rs 2,000 and a joining fee of Rs 3,000. The annual fee is waived if you spend Rs 5 lakh annually, which breaks down to about Rs 41,667 monthly. The card’s break-even spend to cover the annual fee at base rewards is approximately Rs 4 lakh, making it more accessible for moderate to heavy spenders.

The RBL World Safari card carries a higher annual fee of Rs 3,000 plus a joining fee of Rs 3,000. There is no stated fee waiver on spend, so the Rs 3,000 fee is payable regardless. The break-even spend at the base rate to cover the fee is Rs 7.5 lakh, which is quite high. This means the card is best suited for those who maximize travel category rewards or value the premium travel benefits enough to justify the fee.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ if you want a well-rounded card with good rewards on everyday categories like dining and online shopping, plus valuable welcome benefits and lounge access. It suits moderate to high spenders who want to offset fees with rewards and enjoy premium perks like golf access and concierge.

Opt for the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ if your primary focus is travel. Its superior travel rewards, zero forex markup, and more international lounge visits make it ideal for frequent international travelers and those who spend heavily on travel bookings. The higher fee is justified by the travel-centric benefits.

Skip the ICICI Rubyx if you rarely spend on dining or online and do not meet the high fee waiver threshold. Avoid the RBL World Safari if you do not travel internationally or want a lower annual fee card with broader category rewards.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly spend gates for lounge access: Rs 75,000 for Rubyx and Rs 35,000 for RBL World Safari.
  • Understand the redemption value of points, especially in premium categories, to ensure rewards meet your expectations.
  • Calculate the monthly spend required to waive the annual fee on Rubyx (Rs 41,667) and assess if you can meet it.
  • Consider the forex markup: 3.5% on Rubyx vs zero on RBL World Safari for foreign currency transactions.
  • Check which airports and lounges are accessible with each card’s lounge benefits, as availability may vary.

FAQ

What is the forex markup on these cards?+
The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ charges a standard 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which adds to the cost of overseas spend. The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ offers 0% forex markup, making it more economical for international travelers.
How many lounge visits do these cards offer?+
Both cards provide 8 domestic lounge visits per year. The Rubyx card offers 2 international lounge visits annually, while the RBL World Safari card doubles that with 4 international lounge visits per year.
Is the annual fee waived on either card?+
The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ waives the Rs 2,000 annual fee if you spend Rs 5 lakh annually (about Rs 41,667 monthly). The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ does not have a fee waiver clause, so the Rs 3,000 annual fee applies regardless of spend.
Which card offers better rewards for dining and online shopping?+
The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ offers 1% rewards on dining and online spends, better than the RBL World Safari’s base rate of 0.4%. Therefore, Rubyx is preferable for users who spend heavily in these categories.
Are there any premium benefits unique to these cards?+
Both cards offer golf access and concierge services. The Rubyx card includes a wider range of welcome vouchers and air accident insurance cover, while the RBL World Safari card provides free travel insurance and a complimentary Priority Pass membership with international lounge visits.