Quick Verdict

  • The Mayura Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spending due to its higher base reward rate of 1.5% versus 1% on the Sapphiro.
  • For travel and lounge access, Mayura also leads with unlimited domestic lounges and 8 international lounge visits per year, compared to Sapphiro’s 8 domestic and 4 international lounges.
  • The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with a lower annual fee of Rs 3,500 and a lower joining fee.
  • Choose the Sapphiro if you prefer a lower cost card with solid travel benefits and welcome vouchers, while Mayura suits premium spenders seeking higher rewards and extensive lounge access.

Side by Side

DetailICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit CardⓘMayura Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 3,500Rs 5,999
Joining feeRs 6,500Rs 5,999
Fee waiver on spendRs 6.00 lakhNone specified
Reward rate1% base1.5% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per yearUnlimited
International lounge4 per year8 per year
Forex markup3.5%1.5%
Best suited fortravel, lounge, rewards, shoppingpremium, travel, lounge, rewards, forex, shopping

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ delivers Rs 100 back at its base reward rate of 1%. It improves to Rs 200 back in key categories such as online shopping, dining, and travel, where the effective return is 2%. This makes it a decent choice for users focused on travel and dining rewards but not necessarily looking for the highest returns across the board.

Meanwhile, the Mayura Credit Cardⓘ offers a stronger base reward rate of 1.5%, translating to Rs 150 back on Rs 10,000 spent overall. Its category rates are also higher at 3%, yielding Rs 300 back in dining, travel, and online spends. This card is clearly designed for premium users who want to maximize their rewards on frequent lifestyle and travel-related purchases, providing a more lucrative earning potential across the same Rs 10,000 spend.

Fees Compared

The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ charges an annual fee of Rs 3,500 plus a joining fee of Rs 6,500. The annual fee can be waived with a Rs 6 lakh annual spend, which breaks down to Rs 50,000 per month. This waiver threshold is achievable for regular high spenders, making it cost-effective if you meet the spending criteria. The card’s base reward rate break-even spend to cover the annual fee is Rs 3.5 lakh, which is on the lower side compared to Mayura.

The Mayura Credit Cardⓘ has a higher annual fee of Rs 5,999 and a slightly lower joining fee of Rs 5,999. There is no specified fee waiver on spend, meaning you pay the fee regardless of usage. Its higher base reward rate means you need to spend approximately Rs 4 lakh just to cover the Rs 5,999 fee with rewards earned. The difference in annual fee compared to Sapphiro is Rs 2,499, and you would need to spend an extra Rs 5 lakh to make up for this difference purely through rewards.

Which One Should You Pick

If you are a high-spending traveler who values extensive lounge access and a higher reward rate on travel, dining, and online categories, the Mayura Credit Cardⓘ is the better fit. Its unlimited domestic lounge access and lower forex markup of 1.5% make it ideal for frequent international travelers and premium spenders. However, the higher fees and lack of waiver mean it suits those who will definitely maximize its benefits.

On the other hand, the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ is more suited for travelers and shoppers who want a solid rewards program with a lower cost of ownership. The fee waiver on Rs 6 lakh annual spend is attractive for disciplined users who can hit the threshold, and the welcome vouchers worth over Rs 9,500 add upfront value. It is also a good choice for those who want a balance of lounge access and rewards without the premium fee.

Skip the Sapphiro if you do not expect to meet the fee waiver or want unlimited lounge access. Avoid the Mayura if you are sensitive to annual fees or do not spend heavily enough to justify its higher fee and benefits.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Check if the fee waiver on the Sapphiro is realistically attainable given your monthly spend habits.
  • Understand the redemption value and process of points, especially since both cards use points but the exact value can vary.
  • Consider the forex markup carefully if you travel abroad often; Mayura’s 1.5% is significantly cheaper than Sapphiro’s 3.5%.
  • Verify the lounge locations and gate access for domestic and international lounges to ensure they match your travel routes.

FAQ

How do the reward rates compare on everyday spending?+
The Mayura Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 1.5% compared to the Sapphiro’s 1%, resulting in better returns for general spend. Both cards provide enhanced 2% to 3% category rewards on dining, travel, and online categories.
Is there a fee waiver on both cards?+
Only the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Cardⓘ offers a fee waiver on an annual spend of Rs 6 lakh, which is Rs 50,000 per month. The Mayura Credit Cardⓘ does not specify any fee waiver, so its annual fee applies regardless of spend.
Which card is better for lounge access?+
The Mayura Credit Cardⓘ provides unlimited domestic lounge access and 8 international lounge visits, whereas the Sapphiro offers 8 domestic and 4 international lounges per year. Mayura clearly leads for lounge benefits.
What is the forex markup on these cards?+
The Sapphiro has a forex markup fee of 3.5%, which is standard among Indian credit cards. The Mayura’s rate is lower at 1.5%, making it more cost-effective for international transactions.
Are there any welcome benefits worth considering?+
Yes, the Sapphiro comes with exclusive travel and shopping vouchers worth more than Rs 9,500 from partners like Tata CliQ and EaseMyTrip. The Mayura offers up to 12,000 reward points as a welcome benefit, which can translate to significant value depending on redemption.