LIC Select Credit Card vs RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate of 0.75% compared to RBL ShopRite’s 0.4%.
• For grocery and fuel spend, the RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Cardⓘ dominates due to its 5% reward rate in those categories.
• The LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with no joining or annual fee and no spend requirement for fee waiver, unlike the RBL ShopRite which requires Rs 2 lakh annual spend to waive fees.
• Choose the LIC Select for travel, forex, and lounge access; pick RBL ShopRite if your primary spend is on groceries and fuel and you can meet the high waiver threshold.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

The LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ offers a straightforward 0.75% reward on all spends, which means for every Rs 10,000 you spend, you earn Rs 75 worth of points. This flat-rate reward makes it attractive for users who prefer simplicity and steady returns on diverse categories including travel. In contrast, the RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Cardⓘ provides Rs 40 back on Rs 10,000 spent outside its key categories, reflecting a base reward rate of 0.4%. However, it significantly boosts rewards to Rs 500 per Rs 10,000 spent in grocery and fuel categories, giving a 5% effective return which is excellent for targeted shoppers.

Therefore, if your spending is largely on groceries and fuel, RBL ShopRite’s category bonuses can outpace LIC Select’s flat rate. For all other spends, LIC Select provides better value with a higher base rate and no category exclusions.

Fees Compared

Both cards have no joining or annual fees, making them appealing for cost-conscious customers. However, the RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Card mandates a high annual spend of Rs 2 lakh to waive any fees, effectively Rs 16,667 per month. Since the annual fee is not specified, this waiver threshold is a critical consideration, falling short means paying fees despite the card being advertised as lifetime free. The LIC Select Credit Card has no such spend requirement, offering truly fee-free status forever. This makes LIC Select the safer choice for those with irregular or lower monthly spends.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ if you want a no-fee, no-hassle card that rewards all your spending at a consistent 0.75%. Its additional benefits like domestic and international lounge access and a low forex markup of 1.5% make it ideal for travelers and forex users. The monthly spend threshold for lounge access is Rs 20,000, which is reasonable for frequent travelers.

Pick the RBL Bank ShopRite Credit Cardⓘ if your spending is heavily skewed towards groceries and fuel and you can comfortably meet the Rs 2 lakh annual spend to avoid fees. Its 5% rewards in those categories can lead to significant savings. However, if you do not spend enough or want lounge access, this card is not the best fit.

In summary, LIC Select is better for everyday, travel, and forex spenders who want a truly fee-free, versatile card. RBL ShopRite suits category-focused shoppers who can maximize grocery and fuel rewards and meet the waiver threshold. Those who do not fit these profiles should skip the respective card.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if the Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate for lounges on LIC Select is manageable for your travel habits.
• Review the redemption options and value for reward points on both cards to ensure you can utilize rewards efficiently.
• For RBL ShopRite, carefully evaluate if you can meet the Rs 2 lakh annual spend waiver requirement to avoid unexpected fees.
• Consider the forex markup: 1.5% with LIC Select is much cheaper than 3.5% on RBL ShopRite if you plan to spend abroad.
• Check lounge network availability and airport locations to see if the domestic and international lounges on LIC Select align with your travel routes.

FAQ