LIC Select Credit Card vs Yes Bank Rupay Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spending, the Yes Bank Rupay Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate and excellent category bonuses.
• When it comes to travel and lounge access, the LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ is superior, offering international lounge access and a lower forex markup.
• Both cards have no joining or annual fees, but the Yes Bank Rupay card requires Rs 75,000 annual spend to waive fees on some benefits.
• Choose the LIC Select card if you prioritize travel perks and forex savings; pick the Yes Bank Rupay card if you want higher rewards on groceries, dining, and UPI payments.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 75 in rewards, reflecting its base reward rate of 0.75%. This card’s rewards are straightforward without category bonuses but are steady across all spends. Meanwhile, the Yes Bank Rupay Credit Cardⓘ offers Rs 100 back on the same Rs 10,000 base spend due to its 1% base reward rate. More notably, it provides 3% returns on grocery and dining spends, translating to Rs 300 per Rs 10,000, and 1% on UPI transactions, giving Rs 100 back. This makes the Yes Bank Rupay card a strong choice for those focusing on everyday essentials and dining out.

Fees Compared

Both cards come with no joining or annual fees, making them attractive for cost-conscious users. However, the Yes Bank Rupay Credit Card has a fee waiver condition linked to a Rs 75,000 annual spend, which breaks down to about Rs 6,250 monthly. This implies that to fully benefit from the card without fee concerns, a moderate monthly spend is required. The LIC Select Credit Card is truly lifetime free, with no fee waiver conditions, which is a clear win for those who prefer no strings attached.

Which One Should You Pick

The LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ suits travelers and forex users best, thanks to its low 1.5% forex markup and access to two international airport lounges annually, plus four domestic lounges. It is ideal for those who want a simple, no-fee card with travel perks and steady rewards. However, if you rarely travel internationally or spend on forex, this advantage may be less relevant.

The Yes Bank Rupay Credit Cardⓘ is perfect for first-time credit card users and shoppers who frequent grocery stores and dining outlets, where it offers triple rewards. Its higher base rate and category bonuses make it a great everyday spending card, though its higher forex markup and lack of international lounge access make it less suitable for frequent travelers. Users who do not meet the Rs 75,000 annual spend may find some benefits limited.

Overall, if your priority is travel and forex savings, the LIC Select Credit Card is the better pick. For higher rewards on daily spends and groceries, the Yes Bank Rupay Credit Card stands out. Those who do not spend enough to meet the Rupay card’s fee waiver should lean towards the LIC Select card.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm monthly or quarterly spend requirements for lounge access to avoid surprises.
• Understand the redemption value and process for reward points to ensure good returns.
• Calculate if your typical spend meets the Rs 75,000 annual waiver threshold on the Rupay card.
• Factor in forex markup differences if you plan to use the card abroad, especially with the Rupay card’s 3.5% fee.
• Check which lounges are accessible and at which airports to match your travel patterns.

FAQ