Quick Verdict

  • The SBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate and better returns on dining, grocery, and online spends, making it the winner for everyday spending.
  • The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ shines for travel enthusiasts with zero forex markup and decent lounge access, making it the preferred choice for travel and forex spenders.
  • The RBL card is cheaper to hold with a Rs 3,000 annual fee and no forex markup, while the SBI Elite card charges Rs 4,999 and has 1.99% forex markup.
  • Choose the RBL World Safari if you travel frequently and want forex savings; pick SBI Elite if you prioritize higher rewards on dining, groceries, and online shopping and can meet the high waiver spend.

Side by Side

DetailRBL World Safari Credit CardⓘSBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 3,000Rs 4,999
Joining feeRs 3,000Rs 4,999
Fee waiver on spendRs 10.00 lakh
Reward rate0.4% base, 2% travel0.5% base, 2.5% dining/grocery/online
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International lounge4 per year6 per year
Forex markup0%1.99%
Best suited fortravel, forex, loungetravel, lounge, dining, rewards, shopping

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ returns Rs 40 at its base rate and Rs 200 when spent on travel categories. This makes it a good option for travel-related expenses but less rewarding on everyday spends. The card’s points reward type is typical for travel-focused cards, and the travel category rate of 2% effectively gives Rs 200 back on Rs 10,000.

In contrast, the SBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 0.5%, translating to Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 spent. It further enhances rewards to 2.5% in popular categories such as dining, grocery, and online shopping, returning Rs 250 on Rs 10,000. This makes it more lucrative for everyday spends in these categories. The SBI Elite’s broader category coverage and higher base rate give it an edge for general spenders who want consistent rewards.

Fees Compared

The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ has a joining fee and annual fee of Rs 3,000 each, with no fee waiver threshold mentioned. Cardholders must spend about Rs 7.50 lakh annually at the base rate to cover the fee cost purely through rewards.

The SBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 4,999 for both joining and annual fees but offers a fee waiver on annual spends of Rs 10 lakh, which is Rs 83,333 per month. To justify its higher fee without waivers, a cardholder would need to spend nearly Rs 10 lakh annually at the base rate. The extra Rs 1,999 fee over the RBL card requires an additional Rs 19.99 lakh spend to cover the reward rate gap, making the SBI Elite more suitable for high spenders who can utilize its premium benefits.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ if you travel frequently, want zero forex markup, and value travel-related perks like complimentary Priority Pass and travel insurance. It is also a better fit if you prefer a lower annual fee and do not spend extensively on dining or groceries. Skip this card if your spends are mostly everyday categories or if you want higher rewards on non-travel spends.

Opt for the SBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ if you spend heavily on dining, groceries, and online shopping and can meet the Rs 10 lakh annual spend waiver threshold. Its higher base reward rate and category bonuses make it ideal for premium users who want a well-rounded rewards card with extensive lounge access. Avoid this card if you travel frequently abroad due to the 1.99% forex markup or if you cannot meet the high waiver spend.

Overall, the SBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday rewards and category bonuses, while the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ is the better travel and forex companion. Your choice depends on your spending habits and travel frequency.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly Rs 35,000 spend gate on domestic lounges for the RBL World Safari card to ensure you can unlock lounge access.
  • Understand the redemption value of points for both cards, as points are the reward type and value can vary.
  • Calculate the monthly spend needed to waive the SBI Elite card’s fee (Rs 83,333) and assess if you can comfortably meet it.
  • Consider the forex markup: zero for RBL World Safari, but 1.99% for SBI Elite, which can add significant costs on foreign spends.
  • Check which airport lounges are accessible with each card and whether the number of visits per year meets your travel needs.

FAQ

What is the difference in forex markup between the two cards?+
The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ charges no forex markup, making it ideal for foreign currency transactions. The SBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ applies a 1.99% forex markup, increasing costs on international spends.
Can the annual fee be waived on these cards?+
The SBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ offers an annual fee waiver if you spend Rs 10 lakh annually, approximately Rs 83,333 per month. The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ does not specify any fee waiver on spend.
How many lounge visits do these cards offer?+
Both cards provide 8 domestic lounge visits annually. The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ offers 4 international lounge visits per year, while the SBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ offers 6 international lounge visits per year.
Which card is better for everyday spending?+
The SBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ is better for everyday spending due to its higher base reward rate of 0.5% and 2.5% rewards on dining, grocery, and online categories. The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ is more travel-focused with lower base rewards.
Are there any welcome benefits with these cards?+
Yes, the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ provides a MakeMyTrip voucher worth Rs 3,000, while the SBI Elite Credit Cardⓘ offers vouchers worth Rs 5,000 from brands like Yatra, Aditya Birla Fashion, Hush Puppies/Bata, Pantaloons, or Shoppers Stop.