Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ wins with a base reward rate of 1%, double that of the Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ.
  • For travel benefits and lounge access, SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ offers more international lounge visits and a lower forex markup, making it superior for travellers.
  • Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ is cheaper to hold, with a Rs 2,999 joining and annual fee, compared to Rs 4,999 for the Miles Eliteⓘ.
  • Pick Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ if you focus on grocery and shopping in India and want a lower fee. Choose SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ if you spend heavily on travel and forex and can justify the higher fee with better rewards.

Side by Side

DetailReliance SBI Card PrimeⓘSBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ
Annual feeRs 2,999Rs 4,999
Joining feeRs 2,999Rs 4,999
Fee waiver on spendRs 3.00 lakhNot recorded
Reward rate0.5% base, 5% grocery/online1% base, 3% travel/online
Reward typePointsMiles
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year (+1 per Rs 1 lakh spent)
International lounge4 per year6 per year
Forex markup3.5%1.99%
Best suited forShopping, grocery, lounge, rewardsTravel, forex, lounge, rewards

Rewards Compared

The Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ earns Rs 50 back per Rs 10,000 of general spend at its base reward rate of 0.5%. However, it offers a much stronger 5% return on Rs 10,000 spent in grocery and online categories, translating to Rs 500 back, which suits shoppers and those spending heavily in these categories. This card is ideal for customers prioritising high rewards on everyday domestic spends like groceries and online shopping.

In contrast, the SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ yields Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 spent at the base 1% rate, doubling the Reliance Prime’s base rewards. In travel and online spends, it provides 3% returns or Rs 300 per Rs 10,000, which while lower than the Prime’s category bonus, is more relevant for frequent travellers and online spenders who value air miles. The combination of a higher base rate and decent category rewards makes the Miles Eliteⓘ attractive for users with diverse spend patterns including travel.

Fees Compared

Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ charges Rs 2,999 each for joining and annual fees, with a fee waiver if you spend Rs 3.00 lakh annually, which breaks down to Rs 25,000 monthly. On the other hand, SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ has both joining and annual fees of Rs 4,999 but no stated waiver threshold, making the fee a fixed cost for most users.

Considering the Rs 2,000 higher annual fee for the Miles Eliteⓘ, you would need to spend approximately Rs 4,00,000 more annually for the higher rewards to cover the fee difference. The Primeⓘ card’s lower fee and waiver option make it a safer choice for moderate spenders, while the Miles Eliteⓘ demands heavier spending or travel use to justify its costs.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ if your spending is mainly on groceries and online shopping, and you want to keep your card fees lower. Its strong category rewards and fee waiver threshold make it sensible for shoppers who also want some lounge access benefits without a high cost. Skip this card if you travel extensively or want better forex rates.

Opt for the SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ if you frequently travel abroad and desire more international lounge visits with the lowest forex markup of 1.99%. Its higher base rewards and travel category returns suit users who can leverage travel credits and insurance. Avoid this card if you do not spend enough to cover the higher fees or do not travel often enough to use its premium benefits.

In summary, pick Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ for domestic shopping value and lower fees, and SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ for travel perks and higher base rewards. Those with mixed spend but limited travel may prefer the Primeⓘ, while travel enthusiasts will find the Miles Eliteⓘ worthwhile.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if grocery and online spends qualify fully for the 5% category bonus on Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ.
  • Understand the redemption process and value for points versus miles; they differ and affect effective rewards.
  • Calculate your monthly spend to verify if you can meet the Rs 25,000 monthly waiver on the Primeⓘ or absorb the fixed Rs 4,999 annual fee on the Miles Eliteⓘ.
  • Be aware that the forex markup on Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ is 3.5%, which is higher than the 1.99% on the Miles Eliteⓘ, impacting overseas spend costs.
  • Check the availability and locations of domestic and international lounges to ensure you can benefit from the allotted visits.

FAQ

What is the difference between points and miles rewards?+
Points are a general reward currency that can be redeemed for a variety of options like vouchers or shopping discounts, while miles are specifically designed for travel-related redemptions such as flight bookings or upgrades. The value and redemption flexibility of each vary by card.
Can I get the annual fee waived on both cards?+
The Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ offers an annual fee waiver if you spend Rs 3.00 lakh annually, roughly Rs 25,000 monthly. The SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ does not specify any fee waiver, so the Rs 4,999 annual fee generally applies.
How many lounge visits do these cards offer?+
Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ provides 8 domestic and 4 international lounge visits per year. SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ offers 8 domestic visits plus an extra one per Rs 1 lakh spent, and 6 international lounge visits annually.
What is the forex markup on these cards?+
Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ charges a forex markup of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions, whereas SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ has a lower markup of 1.99%, making it more cost-effective for international spend.
Is the welcome benefit significant on either card?+
Reliance SBI Card Primeⓘ comes with Reliance Retail Vouchers worth Rs 3,000 and additional discount vouchers totaling Rs 11,999, which are valuable for Reliance shoppers. SBI Card Miles Eliteⓘ offers 5,000 travel credits that can offset travel expenses and enhance value for frequent travellers.