Quick Verdict

  • The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a strong base reward rate and excellent category bonuses.
  • For travel and lounge access, the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ is the clear winner, offering multiple domestic and international lounge visits.
  • The BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold initially but requires a lower spend to waive fees. However, the Samsung card is lifetime free after a higher spend.
  • Choose the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you want premium rewards and travel benefits. Opt for the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ if you are a fuel spender or a first-time card user looking for a low-cost option.

Side by Side

DetailSamsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit CardⓘBPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 499
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Rs 499
Fee waiver on spendRs 3.00 lakhRs 1.00 lakh
Reward rate1.5% base0.25% base
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge8 per yearNone
International lounge4 per yearNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited forShopping, lounge, rewards, travelFuel, first-card

Rewards Compared

The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward rate of 1.5%, which translates to Rs 150 on every Rs 10,000 spent. Its category bonuses are particularly strong: 10% back on online purchases (Rs 1,000 per Rs 10,000) and 3% on dining (Rs 300 per Rs 10,000). This makes it highly rewarding for shoppers and diners alike.

In contrast, the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ has a much lower base return of 0.25%, or Rs 25 per Rs 10,000 spent. However, it offers a decent 4.25% return on fuel spends, amounting to Rs 425 per Rs 10,000, and 1.25% on online spends (Rs 125 per Rs 10,000). This card is best suited for those who spend heavily on fuel and want some reward on online transactions, but overall it lags behind the Samsung card in general rewards.

Fees Compared

The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ charges no joining or annual fees, provided you spend Rs 3.00 lakh annually (about Rs 25,000 monthly). This is a higher waiver threshold but offers lifetime free status afterward. The BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 499 each for joining and annual fees, which can be waived if you spend Rs 1.00 lakh annually (about Rs 8,333 monthly).

The BPCL card requires roughly Rs 2.00 lakh in spend to earn rewards that cover its fees, whereas the Samsung card’s fees are waived outright with a higher spend, making it effectively free for heavy users. For moderate spenders, the BPCL card’s lower waiver threshold is attractive despite the upfront fees.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent shopper, traveler, or diner who values lounge access and premium rewards. Its high return rates on online and dining spends, combined with multiple lounge visits per year, make it ideal for those who want luxury benefits and can meet the Rs 3.00 lakh annual spend to keep it free. Skip this card if you have low monthly spends or do not travel often.

Opt for the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ if fuel is your primary expense or you are a first-time credit card user seeking a low-cost entry card. It offers decent rewards on fuel and online spends with a low fee waiver threshold of Rs 1.00 lakh annually. However, skip this card if you want travel perks or higher rewards on non-fuel spends.

Overall, the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ is the better all-rounder for rewards and travel benefits, while the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ suits budget-conscious fuel spenders.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm if the Rs 3.00 lakh and Rs 1.00 lakh annual spends for fee waivers are realistic based on your monthly spending patterns.
  • Check if the reward redemption options match your preferences and offer good value, as the cards use points.
  • Be aware that both cards apply a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which can add significant cost abroad.
  • Verify the domestic and international lounge access rules, including the number of visits permitted and participating lounges.

FAQ

What is the forex markup fee on these cards?+
Both the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ and the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency spends.
Can I waive the annual fee on the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ?+
Yes, the Rs 499 annual fee can be waived if you spend Rs 1.00 lakh annually, which breaks down to about Rs 8,333 per month.
Does the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ have a joining fee?+
No, the Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fee, provided you meet the Rs 3.00 lakh annual spend requirement.
Which card offers better rewards for online shopping?+
The Samsung Axis Bank Infinite Credit Cardⓘ offers a 10% return on online spends, significantly higher than the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ’s 1.25%.
Are there any lounge benefits with the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ?+
No, the BPCL SBI Credit Cardⓘ does not offer any domestic or international lounge access.