Quick Verdict

  • The Vetta Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spending with a higher base reward rate of 1% and boosted 4% returns on online and dining categories.
  • For travel and lounge access, Vetta Credit Cardⓘ also leads with more international lounges and better forex markup at 1.99%, compared to ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card’s 3.5%.
  • The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card has a lower annual fee of Rs 2,000 versus Rs 2,999 for Vetta, but requires the same Rs 5 lakh annual spend for fee waiver.
  • Choose Vetta Credit Cardⓘ if you prioritize premium rewards, frequent lounge access, and lower forex costs. Opt for ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card if you want a slightly cheaper card and can leverage its welcome vouchers and golf access.

Side by Side

DetailVetta Credit CardⓘICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 2,999Rs 2,000
Joining feeRs 2,999Rs 3,000
Fee waiver on spendRs 5.00 lakhRs 5.00 lakh
Reward rate1% base, 4% online & dining0.5% base, 1% online & dining
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year (4 per quarter)8 per year
International lounge4 per year2 per year
Forex markup1.99%3.5%
Best suited forpremium, rewards, lounge, dining, travel, shoppingtravel, rewards, lounge, shopping
ConciergeYesYes
Golf accessNoYes

Rewards Compared

When spending Rs 10,000 on the Vetta Credit Cardⓘ, cardholders earn Rs 100 in rewards at the base rate. This jumps significantly to Rs 400 on online and dining spends, reflecting a 4% return in these categories. The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 50 at the base rate for the same Rs 10,000 spend, doubling to Rs 100 on online and dining categories. Thus, the Vetta Credit Cardⓘ offers twice the base reward rate and quadruple the category bonus compared to Rubyx, making it far more lucrative for everyday and category-specific spending.

This enhanced reward structure makes the Vetta Credit Cardⓘ ideal for premium users who spend heavily on dining and online shopping, whereas the Rubyx card’s modest rewards suit users with lower reward expectations or those focusing on other benefits.

Fees Compared

The Vetta Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 2,999 annually with an equal joining fee, while the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ is slightly cheaper with a Rs 2,000 annual fee and Rs 3,000 joining fee. Both cards offer a fee waiver on Rs 5 lakh annual spend, which breaks down to Rs 41,667 per month. The Vetta Credit Cardⓘ requires about Rs 3 lakh of spend at the base rate to cover the fee, whereas the Rubyx card needs about Rs 4 lakh, reflecting the difference in reward rates.

Notably, the Vetta’s higher fee is justified by its superior reward returns. The head-to-head extra annual fee of Rs 999 for Vetta requires an additional Rs 1.99 lakh spend to offset, which is feasible for premium spenders.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Vetta Credit Cardⓘ if you are a premium spender who values high rewards on dining and online purchases, frequent airport lounge access both domestically and internationally, and lower forex markup for overseas travel. Its comprehensive protection cover and concierge service add to its premium appeal. Avoid this card if your annual spend is below Rs 3 lakh or if you rarely use lounges or travel internationally.

The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ suits those who want a lower annual fee card with decent rewards and a strong welcome benefit package including vouchers and dining memberships. It is also preferable if golf access is important to you. However, skip this card if you want higher reward returns or travel frequently abroad due to its higher forex markup and fewer international lounge visits.

Overall, the Vetta Credit Cardⓘ is recommended for premium users seeking maximum rewards and travel perks, while the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ fits moderate spenders looking for value through welcome benefits and occasional lounge access.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Verify the quarterly spend gate for domestic lounge access: Rs 50,000 for Vetta and Rs 75,000 for Rubyx.
  • Understand the redemption value of points and whether points expire or have caps.
  • Confirm the monthly spend required to waive the annual fee (Rs 41,667) aligns with your budget.
  • Factor in the forex markup especially if you travel abroad frequently: 1.99% for Vetta vs 3.5% for Rubyx.
  • Check which airport lounges are accessible and if any restrictions apply on entry or accompanying guests.

FAQ

What is the difference in forex markup between these two cards?+
The Vetta Credit Cardⓘ charges a forex markup of 1.99%, which is significantly lower than the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ at 3.5%. This makes Vetta more cost-effective for foreign currency transactions.
Can the annual fee be waived on both cards?+
Yes, both cards waive the annual fee if you spend Rs 5 lakh annually, which translates to about Rs 41,667 per month.
How many airport lounge visits are included with each card?+
The Vetta Credit Cardⓘ offers 8 domestic and 4 international lounge visits per year, with 1 domestic and 1 international lounge access per quarter. The Rubyx card provides 8 domestic and 2 international lounge visits annually.
Are there any additional premium benefits on these cards?+
The Vetta Credit Cardⓘ includes concierge services, comprehensive protection cover including up to Rs 50 lakh air accident cover, and curated Visa offers. The Rubyx card offers golf access, welcome vouchers from various merchants, and air accident insurance cover.
Which card offers better rewards on dining and online spends?+
The Vetta Credit Cardⓘ provides a 4% reward rate on dining and online spends, earning Rs 400 on Rs 10,000 spent, whereas the Rubyx card offers 1% in these categories, earning Rs 100 on the same spend.