ICICI Bank Sapphiro vs SBI Elite Credit Card

The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card, a prominent offering from ICICI Bank, provides an array of impressive benefits spanning from exclusive lounge access to golf privileges and more. Tailored for the affluent segment of society seeking luxurious experiences, this card is a popular choice. On the other hand, SBI’s Elite Credit Card targets an elite demographic with a penchant for extravagant spending on shopping, travel, and other indulgences. While the former entails a joining fee of Rs. 6,500 per annum, the latter is positioned at a slightly lower joining fee of Rs. 4,999 per annum.

Despite the apparent similarities in benefits and rewards between the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card and the SBI Elite Credit Card, each card boasts unique features that distinguish it from the other.

Features and Benefits of ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card and SBI Elite Credit Card

ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card:

1. Part of ICICI Bank’s Gemstone Collection, the Sapphiro Credit Card is a premium offering with exclusive benefits for both domestic and international travelers.
2. Available in three network variants: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
3. Joining fee of Rs. 6,500 + GST per annum.
4. Welcome benefits worth Rs. 9,000+ if joining fees are paid within the first 45 days, including vouchers for Croma, EaseMyTrip, Uber, Tata CliQ, and Zomato Pro Membership.
5. Complimentary Dreamfolks membership provides 2 international lounge visits and 2 spa sessions at selected Indian airports annually.
6. Receive four free passes to airport lounges in India every three months by making purchases totaling Rs. 5,000 or more in the preceding quarter.
7. Complimentary Golf Round/Lesson for every Rs. 50,000 spent on retail purchases each month (up to 4 rounds).
8. Get a discount of Rs. 250 on your second BookMyShow ticket purchase, available twice every month.
9. 2 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent domestically (excluding fuel).
10. 4 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent internationally.
11. 1 Reward Point for every Rs. 100 spent on utilities and insurance.
12. Maximum 20,000 Reward Points per year under the Milestone Rewards Program, with additional points for higher spending.

SBI Elite Credit Card:

1. SBI Elite Credit Card is a high-end card tailored for frequent travelers.
2. Available in three network variants: Mastercard, Visa, and American Express.
3. Joining fee of Rs. 4,999 + Taxes per annum.
4. Introducing an e-Gift voucher valued at Rs. 5,000, redeemable at popular stores such as Yatra, Hush Puppies/Bata, Pantaloons, Aditya Birla Fashion, and Shoppers Stop.
5. Lowest Foreign Currency Mark-up Charge of 1.99% on international transactions.
6. 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on international transactions.
7. Complimentary Club Vistara Silver Membership with 9 Club Vistara Points for every Rs. 100 spent on Vistara flights.
8. Complimentary Priority Pass Program membership worth $99.
9. 6 international lounge visits and 2 domestic lounge visits per quarter.
10. Receive a free Trident Privilege Red Tier Membership inclusive of 1,000 welcome points as a complimentary gesture.
11. Free movie tickets worth Rs. 6,000 annually with a monthly Rs. 500 discount on booking 2 tickets.
12. 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent (excluding fuel), 5X reward points on dining, departmental stores, and grocery spends.
13. Fuel surcharge waiver of 1% across all petrol pumps, with a maximum waiver of Rs. 250 per month.
14. Up to 25,000 bonus Reward Points annually on achieving spend milestones.
15. Earn an exemption from the annual fee by reaching a spending threshold of Rs. 10 Lakhs.

Comparison between ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card and SBI Elite Credit Card

ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card:

1. Reward Rate:
   • For every Rs. 100 spent on domestic purchases, excluding fuel, you’ll earn 2 reward points.
   • 1 RP point on every Rs. 100 spent on utilities and insurance.
   • 4 RP points for every Rs. 100 spent on international spends.
2. Reward Redemption:
   • 4 RP points = Re. 1.
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
   • 1%, with a cap of Rs. 250 per month per credit account.
4. Welcome Benefits:
   • Vouchers worth Rs. 9,000+ if joining fees are paid within the first 45 days.
5. Milestone Benefits:
   • 4,000 RP points on spending Rs. 4,00,000.
   • 2,000 RP for each Rs. 1,00,000 spent after reaching the milestone.
   • Maximum of 20,000 RP points can be earned annually.
6. Lounge Visits:
   • 2 international lounge visits per year.
7. Movie Benefits:
   • Buy one ticket and get Rs. 250 off on the second ticket through BookMyShow, twice in a month.
8. Travel Benefits:
   • 2 spa sessions at selected domestic airports.
   • Complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership.
9. Membership Fee:
   • Rs. 6,500 + GST.
10. Renewal Fees:
    • Rs. 3,500 + GST (Can be waived off with annual spending exceeding Rs. 6 Lakhs).
11. Eligibility:
    • Issued to either salaried or self-employed individuals.
    • Minimum salary of Rs. 80,000 per month for individuals.

SBI Elite Credit Card:

1. Reward Rate:
   • Earn 2 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on all purchases, excluding fuel.
   • 5X RP on grocery, departmental, and dining spends.
   • 2 RP on every Rs. 100 for international transactions.
2. Reward Redemption:
   • 4 RP points = Re. 1.
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
   • 1%, limited to Rs. 250 per month per credit account.
4. Welcome Benefits:
   • e-Gift voucher worth Rs. 5,000.
5. Milestone Benefits:
   • 10,000 RP on spending Rs. 3-4 Lakhs.
   • 20,000 RP on spending Rs. 5-8 Lakhs.
   • Nearly 50,000 RP worth Rs. 12,500 can be earned annually.
6. Lounge Visits:
   • 4 complimentary access to domestic lounges each quarter by spending Rs. 5,000 in the previous quarter.
   • You’ll have access to six international lounge visits annually, with a maximum of two visits per quarter.
7. Movie Benefits:
   • Get a discount of Rs. 500 each month on booking 2 movie tickets.
8. Travel Benefits:
   • Complimentary Trident Privilege Red Tier membership.
9. Membership Fee:
   • Rs. 4,999 + Taxes.
10. Renewal Fees:
    • Rs. 4,999 + Taxes (Spend-based reversal of Annual Fee on spends of Rs. 10 Lakhs).
11. Eligibility:
    • Minimum monthly income of Rs. 60,000 (salaried applicants) or Rs. 60,000 per month (self-employed applicants).
    • Age of salaried applicants must be between 18 to 65 years, and for self-employed, it must be 21 to 60 years.

Which credit card suits you best?

• ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card is ideal for domestic travelers due to enhanced access to domestic lounges compared to international ones.
• The card offers a 15% discount at 2500+ restaurants across India through the Culinary Treats Program, making it advantageous for dining enthusiasts.
• Gadget lovers will find this card appealing as the earned reward points (RP) can be redeemed for a variety of gifts.
• SBI Elite Credit Card is well-suited for international travelers, providing Club Vistara Silver membership.
• Cardholders also enjoy complimentary Priority Pass Membership and access to numerous international lounges.
• The added benefit of Trident Privilege Red Tier membership assists in hotel bookings.
• Each card has its own exclusivity, and the choice should align with individual needs and preferences.
• SBI Elite Credit Card caters to the preferences of international travelers, while the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card is tailored for domestic travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What makes ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card suitable for domestic travelers?

A: The ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card offers enhanced access to domestic lounges, making it ideal for those who frequently travel within the country.

Q2: What dining benefits does the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card provide?

A: Cardholders can enjoy a 15% discount at over 2500 restaurants across India through the Culinary Treats Program.

Q3: Why is the ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card recommended for gadget lovers?

A: Earned reward points (RP) on the card can be redeemed for a variety of gifts, making it appealing for individuals interested in gadgets.

Q4: How does the SBI Elite Credit Card cater to international travelers?

A: The SBI Elite Credit Card offers Club Vistara Silver membership, complimentary Priority Pass Membership, and access to various international lounges, making it suitable for those who frequently travel abroad.

Q5: What additional benefit does the SBI Elite Credit Card provide for hotel bookings?

A: Cardholders can enjoy Trident Privilege Red Tier membership, which proves beneficial for hotel bookings during their international travels.

Q6: How do I choose between ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card and SBI Elite Credit Card?

A: Consider your specific needs and preferences. If you travel domestically frequently, ICICI Bank Sapphiro might be a better fit, while SBI Elite is more geared towards international travelers.

Q7: Are there any overlapping features between the two credit cards?

A: No, each credit card has its own unique set of features, benefits, and target audience.

Q8: Can I use both ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card and SBI Elite Credit Card simultaneously?

A: Yes, you can own and use both cards if it aligns with your financial preferences and requirements.

Q9: Do these credit cards come with any yearly charges?

A: It’s essential to check the latest terms and conditions, as annual fees may apply to both ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card and SBI Elite Credit Card.

Q10: How do I redeem the reward points earned on each credit card?

A: The process of redeeming reward points may vary; refer to the respective credit card’s guidelines or contact the customer service for detailed instructions.