SBI SimplyCLICK vs IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card

The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card, offered by SBI Bank, is a favored choice among newcomers to the world of credit cards. It’s designed for those who want to earn reward points as they spend. Particularly suitable for avid online shoppers, it provides a more generous reward rate on certain websites compared to both offline purchases and other online platforms. Priced affordably at Rs. 499, this entry-level card doesn’t come with extras like lounge access or dining privileges typically associated with higher-tier cards. Nonetheless, its reward scheme compensates for the joining fee, making it a sensible choice for those starting out with credit cards.

On the flip side, the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card is a joint venture between SBI and Indian Railways. Aimed at customers who value both organizations, this card offers fair perks and rewards for a nominal fee of Rs. 500. Users can receive introductory rewards depending on their initial expenses, avail of surcharge exemptions on train ticket reservations, and access railway lounges at no extra cost. Despite being issued by SBI, these cards distinctly vary in their features and advantages.

Features and Benefits of SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card and IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card

SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card:

1. Introduction:
   • Entry-level credit card by SBI Bank.
   • Popular among newcomers to credit cards.
2. Exclusive Benefits:
   • Earn reward points on regular and specific category spends (e.g., Amazon, BookMyShow).
   • Waiving the fuel surcharge and annual fee depends on your spending from the previous year.
3. Cost and Benefits:
   • Annual fee: Rs. 499.
   • Welcome benefit: Rs. 500 Amazon voucher.
   • 1 Reward Point for every Rs. 100 on offline transactions (except fuel).
   • 5x reward points on all online transactions.
   • 10x reward points at partner merchants.
   • Milestone benefits for annual spends.
   • Maximum capping of 10,000 Reward Points per month on bonus points.
   • Fuel surcharge waiver and flexible redemption options.

IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card:

1. Collaboration and Target Audience:
   • Co-branded card by SBI and Indian Railways.
   • Perfect for State Bank of India clients who demonstrate allegiance to the Indian Railways.
2. Rewards and Privileges:
   • Nominal joining fee: Rs. 500.
   • Welcome benefits: Bonus Reward Points and cashback.
   • 10% Value Back on AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC CC category railway ticket bookings.
   • 1 Reward Point for every Rs. 125 on retail transactions (except fuel).
3. Railway-Related Benefits:
   • 1% railway surcharge waiver on IRCTC Website transactions.
   • Exclusive tailor-made travel packages.
   • Accommodation offers at 5,000+ hotels.
   • You are entitled to enjoy free entry to railway lounges, with a limit of one visit per quarter at no cost.
4. Additional Features:
   • Fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000.
   • Flexipay option for transactions over Rs. 2,500.
   • Reward points redemption for booking railway tickets.

Comparison between SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card and IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card

SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card:

1. Reward Rate:
   • You earn 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 you spend on offline purchases, excluding fuel transactions.
   • 5x RP for every Rs. 100 spent on all other online spends.
   • 10x RP for every Rs. 100 spent on partner merchants.
   • 1 RP for every Rs. 125 spent on all retail transactions except fuel.
   • 10% value back as reward points for booking AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC CC tickets.
2. Reward Redemption:
   • Redeemable against products and vouchers on the SBI Website.
   • Redemption value: 1 RP = Rs. 0.25.
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
   • 1% on transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000.
   • Waiver limited to Rs. 100 per month.
4. Welcome Benefits:
   • Amazon gift voucher worth Rs. 500.
   • Earn 350 activation bonus reward points when you make a purchase of Rs. 500 or above within the initial 45 days.
   • Receive a Rs. 100 cashback when making your initial ATM cash withdrawal within 30 days.
5. Milestone Benefits:
   • ClearTrip voucher worth Rs. 2,000 on spends of Rs. 1 Lakh.
   • ClearTrip voucher worth Rs. 2,000 on spends of Rs. 2 Lakhs.
6. Lounge Visits:
   • Not Applicable.
7. Fees:
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 499 + Taxes.
   • Renewal Fee: Rs. 499 + Taxes (Spend-based reversal available).
8. Eligibility:
   • Issued to salaried or self-employed individuals.
   • Minimum salary of Rs. 20,000 per month for salaried individuals (age: 21-60 years).
   • Minimum income of Rs. 20,000 per month as per ITR for self-employed individuals (age: 21-65 years).
   • Resident of India, above 18 years, stable income, and decent credit history required.

IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card:

1. Reward Rate:
   • 1 RP for every Rs. 125 spent on all retail transactions except fuel.
   • 10% value back as reward points for booking AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC CC tickets.
2. Reward Redemption:
   • Redeemable on IRCTC Website or mobile app to book railway tickets.
   • Redemption value: 1 RP = Re.1.
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver:
   • 1% on transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000.
   • Waiver capped at a maximum of Rs. 100 per statement cycle.
4. Welcome Benefits:
   • Not specified.
5. Milestone Benefits:
   • Not Applicable.
6. Lounge Visits:
   • 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter.
7. Fees:
   • Joining Fee: Rs. 500 + Taxes.
   • Renewal Fee: Rs. 300 + Taxes (Spend-based reversal available).
8. Eligibility:
   • Issued to salaried or self-employed individuals.
   • Applicant should have a stable source of income, be a resident of India, above 18 years, and possess a decent credit score and credit history.

Which credit card suits you best?

• SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card:
  • A beginner-friendly credit card crafted specifically for individuals new to the world of credit cards.
  • Offers basic entry-level features and reward points.
  • Provides substantial reward points for spending on partnered merchants like Amazon, BookMyShow, etc.
  • Additional benefits include welcome benefits, milestone benefits, and fuel surcharge waiver.
  • The membership fee is Rs. 499, but it’s possible to avoid paying it by meeting certain credit card spending criteria.
• IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card:
  • Result of collaboration between SBI and Indian Railways.
  • Popular among travel credit cards.
  • Accumulate reward points while making purchases and enjoy exclusive welcome perks.
  • Provides railway surcharge and fuel surcharge waiver, along with access to participating railway lounges.
  • Rewards earned can be redeemed to book railway tickets.
• Comparison:
  • Each card serves distinct purposes and performs well within its designated category.
  • SBI SimplyCLICK suits general applicants.
  • The IRCTC SBI Platinum card caters perfectly to individuals who frequently travel by train, offering them an ideal solution for their railway journeys.
  • The decision between the two options relies entirely on what the customer prefers and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What sets apart the SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card from the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card?

Each card serves distinct purposes. The SBI SimplyCLICK card targets individuals seeking a basic card option, whereas the IRCTC SBI Platinum card specifically caters to those who frequently travel by train.

2. How do the reward points differ between the two credit cards?

The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card provides substantial reward points, particularly for purchases made at partnered merchants such as Amazon and BookMyShow. Conversely, the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card accrues reward points specifically tailored for redeeming railway ticket bookings.

3. What are the specific benefits of the SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card?

The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card provides basic entry-level features, welcome benefits, milestone benefits, fuel surcharge waiver, and substantial rewards when used at partnered merchants. It also comes with a nominal joining and renewal fee.

4. What advantages does the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card offer for travelers?

This credit card is designed for travel enthusiasts and provides benefits such as a railway surcharge waiver, fuel surcharge waiver, access to participating railway lounges, and reward points that can be redeemed for booking railway tickets.

5. How are the joining and renewal fees structured for both credit cards?

The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card has a joining and renewal fee of Rs. 499, which can be waived based on the amount spent using the credit card. The fee structure for the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card may vary, and applicants should check the latest terms and conditions.

6. Are the rewards obtained through the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card usable for anything other than purchasing train tickets?

The primary purpose of the rewards earned with the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card is to redeem them for booking railway tickets. However, specific terms and conditions may allow for other redemption options.

7. Which credit card is recommended for individuals who do not travel frequently by railway?

The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card is ideal for individuals who don’t often travel by train and are seeking a card tailored for everyday expenses. It provides a variety of perks perfect for regular use, making it a suitable choice for most applicants.

8. Are there any additional perks or privileges associated with these credit cards?

Both credit cards come with various additional perks, such as welcome benefits, milestone benefits, and waivers on surcharges. Specific privileges may be subject to change, and applicants should refer to the latest terms and conditions.

9. Can the joining and renewal fees for the SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card be completely waived?

Certainly! The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card offers the possibility of having its joining and renewal fees waived, contingent upon the spending amount using the credit card. To avail of this benefit, customers need to verify their eligibility according to the prescribed criteria.

10. How can one decide between the SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card and the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card?

The decision ultimately hinges on personal preferences and needs. Those who frequently travel by train might find the IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card more fitting. Meanwhile, for most applicants, the SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card serves as a solid option. It’s important for potential users to evaluate their requirements and weigh the benefits provided by each card before reaching a conclusion.