Axis Privilege vs SBI PRIME: Which Card Gives Better Value-back

Choosing the right credit card depends on your spending pattern and how much you’re willing to pay. Two popular mid-range options are Axis Privilege and SBI PRIME. While both cards offer rewards, travel, dining, and entertainment benefits, their value-back and features differ.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which card suits your lifestyle best.

Welcome and Milestone Benefits

Particular Axis Privilege SBI PRIME

Joining/Annual Fee

Rs. 1,500 + taxes

Rs. 2,999 + taxes

Welcome Benefits

12,500 EDGE reward points worth Rs. 2,500 on first spend within 30 days

Rs. 3,000 voucher from Bata/Hush Puppies, Pantaloons, Shoppers Stop, Aditya Birla Fashion or Yatra; 1-year Club ITC Silver membership*

Milestone Benefits

10,000 EDGE reward points worth Rs. 2,000 on annual spends of Rs. 2.5 Lakh

Pizza Hut voucher worth Rs. 1,000 on spending Rs. 50,000 in a quarter; Yatra/Pantaloons voucher worth Rs. 7,000 on annual spends of Rs. 5 Lakh

Insights:

  • Axis Privilege offers reward points redeemable across categories.
  • SBI PRIME focuses on partner brand vouchers and complimentary memberships.
  • Choose SBI PRIME if you frequently shop at partner brands or travel often.
  • Choose Axis Privilege if you prefer flexible rewards points across multiple categories.

Rewards Program

Particular Axis Privilege SBI PRIME

Reward Earning

10 EDGE reward points for every Rs. 200 spent

10 reward points per Rs. 100 on dining, groceries, departmental stores, movies; 2 points per Rs. 100 on other spends; 20 points per Rs. 100 on birthday spends

Reward Redemption

1 EDGE point = Rs. 0.20

1 point = Rs. 0.25

Insights:

  • Axis Privilege offers flat 1% value-back across all spends.
  • SBI PRIME offers up to 2.5% value-back on select categories, making it ideal for everyday spends like dining, groceries, and movies.
  • If you want consistent rewards across categories at a lower annual fee, Axis Privilege is suitable.
  • If you want higher value-back on key everyday categories, SBI PRIME is the better choice.

Read More: Best Rewards Point Credit Card

Complimentary Lounge Access

Axis Privilege:

  • 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter, only on spending Rs. 50,000 in the previous 3 months

SBI PRIME:

  • 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (max 2 per quarter)
  • 4 complimentary international lounge visits per year via Priority Pass (max 2 per quarter)

Insights:

  • SBI PRIME provides both domestic and international lounge access without spending conditions, making it better for frequent travelers.
  • Axis Privilege requires meeting spend criteria to enjoy lounge benefits.

Read More: Best Lounge Access Credit Card

Other Benefits

Axis Privilege:

  • 15% off (up to Rs. 500) on dining at partner restaurants via EazyDiner
  • Buy 1 Get 1 movie tickets via District app, capped at Rs. 250 per month
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver up to Rs. 400 per month for fuel spends of Rs. 400–4,000

SBI PRIME:

  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on Rs. 500–4,000 fuel spends, up to Rs. 250 per month

Which Card Should You Choose?

Choose Axis Privilege if:

  • You want a low annual fee card
  • You prefer consistent rewards points across all spends
  • You frequently dine out and use EazyDiner
  • You watch movies often and book via District app

Choose SBI PRIME if:

  • You spend more on dining, groceries, departmental stores, and movies
  • You are a frequent traveler needing both domestic and international lounge access
  • You shop at partner brands to maximize benefits
  • You can spend Rs. 5 Lakh annually to unlock milestone rewards and fee waiver

Final Verdict

Both cards offer excellent benefits, but your choice depends on your spending habits, lifestyle, and travel needs.

  • Axis Privilege is perfect for those looking for a moderate-fee, flexible rewards card with consistent value-back.
  • SBI PRIME is ideal for higher everyday value-back, better lounge access, and milestone benefits for frequent spenders and travelers.

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