SBI Card PRIME vs ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card: Premium Lifestyle & Travel Comparison

When you’re ready to move beyond basic cashback cards, SBI Card PRIME and ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card stand out as powerful premium options. Both cater to high-spending users with a focus on lifestyle privileges, luxury travel, and exclusive experiences — but their benefits differ significantly.

Let’s see which one delivers better overall value.

Feature Comparison

Feature SBI Card PRIME Credit Card ICICI Bank Emeralde Credit Card

Annual Fee

₹2,999 (waived on spends above ₹3 lakh/year)

₹12,000 (Amex) / ₹10,000 (Mastercard)

Welcome Benefits

₹3,000 worth of e-gift vouchers

Complimentary EazyDiner Prime membership and Trident Privilege

Reward Points

5 reward points per ₹100 on dining, groceries, and movies

4 reward points per ₹100 on domestic spends, 5 on international spends

Lounge Access

4 domestic lounge visits per quarter

Unlimited domestic & international lounge access (Priority Pass)

Travel Benefits

Complimentary Club Vistara and Trident memberships

Complimentary airport spa access and travel insurance

Dining Benefits

10% cashback at partner restaurants

Up to 15% off via Culinary Treats dining program

Movie Benefits

BookMyShow discount offers

2 free movie tickets per month (₹750 each cap)

Fuel Surcharge Waiver

1% on transactions between ₹500–₹4,000

1% on transactions between ₹400–₹4,000

Key Differences

  • SBI Card PRIME: Focuses on lifestyle and travel within India, with moderate annual fees and great value for domestic users.
  • ICICI Emeralde: Built for luxury travelers who fly often, offering unlimited lounge access, global concierge, and high-value privileges.
  • Annual Fee: SBI PRIME offers easy waivers, while ICICI Emeralde’s higher fee brings truly premium perks.

Which Card Should You Choose?

  • Choose SBI Card PRIME if you want strong lifestyle benefits at an affordable annual fee, especially for dining, shopping, and domestic travel.
  • Choose ICICI Bank Emeralde if you’re a frequent international traveler who values unlimited lounge access, concierge services, and luxury experiences.

Tips to Maximize Benefits

  1. Use SBI PRIME for groceries, dining, and entertainment to earn high reward points.
  2. Use ICICI Emeralde for international travel and luxury stays to unlock premium privileges.
  3. Redeem reward points for air miles or travel vouchers for maximum value.

Always track your annual spending to qualify for fee waivers and exclusive renewal benefits.

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