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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Apollo SBI Card vs SBI Card PRIME

Detailed comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and value to help you choose the right credit card for your spending pattern.

SBI Card

Apollo SBI Card

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹499
Base Rewards0.25%
NetworkMastercard
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SBI Card

SBI Card PRIME

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹2,999
Base Rewards0.125%
NetworkVisa
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureApollo SBI CardSBI Card PRIME
Annual Fee₹499₹2,999
Joining Fee₹499₹2,999
Fee Waiver Spend₹1,00,000₹3,00,000
Base Reward Rate0.25%0.125%
Reward CurrencyReward PointsReward Points
NetworkMastercardVisa
Editor Rating7.2/107.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

Apollo SBI Card

  • 0% on Apollo Services
  • 0% on Dining, Movies & Entertainment
  • 0% on Beauty & Wellness

SBI Card PRIME

  • 0% on Dining
  • 0% on Groceries
  • 0% on Movies

Pros & Cons

Apollo SBI Card

Pros

  • 3% value back (3X points) on all Apollo services including pharmacy and clinics
  • 1:1 redemption ratio where 1 Reward Point equals ₹1 at Apollo POS
  • Complimentary OneApollo Gold Tier membership for the first year
  • Low annual fee of ₹499 with a reachable waiver threshold of ₹1 Lakh

Cons

  • No airport lounge access (available only on the Select variant)
  • Low base reward rate of 0.5% on general spends
  • Rewards are primarily valuable only within the Apollo ecosystem

SBI Card PRIME

Pros

  • Accelerated 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on dining, groceries, and movies (2.5% value back).
  • Generous welcome benefit with a ₹3,000 e-gift voucher that offsets the joining fee.
  • Comprehensive lounge access with 8 domestic and 4 international visits annually.
  • Milestone vouchers worth up to ₹11,000 annually on reaching spend targets.

Cons

  • Low base reward rate of 0.5% (2 points per ₹100) on general spends.
  • High foreign currency markup of 3.5% compared to other premium cards.
  • Reward points on utility bills are capped and only applicable for standing instructions.

Our Verdict

Both Apollo SBI Card and SBI Card PRIME are strong options. Your choice should depend on your spending pattern and which card's rewards align better with your lifestyle.

Choose Apollo SBI Card if

Frequent users of Apollo Pharmacy and Apollo 24/7 app benefit from high reward rates and instant discounts.

Choose SBI Card PRIME if

High rewards on everyday categories like dining, groceries, and movies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Apollo SBI Card or SBI Card PRIME?
Both Apollo SBI Card and SBI Card PRIME are strong options. Your choice should depend on your spending pattern and which card's rewards align better with your lifestyle.
What is the annual fee difference between Apollo SBI Card and SBI Card PRIME?
Apollo SBI Card has an annual fee of ₹499, while SBI Card PRIME has an annual fee of ₹2,999. Apollo SBI Card offers a fee waiver on ₹1,00,000 annual spend. SBI Card PRIME offers a fee waiver on ₹3,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: Apollo SBI Card or SBI Card PRIME?
Apollo SBI Card offers a base reward rate of 0.25% with accelerated rewards on Apollo Services and Dining, Movies & Entertainment. SBI Card PRIME offers 0.125% base rewards with bonuses on Dining and Groceries. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both Apollo SBI Card and SBI Card PRIME?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Apollo SBI Card and SBI Card PRIME can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: Apollo SBI Card or SBI Card PRIME?
For beginners, Apollo SBI Card may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹499. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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