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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Axis Bank Reserve Credit 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.

Axis Bank

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

8.2/10
Annual Fee₹50,000
Base Rewards0.2%
NetworkVisa
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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

FeatureAxis Bank Reserve Credit CardSBI Card PRIME
Annual Fee₹50,000₹2,999
Joining Fee₹50,000₹2,999
Fee Waiver Spend₹35,00,000₹3,00,000
Base Reward Rate0.2%0.125%
Reward CurrencyEDGE REWARD PointsReward Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating8.2/107.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

No accelerated rewards listed

SBI Card PRIME

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

Pros & Cons

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

Pros

  • Unlimited domestic and international lounge access for primary and add-on members with 12 guest visits.
  • Comprehensive luxury hotel memberships including Accor Plus, Club Marriott, and ITC Culinaire.
  • Low foreign currency markup fee of 1.5%, ideal for high international spenders.
  • 8 complimentary VIP Airport Concierge services for seamless check-in and immigration.

Cons

  • High annual fee of ₹50,000 with no renewal bonus points (discontinued April 2024).
  • Steep annual fee waiver threshold of ₹35 Lakhs.
  • Significant reward exclusions including fuel, gold, insurance, and utilities.

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

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, SBI Card PRIME could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.

Choose Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card if

Offers unparalleled airport services, unlimited lounge access for family, and premium hotel memberships.

Choose SBI Card PRIME if

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card or SBI Card PRIME?
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, SBI Card PRIME could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.
What is the annual fee difference between Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card and SBI Card PRIME?
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹50,000, while SBI Card PRIME has an annual fee of ₹2,999. Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card offers a fee waiver on ₹35,00,000 annual spend. SBI Card PRIME offers a fee waiver on ₹3,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card or SBI Card PRIME?
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 0.2%. 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 Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card and SBI Card PRIME?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card and SBI Card PRIME can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card or SBI Card PRIME?
For beginners, SBI Card PRIME may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹2,999. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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