Apollo Sbi Card Mastercard Credit Card vs SBI Cards IRCTC Visa Platinum Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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The Apollo Sbi Card Mastercard Credit Card and the SBI Cards IRCTC Visa Platinum Credit Card offer distinct features catering to different user needs. While the Apollo card lacks specific benefits, the IRCTC card provides a range of rewards and travel-related perks, making it a more appealing option for frequent travelers.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
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| Feature | Apollo Sbi Card Mastercard Credit Card | SBI Cards IRCTC Visa Platinum Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | SBI Cards | SBI Cards |
| Network | MasterCard | Visa |
| Joining fee | — | — |
| Annual / renewal fee | — | Annual Fee of Rs.500 |
| Annual fee waiver | — | — |
| Reward rate (headline) | — | Earn 1 Reward Points Per Rs.125 Spent on Retail |
| Lounge — domestic | — | Enjoy 4 Complimentary Railway Lounge Access in a Year |
| Lounge — international | — | — |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | — | — |
| Welcome benefit | — | Welcome Benefits - 350 activation Bonus Reward Points |
| Milestone benefit | — | Milestone benefits - Earn 500 Reward Points |
| Foreign currency markup | — | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
The SBI Cards IRCTC Visa Platinum Credit Card is superior for rewards, offering 1 Reward Point per Rs.125 spent on retail, along with a welcome bonus of 350 activation bonus Reward Points. In contrast, the Apollo Sbi Card Mastercard Credit Card does not provide any rewards or benefits, making it less attractive for users looking to earn points on their spending.
Which is better for travel?
For travel enthusiasts, the SBI Cards IRCTC Visa Platinum Credit Card stands out with its complimentary railway lounge access, allowing users to enjoy 4 visits per year. The Apollo Sbi Card Mastercard Credit Card, however, does not offer any travel-related benefits, making it less suitable for those who prioritize travel perks.
Which has lower effective cost?
Both cards have minimal information on fees, but the SBI Cards IRCTC Visa Platinum Credit Card has an annual fee of Rs.500, which is relatively low for the benefits it offers. The Apollo Sbi Card Mastercard Credit Card does not specify any fees, making it unclear how it compares in terms of effective cost.
Who should pick Apollo Sbi Card Mastercard Credit Card?
Consider Apollo Sbi Card Mastercard Credit Card if you prefer a card with no specified fees and are looking for a basic credit card without additional perks or complexities.
Who should pick SBI Cards IRCTC Visa Platinum Credit Card?
Consider SBI Cards IRCTC Visa Platinum Credit Card if you are a frequent traveler who values rewards on retail spending and seeks additional travel benefits like lounge access.
Frequently Asked Questions
The welcome benefits include 350 activation bonus Reward Points upon meeting the minimum transaction criteria.
No, the Apollo Sbi Card Mastercard Credit Card does not offer any rewards or benefits.
The annual fee for the SBI Cards IRCTC Visa Platinum Credit Card is Rs.500.
It provides 4 complimentary railway lounge accesses in a year.