Synopsis: This article compares the SBI Cashback Credit Card and the Kotak Cashback Plus Credit Card. It analyzes their fees and cashback systems to assist users in selecting between flat cashback and category-based reward systems.
The SBI Cashback Credit Card and the Kotak Cashback Plus Credit Card are popular cashback-focused cards designed for different usage patterns. The SBI Cashback Credit Card provides a fixed cashback rate that applies to all online purchases, whereas the Kotak Cashback Plus Credit Card offers increased rewards for specific categories that include groceries, food delivery, entertainment, and fuel purchases.
Cashback SBI Card

- Joining Fee/Annual Fee: ₹999 + GST
- Fee waiver: Annual Spend ₹200,000/year
- Benefits:
- 5% cashback on online spends without any merchant restrictions
- 1% cashback on offline spends
- 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver on every transaction between ₹500 and ₹3000 at all petrol stations. Maximum ₹100 per statement cycle
- Cashback is not applicable for spending on utilities, insurance, fuel, rent, wallets, education, jewelry, railways, etc.
- Cashback is credited automatically within 2 days of the next statement.
- Worldwide acceptance & ATM cash access
- The maximum card cashback that can be earned on online and offline spends in a statement cycle is capped at ₹4000
- Most purchases can be converted into EMIs using SBI Card’s Flexipay facility (cashback may not be earned on transactions converted to EMI)
- To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
Kotak Cashback+ Credit Card

- Joining Fee/Annual Fee: ₹750 + GST
- Fee waiver: Annual Spend ₹200,000/year
- Benefits:
- 5% cashback on select online categories such as groceries, food delivery, and entertainment
- 3% cashback on fuel spends at petrol stations
- 0.5% unlimited cashback on all other eligible spends
- Cashback restrictions on Rent, B2B transactions, Utilities, Insurance, Education and Government, Wallet, Online skill-based gaming, and EMI
- 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver on fuel transactions between ₹500 and ₹4,000. Maximum waiver is allowed up to ₹3500 in an anniversary year.
- Up to 750 reward points cap on accelerated spends
- Cashback is earned as reward points, where 1 reward point = ₹1
- To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
Also Read: This SBI Card Saves 2X More Than Cashback SBI Card on ₹10K Monthly Spend – See Which One
Comparison: SBI Cashback Card vs. Kotak Cashback Plus Credit Card
Example: Monthly Spend of ₹10,000 and How Much Can You Save?
Note: This example assumes a distribution of spending across categories and is meant to illustrate how rewards vary based on usage patterns.
Which One Should You Choose?
The SBI Cashback Credit Card provides customers with straightforward cashback, which applies to their online purchases and Kotak Cashback Plus Credit Card provides better rewards to customers who spend their money on groceries, dining, entertainment, and fuel expenses.
Conclusion
Both the SBI Cashback Credit Card and Kotak Cashback Plus Credit Card offer substantial cashback rewards yet operate through separate reward systems. SBI Cashback works best for users who need simple solutions for making online purchases everywhere, while Kotak Cashback Plus benefits users who want to optimize their rewards through specific spending categories. Your spending habits and your choice between flat cashback and category cashback decide which option to select.
Written By Ameet S