Synopsis: The article compares the popular Cashback SBI Card with another SBI Credit Card based on their fees, reward systems, and overall benefits. It helps users choose between a high cashback-focused card and a lifestyle card offering rewards and travel perks.
Two of the popular credit cards, the SBI Cashback Card and the PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card, are designed for different spending habits. The Cashback Card is designed for users who want a simple cashback structure where they save every time they make online and offline purchases. The PhonePe SBI Select Black Card, on the other hand, is a co-branded lifestyle card that offers higher rewards for spending via the PhonePe app in addition to the other benefits, which include access to a lounge, milestone rewards, and travel benefits.
1. 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, jewellery, railways, etc.
- Cashback is credited automatically within 2 days of the next statement.
- Worldwide acceptance & ATM cash access
- The maximum cashback that can be earned per statement cycle is capped at ₹4,000 (effective April 1st update)
- 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
2. PhonePe SBI Card Select Black

- Joining Fee/Annual Fee: ₹1,499 + GST
- Fee waiver: Annual Spend ₹300,000/year
- Benefits
- Welcome Benefit: PhonePe gift voucher worth ₹1,500 after the first credit card bill payment
- Milestone Benefit: Yatra Voucher worth ₹5,000 on achieving annual spends of ₹5 lakh
- 10% rewards per ₹100 on PhonePe spends (recharges, bill payments, travel, insurance, etc.)
- 5% rewards per ₹100 on online spending across major merchants
- 1% rewards per ₹100 on other spending, including offline and UPI transactions
- 1 reward point = Re. 1
- 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver on every transaction between ₹500 and ₹4000 at all petrol stations. Maximum ₹250 per statement cycle
- 4 free domestic lounge accesses (1 per quarter, no spend condition to avail)
- Withdraw cash from over 1 million Visa/Mastercard/American Express ATMs globally, enabling international cash access wherever the respective network is accepted.
- Eligible purchases can be converted into easy monthly EMIs on transactions of ₹2,500 or more.
Also Read: Top 4 Travel Credit Cards with 0% Forex Markup & Free Airport Lounge Access – Which One Should You Pick?
Example: Monthly Spend of ₹10,000 and How Much Can You Save?
| category | SBI Cashback Card | PhonePe SBI Select Black Card |
| Online Spending | ₹8,000 at 5% cashback = ₹400 | ₹2,000 → 100 points (₹100) |
| PhonePe Spending | Not applicable | ₹7,000 → 700 points (₹700) |
| Offline Spending | ₹2,000 at 1% cashback = ₹20 | ₹1,000 → 10 points (₹10) |
| Total Monthly Value | ₹420 | ₹810 |
Note: For illustration purposes, the actual value may vary depending on redemption options such as vouchers, travel bookings, or statement credit. Higher spending via the PhonePe app earns more reward points due to higher reward multipliers on PhonePe transactions.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your spending habits and your preferred reward system will determine which of these two cards you should select.
- The SBI Cashback Card is best suited for users who prefer a simple, no-maintenance cashback structure with strong returns on online spending.
- The PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card serves as the perfect choice for users who want to obtain maximum value from their rewards points through their active usage of PhonePe and their access to milestone vouchers, lounge facilities and extra lifestyle perks.
Conclusion
The two cards serve distinct groups of users. The SBI Cashback Card provides optimal benefits to users who prefer uncomplicated banking methods, together with fixed cashback rewards on their daily internet and store purchases. The PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card targets users who make frequent transactions within the PhonePe platform and wish to receive additional benefits that include vouchers, lounge entry, and milestone bonuses. Your decision will be determined by which option you value more between basic cashback and a credit card that provides extensive features with rewards.
Written By Ameet S