SBI Elite Credit Card vs Amex Platinum Reserve Credit Card
Last Updated : April 11, 2025, 12:36 p.m.
In today's competitive credit card landscape, premium offerings like the SBI Elite Credit Card and American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card stand out as top contenders for affluent consumers seeking elevated lifestyle benefits and exclusive privileges. While the SBI Elite commands a more accessible annual fee of Rs. 4,999 plus taxes, the Amex Platinum Reserve positions itself in a higher tier at Rs. 10,000 plus taxes. Both cards cater to those who enjoy premium travel experiences, offering comprehensive lounge access, generous reward structures, and lifestyle perks such as complimentary golf rounds and exclusive dining privileges. The SBI Elite credit card comes with an impressively low forex markup fee of 1.99% and substantial welcome benefits worth Rs. 5,000 in gift vouchers, while the Amex card counters with its prestigious Taj Epicure membership and superior hotel benefits. This comparison explores which premium card delivers superior value for discerning cardholders seeking the ultimate combination of rewards, travel benefits, and lifestyle enhancements. After choosing a credit card and before applying for the same, check your CIBIL score on Wishfin for free to know where you stand. The credit score is an essential parameter influencing the approval of your application.
Comparing the Features of the SBI Elite Credit Card and the Amex Platinum Reserve Credit Card
Both the credit cards are unique in their own way. It would be really difficult to choose only one card but once you go through the comparisons then you can point out the major differences.
| Features | SBI Elite Credit Card | Amex Platinum Reserve Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
Annual Fee | Rs. 4,999 + taxes | Rs. 10,000 + taxes |
Welcome Benefits | eGift vouchers worth Rs. 5,000 from select travel and lifestyle brands, such as Hush Puppies, Pantaloons, Bata, Shoppers Stop, and Aditya Birla Fashion | 11,000 bonus membership reward points (Worth approximately Rs. 2,750) |
Fee waiver | 100% waiver on annual spends of Rs. 10 lakhs | 100% waiver on annual spends of Rs. 10 lakhs |
Milestone Benefits |
| Get movie or online shopping vouchers of value Rs. 12,000 per year on spends of Rs. 50,000 every month |
Airport Lounge Access |
|
|
Travel Benefits | Low forex markup fee of 1.99% | Air accident insurance of Rs. 1 crore |
Golf Benefits | 4 free rounds of golf, 50% off on golf games, 1 free lesson per month (Mastercard variant only) | Complimentary access twice a month to 32+ golf courses on monthly spend of Rs. 50,000 |
Movie benefits | Complimentary movie tickets worth Rs. 6,000 annually | Movie vouchers worth Rs. 12,000 per year (on spending Rs. 50,000 monthly) |
Dining benefits | Accelerated rewards on dining |
|
Lifestyle membership | Not applicable |
|
Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% fuel surcharge waiver (max Rs. 250 per month) | 0% surcharge at HPCL for transactions less than Rs. 5,000 |
Insurance Benefits | Fraud liability cover of Rs. 1 lakh |
|
Key Differences
- Cost Structure: The Amex Platinum Reserve has a higher annual fee (Rs. 10,000) compared to SBI Elite (Rs. 4,999), but both offer fee waivers on annual spends of Rs. 10 lakhs.
- Reward System: SBI Elite offers tiered rewards with accelerated earning on specific categories, while Amex offers a flat reward rate but with potentially higher redemption value.
- Lounge Access: Amex provides more complimentary domestic lounge visits (12 vs. 8), though both offer international lounge access.
- Lifestyle Benefits: Amex stands out with its premium lifestyle memberships (Taj Epicure, Accor Plus Traveller, EazyDiner Prime) valued at over Rs. 20,000.
- Movie Benefits: Amex offers higher value movie vouchers (Rs. 12,000) compared to SBI Elite (Rs. 6,000), but with a monthly spending requirement.
Which Card Is Right For You?
Choose the SBI Elite Credit Card if you:
- Prefer a lower annual fee
- Regularly spend on dining, grocery, and departmental stores
- Value a straightforward rewards structure with accelerated categories
- Want a lower forex markup fee for international transactions
Choose the Amex Platinum Reserve Credit Card if you:
- Are willing to pay a higher annual fee for premium benefits
- Value luxury lifestyle memberships (Taj, Accor)
- Frequently use domestic airport lounges
- Spend Rs. 50,000+ monthly to maximize monthly voucher benefits
- Prefer comprehensive insurance coverage
Both cards target affluent customers with premium lifestyles but have different strengths. Your spending habits, travel frequency, and preference for specific benefits should guide your choice between these premium credit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
