The SBI Prime credit card and the SBI Platinum credit card are two major offerings from SBI with each having its own unique set of benefits. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll examine the key differences between SBI Prime Credit Card and SBI Platinum Credit Card to help you make an informed decision about which card better suits your needs and spending habits. Before you apply for a credit card, check your CIBIL score for free on Wishfin, since it is a very important eligibility criteria for the approval of your credit card application.  

Comparing the Features of the SBI Prime Credit Card and the SBI Platinum Credit Card

Key Differences

Reward Structure

The SBI Prime Credit Card offers 10 reward points per Rs. 100 spent on dining, groceries, departmental stores, and movies, making it more rewarding for everyday expenses. The SBI Platinum Credit Card offers 5X reward points on dining, departmental stores, and international spends, which may be better for frequent international travelers.I've created an image showing both credit cards side by side for visual comparison.

Milestone Benefits

While both cards offer attractive milestone benefits, the SBI Prime Credit Card provides more frequent rewards with a quarterly Pizza Hut voucher worth Rs. 1,000 on spends of Rs. 50,000, plus additional e-gift voucher worth Rs. 7000 from Yatra.com or Pantaloons. The SBI Platinum Credit Card offers spend-linked vouchers worth Rs. 6,000 and a free one-way domestic flight ticket on annual spends over Rs. 5 lakhs.

Fuel Benefits

The SBI Platinum Credit Card offers a more generous 2.5% fuel surcharge waiver compared to the Prime Card's 1% waiver, making it potentially more beneficial for frequent drivers.

Travel Perks

Both cards offer lounge access, but the way they implement it differs. The SBI Prime Card provides direct complimentary international and domestic airport lounge access, while the SBI Platinum Card offers a complimentary priority pass membership (though usage fees may apply). The Platinum Card also provides access to over 200 golf courses worldwide, which may appeal to golf enthusiasts.

Which Card Is Better For You?

Choose SBI Prime Credit Card if:

• You spend frequently on dining, groceries, and entertainment
• You prefer more regular rewards (quarterly milestone benefits)
• You value direct airport lounge access without additional fees
• You can easily achieve the annual spend of Rs. 3 lakhs for fee waiver
• You value rewards on everyday spending categories.

Choose SBI Platinum Credit Card if:

• You frequently travel internationally
• You're an avid golfer who would use the golf course access benefit
• You spend significantly on fuel (for the higher 2.5% surcharge waiver)
• You can achieve annual spends of Rs. 5 lakhs to get the free flight ticket

Note:

As of April 2025, the SBI Platinum Credit Card has been discontinued. New applicants should consider the SBI Prime Credit Card or explore other current SBI credit card offerings that might better match their needs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are the main differences between SBI Prime Credit Card and SBI Platinum Credit Card?

The main differences include their reward structures, milestone benefits, and airport lounge access. SBI Prime Card offers higher reward points on utility bills and select retail stores, while the Platinum Card offers 5X reward points on dining, grocery, and international transactions.

2. What are the joining and renewal fees for the SBI Prime Credit Card and the SBI Platinum Credit Card? 

Both SBI Prime Credit Card and SBI Platinum Credit Card have a similar activation and renewal fee of Rs. 2,999.

3. Can the renewal fee be waived for the SBI Prime Credit Card and the SBI Platinum Credit Card?

For the SBI Prime Card, the renewal fee can be waived if you spend Rs. 3 lacs in a year. The SBI Platinum Card does not have a waiving off criteria for the renewal fee.

4. How do the airport lounge access benefits compare between the SBI Prime Credit Card and the SBI Platinum Credit Card?

SBI Prime Card:

• 4 complimentary access to international airport lounges per year (max 2 per quarter)
• 8 complimentary access to domestic airport lounges per year (max 2 per quarter)

SBI Platinum Card:

• Complimentary Priority Pass membership through SBI Credit Card. 

5. Which card among the SBI Prime Credit Card and the SBI Platinum Credit Card has better long-term value?

The Prime Card offers better long-term value if you can meet the annual spending requirement of Rs. 3 lakhs to waive the renewal fee. The Platinum Card offers the advantage of anniversary gift vouchers worth Rs. 3,000, but does not have a fee waiver option.