When it comes to choosing a credit card, finding the perfect balance between affordability and benefits is crucial. Two popular options in the budget-friendly category are the IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge and SBI SimplySAVE credit cards. But which one offers the best value for money? In this article, we compare these two cards in detail, covering their features, benefits, fees, and more. Let’s dive in!

Overview

IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge

The IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge is designed for those looking for a card that provides lifestyle benefits along with cost-effective spending options. It offers reward points on every purchase, exclusive lifestyle privileges, and various travel and dining discounts.

SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card

The SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card is aimed at individuals who want to maximize savings on everyday expenses. It provides reward points on dining, grocery, and movie expenses, making it ideal for daily use. The card also comes with a low annual fee, making it a budget-friendly choice.

Comparison Table

Features	IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge	SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card
Joining Fee	₹500 + GST	₹499 + GST
Annual Fee	₹500 + GST	₹499 (Waived on ₹1 lakh annual spend)
Reward Points	4 points per ₹100 spent	10 points per ₹100 on Dining, Movies, Groceries, and Departmental Stores
Welcome Benefits	Exclusive shopping vouchers	₹100 cashback on first 4 transactions
Fuel Surcharge Waiver	1% on transactions above ₹400	1% on transactions above ₹500
Cash Withdrawal Fee	2.5% or ₹300 (whichever is higher)	2.5% or ₹500 (whichever is higher)
Foreign Currency Markup	3.5%	3.5%
Contactless Payment	Yes	Yes
Lost Card Liability	Zero liability on reporting loss	Zero liability on reporting loss
Eligibility	Minimum Income: ₹25,000/month	Minimum Income: ₹20,000/month

Key Features and Benefits

IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge

1. Reward Points System
   • Earn 4 reward points on every ₹100 spent.
   • Points can be redeemed for shopping vouchers, travel bookings, and more.
2. Lifestyle Privileges
   • Enjoy exclusive dining and entertainment offers.
   • Access to select airport lounges across India.
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver
   • Get a 1% waiver on fuel surcharge for transactions above ₹400.
4. Security Features
   • Zero liability on lost cards if reported immediately.
   • Contactless payment option for quick and secure transactions.

SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card

1. Reward Points System
   • Earn 10 reward points per ₹100 on dining, movies, groceries, and departmental store purchases.
   • 1 reward point on all other spends.
2. Welcome Offer
   • ₹100 cashback on the first 4 transactions of ₹500 or more within 30 days of card issuance.
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver
   • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions above ₹500.
4. Annual Fee Waiver
   • Annual fee of ₹499 is waived off on spending ₹1 lakh in a year.

Pros and Cons

IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge

Pros:

• High reward points on all purchases.
• Lifestyle benefits such as airport lounge access.
• Flexible reward redemption options.

Cons:

• Higher joining and annual fee compared to other budget cards.
• No accelerated rewards on specific categories.

SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card

Pros:

• High reward points on dining, movies, and grocery spends.
• Affordable joining and annual fee with the possibility of a fee waiver.
• Welcome cashback offer.

Cons:

• Lower reward rate on other categories.
• Limited lifestyle privileges compared to IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge.

Who Should Choose Which Card?

• IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge is ideal for users looking for a versatile rewards program and lifestyle benefits like airport lounge access. It suits individuals with moderate to high spending patterns across multiple categories.
• SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card is perfect for budget-conscious users who spend more on dining, movies, and groceries. It’s a great choice for everyday expenses with the added benefit of an annual fee waiver on reaching a spend threshold.

Which One is Better for You?

Choose IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge if:

• You value lifestyle privileges like lounge access and exclusive offers.
• You have varied spending habits and want flexible reward redemption options.

Choose SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card if:

• Your major expenses are on dining, movies, and groceries.
• You want an affordable card with an easy-to-achieve annual fee waiver.

So Finally

Both the IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge and SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card offer excellent value in the budget-friendly category. However, the choice depends on your spending habits and lifestyle preferences:

• If you want comprehensive lifestyle privileges and flexible rewards, go for IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge.
• If you prefer maximum savings on everyday expenses and a low-cost card, then SBI SimplySAVE is the better option.

Our Recommendation

Choosing the right credit card can significantly impact your financial planning and spending habits. By comparing the IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge and SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. Assess your spending patterns and lifestyle to select the best budget-friendly credit card for you.

Frequently Asked Questions