SBI Cashback vs Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card: Which Offers Better Rewards in 2025?
SBI Cashback Credit Card vs Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card: Complete Comparison Guide 2025
Introduction: The Battle of India's Top Cashback Credit Cards
In today's digital-first economy, choosing the right cashback credit card can significantly impact your savings. Two cards that consistently top the charts are the SBI Cashback Credit Card and the Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card. Both promise attractive cashback rates, but which one truly delivers better value for your spending habits?
This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the nuances of each card, from cashback structures to approval processes, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.
Quick Overview
| Feature | SBI Cashback | Axis Bank Cashback |
|---|---|---|
| Online Cashback | Flat 5% | 2-7% (tiered) |
| Offline Cashback | 1% | 0.75% |
| Monthly Cap | ₹5,000 | ₹4,000 (on accelerated) |
| Annual Fee | ₹999 + GST | ₹1,000 + GST |
Annual Fees and Joining Benefits Comparison
SBI Cashback Credit Card Fees
- Annual Fee: ₹999 + GST (₹1,179 total)
- Fee Waiver: Spend ₹2 lakh annually to get fee waived
- Joining Bonus: None
- Renewal Benefits: Fee waiver on meeting spend criteria
Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card Fees
- Annual Fee: ₹1,000 + GST (₹1,180 total)
- Fee Waiver: Spend ₹4 lakh annually to get fee waived
- Welcome Bonus: ₹1,000 worth EDGE rewards on first transaction
- Renewal Benefits: Fee waiver on meeting spend criteria
Winner: SBI Cashback takes the lead here with a lower spend requirement for fee waiver (₹2L vs ₹4L), making it more accessible for average spenders.
Cashback Rates and Reward Structure
SBI Cashback Credit Card Rewards
The SBI Cashback Credit Card follows a straightforward approach:
- Online Purchases: Flat 5% cashback on all online transactions
- Offline Purchases: 1% cashback on all offline transactions
- Cashback Credit: Automatically credited to your statement
Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card Rewards
The Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card uses a tiered system:
- First ₹5,000 monthly spend: 2% cashback
- ₹5,001 to ₹40,000 monthly spend: 5% cashback
- Above ₹40,000 monthly spend: 7% cashback
- Offline & Travel: 0.75% cashback (no cap)
Example Calculation (₹70,000 monthly online spend):
- SBI: 5% = ₹3,500
- Axis: ₹100 (2% on ₹5K) + ₹1,750 (5% on ₹35K) + ₹2,100 (7% on ₹30K) = ₹3,950
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Cashback Caps and Limitations
SBI Cashback Credit Card Caps
- Monthly Cashback Cap: ₹5,000 per month
- Annual Cashback Cap: ₹60,000 per year
- Minimum Redemption: No minimum; auto-credited to statement
Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card Caps
- Accelerated Cashback Cap: ₹4,000 per month on tiered rates
- Base Rate Cap: No cap on 0.75% offline cashback
- Annual Cap: ₹48,000 on accelerated cashback
- Minimum Redemption: No minimum; auto-credited to statement
Additional Benefits and Perks
SBI Cashback Credit Card Perks
- Dining Benefits: None
- Travel Benefits: None
- Shopping Benefits: None
The SBI Cashback Credit Card is a no-frills card focused purely on cashback rewards.
Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card Perks
- EazyDiner Benefit: 25% discount on dining (up to ₹800 per month)
- Travel Benefits: Standard Axis Bank travel insurance
- Shopping Benefits: None specific
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Which Card Should You Choose?
Choose SBI Cashback Credit Card If:
- You prefer simple, flat cashback rates
- You want higher monthly cashback caps
- You can meet the ₹2 lakh annual spend for fee waiver
- You don't mind the challenging approval process
Choose Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card If:
- Your monthly online spending is above ₹40,000
- You want maximum cashback potential (up to 7%)
- You enjoy dining benefits (EazyDiner discounts)
- You can utilize the ₹1,000 welcome bonus effectively
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Comparison Table: SBI vs Axis Bank Cashback Credit Cards
| Feature | SBI Cashback Credit Card | Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹999 + GST (₹1,179 total) | ₹1,000 + GST (₹1,180 total) | 🤝 Tie |
| Welcome Bonus | None | ₹1,000 on first transaction | 🏆 Axis Bank |
| Online Cashback | Flat 5% on all online spends | 2% (₹0-5K), 5% (₹5K-40K), 7% (₹40K+) | 📊 Depends on spend |
| Offline Cashback | 1% on all offline spends | 0.75% (no cap) | 🏆 SBI |
| Monthly Cashback Cap | ₹5,000 per month | ₹4,000 per month (accelerated only) | 🏆 SBI |
| Annual Cashback Cap | ₹60,000 per year | ₹48,000 per year (accelerated only) | 🏆 SBI |
| Fee Waiver Criteria | ₹2 lakh annual spend | ₹4 lakh annual spend | 🏆 SBI |
How to Apply for SBI Cashback Credit Card
Application Process:
- Start Application: [Apply Now for SBI Cashback Credit Card] - Click to begin
- Check Eligibility: Complete the quick pre-qualification check
- Fill Details: Enter personal and income information
- Upload Documents: Submit PAN, Aadhaar, salary slips, bank statements
- Submit & Track: Review application and track status via SMS
Documents Required:
- PAN Card (mandatory)
- Aadhaar Card or address proof
- Last 3 salary slips or 2 years ITR
- 3 months bank statements (optional)
How to Apply for Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card
Application Process:
- Begin Application: [Apply Now for Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card] - Start here
- Pre-Approval: Get instant eligibility status
- Complete Form: Fill personal and employment details
- Document Upload: Submit required KYC documents
- Verification: Complete video KYC (optional)
- Card Delivery: Receive card within 5-7 days
Documents Required:
- PAN Card (compulsory)
- Aadhaar Card or address proof
- Income proof (salary certificate/ITR)
Welcome bonus: ₹1,000 worth of EDGE points on first transaction
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which card offers better cashback rates?
Answer: It depends on your spending pattern. SBI offers a flat 5% on online purchases, while Axis Bank offers tiered rates of 2-7%.
2. Are there any hidden charges in these cashback credit cards?
Answer: Both cards are transparent about their fee structure. The main charges are annual fees (₹999+GST for SBI, ₹1,000+GST for Axis), which can be waived based on annual spending criteria.
3. How quickly is cashback credited to the account?
Answer: Both cards auto-credit cashback to your statement.
4. Can I use these cards for international transactions?
Answer: Yes, both cards work internationally, but foreign transaction fees may apply. Check with respective banks for current international usage fees.
5. What happens if I exceed the monthly cashback limit?
Answer: For SBI, transactions beyond the ₹5,000 monthly cashback cap earn no additional cashback. For Axis Bank, you'll earn base rate cashback (0.75%) on amounts exceeding the accelerated cashback cap.
6. Is it difficult to get approval for SBI Cashback Credit Card?
Answer: Yes, SBI Cashback Credit Card has historically had strict approval criteria, with many applicants reporting rejections despite good credit scores. Axis Bank Cashback typically has a smoother approval process.
7. Can I convert cashback transactions to EMI?
Answer: EMI conversion policies vary. Generally, cashback is calculated on the original transaction amount, not the EMI amount. Check with respective banks for specific EMI conversion policies.
8. Can I hold both cards simultaneously?
Answer: Yes, you can hold both cards if you meet individual eligibility criteria and can manage annual fees and spending requirements effectively.
Remember, the best credit card is one that aligns with your spending habits, approval likelihood, and financial goals. Both cards offer substantial value when used strategically.
Ready to start earning cashback on every purchase?
[Apply for SBI Cashback Credit Card - Start Earning 5% Today]
[Apply for Axis Bank Cashback Credit Card - Get ₹1,000 Welcome Bonus]
Disclaimer: Credit card terms and conditions are subject to change. Please verify current offers and terms on the respective bank websites before applying. This comparison is based on publicly available information as of june 2025.
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