When it comes to choosing an SBI credit card in 2025, two popular options dominate the conversation — the PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card and the SBI Cashback Credit Card.
Both cards promise strong rewards and cashback, but they target very different spending habits. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down their features, benefits, fees, and ideal users — to help you decide which card fits your lifestyle best.
🏁 Quick Comparison Table of PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card vs SBI Cashback Credit Card
| Feature | PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card | SBI Cashback Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | SBI Card (in partnership with PhonePe) | SBI Card |
| Network | Visa / RuPay | Visa |
| Annual Fee | ₹1,499 + GST | ₹999 + GST |
| Fee Waiver | On ₹3 lakh annual spend | On ₹2 lakh annual spend |
| Welcome Benefit | ₹1,500 PhonePe voucher | None |
| Reward Type | Reward Points (up to 10X) | Direct Cashback |
| Max Reward Rate | 10% on PhonePe spends | 5% cashback on online spends |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% (₹250/month cap) | 1% (₹100/month cap) |
| Lounge Access | 4 domestic visits/year | None |
| Best For | Digital spenders using PhonePe | Online shoppers & casual users |
💳 Overview of Both Cards
PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card
Launched in 2025, this premium co-branded card between SBI Card and PhonePe offers massive rewards for transactions done through the PhonePe app — like bill payments, recharges, and travel bookings.
It also includes lifestyle perks such as airport lounge access and milestone vouchers.
Ideal For:
Users who frequently use PhonePe for payments, bills, and digital shopping.
SBI Cashback Credit Card
The SBI Cashback Credit Card is one of the most popular flat-cashback cards in India, giving instant value back without reward point conversions.
It’s simple, transparent, and best suited for heavy online shoppers.
Ideal For:
Users who want automatic cashback on every online purchase without worrying about points or apps.
💰 Rewards & Cashback Comparison
| Category | PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card | SBI Cashback Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| PhonePe / Pincode spends | 10 Reward Points per ₹100 up to 2,000 RP | N/A |
| Online Spends (e-commerce) | 5 Reward Points per ₹100 up to 2,000 RP | 5% cashback up to 5,000 |
| Insurance Spends outside PhonePe | 1 Reward Point per ₹100 up to 500 RP | N/A |
| Offline / UPI Spends | 1 Reward Point per ₹100 up to 2,000 RP | 1% cashback up to 5,000 |
| Reward Value | 1 RP = ₹1 | Direct credit to statement |
| Monthly Cap | 6,500 RP per statement cycle | ₹5,000 cashback per statement cycle |
Verdict:
- The PhonePe SBI Select Black card offers higher rewards on PhonePe ecosystem spends, ideal for those who pay utilities, insurance, or travel through the app.
- The SBI Cashback Card is simpler, giving flat 5% cashback on all online transactions (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc.) without category tracking.
🪙 3. Fees & Charges
| Fee Type | PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card | SBI Cashback Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹1,499 + GST | ₹999 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | ₹1,499 + GST | ₹999 + GST |
| Waiver Condition | ₹3,00,000 annual spend | ₹2,00,000 annual spend |
| Finance Charges | 3.75% per month | 3.50% per month |
| Foreign Markup Fee | 3.5% | 3.5% |
Verdict:
- PhonePe Select Black Credit Card costs more, but the benefits even better for active users.
- SBI Cashback Credit Card has a lower waiver threshold — easier for moderate spenders.
✈️ 4. Lifestyle & Travel Benefits
| Benefit | PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card | SBI Cashback Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Lounge Access | 4 domestic visits/year | None |
| Welcome Benefit | ₹1,500 PhonePe voucher | None |
| Milestone Reward | ₹5,000 Yatra voucher on ₹5L spend | None |
| Priority Pass | Complimentary (2 years) | No |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% (up to ₹250/month) | 1% (up to ₹100/month) |
Verdict:
If you travel or visit airports often, PhonePe Select Black Credit Card gives much better lifestyle perks.
But if you just want simple cashback , these perks might not matter to you.
⚖️ 5. Pros & Cons
✅ PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card
Pros:
- 10% reward on PhonePe app transactions
- Lounge access and milestone vouchers
- Simple ₹3L fee waiver target
- Great for digital payment enthusiasts
Cons:
- Reward caps restrict high spenders
- No guaranteed international lounge access
- High joining fee for casual users
✅ SBI Cashback Credit Card
Pros:
- Flat 5% cashback on online shopping
- No hassle of reward point redemption
- Lower annual fee and waiver threshold
- Accepted widely across all online stores
Cons:
- No lounge or lifestyle benefits
- Cashback excludes certain merchants (like rent, utilities)
- Lower rewards for offline spends
💡 6. Which Card Should You Choose?
| Spending Style | Recommended Card |
|---|---|
| Heavy PhonePe or UPI user | PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card |
| Frequent online shopper (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra) | SBI Cashback Credit Card |
| Wants travel perks and lounge access | PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card |
| Wants simple, automatic cashback | SBI Cashback Credit Card |
| Average monthly spend below ₹25,000 | SBI Cashback Credit Card |
| Spend ₹3L+ per year, use PhonePe often | PhonePe Select Black Credit Card |
🧾 7. Final Verdict of PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card vs SBI Cashback Credit Card
Both cards are excellent — but for different reasons.
- Choose PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card if you’re deep in the PhonePe ecosystem and love earning premium rewards, vouchers, and travel perks.
- Choose SBI Cashback Credit Card if you prefer simplicity, instant cashback, and lower annual fees.
💬 Our Take:
If you already use PhonePe for most of your payments, PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card wins hands down.
But if you’re looking for a no-nonsense cashback card for online shopping, SBI Cashback Credit Card is still one of the most value-for-money options in 2025.
📈 Key Takeaway Summary
| Parameter | PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card | SBI Cashback Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | PhonePe & utility users | Online shoppers |
| Max Benefit | 10% rewards | 5% cashback |
| Lounge Access | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Annual Fee | ₹1,499 + GST | ₹999 + GST |
| Verdict | Premium digital rewards card | Simpler, everyday cashback card |
🧠 Pro Tip
If you can, use both strategically:
- Use PhonePe Select Black Credit Card for recharges, utilities, and bill payments on PhonePe.
- Use SBI Cashback Credit Card for Amazon, Flipkart, and other online purchases.
You’ll earn the maximum combined cashback possible.
🗣️ FAQs
Which one is lifetime free?
Neither is lifetime free — but both can waive the annual fee if you hit their spend thresholds.
📣 Final Thoughts
In summary:
🥇 PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card— Best for digital, UPI-centric, and PhonePe users.
🥈 SBI Cashback Credit Card — Best for online shoppers who want effortless cashback.
If your goal is maximum savings + digital convenience, go for the PhonePe SBI Select Black Credit Card.
If your goal is simplicity + instant cashback, stick with the SBI Cashback Credit Card.
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