Apollo SBI vs HDFC Pixel Play
Full side-by-side comparison based on verified card data. Updated April 2026.
Quick Verdict
Both cards score 6.9/10 — your spending pattern decides the winner.
| Feature | Apollo SBI | HDFC Pixel Play |
|---|---|---|
| CardTrail Score | 6.9/10 | 6.9/10 |
| Annual Fee | ₹499 | ₹500 |
| Base Reward Rate | 0.5% | 1% |
| Max Reward Rate | 5% | 5% |
| Forex Markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Domestic Lounges | 0 | 0 |
| International Lounges | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes | Yes |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
When to Choose Apollo SBI
- You can meet the fee waiver condition: Spend ₹1L/year
- Your primary spend is: general, healthcare
When to Choose HDFC Pixel Play
- You can meet the fee waiver condition: Spend ₹1L/year
- Your primary spend is: shopping, general
Annual Fee Value Analysis
To break even on Apollo SBI's ₹499 fee at 0.5% rewards, spend ₹8,317/month.
To break even on HDFC Pixel Play's ₹500 fee at 1% rewards, spend ₹4,167/month.