HSBC Premier vs SBI Card PRIME
Full side-by-side comparison based on verified card data. Updated April 2026.
Quick Verdict
SBI Card PRIME wins 5 of 8 dimensions with a CardTrail Score of 8.6/10 vs 8.2/10.
| Feature | HSBC Premier | SBI Card PRIME |
|---|---|---|
| CardTrail Score | 8.2/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Annual Fee | ₹20,000 | ₹2,999 |
| Base Reward Rate | 3% | 0.5% |
| Max Reward Rate | 3% | 5% |
| Forex Markup | 0.99% | 3.5% |
| Domestic Lounges | -1 | 8 |
| International Lounges | -1 | 4 |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes | Yes |
| Network | Visa Signature | Visa Signature |
When to Choose HSBC Premier
- You can meet the fee waiver condition: HSBC Premier account
- You travel internationally — saves ₹2,510/year on ₹1L forex spend
- Your primary spend is: travel, dining
When to Choose SBI Card PRIME
- You can meet the fee waiver condition: Spend ₹3L/year
- You want higher rewards — up to 5% vs 3%
- Airport lounge access matters — 8 domestic visits
- Your primary spend is: travel, dining, entertainment
Forex Cost Comparison
On ₹1,00,000 annual international spending: HSBC Premier costs ₹1,168 in forex fees vs SBI Card PRIME at ₹4,130. You save ₹2,962/year with HSBC Premier.
Annual Fee Value Analysis
To break even on HSBC Premier's ₹20,000 fee at 3% rewards, spend ₹55,556/month.
To break even on SBI Card PRIME's ₹2,999 fee at 0.5% rewards, spend ₹49,983/month.