IDFC FIRST Ashva vs SBI Card ELITE
Full side-by-side comparison based on verified card data. Updated April 2026.
Quick Verdict
Both cards score 8.5/10 — your spending pattern decides the winner.
| Feature | IDFC FIRST Ashva | SBI Card ELITE |
|---|---|---|
| CardTrail Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Annual Fee | ₹2,999 | ₹4,999 |
| Base Reward Rate | 0.83% | 0.5% |
| Max Reward Rate | 5% | 5% |
| Forex Markup | 1% | 1.99% |
| Domestic Lounges | 16 | 8 |
| International Lounges | 8 | 6 |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes | Yes |
| Network | Visa Signature | Visa Infinite |
When to Choose IDFC FIRST Ashva
- You travel internationally — saves ₹990/year on ₹1L forex spend
- Airport lounge access matters — 16 domestic visits
- Your primary spend is: travel, lounge, forex
When to Choose SBI Card ELITE
- You can meet the fee waiver condition: Annual fee reversal on annual spends of Rs. 10 lakh
- Your primary spend is: travel, dining, entertainment
Forex Cost Comparison
On ₹1,00,000 annual international spending: IDFC FIRST Ashva costs ₹1,180 in forex fees vs SBI Card ELITE at ₹2,348. You save ₹1,168/year with IDFC FIRST Ashva.
Annual Fee Value Analysis
To break even on IDFC FIRST Ashva's ₹2,999 fee at 0.83% rewards, spend ₹30,110/month.
To break even on SBI Card ELITE's ₹4,999 fee at 0.5% rewards, spend ₹83,317/month.