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CheQ AU Credit Card VS Cashback SBI Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 13 July 2026

Both CheQ AU Credit Card and Cashback SBI Credit Card suit different spenders, but they earn and cost differently. CheQ AU Credit Card is lifetime-free and earns up to 12 percent on select brands; 5 percent on other online spends; 2.5 percent on CheQ UPI; 1 percent on all other transactions. Cashback SBI Credit Card costs Rs 999 + GST and earns 5 percent cashback on online spends (capped Rs 2,000) and 1 percent on offline spends (capped Rs 2,000). CheQ AU Credit Card also brings Indias first LED card with dual Visa + RuPay issuance, while Cashback SBI Credit Card counters with its own niche benefits. Compare the fee and reward differences above against your priority spend category - shopping, dining, fuel, or travel - to pick the right fit.

CheQ AU Credit Card
CheQ AU Credit Card
Cashback SBI Credit Card
Cashback SBI Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining FeeLifetime Free
Joining Fee₹999 + GST
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Renewal Fee₹999 + GST
Spend Based Waiver
Spend Based WaiverAnnual fee is reversed if annual spends in the previous year are Rs. 2,00,000 or more.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.49% on all foreign currency transactions.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% + GST
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum) on revolving credit and cash advances.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum)

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusThe card is marketed as Lifetime FREE, meaning no joining fee and no annual fee for the standard variant. An optional upgrade to the LED Credit Card incurs a one-time issuance fee of ₹999 + GST
Welcome BonusNo specific welcome benefits or joining perks are listed for this card.
Rewards RateUp to 12% on select brands; 5% on other online spends; 2.5% on CheQ UPI; 1% on all other transactions.
Rewards Rate5% cashback on online spends (capped at Rs. 2,000 per statement cycle) and 1% cashback on offline spends (capped at Rs. 2,000 per statement cycle); max combined Rs. 4,000 per statement cycle.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeCashback
Reward Redemption FeeNo rewards redemption fee.
Reward Redemption FeeNot applicable

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessNot available on the CheQ AU Credit Card.
Domestic Lounge Access
International Lounge AccessNot available on the CheQ AU Credit Card.
International Lounge Access
Travel BenefitsEarn 12% rewards on CheQ Travel (flights & hotels) and 5% on other travel spends. Redeem points for flights/hotels.
Travel Benefits
Movie Benefits
Movie Benefits
Dining Benefits
Dining Benefits
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹150 on fuel spends.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000 at petrol pumps across India, capped at Rs. 100 per statement cycle.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Insurance Benefits
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of the withdrawn amount, or ₹500, whichever is higher.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of the amount withdrawn or a minimum charge of Rs. 500.
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

CheQ AU Credit Card

Cashback SBI Credit Card

Who is it for?

The CheQ AU Credit Card is India’s first LED-enabled credit card, offering a unique visual experience and strong rewards. It provides up to 12% rewards on popular brands, 2.5% on CheQ UPI, and 1% on other spends. Marketed as lifetime free for the standard variant, it also offers the convenience of two cards (Visa LED and RuPay) with a single application. This card is ideal for those seeking high reward rates, unique features, and convenient digital banking for everyday online shopping, food delivery, travel, and utility payments.

Who is it for?

The Cashback SBI Card is an entry-level cashback credit card that delivers straightforward savings on everyday spending with 5% cashback on online transactions and 1% on offline spends. It pairs flat cashback with a fuel surcharge waiver and a spend-based annual fee waiver, making it ideal for users who want direct, easy-to-track benefits without managing points. Best suited for regular shoppers and online spenders who can meet the Rs. 2 lakh annual spend threshold, this card simplifies rewards while offering global acceptance and contactless convenience.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

India's first LED-enabled credit card offers a unique and visually engaging payment experience.

High reward rates up to 12% on popular brands and categories like shopping, travel, and utilities.

Lifetime free for the standard variant, making it an attractive option with no annual fees.

Receive both a Visa (LED) and RuPay card with a single application, offering great versatility.

Uncapped base rewards ensure continuous earning even after reaching accelerated rewards limits.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Decent 5% cashback on online spends and 1% on offline spends for solid everyday savings.

High monthly cashback cap of Rs. 4,000 across categories boosts total earnings potential.

Strong option for online spending compared to other cashback cards with simple auto-credit.

Contactless payment facility available for quick and secure low-value transactions.

Global acceptance in over 24 million outlets ensures usability during travel and shopping.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Accelerated rewards are capped at 12,000 CheQ points per month, limiting high spenders.

Rewards are not applicable on several categories like fuel, education, gold, and rent payments.

Optional LED card incurs a one-time issuance fee of ₹999 + GST, which is an additional cost.

Interest rate on revolving credit is high at 3.75% per month (45% per annum), typical of the category.

No domestic or international airport lounge access on this card.

Applications for the LED card open only from April 28, 2026, indicating a future availability.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Several categories are excluded from cashback eligibility, limiting earnings on key spends.

Annual fee is relatively high compared to the benefits for low spenders who cannot meet the waiver.

Spend-based waiver may be difficult to achieve if major spends fall in excluded categories.

No instant discounts during online sales, reducing appeal during promotional shopping periods.

Cashback exclusions on utilities, insurance, fuel, rent, and other services restrict utility.

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.
Apply for CheQ AU Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for Cashback SBI Credit Card(opens in new tab)