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CheQ AU Credit Card VS PhonePe SBI Card SELECT BLACK

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 PhonePe SBI Card Select Black 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. PhonePe SBI Card Select Black costs Rs 1,499 + GST and earns 10 Reward Points per Rs 100 on PhonePe, 5 on dining/entertainment and 2 on other spends with lounge access. CheQ AU Credit Card also brings Indias first LED card with dual Visa + RuPay issuance, while PhonePe SBI Card Select Black 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.

Fees & Charges

Joining FeeLifetime Free
Joining Fee₹1,499 + GST
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Renewal Fee₹1,499 + GST
Spend Based Waiver
Spend Based WaiverAnnual Fee reversal on spends of ₹3 lakh or more in the previous membership year.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.49% on all foreign currency transactions.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum) on revolving credit and cash advances.
Interest Rate (APR)

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 BonusReceive a PhonePe e-Gift Card worth ₹1,500 upon joining.
Rewards RateUp to 12% on select brands; 5% on other online spends; 2.5% on CheQ UPI; 1% on all other transactions.
Rewards RateEarn 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on eligible PhonePe spends, 5 Reward Points per ₹100 on eligible online spends, and 1 Reward Point per ₹100 on all other spends.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNo rewards redemption fee.
Reward Redemption Fee

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessNot available on the CheQ AU Credit Card.
Domestic Lounge AccessEnjoy 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits every year, with a maximum of 1 visit per quarter.
International Lounge AccessNot available on the CheQ AU Credit Card.
International Lounge AccessComplimentary membership to the Priority Pass Program worth $99 for the first two years.
Travel BenefitsEarn 12% rewards on CheQ Travel (flights & hotels) and 5% on other travel spends. Redeem points for flights/hotels.
Travel BenefitsGet a Yatra e-Voucher worth ₹5,000 on achieving annual spends of ₹5 lakhs.
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 WaiverEnjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on every transaction between ₹500 and ₹4,000 at all petrol pumps across India, with a maximum waiver of ₹250 per statement cycle.

Security & Other

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Cash Advance Charges2.5% of the withdrawn amount, or ₹500, whichever is higher.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

CheQ AU Credit Card

PhonePe SBI Card SELECT BLACK

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

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.

Earn a high reward rate of 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on eligible PhonePe spends.

Receive a valuable PhonePe e-Gift Card worth ₹1,500 as a welcome benefit.

Benefit from a significant Yatra e-Voucher worth ₹5,000 on annual spends of ₹5 lakhs.

Enjoy comprehensive lounge access with 4 complimentary domestic visits and Priority Pass international membership for two years.

The annual fee can be reversed on achieving a reasonable spend threshold of ₹3 lakhs.

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.

The complimentary international lounge access (Priority Pass) is limited to the first two years.

The annual fee is not waived for the first year, only reversed from the second year onwards.

No specific benefits are mentioned for dining, movies, or golf, which might be a drawback for some users.

Reward points are earned on "eligible" spends, implying certain exclusions may apply.

The reward redemption value is fixed at 1 RP = Re. 1, which may offer less flexibility compared to other cards.

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.