Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
AU Bank Zenith vs SBI IRCTC Premier
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Premium
AU Small Finance Bank
AU Bank Zenith
VISA
Wins 3 of 10
IN
SBI Card
SBI IRCTC Premier
VISA
Wins 5 of 10
Verdict
SBI IRCTC Premier wins 5-3. Heavy IRCTC train booking users. AU Bank Zenith is still the right call if underrated mid-premium — punches above its fee tier..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | AU Bank Zenith | SBI IRCTC Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹7,500 | ₹1,499 |
| Joining fee | · ₹7,500 | ₹1,499 |
| Top reward rate | = 10% (travel) | = 10% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1.25% |
| Forex markup | 2% | · 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 7,500 reward points + Vistara Premium Economy ticket | = 1,500 reward points + waived first-year fee on ₹1L spend |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹800,000 / yr | ₹200,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹1,200,000 | ₹300,000 |
| Min credit score | · 780 | 740 |
| Editorial rating | 4.4/5 | · 3.9/5 |
Benefits compared
AU Bank Zenith
- 10 ZenPoints per ₹100 on travel + dining
- 2 ZenPoints per ₹100 on general spend
- 8 complimentary international lounge visits per quarter
- 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits / year
- Annual milestone: free domestic flight at ₹6L spend
- 4 free golf rounds/quarter at 250+ courses
SBI IRCTC Premier
- 10% IRCTC reward points on train ticket bookings
- 1.25% on other spends
- 4 IRCTC lounge visits/year
- 1% transaction fee waiver on IRCTC site
FAQ
›AU Bank Zenith vs SBI IRCTC Premier: which is better?
SBI IRCTC Premier wins on more dimensions (5 vs 3). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use AU Bank Zenith for its best categories, SBI IRCTC Premier for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
AU Bank Zenith: 7,500 reward points + Vistara Premium Economy ticket. SBI IRCTC Premier: 1,500 reward points + waived first-year fee on ₹1L spend.