Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
HDFC Pixel vs SBI Prime
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
HDFC Bank
HDFC Pixel
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
IN
SBI Card
SBI Prime
Wins 3 of 10
Verdict
HDFC Pixel wins 4-3. Gen Z first card — fully digital, instant approval, customizable art. SBI Prime is still the right call if step up from simplyclick with lounge access..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC Pixel | SBI Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · ₹2,999 |
| Joining fee | None | · ₹2,999 |
| Top reward rate | · 3% (shopping) | 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 1.25% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = Customizable card design + ₹250 voucher | = ₹3,000 e-gift voucher (Aditya Birla / Bata / Pantaloons / Yatra) |
| Fee waiver threshold | · N/A (no fee) | ₹300,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹200,000 | · ₹480,000 |
| Min credit score | 700 | · 750 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.2/5 | = 4.2/5 |
Benefits compared
HDFC Pixel
- 3% cashback on 2 chosen merchants (Swiggy/Zomato/Uber/Amazon/etc.)
- 1% on other spends
- Lifetime free
- Mobile-first app experience
- Dynamic CVV for security
SBI Prime
- 10x reward points on dining + grocery + departmental + movies
- 5x on utility bill payments
- 8 domestic + 4 international lounge visits/year
- Club Vistara Silver + Trident Privilege Red
FAQ
›HDFC Pixel vs SBI Prime: which is better?
HDFC Pixel wins on more dimensions (4 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 HDFC Pixel for its best categories, SBI Prime for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
HDFC Pixel: Customizable card design + ₹250 voucher. SBI Prime: ₹3,000 e-gift voucher (Aditya Birla / Bata / Pantaloons / Yatra).