The Indian credit card market is very competitive, with many banks offering a wide range of options. RBL Bank has two particular credit cards, the Platinum Maxima and the Platinum Maxima Plus, that appeal to different customer needs. These cards, while sharing a similar name, have distinct features and benefits. To help you understand which card might be a better fit for your spending habits and lifestyle, we'll break down the key differences. We'll examine aspects like rewards programs, fees, travel benefits, and other perks, so you can make an informed decision and choose the RBL Bank credit card that aligns with your financial goals.
Welcome Benefits
The welcome benefits of a credit card can set the tone for a cardholder's experience.
The Platinum Maxima Credit Card provides a warm welcome with 8,000 reward points. These points can be redeemed for a variety of products and services. For context, if users redeem these points at a value of ₹0.25 per point, it's equivalent to ₹2,000 in discounts.
In contrast, the Platinum Maxima Plus Credit Card offers an even more compelling welcome package of 10,000 reward points. When considering the same redemption rate, this comes out to ₹2,500, ensuring a more robust start for new cardholders.
Clearly, the Plus version leads in terms of introductory benefits, promising a more rewarding beginning for users.
Reward Benefits
Reward points drive the appeal of a credit card, influencing how cardholders spend.
With the Platinum Maxima Credit Card, users will get 2 reward points for every Rs.100 spent on all purchases and 10 reward points for every Rs.100 when using cards for dining, entertainment, utility bill payments and international purchases. As stated above the value of 1 RBL reward point is Rs 0.25. The general cashback rate comes at 0.5% and the special cashback rate for dining and entertainment comes at 2.5%.
The Platinum Maxima Plus Credit Card also allows users to get 2 reward points for every Rs.100 spent on all purchases and 10 reward points for every Rs.100 when using cards for dining, entertainment, utility bill payments and international purchases. As stated above the value of 1 RBL reward point is Rs 0.25. The general cashback rate comes at 0.5% and the special cashback rate for dining and entertainment comes at 2.5%.
The cashback rate for both cards is identical, and users of these credit cards can earn up to 1,000 reward points per month.
Milestone Benefits
Milestone benefits can provide extra motivation for cardholders to utilize their cards frequently.
The Platinum Maxima Credit Card rewards users with 10,000 reward points on purchases of Rs. 2.5 lakhs or more in a year. Cardholders will get an additional 10,000 bonus reward points on crossing INR. 4 lakhs of annual spending on the card.
Meanwhile, the Platinum Maxima Plus Credit Card offers even greater incentives at lower spending thresholds. Cardholders will get 10,000 reward points on purchases of Rs. 2 lakhs or more in a year. Cardholders will get an additional 10,000 bonus reward points on crossing INR. 3.5 lakhs of annual spending on the card. Cardholders will get an additional 10,000 bonus reward points on crossing Rs. 5 lakhs of annual spending on the card.
This strategy not only enhances user engagement but also provides more value for cardholders, making the Plus card the clear winner in this category.
Movie Benefits
For many, enjoying a night out at the movies is an essential part of life, and both cards provide valuable cinema-related perks.
The Platinum Maxima Credit Card offers 1 complimentary movie ticket free up to INR 100 every month on the purchase of 2 or more tickets at BookMyShow.
Conversely, the Platinum Maxima Plus Credit Card offers 1 complimentary movie ticket free up to Rs. 200 every month on the purchase of 2 or more tickets at BookMyShow.
Airport Lounge Benefits
The Platinum Maxima Credit Card offers 1 complimentary visit every calendar quarter at domestic lounges across all major airports in India, whereas the Platinum Maxima Plus Credit Card offers 2 complimentary visits every calendar quarter at domestic lounges across all major airports in India.
Cons
Understanding the cons is crucial for making an informed decision.
The Platinum Maxima Credit Card has limited additional features, which might not suit users looking for comprehensive benefits. Additionally, in comparison to competitive cards, some might find the reward point structure less appealing.
Meanwhile, the Platinum Maxima Plus Credit Card features a slightly higher annual fee of ₹2,500 compared to the ₹2000 fee of the Maxima card, which could deter budget-conscious individuals. Some may feel that the reward structure favours higher spenders, requiring potential users to consider their spending habits carefully.
Fees and Charges
When evaluating credit cards, the fees associated with them play a critical role in decision-making.
Fee structure for Platinum Maxima Credit Card
Joining fee: INR 2000/- plus taxes.
Annual fee: INR 2000/- plus taxes.
Foreign currency markup: 3.50%.
Cash advance fee: 2.5% or INR 500, whichever is higher.
Late payment charges: INR 100 to 1300.
Reward redemption fee: INR 99 per redemption request.
Interest rate: 3.99% monthly, 47.88% annually.
fee structure for Platinum Maxima Plus Credit Card
Joining fee: INR 2500/- plus taxes.
Annual fee: INR 2500/- plus taxes.
Foreign currency markup: 3.50%.
Cash advance fee: 2.5% or INR 500, whichever is higher.
Late payment charges: INR 100 to 1300.
Reward redemption fee: INR 99 per redemption request.
Interest rate: 3.99% monthly, 47.88% annually
Final Thoughts
The choice between the RBL Platinum Maxima and Platinum Maxima Plus credit cards hinges on your spending habits, lifestyle preferences, and willingness to pay slightly higher fees for enhanced benefits. Here’s a concise breakdown to guide your decision:
For High Spenders & Frequent Users:
The Platinum Maxima Plus shines with lower milestone thresholds (rewards at ₹2L, ₹3.5L, and ₹5L annual spends) and higher welcome benefits (₹2,500 value vs. ₹2,000). If you consistently spend over ₹3.5L annually, the Plus card delivers significantly more value through bonus points and perks.
Lifestyle Perks:
Movie Buffs: The Plus card offers double the monthly cinema benefits (₹200 vs. ₹100), making it ideal for frequent moviegoers.
Travelers: With twice the lounge access (2 visits/quarter) and identical foreign markup fees, the Plus card is better suited for domestic travelers.
Cost Considerations:
The Platinum Maxima (₹2,000 annual fee) is more budget-friendly and sufficient for occasional spenders who prioritize basic rewards and minimal lounge access.
The Plus card’s higher fee (₹2,500) is justified if you maximize its milestones, movie benefits, and lounge visits, effectively offsetting the cost.
Shared Strengths:
Both cards offer identical reward structures (0.5% general cashback, 2.5% on dining/entertainment) and similar drawbacks (high interest rates, redemption fees). Neither is ideal for carrying balances, so timely payments are crucial.
Final Verdict:
Choose Platinum Maxima Plus if you’re a frequent spender, traveller, or entertainment enthusiast who can leverage its superior milestones and perks to outweigh the higher annual fee.
Opt for Platinum Maxima if you prefer a lower-cost option with decent rewards and occasional lifestyle benefits.
If you want to read a more detailed review of this card and find out its AI-powered unbiased rating, visit MyRupaya.
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