Skip to main content

Apollo SBI Credit Card VS SBI Card PULSE

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
Verified
Last updated: 17 July 2026

Both Apollo SBI Credit Card and SBI Card PULSE suit travel-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. Apollo SBI Credit Card costs ₹1,499 + GST and earns up to 10 RP per Rs.100 on Apollo 24|7 (SELECT), 2 RP on Dining/Movies/Travel, 1 RP per Rs.200 on other spends. SBI Card PULSE costs ₹1,499 + GST and earns 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on Movies, Dining, Pharmacy, Chemist, Sports (2.5% value); 2 RP per ₹100 on others (0.5% value). Apollo SBI Credit Card also brings 4 complimentary Domestic Lounge visits per year (max 1 per quarter) for SELECT variant, while SBI Card PULSE counters with 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every year, capped at 2 per quarter. If premium spending matters more, go with Apollo SBI Credit Card; if shopping is the priority, SBI Card PULSE fits better.

Apollo SBI Credit Card
Apollo SBI Credit Card
SBI Card PULSE
SBI Card PULSE

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹1,499 + GST
Joining Fee₹1,499 + GST
Renewal Fee₹1,499 + GST
Renewal Fee₹1,499 + GST
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee waiver on annual spends of Rs. 3 Lakh or more for SELECT variant.
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee waived on spending ₹2 lakhs or more in the previous card anniversary year.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% markup on international transactions (for base variant).
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% of the transaction amount.
Interest Rate (APR)3.5% per month (42% annually) for base variant.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% Per Month (45% Per Annum).

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusRs.1,500 Apollo 24|7 e-Gift Voucher, complimentary FITPASS PRO & Apollo Circle Benefits.
Welcome BonusNoise ColorFit Pulse 4 Pro Smart Watch worth ₹7,999, plus 1-year Fitpass Pro & Netmeds First memberships.
Rewards RateUp to 10 RP per Rs.100 on Apollo 24|7 (SELECT), 2 RP on Dining/Movies/Travel, 1 RP per Rs.200 on other spends.
Rewards RateEarn 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on Movies, Dining, Pharmacy, Chemist, Sports (2.5% value); 2 RP per ₹100 on others (0.5% value).
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeRs. 99 per redemption request (for base variant). Not mentioned for SELECT.
Reward Redemption Fee₹100 on each redemption request.

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access4 complimentary Domestic Lounge visits per year (max 1 per quarter) for SELECT variant.
Domestic Lounge Access8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every year, capped at 2 per quarter.
International Lounge Access2-year complimentary Priority Pass Membership worth $99 for SELECT variant.
International Lounge AccessComplimentary Priority Pass membership for the first two years (usage fees apply).
Travel BenefitsEarn 2 RP per Rs.100 spent on Travel (SELECT). Includes lounge access benefits.
Travel Benefits8 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually & complimentary Priority Pass membership for 2 years.
Movie BenefitsEarn 2 RP per Rs.100 on Movies & Entertainment (SELECT); 2x RP on Movies (base card).
Movie BenefitsEarn 10 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Movies, translating to a 2.5% reward rate.
Dining BenefitsEarn 2 RP per Rs.100 on Dining (SELECT); 2x RP on Dining (base card).
Dining BenefitsEarn 10 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Dining, translating to a 2.5% reward rate.
Golf BenefitsNot Applicable
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver across all petrol pumps, capped at Rs.100/month on transactions Rs.500-Rs.4000 (SELECT).
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver for transactions between ₹500-₹4,000, max ₹250 per statement cycle.

Security & Other

Insurance BenefitsZero Lost Card Liability. No other specific insurance benefits mentioned.
Insurance BenefitsZero Liability Cover (₹1 lakh), Lost Baggage (₹72,000), Delayed Baggage (₹7,500), Loss of Travel Documents (₹12,500).
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of amount or Rs. 500, whichever is higher (for base variant).
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of cash amount, subject to a minimum of ₹500.
Apply Now(opens in new tab)
Apply Now(opens in new tab)
Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

Apollo SBI Credit Card

SBI Card PULSE

Who is it for?

The Apollo SBI Card SELECT is a specialized credit card offering extensive healthcare benefits through a collaboration with SBI Card and Apollo Hospitals. It provides exclusive perks like e-gift vouchers, complimentary health memberships, and accelerated reward points on healthcare spending. Beyond health, it offers rewards on dining, movies, entertainment, and travel, alongside lounge access and fuel surcharge waivers, making it ideal for frequent Apollo users.

Who is it for?

The SBI Card PULSE is a mid-range credit card designed for health and wellness enthusiasts, offering significant travel and lifestyle benefits. It provides a valuable welcome gift of a Noise Smart Watch, complimentary Fitpass Pro and Netmeds First memberships, and accelerated rewards on health, movies, and dining. Cardholders also enjoy domestic lounge access, Priority Pass membership, and comprehensive insurance, making it ideal for those seeking a blend of health, travel, and reward benefits.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Offers exclusive healthcare benefits and instant discounts at select Apollo Services.

Provides additional discounts when using the card at Apollo Hospitals for medical treatments.

Earns accelerated reward points on healthcare expenditures, maximizing savings on wellness.

Includes appealing welcome benefits, providing significant value upon card activation.

Offers reward points on general spending categories like dining, movies, entertainment.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Valuable welcome benefits include a Noise smartwatch and health memberships.

Enjoy complimentary annual Fitpass Pro & Netmeds First memberships, renewable yearly.

Earn accelerated 2.5% reward points on movies, dining, pharmacy, chemist, and sports.

Benefit from 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits and Priority Pass membership.

Comprehensive insurance covers travel incidents, lost baggage, and fraud liability.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The card's specialized focus primarily benefits frequent users of Apollo healthcare services.

Its value proposition is somewhat limited for individuals not regularly using Apollo Centres.

Lounge access and premium travel benefits may vary greatly depending on the specific card variant.

Reward point redemption is restricted only to Apollo Health Credits, services, or vouchers.

The base variant of the Apollo SBI Card lacks both domestic and international lounge access.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

International lounge access via Priority Pass incurs usage fees despite complimentary membership.

Accelerated reward points on preferred categories are capped at 7,500 points monthly.

No reward points are earned on common transactions like fuel purchases and wallet reloads.

A redemption fee of ₹100 is charged for every reward point redemption request.

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 Apollo SBI Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for SBI Card PULSE(opens in new tab)