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SBI Card PULSE VS SBI Prime Credit Card

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: 17 July 2026

Both SBI Card PULSE and SBI Prime Credit Card suit travel-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. 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). SBI Prime Credit Card costs ₹2,999 + GST and earns 10 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on dining, movies, groceries, and departmental store purchases. 2 RP on other spends. SBI Card PULSE also brings 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every year, capped at 2 per quarter, while SBI Prime Credit Card counters with 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per annum (maximum 2 visits per quarter). Weigh the fee against the reward rate above to see which fits your spending pattern better.

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹1,499 + GST
Joining Fee₹2,999 + GST
Renewal Fee₹1,499 + GST
Renewal Fee₹2,999 + GST
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee waived on spending ₹2 lakhs or more in the previous card anniversary year.
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee waived off if minimum of ₹3 lakhs spent in the previous year.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% of the transaction amount.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% + GST
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% Per Month (45% Per Annum).
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% Per Month (45% Per Annum)

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusNoise ColorFit Pulse 4 Pro Smart Watch worth ₹7,999, plus 1-year Fitpass Pro & Netmeds First memberships.
Welcome BonusWelcome e-Gift voucher worth ₹3,000 from Yatra, Hush Puppies/Bata, Pantaloons, Aditya Birla Fashion, Shoppers Stop.
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).
Rewards Rate10 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on dining, movies, groceries, and departmental store purchases. 2 RP on other spends.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption Fee₹100 on each redemption request.
Reward Redemption Fee₹99 + GST

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every year, capped at 2 per quarter.
Domestic Lounge Access8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per annum (maximum 2 visits per quarter).
International Lounge AccessComplimentary Priority Pass membership for the first two years (usage fees apply).
International Lounge Access4 complimentary international airport lounge access every year with Priority Pass Membership (max 2 per quarter).
Travel Benefits8 complimentary domestic lounge visits annually & complimentary Priority Pass membership for 2 years.
Travel BenefitsComplimentary Club ITC Silver Membership, discounts at ITC Hotels, travel vouchers, global acceptance.
Movie BenefitsEarn 10 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Movies, translating to a 2.5% reward rate.
Movie BenefitsEarn 10 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on movies.
Dining BenefitsEarn 10 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Dining, translating to a 2.5% reward rate.
Dining BenefitsEarn 10 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on dining; Amex variant offers up to 25% discount.
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits
Complimentary Golf Rounds and Lessons are available with Mastercard and RuPay SELECT variants.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver for transactions between ₹500-₹4,000, max ₹250 per statement cycle.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500-₹4,000, capped at ₹250/month.

Security & Other

Insurance BenefitsZero Liability Cover (₹1 lakh), Lost Baggage (₹72,000), Delayed Baggage (₹7,500), Loss of Travel Documents (₹12,500).
Insurance BenefitsFraud Liability Cover Worth ₹1 Lakh and complimentary air accident liability cover of ₹50 lakhs.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of cash amount, subject to a minimum of ₹500.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of the amount withdrawn or ₹500, whichever is higher.
Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

SBI Card PULSE

SBI Prime Credit Card

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

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.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Enjoy 8 complimentary domestic and 4 international airport lounge visits annually.

Offers an attractive welcome benefit of gift vouchers worth ₹3,000 from popular brands.

The annual renewal fee can be waived upon achieving a minimum spend of ₹3 lakhs.

Offers exciting privileges across various lifestyle categories, including dining, entertainment, and golf.

Available in four variants (Mastercard, RuPay, Amex, VISA) with exclusive network benefits.

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.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The annual fee of ₹2,999 + GST might be high for users not maximizing benefits.

The base reward rate of 2 points per ₹100 on non-accelerated spends is relatively low.

A high interest rate of 3.75% per month (45% per annum) applies to outstanding balances.

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.