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faayda.com › compare › SBI Card PULSE vs SBI Card PRIME
Comparison · हिन्दी

SBI Card PULSE vs SBI Card PRIME

Both cards compared on real rupee returns for best SBI mid-tier credit card India wellness vs lifestyle. We ran the numbers so you can make the right call.

Last updated: · Based on current card terms
SBI
CARD PULSE
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
SBI
CARD PRIME
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
SBI Card PULSE wins for most people
SBI Card PULSE wins with ₹301 annual benefit versus SBI Card PRIME's -₹239 loss. For your ₹16,000 monthly spend, PULSE's lower fee and better pharmacy rewards deliver superior value.
Side-by-side comparison
SBI Card PULSE ✓ SBI Card PRIME
Annual benefit ₹301 -₹239
Annual feeThe yearly fee a bank charges for holding the card, often waived if you spend enough in a year.Full definition → ₹1,499 + taxes (waived on ₹2,00,000/year spend) ₹2,999 + taxes (waived on ₹3,00,000/year spend)
Reward rateCashback pays you directly in rupees; reward points need converting first, and their real value depends on the redemption ratio.Full definition → 2.5% on pharmacy, dining, movies and sports (10 RP/₹100, 4 RP = ₹1); 0.5% on all others; free Noise smartwatch + FITPASS + Netmeds 10 reward points per ₹100 on dining, grocery, movies, departmental stores (2.5%); 2 RP per ₹100 on others (0.5%)
Lounge accessFree entry to airport lounges, usually limited to a set number of visits per quarter or year.Full definition → 4 complimentary domestic visits a year (1 per quarter), plus a complimentary Priority Pass membership worth US $99 for the first two years 8 domestic + 4 international visits/year (2 per quarter each)
Forex markupThe extra fee your bank adds on top of the real exchange rate for any spend in a foreign currency.Full definition → 3.5% 3.5%
Best for Health-conscious individuals wanting wellness memberships, gym access and pharmacy rewards Lifestyle spenders who want dining, grocery and movie rewards with lounge access
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹25,000/month (salaried) ₹50,000/month (salaried)
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 700+ 750+
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When each card wins
SBI Card PULSE
SBI Card PULSE excels when pharmacy and dining visits are frequent. Its lower fee and Netmeds partnership maximize returns on your ₹4,000 monthly dining and ₹4,000 grocery spend without requiring high fee justification.
SBI Card PRIME
SBI Card PRIME suits those prioritizing lounge access and premium lifestyle benefits beyond rewards. However, at your spend level, the ₹2,999 annual fee far outweighs the modest reward gains.
Who should get which card
Get SBI Card PULSE if you…
· ₹1,499 fee easily waived at ₹16,667/month spend
· Netmeds partnership perfect for regular pharmacy purchases
· Free Noise smartwatch and FITPASS add tangible wellness value
· Better for balanced spenders across dining and groceries
Get SBI Card PRIME if you…
· Premium lounge access for frequent business travelers
· Higher grocery reward rate at 2.5% vs 0.5%
· Better for spenders exceeding ₹25,000/month to justify ₹2,999 fee
· Departmental store rewards for high-value shopping
Partner offer
Axis Bank Select Credit Card
Higher spenders (₹6L+ income) who will spend ₹3L+ a year, want international lounge access through Priority Pass with 12 visits, and want a 2% earn rate on everyday retail spends
Apply now →
AXIS
ASHOK KUMAR

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Frequently asked questions
Based on our analysis, SBI Card PULSE offers better annual returns for most spend profiles.
SBI Card PULSE has an annual fee of ₹1,499 + taxes (waived on ₹2,00,000/year spend). SBI Card PRIME has an annual fee of ₹2,999 + taxes (waived on ₹3,00,000/year spend).
SBI Card PULSE offers 2.5% on pharmacy, dining, movies and sports (10 RP/₹100, 4 RP = ₹1); 0.5% on all others; free Noise smartwatch + FITPASS + Netmeds. SBI Card PRIME offers 10 reward points per ₹100 on dining, grocery, movies, departmental stores (2.5%); 2 RP per ₹100 on others (0.5%).
SBI Card PULSE lounge access: 4 complimentary domestic visits a year (1 per quarter), plus a complimentary Priority Pass membership worth US $99 for the first two years. SBI Card PRIME lounge access: 8 domestic + 4 international visits/year (2 per quarter each).
SBI Card PULSE charges 3.5% forex markup. SBI Card PRIME charges 3.5% forex markup.