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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

SBI Card PULSE vs SBI Card PRIME

Detailed comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and value to help you choose the right credit card for your spending pattern.

SBI Card

SBI Card PULSE

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹1,499
Base Rewards0.5%
NetworkVisa
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SBI Card

SBI Card PRIME

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹2,999
Base Rewards0.125%
NetworkVisa
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureSBI Card PULSESBI Card PRIME
Annual Fee₹1,499₹2,999
Joining Fee₹1,499₹2,999
Fee Waiver Spend₹2,00,000₹3,00,000
Base Reward Rate0.5%0.125%
Reward CurrencySBI Reward PointsReward Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating7.2/107.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

SBI Card PULSE

  • 0.62% on Pharmacy & Chemists
  • 0.62% on Dining
  • 0.62% on Movies

SBI Card PRIME

  • 0% on Dining
  • 0% on Groceries
  • 0% on Movies

Pros & Cons

SBI Card PULSE

Pros

  • Complimentary Noise ColorFit Pulse Smartwatch worth up to ₹7,999 as a welcome gift.
  • Annual FITPASS PRO and Netmeds First memberships worth over ₹4,000.
  • High 2.5% reward rate (10 RP per ₹100) on pharmacies, chemists, dining, and movies.
  • 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (2 per quarter).

Cons

  • Low base reward rate of 0.5% on non-accelerated categories.
  • Priority Pass membership does not include any complimentary international visits.
  • Milestone voucher of ₹1,500 requires a high annual spend of ₹4 Lakhs.

SBI Card PRIME

Pros

  • Accelerated 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on dining, groceries, and movies (2.5% value back).
  • Generous welcome benefit with a ₹3,000 e-gift voucher that offsets the joining fee.
  • Comprehensive lounge access with 8 domestic and 4 international visits annually.
  • Milestone vouchers worth up to ₹11,000 annually on reaching spend targets.

Cons

  • Low base reward rate of 0.5% (2 points per ₹100) on general spends.
  • High foreign currency markup of 3.5% compared to other premium cards.
  • Reward points on utility bills are capped and only applicable for standing instructions.

Our Verdict

Both SBI Card PULSE and SBI Card PRIME are strong options. Your choice should depend on your spending pattern and which card's rewards align better with your lifestyle.

Choose SBI Card PULSE if

Offers dedicated memberships for gyms (FITPASS) and online medicine (Netmeds) along with high rewards on pharmacy spends.

Choose SBI Card PRIME if

High rewards on everyday categories like dining, groceries, and movies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: SBI Card PULSE or SBI Card PRIME?
Both SBI Card PULSE and SBI Card PRIME are strong options. Your choice should depend on your spending pattern and which card's rewards align better with your lifestyle.
What is the annual fee difference between SBI Card PULSE and SBI Card PRIME?
SBI Card PULSE has an annual fee of ₹1,499, while SBI Card PRIME has an annual fee of ₹2,999. SBI Card PULSE offers a fee waiver on ₹2,00,000 annual spend. SBI Card PRIME offers a fee waiver on ₹3,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: SBI Card PULSE or SBI Card PRIME?
SBI Card PULSE offers a base reward rate of 0.5% with accelerated rewards on Pharmacy & Chemists and Dining. SBI Card PRIME offers 0.125% base rewards with bonuses on Dining and Groceries. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both SBI Card PULSE and SBI Card PRIME?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. SBI Card PULSE and SBI Card PRIME can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: SBI Card PULSE or SBI Card PRIME?
For beginners, SBI Card PULSE may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹1,499. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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