SBI Card PULSE

Key Features & Benefits

All You Need to Know About: SBI Card PULSE

The SBI Card PULSE is a lifestyle-focused credit card issued by State Bank of India, available on Visa, RuPay, and Mastercard networks. Launched to cater to health-conscious consumers and fitness enthusiasts, this card combines wellness benefits with attractive rewards and travel perks. The card charges a joining fee and annual fee of ₹1,499 plus 18% GST each, though the annual fee is waived on spending ₹2 lakh or more in a card membership year. Upon joining, cardholders receive a Noise ColorFit Pulse Pro or 2 Max Smartwatch delivered via voucher within 45 days of joining fee payment. Additionally, members get complimentary one-year subscriptions to FITPASS PRO (for gym and fitness center access) and Netmeds First (for healthcare and medicine benefits), both of which are automatically renewed each year when the annual fee is paid.

The reward structure is designed to maximize value on health and lifestyle spending. Cardholders earn 10 reward points for every ₹100 spent on pharmacy, chemist, sports goods, dining, and movie tickets, with a monthly cap of 7,500 bonus points on these accelerated categories. All other eligible retail purchases earn 2 reward points per ₹100. These points hold significant value as 4 reward points equal ₹1 when redeemed against card outstanding dues, translating to an effective 2.5% return on accelerated spends and 0.5% on regular purchases. Points can also be redeemed across SBI’s extensive rewards catalogue for merchandise, vouchers, and experiences. Important exclusions include wallet loads, fuel transactions, and EMI conversions, which do not earn reward points. A ₹99 fee is charged per reward redemption request.

Travel benefits include 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year with a quarterly cap of 2 visits, accessible without any minimum spending requirement. However, international lounge access and Priority Pass membership benefits were discontinued after mid-2025, which limits the card’s appeal for international travelers. High spenders are rewarded with a milestone benefit of ₹1,500 e-voucher upon completing ₹4 lakh in annual retail spending. The card also offers 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500 and ₹4,000, with a maximum waiver of ₹250 per statement cycle. Additional features include zero charges on add-on cards, making it family-friendly.

The SBI Card PULSE carries an interest rate of 3.5% to 3.75% per month (42% to 45% per annum) on revolving balances, which is on the higher side compared to many competitors. Foreign exchange transactions attract a 3.5% markup. Other charges include over-limit fees of 2.5% with a minimum of ₹600, cash advance fees of 2.5% with a minimum of ₹500, and standard late payment penalties. The card previously offered air accident insurance coverage of ₹50 lakh, but this benefit was discontinued from July 2025. Credit limits typically range from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh or higher based on individual credit profiles. The application process is entirely online through the official SBI Card website, with most applications processed within 24 to 72 hours. The card targets urban professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and health-conscious individuals who value integrated wellness benefits alongside traditional credit card rewards. With its unique combination of health memberships, smartwatch welcome gift, strong dining and pharmacy rewards, and domestic lounge access, the SBI Card PULSE positions itself as a comprehensive lifestyle card for those seeking value from everyday wellness and entertainment spending.

Pros & Cons

How to Apply

Applying for the SBI Card PULSE is a straightforward online process. Visit the official SBI Card website at https://www.sbicard.com/en/personal/credit-cards/lifestyle/sbi-card-pulse.page and click on “Apply Now.” Fill in your personal, employment, and financial details in the online application form. Upload required documents including identity proof, address proof, and income documents (salary slips or ITR). Submit your application and await instant or within 24-72 hours approval, subject to credit assessment. Once approved, your card will be delivered to your registered address, and you can activate it to start enjoying the wellness and lifestyle benefits immediately.

Detailed Fee Structure

The SBI Card PULSE has a joining fee of ₹1,499 plus 18% GST (total ₹1,768.82), which is charged upfront upon card issuance. The annual renewal fee is also ₹1,499 plus GST, billed from the second year onwards. However, this annual fee is completely waived if you spend ₹2,00,000 or more during the card membership year, making it effectively free for moderate to high spenders.

Beyond the basic fees, there are several ancillary charges to be aware of. Add-on cards are issued free of cost. A reward redemption fee of ₹99 is charged per redemption request. If you exceed your credit limit, an over-limit fee of 2.5% of the over-limit amount (minimum ₹600) applies. Cash advance transactions attract a 2.5% fee with a minimum of ₹500. Late payment charges range based on the outstanding amount. The card carries a high interest rate of 3.5%-3.75% per month (42%-45% per annum) on revolving credit, and international transactions incur a 3.5% foreign exchange markup. Understanding these charges helps cardholders avoid unexpected costs and maximize value from their SBI Card PULSE.

Who Should Get This Card?

The SBI Card PULSE is ideal for health-conscious professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and wellness-focused individuals who regularly spend on pharmacy, medical supplies, gym memberships, healthy dining, and entertainment. It’s particularly suited for urban millennials and Gen Z consumers who value integrated health benefits like FITPASS PRO and Netmeds memberships alongside traditional credit card rewards. Frequent domestic travelers who can utilize the 8 complimentary airport lounge visits will find added value. The card is best for those who can comfortably spend ₹2 lakh annually to waive the renewal fee and maximize the 10X rewards on accelerated categories. If you’re someone who prioritizes lifestyle rewards, fitness tracking through the complimentary smartwatch, and prefers a credit card that aligns with a healthy, active lifestyle, the SBI Card PULSE is an excellent choice.

Alternatives & Competitor Comparison

Feature	SBI Card PULSE	HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
Card Image
Card Network	Visa	Mastercard
USP	The SBI Card PULSE is designed for health-conscious individuals and fitness enthusiasts, offering 10X reward points on pharmacy, chemist, dining, and movie spends, along with complimentary wellness memberships (FITPASS PRO and Netmeds First) and a free smartwatch worth ₹7,999, making it the perfect companion for those who prioritize health, lifestyle rewards, and travel benefits.	The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card delivers 5X accelerated rewards on premium brands like Myntra, Nykaa, and Reliance Digital, plus milestone vouchers worth up to ₹10,000 annually and extensive lounge access with 12 domestic and 6 international visits per year, making it perfect for lifestyle enthusiasts and frequent travelers seeking premium benefits at a competitive annual fee.
Annual Fee	1499 Plus GST	2500 Plus GST
Joining Fee	1499 Plus GST	2500 Plus GST
Welcome Benefits	Noise ColorFit Pulse Pro/2 Max Smartwatch (voucher sent within 45 days of joining fee payment), 1-year complimentary FITPASS PRO Membership (renewed annually on fee payment), 1-year complimentary Netmeds First Membership (renewed annually on fee payment)	₹2,500 voucher on joining fee payment, complimentary Swiggy One membership, complimentary MakeMyTrip Black Elite membership, Club Vistara Silver membership on spending ₹1 lakh in first 90 days
Lounge Access	Domestic: 2 per quarter	Domestic: 12 per year | International: 6 per year
Reward Rate	Earn 10 reward points per ₹100 (10% reward rate, equivalent to 2.5% value-back) on pharmacy, chemist, movies, and dining with a cap of 7,500 bonus points per month. Earn 2 reward points per ₹100 (2% reward rate, equivalent to 0.5% value-back) on all other eligible purchases. 4 reward points = ₹1 (1 reward Point = ₹0.25). No points on wallet loads, fuel, and EMI transactions.	4 reward points per ₹150 spent (2.67% return) on retail, insurance, utility, and education. Earn 20 reward points per ₹150 spent (13.33% return) at Marks & Spencer, Myntra, Nykaa, and Reliance Digital (5X accelerated rewards with capping). milestone benefits: ₹1,500 vouchers on ₹1.5 lakh quarterly spend, ₹5,000 flight vouchers on ₹5 lakh annual spend, additional ₹5,000 flight vouchers on ₹7.5 lakh annual spend.
Interest Rate	3.5% - 3.75% per month (42% - 45% per annum)	3.75% per month (45% per annum)
Best For	Dinning	Lounge Access, Online Shopping
Apply Now	Apply Now	Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions