Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
AU Bank Zenith vs SBI Pulse
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Premium
AU Small Finance Bank
AU Bank Zenith
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
IN
SBI Card
SBI Pulse
Wins 5 of 10
Verdict
SBI Pulse wins 5-4. Health/fitness focused — smartwatch + wellness benefits. AU Bank Zenith is still the right call if underrated mid-premium — punches above its fee tier..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | AU Bank Zenith | SBI Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹7,500 | ₹1,499 |
| Joining fee | · ₹7,500 | ₹1,499 |
| Top reward rate | 10% (travel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | 2% | · 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 7,500 reward points + Vistara Premium Economy ticket | = Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹800,000 / yr | ₹200,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹1,200,000 | ₹360,000 |
| Min credit score | · 780 | 740 |
| Editorial rating | 4.4/5 | · 3.9/5 |
Benefits compared
AU Bank Zenith
- 10 ZenPoints per ₹100 on travel + dining
- 2 ZenPoints per ₹100 on general spend
- 8 complimentary international lounge visits per quarter
- 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits / year
- Annual milestone: free domestic flight at ₹6L spend
- 4 free golf rounds/quarter at 250+ courses
SBI Pulse
- Free Noise ColorFit Pulse 2 smartwatch
- 4 reward points per ₹100 on chemists, dining, movies
- 4 domestic lounge visits/year
- 1-year FITPASS PRO membership
- Cult.fit + 1mg discount partnerships
FAQ
›AU Bank Zenith vs SBI Pulse: which is better?
SBI Pulse wins on more dimensions (5 vs 4). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use AU Bank Zenith for its best categories, SBI Pulse for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
AU Bank Zenith: 7,500 reward points + Vistara Premium Economy ticket. SBI Pulse: Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points.