Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
Axis ACE vs SBI Pulse
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Axis Bank
Axis ACE
VISA
Wins 5 of 10
IN
SBI Card
SBI Pulse
Wins 1 of 10
Verdict
Axis ACE wins 5-1. Bill payments + utilities + fuel — set-and-forget cashback SBI Pulse is still the right call if health/fitness focused — smartwatch + wellness benefits..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Axis ACE | SBI Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹499 | · ₹1,499 |
| Joining fee | ₹499 | · ₹1,499 |
| Top reward rate | 4% (fuel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 1.5% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = Up to ₹2,000 cashback on first 60-day spends | = Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points |
| Fee waiver threshold | = ₹200,000 / yr | = ₹200,000 / yr |
| Min income | = ₹360,000 | = ₹360,000 |
| Min credit score | · 750 | 740 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 3.9/5 |
Benefits compared
Axis ACE
- 5% cashback on Google Pay bill payments (electricity, gas, broadband, mobile, DTH)
- 4% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, Ola
- 2% cashback on every other transaction
- 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
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
›Axis ACE vs SBI Pulse: which is better?
Axis ACE wins on more dimensions (5 vs 1). 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 Axis ACE 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?
Axis ACE: Up to ₹2,000 cashback on first 60-day spends. SBI Pulse: Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points.