HDFC Infinia (Metal) vs SBI Pulse
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
SBI Pulse wins 5-4. Health/fitness focused — smartwatch + wellness benefits. HDFC Infinia (Metal) is still the right call if top-tier travelers — invitation-only, the apex of hdfc reward redemption..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC Infinia (Metal) | SBI Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹12,500 | ₹1,499 |
| Joining fee | · ₹12,500 | ₹1,499 |
| Top reward rate | 33% (travel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 3.3% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | 1.99% | · 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 12,500 reward points (offsets joining fee 1:1) | = Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹1,000,000 / yr | ₹200,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹4,000,000 | ₹360,000 |
| Min credit score | · 800 | 740 |
| Editorial rating | 4.9/5 | · 3.9/5 |
Benefits compared
HDFC Infinia (Metal)
- Unlimited international + domestic lounge access (self + guest)
- 10x reward points on SmartBuy partners
- Free annual Club Marriott + Club Vistara Gold
- Concierge 24x7
- 2% forex markup
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
›HDFC Infinia (Metal) 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 HDFC Infinia (Metal) 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?
HDFC Infinia (Metal): 12,500 reward points (offsets joining fee 1:1). SBI Pulse: Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points.