Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
ICICI Platinum Chip vs SBI Pulse
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
ICICI Bank
ICICI Platinum Chip
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
IN
SBI Card
SBI Pulse
Wins 4 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI Platinum Chip | SBI Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · ₹1,499 |
| Joining fee | None | · ₹1,499 |
| Top reward rate | · 0.5% (general) | 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 0.5% | 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = No welcome bonus — fee-free for life | = Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points |
| Fee waiver threshold | · N/A (no fee) | ₹200,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹200,000 | · ₹360,000 |
| Min credit score | 700 | · 740 |
| Editorial rating | · 3.6/5 | 3.9/5 |
Benefits compared
ICICI Platinum Chip
- 2 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 15% off at 800+ restaurants
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Lifetime free, no annual fee ever
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
›ICICI Platinum Chip vs SBI Pulse: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. ICICI Platinum Chip wins on 4 criteria, SBI Pulse on 4.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use ICICI Platinum Chip 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?
ICICI Platinum Chip: No welcome bonus — fee-free for life. SBI Pulse: Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points.