Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
ICICI Rubyx vs SBI Pulse
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
ICICI Bank
ICICI Rubyx
VISA
Wins 1 of 10
IN
SBI Card
SBI Pulse
Wins 5 of 10
Verdict
SBI Pulse wins 5-1. Health/fitness focused — smartwatch + wellness benefits. ICICI Rubyx is still the right call if step up from coral — adds dual-network and milestone rewards..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI Rubyx | SBI Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹2,000 | ₹1,499 |
| Joining fee | · ₹3,000 | ₹1,499 |
| Top reward rate | = 1% (general) | = 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 5,000 PAYBACK points + Tata CLiQ voucher | = Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹350,000 / yr | ₹200,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹600,000 | ₹360,000 |
| Min credit score | · 760 | 740 |
| Editorial rating | 4/5 | · 3.9/5 |
Benefits compared
ICICI Rubyx
- Dual-network (Visa + Amex one card)
- 4 international + 6 domestic lounge visits/year
- 15% off Culinary Treats
- 25% off movie tickets
- Comprehensive insurance
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 Rubyx vs SBI Pulse: which is better?
SBI Pulse 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 ICICI Rubyx 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 Rubyx: 5,000 PAYBACK points + Tata CLiQ voucher. SBI Pulse: Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points.