Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
ICICI Sapphiro vs SBI Pulse
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Premium
ICICI Bank
ICICI Sapphiro
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 Sapphiro is still the right call if mid-premium with strong dining + travel mix..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI Sapphiro | SBI Pulse |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹3,500 | ₹1,499 |
| Joining fee | · ₹6,500 | ₹1,499 |
| Top reward rate | = 1% (general) | = 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500 | = Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹600,000 / yr | ₹200,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹1,000,000 | ₹360,000 |
| Min credit score | · 780 | 740 |
| Editorial rating | 4.3/5 | · 3.9/5 |
Benefits compared
ICICI Sapphiro
- 4 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 2 complimentary international + 4 domestic lounge visits/year
- 15% off at 800+ restaurants (Culinary Treats)
- 25% off BookMyShow tickets
- Comprehensive travel 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 Sapphiro 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 Sapphiro 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 Sapphiro: 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500. SBI Pulse: Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points.