Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
SBI Pulse vs IDFC FIRST Wow
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
SBI Card
SBI Pulse
Wins 1 of 10
IN
IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Wow
VISA
Wins 6 of 10
Verdict
IDFC FIRST Wow wins 6-1. Secured card backed by FD — accessible to thin-credit-file applicants. SBI Pulse is still the right call if health/fitness focused — smartwatch + wellness benefits..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | SBI Pulse | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹1,499 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹1,499 | None |
| Top reward rate | = 1% (general) | = 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹200,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹360,000 | — |
| Min credit score | · 740 | 600 |
| Editorial rating | · 3.9/5 | 4/5 |
Benefits compared
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
IDFC FIRST Wow
- 1 reward point per ₹100 (no rate change cliff)
- Lifetime free, no annual fee
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits/quarter
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Backed by FD: easy approval
FAQ
›SBI Pulse vs IDFC FIRST Wow: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Wow wins on more dimensions (6 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 SBI Pulse for its best categories, IDFC FIRST Wow for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
SBI Pulse: Noise smartwatch on activation + 5,000 reward points. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.