SBI Pulse Credit Card Review – Benefits & Features

SBI Card PULSE, designed for fitness enthusiasts, offers a range of health-focused benefits including a complimentary Noise ColorFit smartwatch, free FITPASS PRO and Netmeds First memberships, and enhanced reward points on health-related spending. As reported by NDTV Profit, this lifestyle credit card aims to help users manage both their health and wealth together.

SBI Card PULSE Key Benefits

The SBI Pulse Credit Card offers a range of features tailored for health-conscious individuals. Here's a summary of its key features.

Feature	Details
Welcome Gift	Noise ColorFit Pulse 2 Max SmartWatch worth ₹5,999 upon payment of joining fee
Health Benefits	1 year complimentary FITPASS PRO and Netmeds First memberships, renewable annually
Reward Points	10 points per ₹100 spent on pharmacy, chemist, movies, and dining; 2 points per ₹100 on other categories
Milestone Benefits	Renewal fee waiver on ₹2 Lakh annual spend; ₹1,500 e-voucher on ₹4 Lakh annual spend
Insurance Cover	₹1 Lakh fraud liability cover, ₹50 Lakh air accident cover
Lounge Access	8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (max 2 per quarter)
Fuel Surcharge Waiver	1% waiver on transactions between ₹500 to ₹4,000 (max ₹250 per month)
Annual Fee	₹1,499 + taxes (joining and renewal)

The SBI Pulse Credit Card also offers worldwide acceptance at over 24 million outlets, including 3.25 Lakh outlets in India. Cardholders can use the FlexiPay facility to convert transactions above ₹2,500 into EMIs within 30 days of the transaction. Additionally, the card provides travel-related insurance benefits such as coverage for loss of checked-in baggage (USD 1,000), loss of travel documents (₹12,500), and baggage damage (₹5,000).

SBI Card PULSE Welcome Benefits

SBI Pulse Credit Card offers attractive welcome benefits to new cardholders, focusing on health and fitness-related perks. Here's a summary of the key welcome benefits

Welcome Benefit	Details
Smart Watch	Noise ColorFit Pulse 2 Max Smart Watch worth ₹5,999
FITPASS PRO Membership	1 year complimentary membership
Netmeds First Membership	1 year complimentary membership
Membership Activation	Available upon payment of joining fee and at least one retail transaction
Membership Renewal	Both FITPASS PRO and Netmeds First memberships renewable annually on payment of renewal fee

The Noise ColorFit Pulse 2 Max Smart Watch is provided as a welcome gift through a voucher sent within 45 days of paying the joining fee . The FITPASS PRO membership offers access to over 4,000 gyms and fitness studios, unlimited online fitness sessions, and AI-led fitness coaching. The Netmeds First membership includes benefits such as unlimited online doctor consultations, basic annual health check-ups, additional discounts on prepaid orders and lab tests, and free deliveries .

It's important to note that these welcome benefits are designed to align with the card's focus on health and fitness, providing cardholders with tools and services to support an active lifestyle . The complimentary memberships are particularly valuable, offering access to a wide range of fitness and healthcare services that complement the card's overall health-oriented features.

SBI Card PULSE Annual Value Chart

The SBI Pulse Credit Card offers various benefits that provide value to cardholders throughout the year. The following table breaks down the potential annual value of these benefits based on typical usage and spending patterns.

Benefit	Annual Value (₹)	Details
Welcome Gift	Rs. 5,999	Noise ColorFit Pulse 2 Max SmartWatch (one-time benefit)
FITPASS PRO Membership	Rs. 14,999	1-year complimentary membership
Netmeds First Membership	Rs. 599	1-year complimentary membership
Reward Points	Up to 20,000	Assuming ₹2 lakh annual spend (10 points per ₹100 on select categories)
Renewal Fee Waiver	Rs. 1,499	On annual spends of ₹2 lakh or more
E-voucher	Rs. 1,500	On annual retail spends of ₹4 lakh
Domestic Lounge Access	Rs. 6,400	8 complimentary visits per year (estimated value of ₹800 per visit)
Fuel Surcharge Waiver	Up to 3,000	1% waiver on transactions between ₹500 to ₹4,000 (max ₹250 per month)
Insurance Coverage	Variable	Includes fraud liability, air accident, and travel-related covers

The total potential value can exceed ₹50,000 in the first year, considering the welcome gift and complimentary memberships. Subsequent years' value would depend on card usage and qualification for renewal benefits. It's important to note that the actual value realized may vary based on individual spending habits and utilization of card benefits.

The card's focus on health and fitness-related perks, such as the FITPASS PRO membership and rewards on pharmacy spending, adds significant value for health-conscious individuals. The milestone benefits, like the renewal fee waiver and e-voucher, incentivize higher spending and can offset the annual fee for frequent users.

Additionally, the insurance coverage provides peace of mind for travelers, though its monetary value is contingent on claim scenarios. The domestic lounge access perk enhances travel comfort and can result in substantial savings for frequent flyers.

To maximize the card's value, cardholders should aim to meet spending thresholds for fee waivers and additional rewards, utilize the complimentary memberships fully, and take advantage of the accelerated reward points on health, dining, and entertainment categories.

SBI Card PULSE Fees & Charges

The SBI Pulse Credit Card comes with various fees and charges that cardholders should be aware of. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the key fees and charges associated with this card.

Fee/Charge	Type Amount
Joining Fee	₹1,499 + taxes
Annual Fee	₹1,499 + taxes
Finance Charges	3.50% per month (42% per annum)
Cash Advance Fee	2.5% of the amount withdrawn or ₹500, whichever is higher
Late Payment Fee	₹400 - ₹1,300 (based on outstanding amount)
Over Limit Fee	₹600
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee	3.5%
Card Replacement Fee	₹100 - ₹250
Reward Redemption Fee	₹99

The annual fee is waived off on annual spends of ₹2 Lakh or more in the preceding year. For late payments, the fee structure is tiered: ₹400 for dues between ₹500 and ₹1,000, ₹750 for ₹1,000 to ₹10,000, ₹950 for ₹10,000 to ₹25,000, ₹1,100 for ₹25,000 to ₹50,000, and ₹1,300 for dues above ₹50,000. It's important to note that these fees are subject to change at the discretion of SBI Cards & Payment Services Private Limited.

SBI Card PULSE Eligibility

The SBI Pulse Credit Card has specific eligibility criteria that applicants must meet to qualify. Here's a summary of the key eligibility requirements

• Age: Minimum 21 years, maximum 60 years
• Employment Status: Salaried or self-employed
• Annual Income: Minimum ₹2 Lakh per annum
• Credit Score: 750 or above
• Citizenship: Indian resident
• Credit History: Good credit history required

Additional considerations

• The applicant should have a regular income source
• Specific income requirements may vary and are communicated at the time of application
• A stable employment history is typically preferred
• The bank may consider other factors such as existing credit obligations and repayment history

Applicants generally need to submit

• Identity proof (e.g., Aadhar Card, PAN Card)
• Address proof (e.g., Utility Bills, Passport)
• Income proof (e.g., Salary slips, Bank statements, Income Tax Returns)

Meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval, as the final decision is subject to the bank's discretion and internal policies.

How to apply SBI Card PULSE

The SBI Pulse Credit Card can be applied for through multiple channels, offering convenience to potential cardholders

Online Application

1. Visit the official SBI Card website.
2. Navigate to the 'Credit Cards' section.
3. Select SBI Card PULSE.
4. Click on 'Apply Now'.
5. Fill in the required personal and professional details.
6. Upload necessary documents.
7. Submit the application.

SBI YONO App

1.  Open the SBI YONO app.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Go to the 'Credit Cards' section.
4. Choose SBI Card PULSE.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the application.

Offline Application

1. Visit the nearest SBI bank branch.
2. Request the SBI Card PULSE application form.
3. Fill in the form with required details.
4. Submit the form along with necessary documents.

Phone Application

1. Call the SBI Card customer care number.
2. Express interest in applying for SBI Card PULSE.
3. Provide necessary details over the phone.
4. Follow up with document submission as instructed.

After submitting the application, the processing typically takes 7-10 working days. The bank may contact the applicant for additional information or verification if required. Once approved, the card is usually delivered to the registered address within 7-10 business days.

It's important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval, as the final decision is subject to the bank's discretion based on various factors including credit score and financial history

SBI Card PULSE Overall Review

The SBI Pulse Credit Card offers a unique blend of health-focused benefits and general credit card features, making it an attractive option for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. Here's a comprehensive review of its key aspects:

SBI Card PULSE Pros

• Health-centric benefits: The card provides complimentary FITPASS PRO and Netmeds First memberships, which offer access to gyms, fitness studios, and healthcare services.
• Attractive welcome gift: New cardholders receive a Noise ColorFit Pulse 2 Max Smart Watch worth ₹5,999.
• Accelerated reward points: Cardholders earn 10 reward points per ₹100 spent on pharmacy, chemist, movies, and dining categories, equivalent to a 2.5% return.
• Travel benefits: The card offers 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year and travel insurance coverage.
• Milestone benefits: Cardholders can earn a Netmeds e-gift voucher worth ₹1,500 on spending ₹4 lakhs annually.

SBI Card PULSE Cons

• Limited reward rate on general spending: Only 2 reward points per ₹100 (0.5% return) on non-accelerated categories.
• Annual fee: The card carries a joining and renewal fee of ₹1,499 + GST, which may be steep for some users.
• Restricted audience: The card's benefits are most valuable to those who prioritize health and fitness spending.

The SBI Pulse Credit Card can provide significant value, especially in the first year. The welcome benefits alone, including the smartwatch and complimentary memberships, can exceed ₹20,000 in value. For frequent users of gyms, pharmacies, and health services, the accelerated reward points can lead to substantial savings.

However, the card's value diminishes for those who don't utilize the health-related benefits or spend heavily in the accelerated categories. The annual fee of ₹1,499 + GST requires careful consideration, although it can be waived with annual spends of ₹2 lakhs or more.

Comparison to other cards

When compared to other health-focused cards like the Axis Bank Aura Credit Card, the SBI Pulse offers unique features such as the smartwatch welcome gift and FITPASS PRO membership. However, some competitors may offer better overall reward rates or lower annual fees.

User feedback

User opinions on the SBI Pulse card are mixed. Some appreciate the health-focused benefits and find value in the complimentary memberships. Others feel that the card's benefits don't justify the annual fee, especially after the first year.

Conclusion

The SBI Pulse Credit Card is best suited for individuals who are committed to a healthy lifestyle and can take full advantage of its health-related benefits. For such users, the card can provide excellent value, particularly in the first year.

However, for those who don't prioritize health and fitness spending or prefer more general rewards, there may be better options available in the market. Potential applicants should carefully consider their spending habits and lifestyle needs before choosing this card.