| Overview: SBI Card Pulse and SBI SimplyClick Credit Card cater to distinct lifestyles—health enthusiasts and digital shoppers. While Pulse rewards wellness and premium experiences, SBI SimplyClick Credit Card maximises online rewards and affordability. This comparison helps determine which delivers greater long-term value, factoring in benefits, annual fees and everyday usability. |
The Ultimate Face-Off Between SBI’s Most Popular Cards
With over 20 million SBI credit cards in circulation, the brand dominates India’s credit card market by offering products tailored to specific lifestyles. Among its portfolio, SBI Card Pulse and SBI SimplyClick Credit Card stand out as two customer favourites, each appealing to a distinct spending profile. The Pulse card prioritises wellness, travel, and premium privileges, whereas SBI SimplyClick Credit Card caters to online shoppers seeking value and convenience.
Comparing SBI Card Pulse vs SBI SimplyClick Credit Card helps users understand which card aligns better with their daily habits, delivering the perfect balance between rewards, comfort, and affordability.
Know the Basics
Before getting into detailed comparisons, here’s a quick overview of how SBI Card Pulse and SBI SimplyClick Credit Card differ in features, benefits, and suitability.
| Feature | SBI Card Pulse | SBI SimplyClick Credit Card |
| Annual Fee | ₹1,499 | ₹499 |
| Fee Reversal | On annual spends of ₹2 lakh | On annual spends of ₹1 lakh |
| Key Benefit | Free Noise Colorfit Pulse 2 Max smartwatch | 5X rewards on online spends |
| Reward Rate | 10 RP on Dining & Chemist spends | 10X rewards on select partners |
| Lounge Access | 8 domestic per year | Not available |
| Best Suited For | Wellness & travel lovers | Online shoppers |
Rewards and Offers
Both SBI Card Pulse and SBI SimplyClick Credit Card come packed with exciting reward structures, each tailored to match unique spending habits and lifestyles.
SBI Card Pulse:
- 10 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on dining and chemists
- 2 Reward Points per ₹100 on other spends
- Earn a ₹15,000 e-voucher on ₹4 lakh annual spend
- Complimentary smartwatch worth ₹5,999 on joining
SBI SimplyClick Credit Card:
- 10X Reward Points on Apollo 24×7, BookMyShow, Myntra, Yatra, and others
- 5X rewards on all online spends
- 1 Reward Point per ₹100 on all other spends
- E-vouchers worth ₹2,000 each on reaching ₹1 lakh and ₹2 lakh in annual spending
SBI Card Pulse vs SBI SimplyClick Credit Card: Pulse wins for premium users who want tangible lifestyle perks, while SBI SimplyClick Credit Card benefits digital consumers who shop online frequently.
| Important to Know: Reward points from SBI cards are typically valid for 2 years, so redeem them regularly to avoid expiration. |
Health and Lifestyle Benefits
SBI Card Pulse clearly targets health-conscious users:
- Complimentary 12-month FITPASS PRO and Netmeds First Membership
- Air Accident Cover of up to ₹50 lakh
- Fraud Liability Cover of up to ₹1 lakh
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership for global lounge access
SBI SimplyClick Credit Card lacks such lifestyle or insurance benefits, focusing instead on e-commerce convenience.
SBI Card Pulse vs SBI SimplyClick Credit Card: The Pulse card adds value for users seeking a blend of wellness and travel privileges alongside spending rewards.
For those concerned about protection, it’s worth learning about credit card protection plans that safeguard your card from fraud or misuse.
Lounge Access and Travel Perks
SBI Card Pulse offers 8 domestic airport lounge visits annually (2 per quarter). Frequent flyers find this feature immensely useful for comfort and savings.
SBI SimplyClick Credit Card, on the other hand, does not include lounge access, which may disappoint travellers.
| Facts to Know: Domestic lounge access typically costs ₹500–₹800 per visit, so SBI Card Pulse’s inclusion adds ₹4,000–₹6,000 worth of annual value. |
Annual Fee and Spend-Based Reversals
Understanding the fee structure helps assess real value. Both cards reward higher spending but cater to different user types and spending capacities.
- SBI Card Pulse: ₹1,499 annual fee, waived on ₹2 lakh yearly spend.
- SBI SimplyClick Credit Card: ₹499 annual fee, waived on ₹1 lakh spend.
If you’re a moderate spender, SBI SimplyClick Credit Card offers faster fee reversal. However, for premium users with higher spends, SBI Card Pulse offers significantly better long-term value through vouchers and wellness perks.
SBI Card Pulse vs SBI SimplyClick Credit Card: Pulse delivers superior value for heavy spenders, while SBI SimplyClick Credit Card is cost-efficient for beginners.
Fuel and Utility Benefits
Both cards provide a 1% fuel surcharge waiver for transactions between ₹500 and ₹3,000. However, neither card is specifically designed for fuel benefits—those who prioritise this may consider alternatives like the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card, which also offers cashback on utilities and telecom spends. Moreover, it’s always wise to understand credit card charges to maximise value from fuel and utility payments.
Reward Redemption and Usability
Both cards allow redemption of Reward Points through SBI’s “Shop and Smile” portal for gifts, e-vouchers, and air miles.
| Aspect | SBI Card Pulse | SBI SimplyClick Credit Card |
| Reward Value (approx.) | ₹0.25 per point | ₹0.25 per point |
| Redemption Options | Travel, lifestyle, and health brands | Online shopping & vouchers |
| Ease of Use | Balanced for online/offline | Ideal for online transactions |
SBI Card Pulse vs SBI SimplyClick Credit Card: SBI SimplyClick Credit Card gives faster point accumulation for digital spends, but Pulse’s rewards are more diversified.
Protection and Security
Both cards ensure safe transactions, but SBI Card Pulse provides enhanced coverage, making it ideal for users prioritising protection and peace of mind.
- SBI Card Pulse: Stronger insurance coverage and fraud protection make it suitable for frequent travellers.
- SBI SimplyClick Credit Card: Offers standard security but lacks additional protection layers.
| Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t use both cards for the same type of spends. Optimise rewards by splitting categories smartly. |
Verdict: Which Card Delivers More Value?
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide whether you’re an avid online shopper or a premium lifestyle spender; each card serves a distinct purpose.
| Spending Type | Recommended Card |
| Online Shopping | SBI SimplyClick Credit Card |
| Dining & Chemist Spends | SBI Card Pulse |
| Travel & Health | SBI Card Pulse |
| Occasional Online Buyer | SBI SimplyClick Credit Card |
| Premium Lifestyle User | SBI Card Pulse |
In the debate of SBI Card Pulse vs SBI SimplyClick Credit Card, the ideal choice depends on your lifestyle. SBI SimplyClick Credit Card is better for digital-first users, while Pulse offers richer overall benefits for premium and wellness-orientated spenders.
| What You Must Know: Both cards fall under SBI’s rewards ecosystem, allowing cross-redemption of points across partner platforms. |
Final Verdict: The Clear Winner in SBI Card Pulse vs SBI SimplyClick Credit Card
Both SBI Card Pulse and SBI SimplyClick Credit Card are strong contenders, offering excellent value in their respective niches. SBI SimplyClick Credit Card wins for low annual fees and superior online shopping rewards, while Pulse stands out for its health benefits, lounge access, and premium protection.
However, if you’re seeking a versatile option that provides cashback on utilities, fuel, and telecom spends, the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card is a strong alternative, ideal for users wanting an all-rounder card with easy redemption and cashback value.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between SBI Card Pulse and SBI SimplyClick Credit Card?
SBI Card Pulse focuses on health and lifestyle benefits, while SBI SimplyClick Credit Card targets online shoppers with higher rewards on digital purchases.
2. Which card offers better travel benefits between SBI Card Pulse and SBI SimplyClick Credit Card?
SBI Card Pulse provides airport lounge access and travel insurance, making it more suitable for frequent travellers than SBI SimplyClick Credit Card.
3. Which card has a lower annual fee, SBI Card Pulse or SBI SimplyClick Credit Card?
SBI SimplyClick Credit Card has a lower annual fee of ₹499, whereas SBI Card Pulse charges ₹1,499 with higher lifestyle rewards.
4. Which card offers better cashback or reward points?
SBI SimplyClick Credit Card offers up to 10X rewards on online spends, while SBI Card Pulse rewards dining, chemist, and wellness purchases.
5. Who should choose SBI Card Pulse over SBI SimplyClick Credit Card?
Individuals interested in fitness memberships, travel perks, and premium protection should choose SBI Card Pulse over SBI SimplyClick Credit Card.
