Quick Verdict

  • The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate of 1% versus SBI Card Pulse’s 0.5%.
  • For travel and lounges, SBI Card Pulse offers more premium benefits including Priority Pass membership and complimentary lounge visits, making it the better travel companion.
  • The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ is slightly cheaper to hold if you do not meet SBI Pulse’s high fee waiver threshold of Rs 2 lakh annually.
  • Choose the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo card if you prioritize travel rewards on IndiGo and everyday returns; pick SBI Card Pulse if you want richer lifestyle perks and can meet the waiver spend.

Side by Side

Detail6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card ⓘSBI Card Pulse Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeRs 1,500Rs 1,499
Joining feeRs 1,500Rs 1,499
Fee waiver on spendNoneRs 2.00 lakh
Reward rate1% base, 5% travel, 2.5% dining, grocery0.5% base, 2.5% dining, utilities
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, lounge, rewards, fuellounge, dining, rewards, travel, shopping

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 100 back at the base rate. This card shines with category bonuses, delivering Rs 500 back on travel spend, Rs 250 on dining, and Rs 250 on groceries per Rs 10,000 spent. These elevated category rates make it a lucrative option for frequent travelers and those who spend heavily on dining and groceries.

In contrast, the SBI Card Pulse Credit Card ⓘ offers Rs 50 back per Rs 10,000 spent at the base rate, which is half that of the IndiGo card. However, it matches the IndiGo card’s 2.5% return on dining and offers the same rate on utilities, a category not covered by the IndiGo card. This makes SBI Pulse appealing for users with significant utility bills and dining expenses, though its lower base rate means less reward on general spending.

Fees Compared

Both cards have nearly identical joining and annual fees: Rs 1,500 for the IndiGo card and Rs 1,499 for SBI Pulse. The key difference lies in the fee waiver. SBI Card Pulse waives the annual fee if you spend Rs 2 lakh annually, which translates to about Rs 16,667 per month. The 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ does not offer any fee waiver, so the Rs 1,500 annual fee is fixed regardless of spend.

The break-even spend to cover the extra Rs 1 annual fee of the IndiGo card versus SBI Pulse is just Rs 200, thanks to its higher base reward rate. This means if your spending is above Rs 200 compared to SBI Pulse, the IndiGo card’s higher returns justify the slightly higher fee.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveler on IndiGo or spend heavily on travel, dining, and groceries. Its higher base reward rate and strong category bonuses deliver better value for everyday spenders who want straightforward rewards and travel benefits without chasing fee waivers. Skip this card if you rarely fly IndiGo or do not spend enough to justify the fixed annual fee.

Opt for the SBI Card Pulse Credit Card ⓘ if you value premium lifestyle perks like the Noise ColorFit Pulse smartwatch welcome gift, complimentary FITPASS PRO and Netmeds memberships, and the Priority Pass lounge access. It suits spenders who can meet the Rs 2 lakh annual spend waiver threshold and want rewards on dining and utilities. Avoid this card if you have low monthly spends or do not intend to use its premium benefits.

Overall, the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ is better for straightforward rewards and travel-focused users, while SBI Card Pulse ⓘ appeals more to lifestyle seekers who can maximize its fee waiver and perks.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm how the fee waiver on SBI Card Pulse applies and if your monthly spend consistently meets Rs 16,667.
  • Understand redemption options and values for points earned, especially for the IndiGo card’s travel-focused rewards.
  • Check the terms on forex markup fees, both cards charge 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.
  • Verify the number of lounge visits and whether they fit your travel patterns, especially since SBI Pulse offers Priority Pass membership but only 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits.

FAQ

What is the forex markup fee on these cards?+
Both the 6E Rewards XL IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Cardⓘ and SBI Card Pulse ⓘ charge a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions.
Does SBI Card Pulse offer a fee waiver?+
Yes, SBI Card Pulse waives its Rs 1,499 annual fee if you spend Rs 2 lakh annually, or about Rs 16,667 per month.
How many domestic lounge visits are included?+
Both cards provide 8 domestic lounge visits per year, but SBI Card Pulse also includes 4 complimentary visits and a Priority Pass membership for the first two years.
What rewards categories perform best on the IndiGo card?+
The IndiGo card offers 5% rewards on travel, and 2.5% on dining and groceries, making these categories ideal for maximizing returns.
Is the welcome benefit valuable on SBI Card Pulse?+
SBI Card Pulse provides a Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Pro Smart Watch worth Rs 7,999 plus complimentary FITPASS PRO and Netmeds memberships, which add significant lifestyle value.