Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, including dining and utilities, the SBI Card Pulse Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher category reward rate of 2.5%, compared to 1% on the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ.
  • For travel perks and lounge access, the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ offers a slight edge with international lounge visits and additional premium benefits like golf access and concierge.
  • The SBI Card Pulse Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold, with lower joining and annual fees and a lower spend requirement to waive fees.
  • Pick the ICICI Rubyxⓘ if you prioritize premium travel benefits and international lounges. Choose the SBI Pulseⓘ if you seek higher rewards on dining and utilities with a lower cost of ownership.

Side by Side

DetailICICI Bank Rubyx Credit CardⓘSBI Card Pulse Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 2,000Rs 1,499
Joining feeRs 3,000Rs 1,499
Fee waiver on spendRs 5.00 lakhRs 2.00 lakh
Reward rate0.5% base; 1% dining & online0.5% base; 2.5% dining & utilities
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International lounge2 per yearNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, rewards, lounge, shoppinglounge, dining, rewards, travel, shopping

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, both cards give a base reward of Rs 50 in points. However, the difference emerges in category spends. The SBI Card Pulse Credit Cardⓘ offers Rs 250 back on Rs 10,000 dining or utilities spend, thanks to its 2.5% category rate, which is significantly higher than the Rs 100 return from the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ at 1% on dining and online. This makes the SBI Pulseⓘ more rewarding for everyday spends in these categories.

The ICICI Rubyxⓘ compensates somewhat by focusing on travel and premium benefits rather than category rewards alone. The lounge access and travel-related perks add indirect value that the SBI Pulseⓘ lacks, though both cards yield the same Rs 50 on non-category spends.

Fees Compared

The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ has a higher joining fee of Rs 3,000 and an annual fee of Rs 2,000. To waive this fee, you need to spend Rs 5.00 lakh annually, which breaks down to about Rs 41,667 monthly. The SBI Card Pulse Credit Cardⓘ is more affordable upfront and annually, with Rs 1,499 for both joining and annual fees. Its fee waiver kicks in at Rs 2.00 lakh yearly or Rs 16,667 monthly, considerably more accessible for moderate spenders.

In terms of break-even spend to cover the base reward rate against fees, the ICICI Rubyxⓘ requires about Rs 4,00,000, while the SBI Pulseⓘ needs around Rs 2,99,800. This means the SBI Pulseⓘ becomes rewarding at a lower spend level, reflecting its lower fees and higher category rewards.

Which One Should You Pick

The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ suits frequent travelers and premium card users who value international lounge access, concierge services, and golf privileges. If you spend significantly on travel and prefer exclusive benefits alongside rewards, this card justifies its higher fee and spend requirements.

The SBI Card Pulse Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for diners and utility bill payers looking for strong category rewards at a lower cost of ownership. The welcome gift of a smartwatch and complimentary memberships add to its appeal. Choose this card if you want more immediate rewards on your daily spends and a lower threshold to waive fees.

In conclusion, skip the ICICI Rubyxⓘ if you are a moderate spender or do not prioritize travel perks. Avoid the SBI Pulseⓘ if you want international lounge access or premium concierge services. Overall, for everyday spenders focused on dining and utilities, the SBI Pulseⓘ is the better pick, while travel-focused users should lean towards the ICICI Rubyxⓘ.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Check if the domestic lounge access requires quarterly spend gates; the ICICI Rubyxⓘ demands Rs 75,000 quarterly for domestic lounges.
  • Verify actual redemption value of points, as both cards use points but do not specify exact redemption rates.
  • Understand the fee waiver math carefully: the ICICI Rubyxⓘ has a high waiver spend requirement compared to SBI Pulseⓘ.
  • Consider the 3.5% forex markup on both cards if you plan foreign currency transactions.
  • Confirm the list and locations of lounges accessible domestically and internationally before relying on lounge benefits.

FAQ

What are the key welcome benefits of each card?+
The ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ offers TataCliQ vouchers worth Rs 3,000, EaseMyTrip vouchers worth Rs 4,000, Croma vouchers worth Rs 1,500, and a 3-month EazyDiner Prime membership. The SBI Card Pulse Credit Cardⓘ gifts a Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Pro smartwatch worth Rs 7,999, plus complimentary Fitpass Pro and Netmeds First memberships.
How many lounge visits do these cards provide annually?+
Both cards allow 8 domestic lounge visits per year, but the ICICI Rubyxⓘ includes 2 international lounge visits, whereas the SBI Pulseⓘ does not offer international lounge access.
Is the forex markup the same for both cards?+
Yes, both cards charge a forex markup of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.
What categories earn higher rewards on these cards?+
The ICICI Rubyxⓘ gives 1% rewards on dining and online spends. The SBI Pulseⓘ provides 2.5% rewards on dining and utilities categories, making it more lucrative for these expenses.
Are there any premium benefits unique to either card?+
The ICICI Rubyxⓘ offers golf access and concierge services, along with air accident insurance and railway lounge access. The SBI Pulseⓘ includes a Priority Pass membership for two years, fraud liability cover, and baggage-loss cover.