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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Air India SBI Signature Card vs SBI Card PRIME

Detailed comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and value to help you choose the right credit card for your spending pattern.

SBI Card

Air India SBI Signature Card

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹4,999
Base Rewards0.25%
NetworkVisa
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SBI Card

SBI Card PRIME

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹2,999
Base Rewards0.125%
NetworkVisa
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAir India SBI Signature CardSBI Card PRIME
Annual Fee₹4,999₹2,999
Joining Fee₹4,999₹2,999
Fee Waiver SpendN/A₹3,00,000
Base Reward Rate0.25%0.125%
Reward CurrencyReward Points / Maharaja PointsReward Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating7.2/107.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

Air India SBI Signature Card

No accelerated rewards listed

SBI Card PRIME

  • 0% on Dining
  • 0% on Groceries
  • 0% on Movies

Pros & Cons

Air India SBI Signature Card

Pros

  • High welcome bonus of 20,000 Reward Points worth up to ₹20,000 in Air India miles.
  • Accelerated 10 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on Air India ticket bookings.
  • Generous milestone benefits offering up to 1,00,000 bonus points annually.
  • 1:1 conversion ratio from Reward Points to Air India Maharaja Points (Air Miles).

Cons

  • High annual fee of ₹4,999 with no standard spend-based waiver.
  • Reward rate on Air India tickets was recently reduced from 30 to 10 points per ₹100.
  • International lounge access via Priority Pass is not complimentary (usage fee applies).

SBI Card PRIME

Pros

  • Accelerated 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on dining, groceries, and movies (2.5% value back).
  • Generous welcome benefit with a ₹3,000 e-gift voucher that offsets the joining fee.
  • Comprehensive lounge access with 8 domestic and 4 international visits annually.
  • Milestone vouchers worth up to ₹11,000 annually on reaching spend targets.

Cons

  • Low base reward rate of 0.5% (2 points per ₹100) on general spends.
  • High foreign currency markup of 3.5% compared to other premium cards.
  • Reward points on utility bills are capped and only applicable for standing instructions.

Our Verdict

Both Air India SBI Signature Card and SBI Card PRIME are strong options. Your choice should depend on your spending pattern and which card's rewards align better with your lifestyle.

Choose Air India SBI Signature Card if

Best value for those who frequently book Air India flights and can maximize the 1:1 mile conversion.

Choose SBI Card PRIME if

High rewards on everyday categories like dining, groceries, and movies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Air India SBI Signature Card or SBI Card PRIME?
Both Air India SBI Signature Card and SBI Card PRIME are strong options. Your choice should depend on your spending pattern and which card's rewards align better with your lifestyle.
What is the annual fee difference between Air India SBI Signature Card and SBI Card PRIME?
Air India SBI Signature Card has an annual fee of ₹4,999, while SBI Card PRIME has an annual fee of ₹2,999. SBI Card PRIME offers a fee waiver on ₹3,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: Air India SBI Signature Card or SBI Card PRIME?
Air India SBI Signature Card offers a base reward rate of 0.25%. SBI Card PRIME offers 0.125% base rewards with bonuses on Dining and Groceries. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both Air India SBI Signature Card and SBI Card PRIME?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Air India SBI Signature Card and SBI Card PRIME can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: Air India SBI Signature Card or SBI Card PRIME?
For beginners, SBI Card PRIME may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹2,999. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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