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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card vs Air India SBI Signature Card

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

Axis Bank

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

8.2/10
Annual Fee₹50,000
Base Rewards0.2%
NetworkVisa
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SBI Card

Air India SBI Signature Card

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹4,999
Base Rewards0.25%
NetworkVisa
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAxis Bank Reserve Credit CardAir India SBI Signature Card
Annual Fee₹50,000₹4,999
Joining Fee₹50,000₹4,999
Fee Waiver Spend₹35,00,000N/A
Base Reward Rate0.2%0.25%
Reward CurrencyEDGE REWARD PointsReward Points / Maharaja Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating8.2/107.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Pros & Cons

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

Pros

  • Unlimited domestic and international lounge access for primary and add-on members with 12 guest visits.
  • Comprehensive luxury hotel memberships including Accor Plus, Club Marriott, and ITC Culinaire.
  • Low foreign currency markup fee of 1.5%, ideal for high international spenders.
  • 8 complimentary VIP Airport Concierge services for seamless check-in and immigration.

Cons

  • High annual fee of ₹50,000 with no renewal bonus points (discontinued April 2024).
  • Steep annual fee waiver threshold of ₹35 Lakhs.
  • Significant reward exclusions including fuel, gold, insurance, and utilities.

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).

Our Verdict

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, Air India SBI Signature Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.

Choose Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card if

Offers unparalleled airport services, unlimited lounge access for family, and premium hotel memberships.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card or Air India SBI Signature Card?
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, Air India SBI Signature Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.
What is the annual fee difference between Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card and Air India SBI Signature Card?
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹50,000, while Air India SBI Signature Card has an annual fee of ₹4,999. Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card offers a fee waiver on ₹35,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card or Air India SBI Signature Card?
Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 0.2%. Air India SBI Signature Card offers 0.25% base rewards. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card and Air India SBI Signature Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card and Air India SBI Signature Card can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card or Air India SBI Signature Card?
For beginners, Air India SBI Signature Card may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹4,999. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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