Vyaya
Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Axis Bank Vistara 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 Vistara Credit Card

6.5/10
Annual Fee₹1,500
Base Rewards0.8%
NetworkVisa
View Full Details

SBI Card

Air India SBI Signature Card

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹4,999
Base Rewards0.25%
NetworkVisa
View Full Details

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAxis Bank Vistara Credit CardAir India SBI Signature Card
Annual Fee₹1,500₹4,999
Joining Fee₹1,500₹4,999
Fee Waiver SpendN/AN/A
Base Reward Rate0.8%0.25%
Reward CurrencyMaharaja PointsReward Points / Maharaja Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating6.5/107.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Pros & Cons

Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card

Pros

  • Complimentary Economy Class ticket voucher on joining fee payment.
  • Earn 2 Maharaja Points for every ₹200 spent on all eligible categories.
  • Complimentary domestic lounge access (2 visits per quarter) at select airports.
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage including Air Accident Cover up to ₹2.5 Crore.

Cons

  • New applications are currently restricted due to the Vistara-Air India merger.
  • Renewal benefits and milestone tickets are discontinued for cycles after April 18, 2025.
  • Lounge access requires a minimum spend of ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months.

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

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

Choose Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card if

Strong value for those who frequently fly Air India/Vistara routes and can utilize the free ticket vouchers.

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 Vistara Credit Card or Air India SBI Signature Card?
Air India SBI Signature Card edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.
What is the annual fee difference between Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card and Air India SBI Signature Card?
Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹1,500, while Air India SBI Signature Card has an annual fee of ₹4,999.
Which card has better rewards: Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card or Air India SBI Signature Card?
Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 0.8%. 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 Vistara Credit Card and Air India SBI Signature Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Vistara 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 Vistara Credit Card or Air India SBI Signature Card?
For beginners, Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹1,500. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

Related Comparisons

Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card vs Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit CardAir India SBI Signature Card vs Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit CardAxis Bank Vistara Credit Card vs SBI Card MILES ELITEAir India SBI Signature Card vs SBI Card MILES ELITE

Explore More

Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card Full ReviewAir India SBI Signature Card Full ReviewAll Axis Bank CardsAll SBI Card CardsBrowse All Credit CardsCredit Card Guides & Tips