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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card vs SBI Card AURUM

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
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SBI Card

SBI Card AURUM

8.5/10
Annual Fee₹9,999
Base Rewards1%
NetworkVisa
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAxis Bank Vistara Credit CardSBI Card AURUM
Annual Fee₹1,500₹9,999
Joining Fee₹1,500₹9,999
Fee Waiver SpendN/A₹12,00,000
Base Reward Rate0.8%1%
Reward CurrencyMaharaja PointsAURUM Reward Point
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating6.5/108.5/10
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.

SBI Card AURUM

Pros

  • Welcome benefit of 40,000 points (₹10,000 value) fully offsets the joining fee.
  • Unlimited international lounge access with a rare complimentary guest visit per quarter.
  • Extensive lifestyle memberships including Club Marriott, Amazon Prime, and WSJ/Mint.
  • High-value milestone rewards including Apple and Taj vouchers worth up to ₹35,000 annually.

Cons

  • Low base reward rate of 1% compared to other super-premium cards.
  • Invite-only status makes it inaccessible to the general public.
  • High annual fee waiver threshold of ₹12 Lakhs.

Our Verdict

SBI Card AURUM 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 SBI Card AURUM if

The card offers a suite of luxury memberships, concierge services, and a metal form factor that aligns with an elite lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card or SBI Card AURUM?
SBI Card AURUM 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 SBI Card AURUM?
Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹1,500, while SBI Card AURUM has an annual fee of ₹9,999. SBI Card AURUM offers a fee waiver on ₹12,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card or SBI Card AURUM?
Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 0.8%. SBI Card AURUM offers 1% base rewards. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card and SBI Card AURUM?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card and SBI Card AURUM can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card or SBI Card AURUM?
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.

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