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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card vs SBI Card MILES ELITE

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 MILES ELITE

8.2/10
Annual Fee₹4,999
Base Rewards1%
NetworkMastercard
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAxis Bank Vistara Credit CardSBI Card MILES ELITE
Annual Fee₹1,500₹4,999
Joining Fee₹1,500₹4,999
Fee Waiver SpendN/A₹15,00,000
Base Reward Rate0.8%1%
Reward CurrencyMaharaja PointsTravel Credits
NetworkVisaMastercard
Editor Rating6.5/108.2/10
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.

SBI Card MILES ELITE

Pros

  • High 3% reward rate on travel spends (6 Travel Credits per ₹200).
  • 1:1 conversion ratio for Travel Credits to Air Miles and Hotel Points with major partners.
  • Unique spend-linked domestic lounge access (1 extra visit per ₹1 Lakh spend).
  • Low foreign currency markup of 1.99%, ideal for international travelers.

Cons

  • High annual fee of ₹4,999 with a steep waiver threshold of ₹15 Lakhs.
  • Lounge access is capped per quarter (2 visits), which may be restrictive for frequent flyers.
  • Air Accident insurance coverage was discontinued as of July 2025.

Our Verdict

SBI Card MILES ELITE 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 MILES ELITE if

High reward rates on flights and hotels with 1:1 mile conversion across multiple airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card or SBI Card MILES ELITE?
SBI Card MILES ELITE 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 MILES ELITE?
Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹1,500, while SBI Card MILES ELITE has an annual fee of ₹4,999. SBI Card MILES ELITE offers a fee waiver on ₹15,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card or SBI Card MILES ELITE?
Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 0.8%. SBI Card MILES ELITE 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 MILES ELITE?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card and SBI Card MILES ELITE can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card or SBI Card MILES ELITE?
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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