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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated April 2026

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card vs SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum 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 Signature Credit Card

7/10
Annual Fee₹3,000
Base Rewards0.5%
NetworkVisa
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SBI Card

SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card

6.8/10
Annual Fee₹1,499
Base Rewards0.4050000000000001%
NetworkVisa
View Full Details

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAxis Bank Vistara Signature Credit CardSBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card
Annual Fee₹3,000₹1,499
Joining Fee₹3,000₹1,499
Fee Waiver SpendN/AN/A
Base Reward Rate0.5%0.4050000000000001%
Reward CurrencyMaharaja PointsMaharaja Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating7/106.8/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

No accelerated rewards listed

SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card

  • 0% on Air India Bookings

Pros & Cons

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

Pros

  • Complimentary Premium Economy ticket voucher on joining and renewal (for renewals before April 18, 2025).
  • Complimentary Club Vistara Silver Membership (transitioning to Maharaja Club) offering priority check-in and extra baggage.
  • High milestone rewards with up to 4 additional Premium Economy tickets on annual spends of ₹9 Lakhs.
  • 3 complimentary rounds of golf at select courses in India.

Cons

  • Rewards are highly specialized for Vistara/Air India and offer low value for non-travel redemptions.
  • Domestic lounge access is now subject to a minimum spend of ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months.
  • Significant devaluation in 2024/2025: Milestone benefits and ticket vouchers discontinued for renewals after April 18, 2025.

SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card

Pros

  • 5,000 Maharaja Points as a welcome bonus upon joining fee payment.
  • Accelerated 5 Reward Points per Rs. 100 spent on Air India tickets (self-booking).
  • Up to 15,000 bonus Maharaja Points annually through milestone spends.
  • 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (capped at 2 per quarter).

Cons

  • Low base reward rate of 2 points per Rs. 100 on non-airline spends.
  • No annual fee waiver regardless of annual spending.
  • International lounge visits are paid even with the provided Priority Pass.

Our Verdict

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

Choose Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card if

Ideal for those who prefer Vistara's Premium Economy service and can hit the ₹1.5L to ₹9L spend milestones for free tickets.

Choose SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card if

Best value for those who frequently book Air India flights and want to earn miles directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card or SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card?
Both Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card 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 Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card?
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹3,000, while SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card has an annual fee of ₹1,499.
Which card has better rewards: Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card or SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card?
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 0.5%. SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card offers 0.4050000000000001% base rewards with bonuses on Air India Bookings. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card or SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card?
For beginners, SBI Card - Air India SBI Platinum Card may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹1,499. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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