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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card vs Apollo SBI 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

Apollo SBI Card

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹499
Base Rewards0.25%
NetworkMastercard
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAxis Bank Vistara Signature Credit CardApollo SBI Card
Annual Fee₹3,000₹499
Joining Fee₹3,000₹499
Fee Waiver SpendN/A₹1,00,000
Base Reward Rate0.5%0.25%
Reward CurrencyMaharaja PointsReward Points
NetworkVisaMastercard
Editor Rating7/107.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

No accelerated rewards listed

Apollo SBI Card

  • 0% on Apollo Services
  • 0% on Dining, Movies & Entertainment
  • 0% on Beauty & Wellness

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.

Apollo SBI Card

Pros

  • 3% value back (3X points) on all Apollo services including pharmacy and clinics
  • 1:1 redemption ratio where 1 Reward Point equals ₹1 at Apollo POS
  • Complimentary OneApollo Gold Tier membership for the first year
  • Low annual fee of ₹499 with a reachable waiver threshold of ₹1 Lakh

Cons

  • No airport lounge access (available only on the Select variant)
  • Low base reward rate of 0.5% on general spends
  • Rewards are primarily valuable only within the Apollo ecosystem

Our Verdict

Both Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and Apollo SBI 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 Apollo SBI Card if

Frequent users of Apollo Pharmacy and Apollo 24/7 app benefit from high reward rates and instant discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card or Apollo SBI Card?
Both Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and Apollo SBI 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 Apollo SBI Card?
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹3,000, while Apollo SBI Card has an annual fee of ₹499. Apollo SBI Card offers a fee waiver on ₹1,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card or Apollo SBI Card?
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 0.5%. Apollo SBI Card offers 0.25% base rewards with bonuses on Apollo Services and Dining, Movies & Entertainment. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and Apollo SBI Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and Apollo SBI Card can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card or Apollo SBI Card?
For beginners, Apollo SBI Card may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹499. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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