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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Axis Bank Vistara Signature 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 Signature Credit Card

7/10
Annual Fee₹3,000
Base Rewards0.5%
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 Signature Credit CardSBI Card MILES ELITE
Annual Fee₹3,000₹4,999
Joining Fee₹3,000₹4,999
Fee Waiver SpendN/A₹15,00,000
Base Reward Rate0.5%1%
Reward CurrencyMaharaja PointsTravel Credits
NetworkVisaMastercard
Editor Rating7/108.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

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 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 Signature Credit Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.

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 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 Signature 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 Signature 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 Signature Credit Card and SBI Card MILES ELITE?
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹3,000, 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 Signature Credit Card or SBI Card MILES ELITE?
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 0.5%. SBI Card MILES ELITE offers 1% base rewards. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and SBI Card MILES ELITE?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Vistara Signature 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 Signature Credit Card or SBI Card MILES ELITE?
For beginners, Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹3,000. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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