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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card vs SBI Card PULSE

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 PULSE

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹1,499
Base Rewards0.5%
NetworkVisa
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureAxis Bank Vistara Signature Credit CardSBI Card PULSE
Annual Fee₹3,000₹1,499
Joining Fee₹3,000₹1,499
Fee Waiver SpendN/A₹2,00,000
Base Reward Rate0.5%0.5%
Reward CurrencyMaharaja PointsSBI Reward Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating7/107.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

No accelerated rewards listed

SBI Card PULSE

  • 0.62% on Pharmacy & Chemists
  • 0.62% on Dining
  • 0.62% on Movies

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 PULSE

Pros

  • Complimentary Noise ColorFit Pulse Smartwatch worth up to ₹7,999 as a welcome gift.
  • Annual FITPASS PRO and Netmeds First memberships worth over ₹4,000.
  • High 2.5% reward rate (10 RP per ₹100) on pharmacies, chemists, dining, and movies.
  • 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (2 per quarter).

Cons

  • Low base reward rate of 0.5% on non-accelerated categories.
  • Priority Pass membership does not include any complimentary international visits.
  • Milestone voucher of ₹1,500 requires a high annual spend of ₹4 Lakhs.

Our Verdict

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

Offers dedicated memberships for gyms (FITPASS) and online medicine (Netmeds) along with high rewards on pharmacy spends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card or SBI Card PULSE?
Both Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and SBI Card PULSE 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 PULSE?
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹3,000, while SBI Card PULSE has an annual fee of ₹1,499. SBI Card PULSE offers a fee waiver on ₹2,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card or SBI Card PULSE?
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card offers a base reward rate of 0.5%. SBI Card PULSE offers 0.5% base rewards with bonuses on Pharmacy & Chemists and Dining. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and SBI Card PULSE?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card and SBI Card PULSE 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 PULSE?
For beginners, SBI Card PULSE 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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