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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

SBI Card MILES ELITE vs Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

Detailed comparison of fees, rewards, benefits, and value to help you choose the right credit card for your spending pattern.

SBI Card

SBI Card MILES ELITE

8.2/10
Annual Fee₹4,999
Base Rewards1%
NetworkMastercard
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Axis Bank

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

8.2/10
Annual Fee₹50,000
Base Rewards0.2%
NetworkVisa
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureSBI Card MILES ELITEAxis Bank Reserve Credit Card
Annual Fee₹4,999₹50,000
Joining Fee₹4,999₹50,000
Fee Waiver Spend₹15,00,000₹35,00,000
Base Reward Rate1%0.2%
Reward CurrencyTravel CreditsEDGE REWARD Points
NetworkMastercardVisa
Editor Rating8.2/108.2/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Pros & Cons

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.

Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card

Pros

  • Unlimited domestic and international lounge access for primary and add-on members with 12 guest visits.
  • Comprehensive luxury hotel memberships including Accor Plus, Club Marriott, and ITC Culinaire.
  • Low foreign currency markup fee of 1.5%, ideal for high international spenders.
  • 8 complimentary VIP Airport Concierge services for seamless check-in and immigration.

Cons

  • High annual fee of ₹50,000 with no renewal bonus points (discontinued April 2024).
  • Steep annual fee waiver threshold of ₹35 Lakhs.
  • Significant reward exclusions including fuel, gold, insurance, and utilities.

Our Verdict

SBI Card MILES ELITE edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.

Choose SBI Card MILES ELITE if

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

Choose Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card if

Offers unparalleled airport services, unlimited lounge access for family, and premium hotel memberships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: SBI Card MILES ELITE or Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card?
SBI Card MILES ELITE edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card could be the better pick if its specific category strengths match your spending habits.
What is the annual fee difference between SBI Card MILES ELITE and Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card?
SBI Card MILES ELITE has an annual fee of ₹4,999, while Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹50,000. SBI Card MILES ELITE offers a fee waiver on ₹15,00,000 annual spend. Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card offers a fee waiver on ₹35,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: SBI Card MILES ELITE or Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card?
SBI Card MILES ELITE offers a base reward rate of 1%. Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card offers 0.2% base rewards. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both SBI Card MILES ELITE and Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. SBI Card MILES ELITE and Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: SBI Card MILES ELITE or Axis Bank Reserve Credit Card?
For beginners, SBI Card MILES ELITE may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹4,999. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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