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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

SBI Card MILES ELITE vs Axis Bank Vistara Signature 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 Vistara Signature Credit Card

7/10
Annual Fee₹3,000
Base Rewards0.5%
NetworkVisa
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureSBI Card MILES ELITEAxis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
Annual Fee₹4,999₹3,000
Joining Fee₹4,999₹3,000
Fee Waiver Spend₹15,00,000N/A
Base Reward Rate1%0.5%
Reward CurrencyTravel CreditsMaharaja Points
NetworkMastercardVisa
Editor Rating8.2/107/10
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 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.

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 SBI Card MILES ELITE if

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: SBI Card MILES ELITE or Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card?
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 SBI Card MILES ELITE and Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card?
SBI Card MILES ELITE has an annual fee of ₹4,999, while Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹3,000. SBI Card MILES ELITE offers a fee waiver on ₹15,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: SBI Card MILES ELITE or Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card?
SBI Card MILES ELITE offers a base reward rate of 1%. Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card offers 0.5% base rewards. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both SBI Card MILES ELITE and Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. SBI Card MILES ELITE and Axis Bank Vistara Signature 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 Vistara Signature Credit Card?
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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