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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

SBI Card PRIME vs Axis Bank Vistara 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 PRIME

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹2,999
Base Rewards0.125%
NetworkVisa
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Axis Bank

Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card

6.5/10
Annual Fee₹1,500
Base Rewards0.8%
NetworkVisa
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Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureSBI Card PRIMEAxis Bank Vistara Credit Card
Annual Fee₹2,999₹1,500
Joining Fee₹2,999₹1,500
Fee Waiver Spend₹3,00,000N/A
Base Reward Rate0.125%0.8%
Reward CurrencyReward PointsMaharaja Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating7.2/106.5/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

SBI Card PRIME

  • 0% on Dining
  • 0% on Groceries
  • 0% on Movies

Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card

No accelerated rewards listed

Pros & Cons

SBI Card PRIME

Pros

  • Accelerated 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on dining, groceries, and movies (2.5% value back).
  • Generous welcome benefit with a ₹3,000 e-gift voucher that offsets the joining fee.
  • Comprehensive lounge access with 8 domestic and 4 international visits annually.
  • Milestone vouchers worth up to ₹11,000 annually on reaching spend targets.

Cons

  • Low base reward rate of 0.5% (2 points per ₹100) on general spends.
  • High foreign currency markup of 3.5% compared to other premium cards.
  • Reward points on utility bills are capped and only applicable for standing instructions.

Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card

Pros

  • Complimentary Economy Class ticket voucher on joining fee payment.
  • Earn 2 Maharaja Points for every ₹200 spent on all eligible categories.
  • Complimentary domestic lounge access (2 visits per quarter) at select airports.
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage including Air Accident Cover up to ₹2.5 Crore.

Cons

  • New applications are currently restricted due to the Vistara-Air India merger.
  • Renewal benefits and milestone tickets are discontinued for cycles after April 18, 2025.
  • Lounge access requires a minimum spend of ₹50,000 in the previous 3 months.

Our Verdict

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

Choose SBI Card PRIME if

High rewards on everyday categories like dining, groceries, and movies.

Choose Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card if

Strong value for those who frequently fly Air India/Vistara routes and can utilize the free ticket vouchers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: SBI Card PRIME or Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
SBI Card PRIME edges ahead overall with a stronger combination of rewards and value. However, Axis Bank Vistara 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 PRIME and Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
SBI Card PRIME has an annual fee of ₹2,999, while Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹1,500. SBI Card PRIME offers a fee waiver on ₹3,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: SBI Card PRIME or Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
SBI Card PRIME offers a base reward rate of 0.125% with accelerated rewards on Dining and Groceries. Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card offers 0.8% base rewards. The better choice depends on your primary spending categories.
Can I have both SBI Card PRIME and Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. SBI Card PRIME and Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: SBI Card PRIME or Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
For beginners, Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹1,500. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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