Vyaya
Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

SBI Card PULSE 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 PULSE

7.2/10
Annual Fee₹1,499
Base Rewards0.5%
NetworkVisa
View Full Details

Axis Bank

Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card

6.5/10
Annual Fee₹1,500
Base Rewards0.8%
NetworkVisa
View Full Details

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

FeatureSBI Card PULSEAxis Bank Vistara Credit Card
Annual Fee₹1,499₹1,500
Joining Fee₹1,499₹1,500
Fee Waiver Spend₹2,00,000N/A
Base Reward Rate0.5%0.8%
Reward CurrencySBI Reward PointsMaharaja Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating7.2/106.5/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Accelerated Rewards

SBI Card PULSE

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

Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card

No accelerated rewards listed

Pros & Cons

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.

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 PULSE 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 PULSE if

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

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 PULSE or Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
SBI Card PULSE 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 PULSE and Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
SBI Card PULSE has an annual fee of ₹1,499, while Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹1,500. SBI Card PULSE offers a fee waiver on ₹2,00,000 annual spend.
Which card has better rewards: SBI Card PULSE or Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
SBI Card PULSE offers a base reward rate of 0.5% with accelerated rewards on Pharmacy & Chemists and Dining. 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 PULSE and Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. SBI Card PULSE and Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: SBI Card PULSE or Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
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.

Related Comparisons

SBI Card PULSE vs Axis Bank My Zone Credit CardAxis Bank Vistara Credit Card vs Axis Bank My Zone Credit CardSBI Card PULSE vs Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit CardAxis Bank Vistara Credit Card vs Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card

Explore More

SBI Card PULSE Full ReviewAxis Bank Vistara Credit Card Full ReviewAll SBI Card CardsAll Axis Bank CardsBrowse All Credit CardsCredit Card Guides & Tips