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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT 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 - Tata Card SELECT

7.8/10
Annual Fee₹2,999
Base Rewards1%
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 - Tata Card SELECTAxis Bank Vistara Credit Card
Annual Fee₹2,999₹1,500
Joining Fee₹2,999₹1,500
Fee Waiver SpendN/AN/A
Base Reward Rate1%0.8%
Reward CurrencyEmpower PointsMaharaja Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating7.8/106.5/10
Forex Markup3.5%3.5%

Pros & Cons

SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT

Pros

  • High reward rate of up to 5% value back at select Tata outlets.
  • Generous welcome and anniversary gift vouchers worth ₹3,000 each.
  • 1 Empower Point equals ₹1, offering simple and high-value redemption.
  • Accelerated 3x rewards on grocery, dining, and international spends.

Cons

  • High annual fee of ₹2,999 with no direct spend-based waiver mentioned for the fee itself (only voucher renewal).
  • International lounge visits are not complimentary despite Priority Pass membership.
  • Rewards are highly optimized for the Tata ecosystem, limiting flexibility for non-Tata loyalists.

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 - Tata Card SELECT 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 - Tata Card SELECT if

Maximum value back at brands like Croma, Westside, and Taj Hotels.

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 - Tata Card SELECT or Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT 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 - Tata Card SELECT and Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT has an annual fee of ₹2,999, while Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹1,500.
Which card has better rewards: SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT or Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT offers a base reward rate of 1%. 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 - Tata Card SELECT and Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card?
Yes, many users hold multiple credit cards to maximize rewards across different spending categories. SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT and Axis Bank Vistara Credit Card can complement each other if they cover different reward categories.
Which card is better for beginners: SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT 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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