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Side-by-Side Comparison|Updated March 2026

SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT 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 - Tata Card SELECT

7.8/10
Annual Fee₹2,999
Base Rewards1%
NetworkVisa
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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 - Tata Card SELECTAxis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
Annual Fee₹2,999₹3,000
Joining Fee₹2,999₹3,000
Fee Waiver SpendN/AN/A
Base Reward Rate1%0.5%
Reward CurrencyEmpower PointsMaharaja Points
NetworkVisaVisa
Editor Rating7.8/107/10
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 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 - Tata Card SELECT 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 - Tata Card SELECT if

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

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 - Tata Card SELECT or Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card?
SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT 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 - Tata Card SELECT and Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card?
SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT has an annual fee of ₹2,999, while Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹3,000.
Which card has better rewards: SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT or Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card?
SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT 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 - Tata Card SELECT and Axis Bank Vistara Signature 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 Signature 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 Signature Credit Card?
For beginners, SBI Card - Tata Card SELECT may be more approachable with a lower annual fee of ₹2,999. However, evaluate based on your expected spending pattern rather than fee alone.

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