Axis Vistara Signature vs ICICI Sapphiro
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Axis Vistara Signature wins 5-2. Domestic flyers (Vistara was acquired by Air India — points convert). ICICI Sapphiro is still the right call if mid-premium with strong dining + travel mix..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Axis Vistara Signature | ICICI Sapphiro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹3,000 | · ₹3,500 |
| Joining fee | ₹3,000 | · ₹6,500 |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = Vistara Premium Economy ticket on joining | = 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500 |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹750,000 / yr | ₹600,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹600,000 | · ₹1,000,000 |
| Min credit score | 750 | · 780 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
Axis Vistara Signature
- 5 CV points per ₹200 on travel
- Premium Economy class ticket on joining
- Premium Economy class ticket on ₹4.5L spend
- 8 domestic lounge visits/year
- Club Vistara Silver tier on joining
ICICI Sapphiro
- 4 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 2 complimentary international + 4 domestic lounge visits/year
- 15% off at 800+ restaurants (Culinary Treats)
- 25% off BookMyShow tickets
- Comprehensive travel insurance
FAQ
›Axis Vistara Signature vs ICICI Sapphiro: which is better?
Axis Vistara Signature wins on more dimensions (5 vs 2). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Axis Vistara Signature for its best categories, ICICI Sapphiro for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Axis Vistara Signature: Vistara Premium Economy ticket on joining. ICICI Sapphiro: 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500.