Axis Vistara Signature vs IDFC FIRST Wow
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IDFC FIRST Wow wins 5-3. Secured card backed by FD — accessible to thin-credit-file applicants. Axis Vistara Signature is still the right call if domestic flyers (vistara was acquired by air india — points convert)..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Axis Vistara Signature | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹3,000 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹3,000 | None |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = Vistara Premium Economy ticket on joining | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹750,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹600,000 | — |
| Min credit score | · 750 | 600 |
| Editorial rating | 4.2/5 | · 4/5 |
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
IDFC FIRST Wow
- 1 reward point per ₹100 (no rate change cliff)
- Lifetime free, no annual fee
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits/quarter
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Backed by FD: easy approval
FAQ
›Axis Vistara Signature vs IDFC FIRST Wow: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Wow wins on more dimensions (5 vs 3). 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, IDFC FIRST Wow 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. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.