Axis Vistara Signature vs SBI Air India Signature
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
SBI Air India Signature wins 5-4. Air India loyalists — highest miles earn on AI bookings. 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 | SBI Air India Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹3,000 | · ₹4,999 |
| Joining fee | ₹3,000 | · ₹4,999 |
| Top reward rate | · 5% (travel) | 8% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | 1.99% |
| Welcome bonus | = Vistara Premium Economy ticket on joining | = 20,000 Air India reward points |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹750,000 / yr | ₹500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹600,000 | · ₹1,200,000 |
| 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
SBI Air India Signature
- 30 AI reward points per ₹100 on Air India bookings
- 4 reward points per ₹100 on others
- Air India Maharajah Club Silver
- 8 international + 8 domestic lounge visits/year
- Free Air India ticket on ₹5L spend
FAQ
›Axis Vistara Signature vs SBI Air India Signature: which is better?
SBI Air India Signature wins on more dimensions (5 vs 4). 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, SBI Air India Signature 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. SBI Air India Signature: 20,000 Air India reward points.