Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
ICICI Sapphiro vs SBI Air India Signature
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Premium
ICICI Bank
ICICI Sapphiro
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
IN
SBI Card
SBI Air India Signature
VISA
Wins 5 of 10
Verdict
SBI Air India Signature wins 5-2. Air India loyalists — highest miles earn on AI bookings. ICICI Sapphiro is still the right call if mid-premium with strong dining + travel mix..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI Sapphiro | SBI Air India Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹3,500 | · ₹4,999 |
| Joining fee | · ₹6,500 | ₹4,999 |
| Top reward rate | · 1% (general) | 8% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | 1.99% |
| Welcome bonus | = 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500 | = 20,000 Air India reward points |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹600,000 / yr | ₹500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹1,000,000 | · ₹1,200,000 |
| Min credit score | = 780 | = 780 |
| Editorial rating | = 4.3/5 | = 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
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
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
›ICICI Sapphiro vs SBI Air India Signature: which is better?
SBI Air India 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 ICICI Sapphiro 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?
ICICI Sapphiro: 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500. SBI Air India Signature: 20,000 Air India reward points.