SBI Air India Signature vs IDFC FIRST Wow
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IDFC FIRST Wow wins 5-4. Secured card backed by FD — accessible to thin-credit-file applicants. SBI Air India Signature is still the right call if air india loyalists — highest miles earn on ai bookings..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | SBI Air India Signature | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹4,999 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹4,999 | None |
| Top reward rate | 8% (travel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | · 1.99% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 20,000 Air India reward points | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹500,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹1,200,000 | — |
| Min credit score | · 780 | 600 |
| Editorial rating | 4.3/5 | · 4/5 |
Benefits compared
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
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
›SBI Air India Signature vs IDFC FIRST Wow: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Wow 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 SBI Air India 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?
SBI Air India Signature: 20,000 Air India reward points. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.