Air India SBI Signature Credit Card Review
Air India co-brand from SBI Card — the dominant Indian-airline credit card after the Vistara–Air India merger. Active product with Maharaja Points conversion, Air India Maharaja Club membership, and 8 domestic + Priority Pass lounges. Verified April 2026 against the SBI Card product page (actively accepting new applications).
Post-merger context
Vistara merged with Air India in November 2024. Flying Returns has been rebranded to Maharaja Club. 1 Reward Point still equals 1 Maharaja Point. SBI paused new applications as Tata Group rationalises its airline loyalty partnerships. Existing cards remain fully functional.
Reward structure (existing holders)
- Air India official channels (website, app, ticket offices): 10 RP per ₹100 — ~10% earn when RP converts 1:1 to Maharaja Points
- Other spends: 4 RP per ₹100 = 4% earn
- Welcome: 20,000 RP + Maharaja Club membership enrolment
- Anniversary: 5,000 RP
- Redemption: 1 RP = 1 Maharaja Point → award tickets (typical short-haul economy: 7,000–10,000 points one-way)
Lounge & other benefits
- Priority Pass: Complimentary membership for 600+ international lounges (visit count per SBI's current policy)
- Domestic VISA lounges: 8 per year (2 per quarter)
- Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% on ₹500–₹4,000 transactions
- Forex markup: 3.5%
- Add-on cards: ₹500 per add-on
What existing holders should do
Frequent Air India flyer (6+ flights/year)
Once or twice a year flyer
Downgrade to SBI PRIME (better general lounges) or SBI Cashback (flat 5% online). The ₹5,900 fee exceeds your benefit.
Active alternatives if you're looking for a current Vistara/Air India card
| Card | Annual fee | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Axis Vistara Signature | ₹3,000 | Active — direct Vistara co-brand |
| HDFC Infinia | ₹12,500 | Active — SmartBuy + airline transfers |
| Amex Platinum Travel | ₹5,000 | Active — MR transfer to airlines |
| SBI Card MILES / Prime / Elite | ₹1,499–₹4,999 | Active — 25+ airline transfer partners |
The bottom line
The Air India SBI Signature is a legacy co-brand in wind-down phase. Existing holders with regular Air India travel should keep it active until SBI announces a migration. New applicants cannot get one; look at Axis Vistara Signature (direct co-brand), HDFC Infinia (flexible transfers), or Amex Platinum Travel (strong MR ecosystem).
Verified against SBI Card's official product page and April 2026 public listings. Maharaja Club rebrand effective November 2024. Benefits for existing cardholders remain active; SBI has not announced a migration programme.