So you’re in the market for a new credit card and wondering if the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards is worth your time. As an avid traveler always looking to rack up more miles and rewards, you want to make sure any new card offers solid benefits and perks to justify adding it to your wallet. The good news is this card delivers for frequent flyers, with accelerated Vistara Miles on all your spending, lounge access, and other travel privileges. But is it the best choice for you? Let’s take a closer look at what the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards offers and see if it should earn a spot in your carry-on.
Welcome Offer and Sign-Up Bonus
The Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards comes with a pretty sweet welcome offer to get you started. As soon as you sign up and make your first purchase within 60 days, you’ll earn 10,000 bonus Vistara Miles – enough for a one-way domestic flight!
To earn the sign-up bonus, you’ll need to spend at least ₹10,000 on your new card within the first 2 months. Considering you can use the card for all your daily expenses like groceries, gas, and shopping, hitting that minimum spend should be easy peasy.
Once you’ve earned the 10K bonus miles, you can redeem them for a free flight on Vistara. Vistara offers flights to over 20 destinations within India, so you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. The best part is Vistara miles never expire, so you can save them up for an even bigger trip down the road if you want.
In addition to the sign-up bonus, you’ll earn 3 Vistara Miles for every ₹100 you spend on the card. The miles rack up fast and before you know it, you’ll have enough for your next getaway. The card also gives you access to Vistara’s premium check-in counters, regardless of the class you’re flying in.
Between the generous welcome offer, ability to earn Vistara Miles on all your spending, and premium travel perks, the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards is worth considering if you frequently fly Vistara. The miles and benefits can add up to hundreds of dollars in value each year, especially if you maximize the rewards by using the card for all your daily and monthly expenses.
Earning Vistara Points With the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards
When you use the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards for your daily spending, you’ll earn Vistara Points that can be redeemed for free flights and upgrades. Here’s how the points earning works:
- You’ll earn 2 Vistara Points for every ₹100 spent on domestic purchases and 4 Vistara Points for every ₹100 spent on international purchases. That means if you spend ₹30,000 in a month on domestic purchases, you’ll earn 6,000 Vistara Points.
- You’ll also earn bonus Vistara Points on select merchant categories each month. For example, you may earn 5x or 10x points at restaurants, movies, grocery stores or for online shopping. The bonus categories change each quarter, so keep an eye on your statement to see where you can earn extra points.
- Don’t forget that Vistara also frequently runs promotions where you can earn bonus points for using your card, like spending a certain amount in the first 3 months. These promotions are a great way to quickly rack up lots of points.
- Once you earn enough Vistara Points, you can redeem them for free flights on Vistara, upgrades to premium cabins, and more. The exact redemption rates depend on the type of flight and cabin class. Domestic economy class flights start at just 6,000 points one-way.
Between the points you earn from spending, bonus points from select merchants, and frequent promotions, the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards makes it easy to earn free travel quickly. If you frequently fly Vistara and want an easy way to earn rewards and upgrades, this card is absolutely worth considering for your wallet.
Redeeming Your Vistara Points
Once you’ve earned enough Vistara points from using your Axis Bank Vistara credit cards, it’s time to redeem them for rewards. Vistara’s rewards program gives you several options for using your hard-earned points.
Book Free Flights
The best way to redeem your Vistara points is for free flights. You can use your points to book award seats on Vistara flights with no blackout dates. The number of points needed depends on the cabin class and route. For example, a one-way economy class ticket within India starts at 4,000 points, while business class starts at 8,000.
Upgrade Your Flights
If you’ve already booked a Vistara flight, you may be able to use your points to upgrade to a higher cabin class, subject to availability. Upgrades start at 3,000 points for economy to premium economy, and 6,000 points for premium economy to business.
Hotel Stays and Other Perks
Vistara has partnerships with several major hotel chains like Marriott, Hyatt and IHG which allow you to redeem points for free nights. The rates vary but typically start around 8,000 to 12,000 points per night. You can also redeem for magazine subscriptions, retail gift cards, and activities. The rates for these redemptions are often not the best value though compared to flights and hotels.
- Check Vistara’s website for the latest redemption rates before using your points. The rates can change frequently based on seasonality and demand.
- Compare the value you’re getting for different redemptions. Aim for at least 1 cent per point in value.
- Once you redeem your points, the transaction typically takes 24 to 48 hours to process. Your rewards will then be deposited directly into your Vistara account.
With various ways to use your Vistara points for free travel and other perks, the Axis Bank Vistara credit cards gives you flexibility and solid value for your spending. Carefully choosing how you redeem your points can help maximize their worth and get you the experiences you really want.
Additional Benefits of the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards
The Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards comes with several additional benefits beyond the signup bonus and travel perks. These extra features provide real value that can save you money and enhance your experience.
Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
As a Vistara credit cardholder, you get complimentary access to over 900 airport lounges worldwide through the Priority Pass program. This includes lounges in major Indian airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Relax before your flight with comfortable seating, snacks, showers, and more. Each cardholder gets 3 free lounge visits per quarter.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Save up to 2.5% on fuel purchases at all IndianOil petrol pumps. This surcharge waiver can add up to major savings if you frequently fill up. Just swipe your Vistara credit card to pay and the surcharge amount will be automatically deducted from your bill.
Dining and Entertainment Privileges
Enjoy exclusive dining and entertainment benefits with your Vistara credit card. Get 15% off at over 2,500 restaurants and bars in India through the Culinary Treats program. You also get special offers on movie tickets, plays, and other events. These privileges provide simple ways to save money on things you enjoy.
FlexiPay
Convert large purchases into easy monthly installments with the FlexiPay feature. For transactions above ₹2,500, you can pay over 3 to 24 months at competitive interest rates. This allows you to make bigger buys now and pay over time with more manageable payments. FlexiPay gives you greater purchasing power and flexibility.
The additional benefits of complimentary lounge access, fuel surcharge waiver, dining and entertainment privileges, and FlexiPay installment payments provide substantial extra value with the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards. Take advantage of all the card has to offer to maximize your rewards and savings.
Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards Fees and Charges
When considering the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards, the fees and charges are an important factor in determining if it’s the right card for you.
Annual Fee
The Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards has an annual fee of Rs.500. This fee is waived for the first year. The annual fee is typical of most airline co-branded credit cards. If you use the card benefits like free lounge access and extra baggage allowance, the annual fee may be worth it. But if you don’t use these perks often, the fee could outweigh the value.
Interest Rates
The interest rates on the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards are on the higher end of average. The interest-free period is up to 50 days. If you pay at least the minimum amount due within the grace period, you can avoid interest charges. But if you carry a balance from month to month, the interest charges can add up quickly. The current interest rates are:
- Purchases: 3.25% per month (39% per annum)
- Cash Advances: 3.5% per month (42% per annum)
- Balance Transfers: 3.25% per month (39% per annum)
It’s best to pay the full statement balance each month to avoid paying costly interest fees. Only spend what you can afford to pay off.
Penalty Fees
Like most credit cards, the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards charges fees for certain penalty situations:
- Late Payment: Rs. 500
- Overlimit: Rs. 500
- Returned Cheque: Rs. 500
To avoid penalty fees, pay at least the minimum amount due on time, don’t exceed your credit limit, and make sure there are sufficient funds if paying by cheque.
Foreign Transaction Fee
There is a 3.5% foreign transaction fee on all purchases made outside India. This is a bit higher than average and can add significantly to the cost of your international travel. Consider a credit card with no foreign transaction fees if you frequently travel abroad.
In summary, the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards charges are fairly standard. Pay attention to the high-interest rates and fees to avoid unwanted charges. But if you use the card responsibly by paying on time and staying within your limits, the annual fee and charges may be worth the card benefits. Evaluate your spending and needs to determine if this card is right for you based on the fees and charges.
How to Apply for the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards
Apply Online
The easiest way to apply for the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards is through Axis Bank’s website. Head to axisbank.com and click “Apply Now” under the Vistara Credit Card section. You’ll be asked to provide some personal information like your name, date of birth, PAN number, income details and address. Upload soft copies of your documents for verification like PAN card, Aadhaar card, income proof, address proof, etc.
Check Your Eligibility
To be eligible for the Vistara Credit Card, you must:
- Be an Indian resident between 21 to 65 years of age
- Have a minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
- Have a good credit score (above 700)
- Not have defaulted on any loans or credit cards in the past
If you meet these criteria, your application has a high chance of approval. Axis Bank will review your details and documents to determine if you qualify for the card.
Get Instant Approval (Optional)
For select customers, Axis Bank offers instant approval on Vistara Credit Card applications. If eligible, you’ll receive an instant approval message on the website along with your credit limit and other details. Your physical card will be dispatched within 5 to 7 working days. To get instant approval, you must:
•Have an excellent credit score (above 750)
•Be an existing Axis Bank customer with a good track record
•Provide accurate details that match with credit bureau records
•Have a higher annual income, preferably above ₹10 lakhs
Not all applications will get instant approval. If not approved instantly, your application will go through the regular review process and you’ll be notified of the outcome within a week.
Track Your Application
Once you’ve submitted your application, you can track its status on Axis Bank’s website. Login to your account and go to the “Track Application” section. Here you’ll see updates on the stages of your application like “Application Received”, “Under Review”, “Approved”, “Card Dispatched” and so on. If your application is rejected for some reason, you’ll receive a notification with the reason for rejection and steps to reapply. You can also contact Axis Bank’s customer service to check on your application status or inquire about the reasons for rejection.
Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards, there are a few basic criteria you’ll need to meet. Don’t worry, the requirements are pretty straightforward.
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for this credit card. If you’re younger, you’ll need a parent or legal guardian to co-sign the application with you.
Income Requirement
Axis Bank wants to see that you have a steady income to reliably make payments on the card. They don’t publish an exact minimum income requirement, but a good rule of thumb is you should be earning at least ₹25,000 per month to qualify. The higher your income, the higher your chances of approval and credit limit.
Credit Score Requirement
Your credit score is one of the most important eligibility factors. Axis Bank typically approves applicants with good to excellent credit, around 700 and above. The better your score, the more likely you are to be approved for the card and receive a higher credit limit. If your score needs some improvement, you may want to check your credit report for any errors, pay down your balances, and limit new applications before applying.
Existing Axis Bank Customer
Current Axis Bank customers, especially those with a bank account, are viewed more favorably in the application process and have higher approval odds. If you’re not yet an Axis Bank customer, opening a savings account with them before applying for the credit card is a good way to strengthen your application.
Documents Needed
When you apply, be prepared to provide standard documents to verify your identity and income, such as:
- PAN card
- Address proof (Aadhaar card, utility bills)
- Income proof (salary slips, ITR, bank statements)
- Photo ID (Aadhaar card, driver’s license, passport)
Meeting these eligibility criteria and having the necessary documents ready will set you up for the best chance of approval for the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards. If you have any other questions about qualifying for the card, contact Axis Bank directly.
Alternatives to the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards
Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
The Citi PremierMiles card is a great alternative to the Axis Bank Vistara card. It offers:
- 3 miles per Rs.100 spent on air tickets, 2 miles per Rs.100 on dining and 1 mile per Rs.100 on other spends.
- No cap on miles earned. Miles don’t expire as long as you make one purchase every 18 months.
- Redeem miles for air tickets on over 100 airlines including Vistara or for hotel stays, dining, shopping vouchers and more.
- Get 10,000 bonus miles on spending Rs.1 lakh in the first 3 months.
- Enjoy travel privileges like airport lounge access, fuel surcharge waiver and travel insurance.
- Annual fee of Rs.3,000 is waived off on spending Rs.30,000 per year.
Overall, the Citi PremierMiles card has more flexible rewards and redemption options compared to the Axis Bank Vistara card. The higher annual fee is offset by the strong rewards rate and travel benefits. If you want an all-round travel credit card and don’t mind paying a fee, the Citi PremierMiles card is an excellent choice.
HDFC Diners Club Black Credit Card
The HDFC Diners Club Black card is a premium alternative for high spenders. It offers:
- Earn 5 reward points per Rs.150 spent, redeemable for air miles, hotel stays, dining and more.
- Get 50,000 bonus reward points on spending Rs.5 lakhs in the first 90 days.
- Complimentary airport lounge access, golf course access and concierge services.
- Annual fee of Rs.10,000. Additional card at Rs.5,000 per year.
This card is ideal if you want premium travel perks and rewards but at a higher cost. The high annual fee and spend requirement may not suit most cardholders though. Only consider this card if you spend over Rs.6-8 lakhs annually on your credit card.
In summary, there are good alternatives to the Axis Bank Vistara card that may suit your needs better depending on your spending power and the types of rewards you want. Compare cards based on fees, rewards rates, redemption options and benefits to find one that maximizes your spending.
Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards FAQs
What is the annual fee for the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards?
The Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards comes with an annual fee of Rs.500. The fee is waived off if you spend Rs.50,000 or more in the previous year. Considering the benefits and rewards you get with this card, the annual fee seems quite reasonable.
What are the key benefits of the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards?
Some of the major benefits of the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards include:
- Earn 3 Vistara Points for every Rs.150 spent. Redeem these points for free Vistara flights and upgrades.
- Get 2 complimentary Vistara lounge access per quarter. Relax before your flight in the comfort of Vistara lounges.
- Enjoy travel privileges like free baggage allowance, priority check-in, and boarding.
- Get Rs.500 Vistara voucher on card renewal.
- Save more with discounts and offers from Vistara and Axis Bank partners.
How do I redeem Vistara Points earned on the card?
You can redeem the Vistara Points you earn for:
- Free Vistara flights – Starting from 9,000 points for a one-way economy class ticket.
- Flight upgrades – Upgrade your economy ticket to premium economy or business class.
- Excess baggage – Pay for extra baggage with points, starting from 3,000 points.
- Lounge access – Access Vistara lounges by redeeming points. One-time access starts from 2,500 points.
- Other rewards – Donate points to charities or redeem for magazine/newspaper subscriptions.
To redeem points, visit the Vistara website or call their customer care. Provide details like your Vistara membership number, points to be redeemed and the reward you want. The points will be deducted from your account and the reward will be processed.
How do I earn more Vistara Points with the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards?
To maximize the points you earn, use your card frequently for all kinds of spending like:
- Shopping – Earn 3 points per Rs.150 spent at department stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
- Dining – Earn 2 points per Rs.150 spent at restaurants, bars, and fast food joints.
- Travel – Earn 2 points per Rs.150 spent on flights, hotels, and other travel bookings.
- Entertainment – Earn 1 point per Rs.150 spent on movies, theme parks, and events.
You can also earn bonus points through select merchant offers and by using your card around festive seasons. The more you use your card, the faster your points will add up!
Conclusion
So there you have it, a comprehensive review of the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards. As you’ve seen, this card offers a lot of value for frequent flyers and those who want to earn miles for free travel. Between the generous welcome bonus, accelerated Vistara miles earning, and additional travel benefits, this card can be very rewarding. However, the annual fee and foreign transaction fees mean it may not make sense for everyone. If you can take advantage of the benefits and offset the fees, then the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards is absolutely worth considering for your wallet. But if you only travel occasionally or prefer more flexible rewards, you may want to look at other options. The choice is yours!
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