In light of the recent merger between Vistara and Air India, Axis Bank has announced significant revisions to its Vistara Credit Card offerings, effective from April 18, 2025. These changes aim to align the credit card benefits with the unified loyalty program resulting from the merger.
Key Changes to Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards:
- Annual Fee Waiver: For cardholders whose renewal dates fall on or after April 18, 2025, the annual fees will be waived. This waiver is an interim measure during the transition period.
- Discontinuation of Select Benefits: Several benefits previously associated with the Vistara Credit Cards will be discontinued upon renewal after the specified date:
- Complimentary Maharaja Club tier memberships.
- Renewal benefits of complimentary ticket vouchers.
- Spends milestone benefits, including complimentary tickets or vouchers.
- Earning Maharaja Points: Cardholders will continue to earn Maharaja Points on all eligible spends. The accumulation and redemption of these points will adhere to Air India’s Maharaja Club program terms.
- Continued Card Usage: Despite the changes, cardholders can continue using their Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards for both domestic and international transactions, encompassing online and in-store purchases.
- Retention of Other Benefits: Certain premium benefits will remain unaffected:
- Complimentary lounge access at select airports within India, subject to spend criteria.
- Dining discounts through partnerships with platforms like EazyDiner.
Scenarios:
- Renewals Before April 18, 2025: Cardholders renewing before this date will be charged the standard annual fee and will retain benefits such as welcome ticket vouchers, milestone spend benefits, and Maharaja Points accumulation for a year from the renewal date.
- Renewals On or After April 18, 2025: Cardholders renewing on or after this date will have their annual fees waived. However, they will not be eligible for welcome ticket vouchers, class upgrade vouchers, tier memberships, or milestone spend benefit vouchers. They will continue to earn Maharaja Points on eligible spends and can use the card for various transactions.
Conclusion:
The merger between Vistara and Air India has necessitated these interim adjustments to the Axis Bank Vistara Credit Cards. While some benefits are being discontinued, cardholders still enjoy several privileges, including fee waivers and the ability to earn Maharaja Points.