Starting April 2025, SBI Card, IDFC First Bank, and Axis Bank will make significant changes to the rewards structure and benefits for their credit cardholders.
These changes include reductions in reward points, removal of milestone benefits, and the discontinuation of certain special facilities.
Changes in SBI Card Benefits
SBI Card customers will experience a reduction in reward points on some of their popular credit cards starting April 1, 2025.
For instance, SimplyCLICK SBI Card users will now earn 5X reward points on Swiggy, a reduction from the previous 10X.
However, they will still earn 10X points on brands like Myntra, BookMyShow, and Apollo 24|7.
The changes will be more significant for Air India SBI Credit Card holders. Previously, Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card users earned 15 reward points for every ₹100 spent, but this will now drop to just 5 points.
Similarly, the Air India SBI Signature Credit Card’s reward points will be reduced from 30 to just 10 points.
These changes will directly affect passengers who previously enjoyed travel benefits with these cards.
IDFC First Bank’s Club Vistara Credit Card Changes
IDFC First Bank will discontinue the milestone benefits of the Club Vistara Credit Card from March 31, 2025.
Customers can continue to earn Maharaja Points until March 31, 2026, but after that, the card will be fully discontinued. Additionally, the Club Vistara Silver Membership will no longer be available.
Customers who renew their cards after March 31, 2025, will receive a one-year annual fee waiver. However, those who valued the Vistara travel benefits will need to explore other options.
Axis Bank’s Vistara Credit Card Changes
Following the merger of Vistara with Air India, Axis Bank will also adjust its Vistara Credit Card benefits.
Starting April 18, 2025, customers renewing their cards will no longer have to pay the annual fee, but several key benefits will be removed.
Customers will no longer receive Maharaja Club tier membership or welcome and milestone ticket vouchers.
While domestic and international transactions will still be possible, existing benefits like lounge access, golf benefits, and dining offers will continue.
However, rewards will no longer be available on certain transactions, including rent payments, wallet load, utility bill payments, government services, insurance premiums, and the purchase of jewelry or precious metals.
