SBI Card has now discontinued the issuance of new SBI Air India co-branded credit cards. This move will shortly follow the discontinuance of Vistara co-branded credit cards due to the merger of Air India and Vistara. SBI Card had two Air India co-branded cards in its portfolio namely the Air India SBI Signature Credit Card and Air India SBI Platinum Credit Card.
One can only speculate about the reason behind this. Perhaps SBI Card or another card issuer will release new Air India co-branded credit cards. SBI Card also has its own Miles card series, which offers specific rewards for travel and airline expenses. Recently the credit card giant also issued new KrisFlyer co-branded credit cards which can also availed by those who frequently fly with Singapore Airlines.
Those who wish to have an airline-specific credit card can also consider other cards, such as the SpiceJet Axis Bank Voyage Credit Card and the 6E Rewards – IndiGo HDFC Bank Credit Card.
Bottom Line
SBI Card has officially discontinued the two Air India co-branded credit cards it used to offer. These were the only Air India credit cards available. This move increases the list of cards that have been discontinued since the merger of Vistara and Air India, including several Vistara co-branded credit cards. Many are now speculating that we will soon see new Air India Flying Returns co-branded credit cards, but that remains to be seen.