Does the Club Vistara SBI Credit Card have any issues or drawbacks that I should be aware of, especially in terms of lounge access, reward redemption, or other features?
While the Club Vistara SBI Credit Card offers some solid benefits, there are definitely a few issues and drawbacks that you should be aware of. One of the biggest frustrations for many users is the lounge access benefit. Although the card offers 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year, there have been several reports from users who’ve had trouble accessing lounges, particularly in airports like Bangalore T1, Goa, and Mumbai. Some lounges just don’t accept the card, or the process to get in can be really slow, which can be a bit disappointing if you’re relying on that perk during travel.
Another issue revolves around the complimentary economy-class ticket that you get when you pay the annual fee. While this sounds great, there have been delays in receiving the ticket voucher, especially after the Air India-Vistara merger. Some users have also mentioned that they didn’t see their vouchers show up in their Air India accounts as expected, which can be pretty frustrating if you’re counting on that benefit.
The reward redemption process can also cause some headaches. After the merger, there has been a lot of uncertainty about how your CV Points will be transferred to the new Air India loyalty program. A lot of users have reported that they haven’t seen their points migrate properly, and that’s led to some confusion and frustration. Additionally, if you’re hoping to earn CV Points from rent payments or wallet loads (e.g., MobiKwik), be aware that these types of transactions might not qualify, even though they seem like they should. Some users have had success with workarounds, but it’s not always guaranteed.
Lastly, the annual fee of ₹1,499 might not seem too high, but if you’re not a frequent flyer with Vistara or Air India, the benefits might not justify the cost. Since there’s no waiver option based on spending, it can feel like you’re paying for benefits you’re not fully using.
So while the card offers some strong travel perks, the lounge access issues, delays with vouchers, and uncertainty around point transfers are definitely things you should consider before applying.