With the impending merger of Vistara and Air India set for November 12, 2024, many cardholders are understandably concerned about the future of their Vistara co-branded credit cards. This article explores what happens to your credit card benefits, how membership fees will be affected post-merger, and what to expect regarding complimentary ticket and upgrade vouchers.
Migration to Flying Returns
Following the merger, Vistara’s loyalty program, Club Vistara, will be integrated into Air India’s Flying Returns program. Here’s what this means for cardholders:
- Point Transfer: All Club Vistara Points (CV Points), One Class Upgrade Vouchers, and Complimentary Ticket Vouchers will be transferred to linked Flying Returns accounts on November 12, 2024.
- Earning New Points: After this date, cardholders will earn Flying Returns Points in addition to existing benefits.
Continuation of Current Benefits
Vistara co-branded credit card holders can continue to enjoy their current benefits until March 31, 2026. This includes:
- Accumulating CV Points until the transition.
- Retaining tier status for one year following the merger.
- Complimentary vouchers will be transferred to Air India after Nov 12, 2024
Those who had Axis Vistara Infinite Credit Card will get Star Alliance Gold which offer superior benefits than Club Vistara Gold.
Vistara Co-branded Credit Card Complimentary Tickets
One of the standout features of Vistara co-branded credit cards is the ability to earn complimentary tickets and upgrade vouchers based on spending. Here’s how these benefits will evolve post-merger:
Earning Complimentary Tickets
Many banks offer co-branded credit cards with Vistara that provide complimentary tickets as part of their rewards structure:
- Axis Bank: Offers Business Class, Premium Economy & Economy tickets based on annual spending thresholds.
- SBI: Provides complimentary Premium Economy & Economy Class tickets along with additional Club Vistara membership benefits.
- IDFC FIRST Bank: Includes complimentary Premium Economy tickets based on spending milestones.
- IndusInd Bank: Offers complimentary business class tickets as part of various travel-related perks.
These complimentary tickets can be redeemed for flights on Air India after the merger, significantly enhancing their value as they can now be used across a broader network.
Annual Membership Fee Implications
Already Paid:
If you have already paid your annual membership fee for this year, you will continue to enjoy all current benefits until March 31, 2026. Your membership will remain valid throughout this period despite the transition.
For Those Whose Fees Are Yet to Be Paid:
Annual card membership renewals will not be processed after March 31, 2025. Last date for annual card membership renewal for your card may vary based on their internal policies but not later than 31 March 2025. We suggest you should check with your respective bank for the same.
Issuance of New Vistara Co-branded Credit Card
All the banks will stop issuing the card post Sep 30, 2024. Exact date will be decided by the partner bank however it wont be beyond the above date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all valid unused complimentary ticket vouchers will be transferred to your Flying Returns account and can be used according to their extended validity post-merger.
he issuance of new co-branded cards will discontinue effective September 30, 2024. It’s advisable to apply before this date if you wish to benefit from current offerings.
Your current tier status in Club Vistara will be honored for one year post-merger. For example, if you are a Gold member, you will be matched to Star Alliance Gold status.
Yes, after the merger, cardholders will start earning Flying Returns Points and additional complimentary ticket vouchers based on their spending.
Yes, post-merger, you will have access to a broader network of airlines through Air India’s Flying Returns program and can redeem your points on Air India flights as well as partner airlines within the Star Alliance network.
Our take on Vistara Co-branded Credit Cards
The merger between Vistara and Air India marks a significant shift in the Indian aviation landscape and presents both challenges and opportunities for existing co-branded credit cardholders. We believe that Air India has handled this efficiently giving time to existing card holders to use their benefits.