SBI Card Partners With Air India and Visa for Co-Branded Credit Card

SBI Card has announced a new strategic alliance with Air India and Visa to develop a premium co-branded credit card. The card will specifically target members of the airline's revamped Maharaja Club loyalty program, integrating travel and lifestyle benefits into a single payment instrument.

Reader Takeaway: SBI Card strengthens its travel-segment market share through a high-value partnership with India's flagship carrier.

What just happened

SBI Cards and Payment Services Ltd (SBI Card) disclosed a three-way partnership with Air India and Visa. The collaboration is focused on building a co-branded credit card program that utilizes Visa’s global network to provide specialized rewards for Maharaja Club members. The product is currently in the development phase, and the entities have not yet disclosed a commercial launch timeline.

Why this matters

For shareholders, this partnership indicates a tactical shift toward high-value customer acquisition in the travel and aviation sector. As Air India undergoes its transformation under the Vihaan.AI program, including fleet expansion and loyalty upgrades, SBI Card is positioning itself to capture the spending of frequent travelers who operate across the Star Alliance network.

Context metrics

As of September 2026, SBI Card maintained a cards-in-force base of approximately 2.32 crore. The company continues to prioritize expansion in its co-branded portfolio to diversify its customer base.

What to track next

Investors should watch for formal updates regarding the card’s feature set, annual fees, and the official market launch date. The impact on credit card acquisition costs and segment-specific spending growth will be the primary metrics to observe once the card is commercially available.