The planned Visa-powered card will offer travel and lifestyle benefits to Air India’s Maharaja Club members, as the airline looks to strengthen its loyalty ecosystem and reward everyday spending
Air India and SBI Card have partnered with Visa to develop a new co-branded credit card programme aimed at offering travel and lifestyle benefits to members of the airline’s Maharaja Club loyalty programme.
Announced on 28 October 2026, the partnership brings together the airline’s customer base, SBI Card’s credit card expertise and Visa’s global payments network. The companies said the proposed programme would cater to the evolving spending habits and travel aspirations of frequent flyers.
The announcement did not disclose the card’s launch date, fee structure, reward rates or detailed benefits.
Maharaja Club At The Centre Of The Partnership
The proposed credit card is part of Air India’s broader effort to strengthen its loyalty proposition as it transforms its fleet, cabin products and international network.
Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer at Air India, said the airline sees an opportunity to reward customers for both everyday spending and their travel and lifestyle aspirations. The company aims to make Maharaja Club a preferred loyalty programme for millions of Indians.
Salila Pande, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SBI Card, said the partnership would focus on a travel-oriented credit card proposition aligned with changing customer preferences and spending needs.
Suresh Sethi, Group Country Manager for India and South Asia at Visa, said the collaboration would combine the payment network’s global reach and co-branding experience to enhance travel-related payment experiences.
Maharaja Club Adds More Than Five Million Members
Air India said Maharaja Club has added more than five million members since its redesign in 2024, which introduced a simplified structure, updated identity and renamed tiers.
Members can earn and redeem Maharaja Points on flights operated by Air India and Air India Express across 104 destinations spanning North America, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, South-East Asia and South Asia. The programme also covers flights on 25 other Star Alliance member airlines.
The loyalty programme has partnerships with more than 100 brands across hospitality, retail, lifestyle and financial services, allowing members to earn points on a wider range of travel and everyday purchases.
Credit Card Partnership Supports Loyalty Expansion
For Air India, the planned card offers another route to engage customers beyond flight bookings, while SBI Card aims to develop a differentiated travel-focused payment product. Visa will provide the payment network and co-brand partnership expertise.
The companies have positioned the initiative around delivering greater value across customers’ everyday transactions and travel journeys. Further details on eligibility, fees, rewards and the card’s launch are yet to be announced.
