Big change for 2024: the Axis Vistara Infinite credit card has lost one of its most valuable perks.
From 1 March 2024, cardholders will need to complete 4 flights and earn 15,000 Tier Points to retain Vistara Gold for a second year. Until now, the card automatically granted complimentary Gold status for as long as the card was held.
Those requirements—four flights plus 15k Tier Points—are unrealistic for many members who primarily travel on redemption tickets. As a result, the automatic renewed Gold privilege effectively ends with this update.
Below is the official announcement that outlines the revised terms and conditions (available from the issuing bank):
Historically, the Axis Vistara Infinite card stood out because it continued to provide Vistara Gold on renewal. Going forward, that benefit will apply only for the first year after card issuance (365 days). After that, unless you meet the flight and Tier Point requirements, your membership will revert to Silver—similar to the IndusInd Vistara Explorer card’s approach.
If your Gold tier renews before 1 March 2024 and you pay the annual fee, you should retain Gold for one additional year under the old rules. If your card renewal falls after 1 March, some cardholders may consider closing and reapplying after six months to regain the one-year Gold benefit; this tactic currently works but could be affected by future changes, especially if Vistara’s loyalty programme merges with Air India’s.
For new applicants, the Vistara Infinite card will still grant Gold status for the first year regardless of application date, but the automatic renewal without meeting activity thresholds is no longer guaranteed.
Does this change matter?
The practical impact depends on how you fly. For business-class travellers, Gold status often offers little incremental benefit—many advantages such as priority services and lounge access are already included with premium tickets. From personal experience, I haven’t found a major disadvantage since I let my Gold lapse two years ago, aside from losing priority access to a specific lounge at Bangalore.
For economy passengers, however, Gold status still matters: it brings lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, and other conveniences that can substantially improve the travel experience.
Final thoughts
This change was becoming likely given the growing number of Gold members on flights. Recently, it’s common to see many passengers called forward as Gold—far more than a year or two ago—so restricting automatic renewals helps control benefit dilution and the programme’s liability, especially amid potential integration with Air India.
If you currently hold Axis Vistara Infinite and your renewal occurs before 1 March 2024 with the annual fee paid, you should still receive one more year of Gold. New cardholders will get Gold for the first year, but ongoing automatic Gold on renewal has been removed unless you meet the new activity requirements.
What do you think about this devaluation to the Axis Vistara Infinite credit card? Share your views in the comments below.