Axis Vistara Signature vs Kotak White Reserve
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Kotak White Reserve wins 4-3. Premium dining + travel without breaking the ₹3K-fee tier. Axis Vistara Signature is still the right call if domestic flyers (vistara was acquired by air india — points convert)..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Axis Vistara Signature | Kotak White Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = ₹3,000 | = ₹3,000 |
| Joining fee | = ₹3,000 | = ₹3,000 |
| Top reward rate | 5% (travel) | · 4% (dining) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 1.5% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | 1.99% |
| Welcome bonus | = Vistara Premium Economy ticket on joining | = 5,000 reward points + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹750,000 / yr | ₹600,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹600,000 | · ₹1,800,000 |
| Min credit score | 750 | · 780 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.2/5 | 4.6/5 |
Benefits compared
Axis Vistara Signature
- 5 CV points per ₹200 on travel
- Premium Economy class ticket on joining
- Premium Economy class ticket on ₹4.5L spend
- 8 domestic lounge visits/year
- Club Vistara Silver tier on joining
Kotak White Reserve
- 4 reward points/₹100 on dining + travel
- 6 international Priority Pass visits/year
- 24 domestic lounge visits/year (DragonPass)
- Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite included
- 1.99% forex markup
FAQ
›Axis Vistara Signature vs Kotak White Reserve: which is better?
Kotak White Reserve wins on more dimensions (4 vs 3). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use Axis Vistara Signature for its best categories, Kotak White Reserve for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Axis Vistara Signature: Vistara Premium Economy ticket on joining. Kotak White Reserve: 5,000 reward points + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite.