Kotak White Reserve vs AU Bank Zenith
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Kotak White Reserve wins 5-3. Premium dining + travel without breaking the ₹3K-fee tier. AU Bank Zenith is still the right call if underrated mid-premium — punches above its fee tier..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Kotak White Reserve | AU Bank Zenith |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹3,000 | · ₹7,500 |
| Joining fee | ₹3,000 | · ₹7,500 |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (dining) | 10% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1.5% | 2% |
| Forex markup | 1.99% | · 2% |
| Welcome bonus | = 5,000 reward points + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite | = 7,500 reward points + Vistara Premium Economy ticket |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹600,000 / yr | · ₹800,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹1,800,000 | ₹1,200,000 |
| Min credit score | = 780 | = 780 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
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
AU Bank Zenith
- 10 ZenPoints per ₹100 on travel + dining
- 2 ZenPoints per ₹100 on general spend
- 8 complimentary international lounge visits per quarter
- 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits / year
- Annual milestone: free domestic flight at ₹6L spend
- 4 free golf rounds/quarter at 250+ courses
FAQ
›Kotak White Reserve vs AU Bank Zenith: which is better?
Kotak White Reserve wins on more dimensions (5 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 Kotak White Reserve for its best categories, AU Bank Zenith for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Kotak White Reserve: 5,000 reward points + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite. AU Bank Zenith: 7,500 reward points + Vistara Premium Economy ticket.