Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
Kotak White Reserve vs ICICI Sapphiro
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Premium
Kotak Mahindra Bank
Kotak White Reserve
VISA
Wins 6 of 10
IN
Premium
ICICI Bank
ICICI Sapphiro
VISA
Wins 1 of 10
Verdict
Kotak White Reserve wins 6-1. Premium dining + travel without breaking the ₹3K-fee tier. ICICI Sapphiro is still the right call if mid-premium with strong dining + travel mix..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Kotak White Reserve | ICICI Sapphiro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹3,000 | · ₹3,500 |
| Joining fee | ₹3,000 | · ₹6,500 |
| Top reward rate | 4% (dining) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 1.5% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | 1.99% | · 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 5,000 reward points + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite | = 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500 |
| Fee waiver threshold | = ₹600,000 / yr | = ₹600,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹1,800,000 | ₹1,000,000 |
| Min credit score | = 780 | = 780 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.3/5 |
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
ICICI Sapphiro
- 4 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 2 complimentary international + 4 domestic lounge visits/year
- 15% off at 800+ restaurants (Culinary Treats)
- 25% off BookMyShow tickets
- Comprehensive travel insurance
FAQ
›Kotak White Reserve vs ICICI Sapphiro: which is better?
Kotak White Reserve wins on more dimensions (6 vs 1). 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, ICICI Sapphiro 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. ICICI Sapphiro: 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500.