Kotak White Reserve vs SBI Air India Signature
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
SBI Air India Signature wins 4-3. Air India loyalists — highest miles earn on AI bookings. Kotak White Reserve is still the right call if premium dining + travel without breaking the ₹3k-fee tier..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Kotak White Reserve | SBI Air India Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹3,000 | · ₹4,999 |
| Joining fee | ₹3,000 | · ₹4,999 |
| Top reward rate | · 4% (dining) | 8% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1.5% | 2% |
| Forex markup | = 1.99% | = 1.99% |
| Welcome bonus | = 5,000 reward points + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite | = 20,000 Air India reward points |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹600,000 / yr | ₹500,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹1,800,000 | ₹1,200,000 |
| 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
SBI Air India Signature
- 30 AI reward points per ₹100 on Air India bookings
- 4 reward points per ₹100 on others
- Air India Maharajah Club Silver
- 8 international + 8 domestic lounge visits/year
- Free Air India ticket on ₹5L spend
FAQ
›Kotak White Reserve vs SBI Air India Signature: which is better?
SBI Air India Signature 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 Kotak White Reserve for its best categories, SBI Air India Signature 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. SBI Air India Signature: 20,000 Air India reward points.