SBI Air India Signature vs Kotak White Reserve
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 | SBI Air India Signature | Kotak White Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹4,999 | ₹3,000 |
| Joining fee | · ₹4,999 | ₹3,000 |
| Top reward rate | 8% (travel) | · 4% (dining) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1.5% |
| Forex markup | = 1.99% | = 1.99% |
| Welcome bonus | = 20,000 Air India reward points | = 5,000 reward points + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹500,000 / yr | · ₹600,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹1,200,000 | · ₹1,800,000 |
| Min credit score | = 780 | = 780 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 |
Benefits compared
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
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
›SBI Air India Signature vs Kotak White Reserve: 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 SBI Air India 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?
SBI Air India Signature: 20,000 Air India reward points. Kotak White Reserve: 5,000 reward points + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite.