ICICI Sapphiro vs Kotak White
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
ICICI Sapphiro wins 4-3. Mid-premium with strong dining + travel mix. Kotak White is still the right call if mid-premium kotak card; rewards come from milestone white pass value, not a per-spend rate..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI Sapphiro | Kotak White |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹3,500 | ₹3,000 |
| Joining fee | · ₹6,500 | ₹3,000 |
| Top reward rate | 1% (general) | · Milestone |
| Base reward rate | 1% | · Milestone |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500 | = White Pass value of ₹1,500 on ₹30,000 spend within 60 days of card set-up |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹600,000 / yr | ₹500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹1,000,000 | · ₹2,500,000 |
| Min credit score | 780 | · N/A |
| Editorial rating | = 4.3/5 | = 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
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
Kotak White
- Milestone White Pass rewards, up to ₹27,000 per year on ₹12 lakh spend
- 3.5% forex markup
- Annual fee waived at ₹5 lakh annual spend
FAQ
›ICICI Sapphiro vs Kotak White: which is better?
ICICI Sapphiro 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 ICICI Sapphiro for its best categories, Kotak White for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
ICICI Sapphiro: 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500. Kotak White: White Pass value of ₹1,500 on ₹30,000 spend within 60 days of card set-up.