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
Wins 2 of 10
IN
Premium
ICICI Bank
ICICI Sapphiro
VISA
Wins 7 of 10
Verdict
ICICI Sapphiro wins 7-2. Mid-premium with strong dining + travel mix. Kotak White Reserve is still the right call if ultra-premium kotak card; rewards come from milestone white pass value, not a per-spend rate..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Kotak White Reserve | ICICI Sapphiro |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹12,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Joining fee | · ₹12,500 | ₹6,500 |
| Top reward rate | · Milestone | 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · Milestone | 1% |
| Forex markup | 2% | · 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | · N/A | 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500 |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹1,000,000 / yr | ₹600,000 / yr |
| Min income | = Not verified | = ₹1,000,000 |
| Min credit score | · N/A | 780 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
Kotak White Reserve
- Milestone White Pass rewards, up to ₹2.5 lakh value per year
- Club Marriott membership (up to 25% off dining in India, up to 20% across Asia Pacific)
- 2% forex markup
- Annual fee waived at ₹10 lakh annual spend
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?
ICICI Sapphiro wins on more dimensions (7 vs 2). 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 doesn't list a welcome bonus. ICICI Sapphiro: 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500.