SBI Air India Signature vs Kotak White
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
SBI Air India Signature wins 4-2. Air India loyalists, highest miles earn on AI bookings. 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 | SBI Air India Signature | Kotak White |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹4,999 | ₹3,000 |
| Joining fee | · ₹4,999 | ₹3,000 |
| Top reward rate | 8% (travel) | · Milestone |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · Milestone |
| Forex markup | = N/A | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 20,000 Air India reward points | = White Pass value of ₹1,500 on ₹30,000 spend within 60 days of card set-up |
| Fee waiver threshold | = ₹500,000 / yr | = ₹500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹1,200,000 | · ₹2,500,000 |
| Min credit score | 780 | · N/A |
| Editorial rating | = 4.3/5 | = 4.3/5 |
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
- 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
›SBI Air India Signature vs Kotak White: which is better?
SBI Air India Signature wins on more dimensions (4 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 SBI Air India Signature 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?
SBI Air India Signature: 20,000 Air India reward points. Kotak White: White Pass value of ₹1,500 on ₹30,000 spend within 60 days of card set-up.