What is the Kotak White Credit Card?
A Quick Overview
The Kotak White Credit Card is positioned as a premium lifestyle and travel card, aimed at those who enjoy high-end perks without jumping through complex hoops. It’s part of Kotak’s elite suite of credit cards and is designed to reward you generously for spending — especially on travel, shopping, and experiences.
Who Is It For?
It’s ideal for:
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Frequent domestic and international travelers
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People spending ₹5–12 lakh annually on their card
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Users who value lounge access and exclusive lifestyle benefits
Key Features of the Kotak White Credit Card
Lounge Access Privileges
International Lounge Access
The card offers 4 complimentary international airport lounge visits per year via Priority Pass for the primary cardholder. You get a Priority Pass membership, which itself is valued at around USD 99/year. The access is smooth, and validation is done with a symbolic USD 1 charge that gets reversed.
Domestic Lounge Access
For within India, you get 2 free lounge visits per quarter (that’s 8 per year). These lounges are available at major airports — think Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and more.
Pro Tip: Carry a secondary ID just in case the lounge requires double verification.
White Pass Rewards
Now here’s the fun part — White Pass is Kotak’s in-house rewards program for this card. Instead of earning points per spend, you accumulate White Pass Credits at key milestones.
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Spend ₹30,000 in the first 60 days = ₹1,500 welcome White Pass credit.
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Spend ₹6 lakh in a year = ₹6,000 reward.
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Spend ₹12 lakh? That’s ₹27,000 in White Pass credits.
You can redeem these for flights, hotel bookings, premium brand vouchers, or curated experiences.
Milestone Benefits
Hit spending milestones, and you’ll unlock more than just bragging rights:
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₹1.5L: ₹750 in credits
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₹4L: ₹2,000 in credits
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₹6L: ₹3,250 in credits
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₹8L: ₹4,500 in credits
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₹10L: ₹6,000 in credits
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₹12L: ₹10,500 in credits
All these add up to a whopping ₹27,000 per annum in rewards if you max it out.
Charges and Fees
Joining and Annual Fees
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Joining Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
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Annual Fee: ₹3,000 + GST
Honestly, for a premium card, this fee is pretty competitive — especially with what you’re getting in return.
Fee Waivers Explained
If you spend ₹5,00,000 in a year, your next year’s annual fee is waived. That’s a solid incentive for regular spenders.
Other Charges (FX, Late Fee, etc.)
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Foreign Exchange Mark-up: 3.5% — a bit on the higher side, so use it smartly abroad.
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Cash Withdrawal Fee: 2.5% (minimum ₹500)
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Late Payment Fee: Varies by bill amount (₹100 to ₹950+)
Eligibility Criteria
Age & Income Requirements
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Age: 21–65 years (Primary Cardholder)
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Income: Typically ₹12 lakh+ per annum (though not explicitly stated)
Kotak assesses your creditworthiness — so having a good credit score (750+) increases your chances.
Documents You’ll Need
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PAN Card
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Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID
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Latest Salary Slips or ITR
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Recent passport-sized photo
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Address proof (utility bills, etc.)
How to Apply for the Kotak White Credit Card
Online Application Process
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Visit Kotak’s official website
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Navigate to “Credit Cards” → “White Credit Card”
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Fill out the application form
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Upload required documents
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Wait for verification and a callback
Offline Application (Branch Visit)
Prefer a face-to-face process? Just walk into a nearby Kotak branch with your documents. A bank rep will help you through the paperwork.
Benefits That Make It Worth It
Travel Convenience
Lounge access is a game-changer when you’re dealing with flight delays or long layovers. Grab a latte, stretch out in a recliner, and make the most of your wait.
Reward Redemptions
Whether you’re flying to Goa or booking a staycation in Udaipur, White Pass credits come in handy. The best part? Redemption is straightforward and flexible — no confusing reward catalogs.
Concierge & Lifestyle Perks
Need help with hotel bookings, event reservations, or even gifting services? The 24×7 concierge service acts like your personal assistant.
Downsides You Should Consider
No card is perfect, and Kotak White has a few quirks:
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No direct cashback or per-spend reward points
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Higher forex mark-up of 3.5%
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Lounge access limited to primary cardholder only
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Add-on cardholders do not get lounge privileges
Kotak White vs. Other Travel Credit Cards
Kotak White vs. HDFC Regalia
| Feature | Kotak White | HDFC Regalia |
|---|---|---|
| Lounge Access | 4 Intl + 8 Domestic | 6 Intl + 12 Domestic |
| Fees | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 |
| Rewards | Milestone-based | Per spend-based |
| Forex Mark-up | 3.5% | 2% |
Verdict: Regalia is better for international travel; White is better for milestone lovers.
Kotak White vs. Axis Magnus
Magnus has higher rewards, concierge access, but requires massive spending (₹15L+ annually) to unlock full value. For most users, Kotak White hits the sweet spot of affordability + perks.
Real User Reviews and Insights
“I applied for Kotak White just for the airport lounges. It’s been smooth sailing ever since.” — Rohan, Mumbai
“I love how the rewards are simple. No need to track points — just hit a milestone, and boom — White Pass credits.” — Nikita, Bengaluru
Final Verdict: Should You Get This Card?
If you travel often, love airport lounges, and consistently spend over ₹5 lakh a year — then yes, the Kotak White Credit Card is a fantastic value pick. It blends comfort, rewards, and status without charging an exorbitant fee.
But if you rarely travel or prefer cashback over lifestyle perks, you might want to consider other options.
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