ICICI Sapphiro vs Kotak Royale Signature
Side-by-side credit card comparison to help you choose the best one.
ICICI Sapphiro
Why this card wins: Travel & Lifestyle — 2-4 PAYBACK points per ₹100
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bank | ICICI Bank | Kotak Mahindra |
| Card Type | Premium | Premium |
| Annual Fee | ₹3,500 + GST | ₹999 + GST |
| Joining Fee | ₹3,500 + GST | ₹999 + GST |
| Rewards | 2-4 PAYBACK points per ₹100 | 4 reward points per ₹150 on all spends |
| Best For | Travel & Lifestyle | Travel & Entertainment |
| Interest Rate | 3.40% per month (40.80% p.a.) | 3.49% per month (41.88% p.a.) |
| Credit Limit | ₹3,00,000 - ₹10,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 - ₹5,00,000 |
| Welcome Benefit | Vouchers worth ₹9,000+ | 500 reward points on activation |
| Min Income | ₹50,000/month | ₹25,000/month |
| Lounge Access | 16 domestic + 4 international per year | 8 domestic + 2 international per year |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% waiver on ₹400-₹5,000 txns | 1% waiver on ₹400-₹5,000 txns |
| Foreign Txn Fee | 3.5% + GST | 3.5% + GST |
| Add-On Card Fee | ₹500 + GST | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Contactless | ||
| EMI Conversion |
Key Features
ICICI Sapphiro
Travel & Lifestyle
Visa • Premium
- Buy 1 Get 1 Free on movie tickets (BookMyShow)
- Dreamfolks Membership for lounges
- 4 domestic lounge visits per quarter
- Welcome vouchers worth ₹9000+
Kotak Royale Signature
Travel & Entertainment
Visa Signature • Premium
- 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year
- 2 complimentary international lounge visits
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Milestone benefits on annual spending
Verdict
Based on rating and overall value, ICICI Sapphiro ranks highest among your selected cards. It excels at Travel & Lifestyle and offers 2-4 PAYBACK points per ₹100.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: ICICI Sapphiro or Kotak Royale Signature?
ICICI Sapphiro has the higher CardKhoj rating (4.4/5) and is best for travel & lifestyle. Kotak Royale Signature is the better fit if your priority is travel & entertainment. The right choice depends on where you spend most.
Which has the lower annual fee: ICICI Sapphiro and Kotak Royale Signature?
Kotak Royale Signature is cheaper to hold at ₹999 + GST, compared with ₹3,500 + GST for ICICI Sapphiro.
Do ICICI Sapphiro and Kotak Royale Signature offer airport lounge access?
ICICI Sapphiro: 16 domestic + 4 international per year. Kotak Royale Signature: 8 domestic + 2 international per year.
Which card is better for international spending?
All of them charge the same forex markup of 3.5% + GST, so choose based on other benefits.
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