Kotak Mahindra Bank has quietly improved the White Reserve Credit Card in a way that will matter most to frequent international spenders. The card now gives 6 reward points per ₹100 on international spends, up from 4, which is a meaningful jump for anyone who shops abroad, books overseas travel, or pays foreign merchants online.
The card is also getting a domestic travel boost, with 8 domestic airport lounge visits per year now included. That makes the card more attractive for people who want a mix of travel comfort and stronger rewards on cross-border transactions. The annual fee remains ₹10,000 + GST, with a milestone waiver available on ₹10 lakh spend.
This is a smart improvement because international spending is often where premium cards can differentiate themselves. Many cards look fine on domestic categories but become mediocre once you start spending in foreign currency or on overseas websites. By lifting the earn rate to 6 reward points per ₹100, Kotak is making White Reserve more competitive for globally active cardholders.
The lounge increase also helps the card feel more complete. A premium card charging ₹10,000 + GST needs to do more than just offer points; it has to support the travel lifestyle too. With 8 domestic airport lounge visits per year, the card now has a more balanced value proposition for people who fly often enough to care about airport access.
The big question is whether the card now fits your actual spending pattern. If international transactions are a small part of your wallet, this upgrade may not move the needle much. But if you regularly pay in foreign currency or book travel abroad, the improved earn rate could make this card much more appealing than it was before.
What You Should Do: If you spend heavily on international transactions, re-check the White Reserve now that it offers 6 reward points per ₹100 abroad. If your annual spend can realistically reach ₹10 lakh, the fee waiver makes the card easier to justify — otherwise, compare it carefully against other premium travel cards before applying.