Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
HDFC MoneyBack+ vs Standard Chartered Ultimate
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
HDFC Bank
HDFC MoneyBack+
VISA
Wins 6 of 10
IN
Premium
Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered Ultimate
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
Verdict
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins 6-2. Entry-level cashback with very low waiver bar. Standard Chartered Ultimate is still the right call if best general earn-rate at the ₹5k fee tier..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC MoneyBack+ | Standard Chartered Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹500 | · ₹5,000 |
| Joining fee | ₹500 | · ₹5,000 |
| Top reward rate | 5% (shopping) | · 3.3% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 2% | 3.3% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 500 CashPoints on first transaction | = 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹50,000 / yr | · ₹1,500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹240,000 | · ₹1,500,000 |
| Min credit score | 720 | · 780 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.1/5 | 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
HDFC MoneyBack+
- 5% on Amazon, Flipkart, Big Basket, Reliance Smart Bazaar (capped ₹1K/month)
- 2% on EMI transactions
- 1 fuel surcharge waiver
- Quarterly milestone vouchers
Standard Chartered Ultimate
- 5 reward points per ₹150 (effectively 3.3%)
- 4 complimentary international lounge visits/year
- BookMyShow buy-1-get-1
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Comprehensive travel + purchase insurance
FAQ
›HDFC MoneyBack+ vs Standard Chartered Ultimate: which is better?
HDFC MoneyBack+ wins on more dimensions (6 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 HDFC MoneyBack+ for its best categories, Standard Chartered Ultimate for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
HDFC MoneyBack+: 500 CashPoints on first transaction. Standard Chartered Ultimate: 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher.