Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
HDFC Pixel vs Standard Chartered Ultimate
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
HDFC Bank
HDFC Pixel
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
IN
Premium
Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered Ultimate
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC Pixel | Standard Chartered Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · ₹5,000 |
| Joining fee | None | · ₹5,000 |
| Top reward rate | · 3% (shopping) | 3.3% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 3.3% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = Customizable card design + ₹250 voucher | = 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | · N/A (no fee) | ₹1,500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹200,000 | · ₹1,500,000 |
| Min credit score | 700 | · 780 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
HDFC Pixel
- 3% cashback on 2 chosen merchants (Swiggy/Zomato/Uber/Amazon/etc.)
- 1% on other spends
- Lifetime free
- Mobile-first app experience
- Dynamic CVV for security
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 Pixel vs Standard Chartered Ultimate: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. HDFC Pixel wins on 4 criteria, Standard Chartered Ultimate on 4.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use HDFC Pixel 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 Pixel: Customizable card design + ₹250 voucher. Standard Chartered Ultimate: 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher.