Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
ICICI Sapphiro vs Standard Chartered Ultimate
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Premium
ICICI Bank
ICICI Sapphiro
VISA
Wins 3 of 10
IN
Premium
Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered Ultimate
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
Verdict
Standard Chartered Ultimate wins 4-3. Best general earn-rate at the ₹5K fee tier. ICICI Sapphiro is still the right call if mid-premium with strong dining + travel mix..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI Sapphiro | Standard Chartered Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹3,500 | · ₹5,000 |
| Joining fee | · ₹6,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Top reward rate | · 1% (general) | 3.3% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 3.3% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500 | = 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹600,000 / yr | · ₹1,500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹1,000,000 | · ₹1,500,000 |
| Min credit score | = 780 | = 780 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
ICICI Sapphiro
- 4 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 2 complimentary international + 4 domestic lounge visits/year
- 15% off at 800+ restaurants (Culinary Treats)
- 25% off BookMyShow tickets
- Comprehensive travel insurance
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
›ICICI Sapphiro vs Standard Chartered Ultimate: which is better?
Standard Chartered Ultimate wins on more dimensions (4 vs 3). 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 ICICI Sapphiro 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?
ICICI Sapphiro: 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500. Standard Chartered Ultimate: 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher.