Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
SBI Aurum vs Standard Chartered Ultimate
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Premium
SBI Card
SBI Aurum
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 | SBI Aurum | Standard Chartered Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹9,999 | ₹5,000 |
| Joining fee | · ₹9,999 | ₹5,000 |
| Top reward rate | 4% (general) | · 3.3% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 4% | · 3.3% |
| Forex markup | 1.99% | · 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 10,000 reward points + ₹10,000 brand voucher | = 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | = ₹1,500,000 / yr | = ₹1,500,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹3,500,000 | ₹1,500,000 |
| Min credit score | · 800 | 780 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
SBI Aurum
- 4 reward points per ₹100 (~4% value)
- Unlimited domestic + 6 international lounge visits/quarter
- Concierge 24x7
- Taj Inner Circle membership
- 2 free golf rounds/month
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
›SBI Aurum vs Standard Chartered Ultimate: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. SBI Aurum 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 SBI Aurum 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?
SBI Aurum: 10,000 reward points + ₹10,000 brand voucher. Standard Chartered Ultimate: 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher.