Standard Chartered Smart vs Standard Chartered Ultimate
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Standard Chartered Smart wins 5-3. Entry tier alternative — flat 2% on online spends. Standard Chartered Ultimate is still the right call if best general earn-rate at the ₹5k fee tier..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Standard Chartered Smart | Standard Chartered Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹499 | · ₹5,000 |
| Joining fee | ₹499 | · ₹5,000 |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (shopping) | 3.3% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 3.3% |
| Forex markup | = 3.5% | = 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = ₹500 Amazon voucher on first 30-day spend | = 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹120,000 / yr | · ₹1,500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹250,000 | · ₹1,500,000 |
| Min credit score | 720 | · 780 |
| Editorial rating | · 4/5 | 4.4/5 |
Benefits compared
Standard Chartered Smart
- 2% cashback on online spends (capped at ₹100/month)
- 1% cashback on offline + bill payments
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Up to 15% off on partner restaurants (EazyDiner)
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
›Standard Chartered Smart vs Standard Chartered Ultimate: which is better?
Standard Chartered Smart wins on more dimensions (5 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 Standard Chartered Smart for online shopping, Standard Chartered Ultimate for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Standard Chartered Smart: ₹500 Amazon voucher on first 30-day spend. Standard Chartered Ultimate: 6,000 reward points + ₹1,000 voucher.