Standard Chartered Ultimate credit card review: fees, rewards and eligibility
The Standard Chartered Ultimate has a recorded annual fee of ₹5,000 plus GST and a base earn of 3.33% on most eligible spends; 2% on six revised categories. CardMasters checked its issuer terms on 2026-07-23. Affiliate commission never changes ranking; confirm final terms and approval with Standard Chartered.
Standard Chartered Ultimate: short answer
The Standard Chartered Ultimate is in the premium tier of Standard Chartered credit cards, with a joining fee of ₹5,000, an annual fee of ₹5,000 plus GST, a base earn of 3.33% on most eligible spends; 2% on six revised categories and a 2% forex markup. Rewards are not earned on fuel, wallet load. It suits high spender, golf spending; whether it beats a card you already hold depends on your own spend mix and redemption choices.
Source: CardMasters issuer-evidence catalogue, release 2026-07-23. Confirm final terms with the issuer.
Reward structure
3.33% on most eligible spends; 2% on six revised categories
No separate accelerated route is currently recorded.
Eligibility and important limits
published monthly income floor ₹60,000 Approval remains solely at the issuer’s discretion.
Does not earn: fuel, wallet load.
Important limit: Utilities, supermarkets, insurance, rent/property management, schools and government payments earn 3 points per ₹150 (2%), not the headline 5 points per ₹150
Frequently asked questions
What is the annual fee for the Standard Chartered Ultimate?
The published annual fee in our current record is ₹5,000 plus applicable GST.
How do rewards work on the Standard Chartered Ultimate?
3.33% on most eligible spends; 2% on six revised categories. Reward value depends on the eligible transaction route and redemption method.
Which transactions do not earn rewards on the Standard Chartered Ultimate?
The current issuer-sourced exclusions recorded by CardMasters include fuel, wallet load. Merchant category coding and issuer terms determine final eligibility.
Who should consider the Standard Chartered Ultimate?
It is most relevant for people focused on high spender, golf. Whether it improves your wallet still depends on your actual spending, existing cards, fees and redemption choices.
Is the Standard Chartered Ultimate worth it?
It is worth holding only when the rewards and benefits you will genuinely use exceed ₹5,000 plus GST each year. Value the rewards at a realistic redemption rate, not the issuer's best-case example.
What is the eligibility for the Standard Chartered Ultimate?
The published monthly income floor is ₹60,000. Approval, credit limit and final pricing are decided solely by the issuer.
What is the forex markup on the Standard Chartered Ultimate?
The recorded foreign-currency markup is 2% before GST. On ₹1,00,000 of international spend that is about ₹2,000 in markup, so compare it against any rewards earned on overseas transactions.
Does the Standard Chartered Ultimate offer airport lounge access?
Domestic lounge access: 4 complimentary visits per calendar quarter. International lounge access: 1 Priority Pass visit/month after ₹20,000 card spend in the previous month. Spend conditions and guest charges are set by the issuer and can change.