HSBC Smart Value vs SC Ultimate
Side-by-side credit card comparison to help you choose the best one.
SC Ultimate
Why this card wins: Luxury Travel — 3.33% rewards value on all spends
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bank | HSBC India | Standard Chartered |
| Card Type | Cashback | Super Premium |
| Annual Fee | Lifetime Free | ₹5,000 + GST |
| Joining Fee | Nil | ₹5,000 + GST |
| Rewards | 5% cashback on Swiggy, BigBasket, Amazon | 3.33% rewards value on all spends |
| Best For | Online Shopping | Luxury Travel |
| Interest Rate | 3.49% per month (41.88% p.a.) | 3.49% per month (41.88% p.a.) |
| Credit Limit | ₹25,000 - ₹3,00,000 | ₹5,00,000 - ₹20,00,000 |
| Welcome Benefit | None | 10,000 reward points on first ₹20,000 spend |
| Min Income | ₹20,000/month | ₹1,00,000/month |
| Lounge Access | None | Unlimited domestic + international (Priority Pass) |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% waiver on ₹400-₹5,000 txns | 1% waiver on all fuel txns |
| Foreign Txn Fee | 3.5% + GST | 2.0% + GST |
| Add-On Card Fee | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| Contactless | ||
| EMI Conversion |
Key Features
HSBC Smart Value
Online Shopping
Mastercard • Cashback
- No annual fee ever
- 5% cashback on top online platforms
- 1% cashback on all other spends
- Smart EMI on purchases above ₹2,500
SC Ultimate
Luxury Travel
Visa Infinite • Super Premium
- Unlimited domestic & international lounge access
- Travel insurance up to ₹5 Crore
- Golf privileges worldwide
- Concierge services 24/7
Verdict
Based on rating and overall value, SC Ultimate ranks highest among your selected cards. It excels at Luxury Travel and offers 3.33% rewards value on all spends.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: HSBC Smart Value or SC Ultimate?
SC Ultimate has the higher CardKhoj rating (4.7/5) and is best for luxury travel. HSBC Smart Value is the better fit if your priority is online shopping. The right choice depends on where you spend most.
Which has the lower annual fee: HSBC Smart Value and SC Ultimate?
HSBC Smart Value is cheaper to hold at Lifetime Free, compared with ₹5,000 + GST for SC Ultimate.
Do HSBC Smart Value and SC Ultimate offer airport lounge access?
HSBC Smart Value: no complimentary lounge access. SC Ultimate: unlimited domestic + international (priority pass).
Which card is better for international spending?
SC Ultimate has the lowest forex markup at 2.0% + GST, which makes it cheaper for travel abroad and foreign-currency shopping.
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