SC Ultimate Review 2026
Last reviewed:
Quick verdict
Standard Chartered's top-tier card with one of the highest reward rates at 3.33% value back on all spends. Unlimited global lounge access and ₹5 Crore travel insurance put it in the same league as HDFC Infinia. The ₹1L/month income requirement ensures it targets serious high-income professionals.
Pros
- Airport lounge access: Unlimited domestic + international (Priority Pass)
- Low forex markup of 2.0% + GST on international spends
- Welcome benefit: 10,000 reward points on first ₹20,000 spend
Cons
- High annual fee of ₹5,000 + GST — only worth it if you use the benefits
- Steep eligibility — minimum income ₹1,00,000/month
- Interest of 3.49% per month (41.88% p.a.) if you carry a balance
Key benefits
- Unlimited domestic & international lounge access
- Travel insurance up to ₹5 Crore
- Golf privileges worldwide
- Concierge services 24/7
Fees & charges at a glance
| Joining Fee | ₹5,000 + GST |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | ₹5,000 + GST |
| Rewards | 3.33% rewards value on all spends |
| Welcome Benefit | 10,000 reward points on first ₹20,000 spend |
| Lounge Access | Unlimited domestic + international (Priority Pass) |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% waiver on all fuel txns |
| Foreign Txn Fee | 2.0% + GST |
| Interest Rate | 3.49% per month (41.88% p.a.) |
| Credit Limit | ₹5,00,000 - ₹20,00,000 |
| Add-On Card Fee | Free |
| Min Income | ₹1,00,000/month |
| Network | Visa Infinite |
| Contactless | Yes |
| EMI Conversion | Yes |
Who should get this card?
The SC Ultimate is best suited for luxury travel. It is a super premium card on the Visa Infinite network, and Standard Chartered generally looks for a minimum income of ₹1,00,000/month. If your spending matches its reward categories (3.33% rewards value on all spends), the card can pay for its annual fee of ₹5,000 + GST. If not, a lifetime-free card may give you better net value.
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SC Ultimate: frequently asked questions
What is the annual fee of the SC Ultimate?
The SC Ultimate has a joining fee of ₹5,000 + GST and an annual fee of ₹5,000 + GST. Many banks waive the renewal fee when you cross a yearly spend milestone — check the latest waiver condition with Standard Chartered.
What rewards does the SC Ultimate give?
3.33% rewards value on all spends. Unlimited domestic & international lounge access. Travel insurance up to ₹5 Crore.
Does the SC Ultimate offer airport lounge access?
Yes. The SC Ultimate offers unlimited domestic + international (priority pass). Lounge programmes are often linked to a minimum spend in the previous quarter, so confirm the current rule with Standard Chartered.
What is the eligibility and minimum income for the SC Ultimate?
Standard Chartered typically requires a minimum income of ₹1,00,000/month for the SC Ultimate, along with a good credit score (750+ improves approval chances), age of 21 or above, and valid KYC documents (PAN and Aadhaar).
What is the interest rate on the SC Ultimate?
The SC Ultimate charges 3.49% per month (41.88% p.a.) on unpaid balances. Interest is avoided completely if you pay the full statement amount by the due date every month.
What is the forex markup on the SC Ultimate?
The foreign currency markup on the SC Ultimate is 2.0% + GST. Cards with a 2% or lower markup are better for frequent international travel and foreign-currency online shopping.
Can I link the SC Ultimate to UPI?
No. The SC Ultimate runs on the Visa Infinite network. Only RuPay credit cards can be linked to UPI in India at present.
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