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Comparison · हिन्दी

HDFC Infinia vs SC Ultimate

Both cards compared on real rupee returns for best flat rate premium credit card India Infinia vs SC Ultimate. We ran the numbers so you can make the right call.

Updated · Terms checked by Prashant Parikh
HDFC
INFINIA
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
STANDARD C
ULTIMATE
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card wins for most people
SC Ultimate wins with ₹10,347 annual benefit versus HDFC Infinia's ₹4,283. Despite a higher fee, SC Ultimate's consistent 3.33% rewards and lower cost structure deliver significantly better value for this spend profile.
Side-by-side comparison
HDFC Infinia Credit Card Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card ✓
Annual benefit ₹4,283 ₹10,347
Annual feeThe yearly fee a bank charges for holding the card, often waived if you spend enough in a year.Full definition → ₹12,500 + taxes (waived on ₹10L spend) ₹5,000 + taxes (6,000 welcome RP worth ₹6,000, offsets fee in Year 1)
Reward rateCashback pays you directly in rupees; reward points need converting first, and their real value depends on the redemption ratio.Full definition → 5 reward points per ₹150 on most spends, including insurance, utilities and education (about 3.33% at ₹1 a point on flights, hotels, Apple products and Tanishq vouchers through SmartBuy); up to 10X on SmartBuy travel and shopping; no points on fuel; grocery and utility points capped at 2,000 a month each 5 reward points per ₹150 on most spends (about 3.33% at ₹1 a point); 3 points per ₹150 (2%) on utilities, supermarkets, insurance, property management, schools and government payments; 2% forex
Lounge accessFree entry to airport lounges, usually limited to a set number of visits per quarter or year.Full definition → Unlimited (domestic + international) Domestic and international lounge access (Standard Chartered's value chart counts 6 domestic and 4 Priority Pass visits a year)
Forex markupThe extra fee your bank adds on top of the real exchange rate for any spend in a foreign currency.Full definition → 2% 2%
Best for High spenders who redeem points for flights and hotels and want unlimited lounge access (invite only) High spenders wanting the best flat reward rate in India with 1 RP = ₹1 redemption value
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹25L+ per year ₹24L+/year
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 800+ 750+
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When each card wins
HDFC Infinia Credit Card
HDFC Infinia shines only if you frequently book premium flights/hotels via SmartBuy (10X multiplier) or maintain ₹10L+ annual spend to waive the fee. Otherwise, the ₹12,500 annual cost erodes rewards.
Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card
SC Ultimate excels for balanced spenders across shopping, dining, and travel without heavy SmartBuy redemption needs. Its flat reward rate and reasonable ₹5,000 fee create superior value across your ₹42,000 monthly spend.
Who should get which card
Get HDFC Infinia if you…
· Frequent premium travel bookers who maximize SmartBuy's 10X multiplier on flights and hotels
· High-income earners targeting ₹10L+ annual spend to waive the hefty annual fee
· Luxury shoppers redeeming for Apple products and Tanishq vouchers
Get Standard Chartered Ultimate if you…
· All-round spenders wanting consistent 3.33% rewards without chasing category multipliers
· Budget-conscious premium cardholders; ₹5,000 fee offsets quickly
· Dining and travel enthusiasts who value simplicity over complex SmartBuy mechanics
Partner offer
IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card
Frequent travellers who book hotels and flights through the IDFC FIRST Bank app specifically, where the real redemption value is highest; weak for everyday spending outside the app
Apply now →
IDFC
ASHOK KUMAR

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Related guides
HDFC Infinia vs HDFC Diners Club Black →Standard Chartered Ultimate vs HDFC Regalia Gold →HDFC Infinia vs HDFC Regalia Gold →Standard Chartered Ultimate vs HDFC Diners Club Black →Best Dining Credit Cards →Best Travel Credit Cards →Best Shopping Credit Cards →
Frequently asked questions
Based on our analysis, Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card offers better annual returns for most spend profiles.
HDFC Infinia Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹12,500 + taxes (waived on ₹10L spend). Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹5,000 + taxes (6,000 welcome RP worth ₹6,000, offsets fee in Year 1).
HDFC Infinia Credit Card offers 5 reward points per ₹150 on most spends, including insurance, utilities and education (about 3.33% at ₹1 a point on flights, hotels, Apple products and Tanishq vouchers through SmartBuy); up to 10X on SmartBuy travel and shopping; no points on fuel; grocery and utility points capped at 2,000 a month each. Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card offers 5 reward points per ₹150 on most spends (about 3.33% at ₹1 a point); 3 points per ₹150 (2%) on utilities, supermarkets, insurance, property management, schools and government payments; 2% forex.
HDFC Infinia Credit Card lounge access: Unlimited (domestic + international). Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card lounge access: Domestic and international lounge access (Standard Chartered's value chart counts 6 domestic and 4 Priority Pass visits a year).
HDFC Infinia Credit Card charges 2% forex markup. Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card charges 2% forex markup.