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Comparison · हिन्दी

LIC Axis Bank vs SC Platinum Rewards

Both cards compared on real rupee returns for best lifetime free starter credit card India LIC Axis vs SC. We ran the numbers so you can make the right call.

Updated · Terms checked by Prashant Parikh
AXIS
SIGNATURE
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
STANDARD C
PLATINUM REWAR
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
LIC Axis Bank Signature Credit Card wins for most people
LIC Axis Bank wins with ₹1,200 annual benefits versus SC Platinum Rewards' ₹641, delivering 87% more value. Its lifetime-free status and higher reward rates on everyday spending make it the superior choice for this ₹12,000 monthly profile.
Side-by-side comparison
LIC Axis Bank Signature Credit Card ✓ Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card
Annual benefit ₹1,200 ₹641
Annual feeThe yearly fee a bank charges for holding the card, often waived if you spend enough in a year.Full definition → Lifetime free ₹250 joining (waived on ₹500 spend within 30 days); Lifetime free thereafter
Reward rateCashback pays you directly in rupees; reward points need converting first, and their real value depends on the redemption ratio.Full definition → 2 reward points per ₹100 on LIC premiums paid through LIC's own payment channels and on foreign currency spends (about 2%); 1 point per ₹100 on other spends except fuel, wallet loads and EMIs (about 1%); a point is worth up to ₹1 on e-vouchers in the LIC rewards catalogue 5 reward points per ₹150 on dining and fuel (0.83%); 1 RP per ₹150 on all other spends (0.17%); 1 RP = ₹0.25
Lounge accessFree entry to airport lounges, usually limited to a set number of visits per quarter or year.Full definition → 8 domestic visits/year (vary by spend from Jul 2025) None
Forex markupThe extra fee your bank adds on top of the real exchange rate for any spend in a foreign currency.Full definition → 3.5% 3.5%
Best for LIC policyholders wanting rewards on LIC premium payments with lounge access at zero annual fee Beginners wanting a lifetime free card with dining and fuel rewards
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹15,000/month (salaried or self-employed) ₹20,000/month (salaried)
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 700+ 700+
When each card wins
LIC Axis Bank Signature Credit Card
LIC Axis Bank excels when you pay LIC premiums regularly, as it doubles reward points on these payments. It's also better for those valuing lounge access and consistent 1% rewards across most spending categories without annual fees.
Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card
SC Platinum Rewards suits budget-conscious beginners prioritizing dining and fuel rewards with minimal commitment. Choose it if you spend heavily on these categories and want a straightforward rewards structure without complex benefit conditions.
Who should get which card
Get LIC Axis Bank Signature if you…
· LIC policyholders seeking premium payment rewards and lounge access
· Spenders wanting consistent 1% rewards on shopping, groceries, utilities
· Those preferring lifetime-free cards with no catch or conditions
· Users valuing higher annual benefits (₹1,200 vs ₹641)
Get Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards if you…
· Dining and fuel enthusiasts getting 0.83% on these categories
· Beginners wanting simple, straightforward rewards without complexity
· Budget spenders comfortable with lower annual benefits (₹641)
· Those prioritizing ease of earning over maximum value
Partner offer
Roarbank RuPay Credit Card
New-to-credit users who want a lifetime-free RuPay UPI card with a built-in savings account, and who will actively pick and track their monthly cashback categories
Apply now →
UNITY
ASHOK KUMAR

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Related guides
LIC Axis Bank Signature vs BOBCARD Uni GoldX →Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards vs IDFC FIRST Millennia →Best Dining Credit Cards →Best Shopping Credit Cards →Best Credit Cards for Swiggy and Zomato →
Frequently asked questions
Based on our analysis, LIC Axis Bank Signature Credit Card offers better annual returns for most spend profiles.
LIC Axis Bank Signature Credit Card has an annual fee of Lifetime free. Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹250 joining (waived on ₹500 spend within 30 days); Lifetime free thereafter.
LIC Axis Bank Signature Credit Card offers 2 reward points per ₹100 on LIC premiums paid through LIC's own payment channels and on foreign currency spends (about 2%); 1 point per ₹100 on other spends except fuel, wallet loads and EMIs (about 1%); a point is worth up to ₹1 on e-vouchers in the LIC rewards catalogue. Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card offers 5 reward points per ₹150 on dining and fuel (0.83%); 1 RP per ₹150 on all other spends (0.17%); 1 RP = ₹0.25.
LIC Axis Bank Signature Credit Card lounge access: 8 domestic visits/year (vary by spend from Jul 2025). Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card lounge access: None.
LIC Axis Bank Signature Credit Card charges 3.5% forex markup. Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card charges 3.5% forex markup.