The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers 2% cashback on online spends and 1% on offline spends, making IT a strong contender for everyday transactions in India. As of 2026, IT provides up to ₹18,000 in annual cashback, with a unique 90-day interest-free period for new cardholders.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Entry-level cashback credit card |
| Joining Fee | ₹0 (special offer, not for existing SCB credit card holders) / ₹499 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹499 + GST (reversed for spends ≥ ₹120,000 in preceding year) |
| Cashback on Online Spends | 2% (capped at ₹1,000 per month, up to ₹12,000 annually) |
| Cashback on Offline Spends | 1% (capped at ₹500 per month, up to ₹6,000 annually) |
| Maximum Annual Cashback | Up to ₹18,000 (₹12,000 online + ₹6,000 offline) |
| Welcome Benefit | Amazon Pay voucher of ₹500 upon activation |
| Interest-Free Period | 90 days from card issuance (for first three statements) |
| EMI Conversion (Kuch Bhi on EMI) | Convert purchases > ₹2,000 into EMIs (3-60 months tenure) |
| EMI Interest Rate (3-month tenure) | 0.99% per month on unbilled spends (zero processing fee) |
| Cashback Redemption | Minimum ₹1,000 accumulated cashback; subsequent redemptions in multiples of ₹500 |
| Cashback Reflection Time | 3 working days post-redemption |
| Balance Transfer Facility | Up to ₹5,00,000 from other bank credit cards |
| Loan on Credit Card (Dial-a-loan) | Up to ₹10 lakh, with tenure options from 12 to 60 months |
| Active Credit Cards (SC India) | 6.5 lakh+ (as of February 2026, third-largest foreign card issuer) |
| Credit Card Portfolio Sale (2026) | 450,000 Indian credit cards sold to Federal Bank |
The card’s broad cashback coverage, including utility and government spends, distinguishes IT from many other cashback cards in the Indian market as of 2026.
Smart Credit Card: Cashback & Rewards
The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers 2% cashback on online spends and 1% on offline transactions, with a maximum annual cashback potential of ₹18,000. Cardholders can convert eligible purchases above ₹2,000 into 3-month EMIs at a special interest rate of 0.99% per month with zero processing fee.
| Type/Category | Details | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Online Spends Cashback | 2% cashback on all online spends | Capped at ₹1,000 per month (w.e.f 25-Aug-2024, per statement cycle). Includes utilities, gas, telecom, government services, wallet, and insurance premium. |
| Offline Spends Cashback | 1% cashback on all other spends (offline) | Capped at ₹500 per month (w.e.f 25-Aug-2024, per statement cycle). Applicable on all offline transactions. |
| Maximum Monthly Cashback | ₹1,500 per statement cycle | Comprises ₹1,000 for online spends and ₹500 for other spends (w.e.f 25-Aug-2024). |
| Maximum Annual Cashback (Online) | ₹12,000 per year | Based on the monthly CAP of ₹1,000 for online transactions. |
| Maximum Annual Cashback (Offline) | ₹6,000 per year | Based on the monthly CAP of ₹500 for offline transactions. |
| Total Maximum Annual Cashback | ₹18,000 per year | Combined potential savings from both online and offline cashback categories. |
| Cashback Redemption | Redeemable as a statement credit | Via Standard Chartered 360° Rewards online catalogue. 1 Cashback point = Re.1. No redemption fee. |
| Minimum Cashback for Redemption | ₹1,000 accumulated cashback | Subsequent redemptions can be in multiples of ₹500. |
| Cashback Reflection Time | 3 working days | Time taken for redeemed cashback to reflect as a statement credit. |
| EMI Conversion (Kuch Bhi on EMI) | Convert unbilled spends into 3-month EMIs | Special interest rate of 0.99% per month with Nil processing fee on eligible transactions above ₹2,000. |
| Interest-Free Period | 90 days interest-free period | Applicable for the first three statements after card issuance. |
| Welcome Benefit | Amazon Pay voucher of ₹500 | Received upon activation of the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card. |
| Excluded Transactions | Fuel transactions | Fuel purchases are not eligible for cashback. |
| Loan on Credit Card (Dial-a-loan) | Up to ₹10 lakh loan amount | Available with tenure options ranging from 12 to 60 months. |
| Balance Transfer Facility | Up to ₹5 lakh from other bank credit cards | Allows consolidation of outstanding balances from other credit cards. |
The card’s simple cashback structure and broad coverage across online and offline categories make IT a strong option for everyday spending, offering substantial annual savings for active users.
SC Smart Card: Fees, Charges & Welcome Offers
The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers a ₹0 joining fee and an annual fee of ₹499, which can be waived based on annual spending. New cardholders receive a welcome offer of a ₹500 Amazon Pay voucher upon card activation.
| Metric | Value (₹) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | 0 | Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card – Features & Benefits |
| Joining Fee (Special Offer) | 499 + GST (waived) | Smart Credit Card – Standard Chartered India |
| Annual Fee | 499 + GST | Standard Chartered Smart Credit card – Features, Benefits & More |
| Annual Fee Reversal Condition | Waived for spends ≥ 120,000 in preceding year | Smart Credit Card – Standard Chartered India |
| Welcome Offer | 500 Amazon Pay voucher (upon activation) | Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card – Features & Benefits |
| Monthly Interest Rate | 3.75% | Credit Card Fees & Charges – Standard Chartered India |
| Annualized Percentage Rate (APR) | 45.00% | Credit Card Fees & Charges – Standard Chartered India |
| Overlimit Fee | 500 or 2.5% of over limit amount (whichever is higher) | Standard Chartered Bank Credit Card Fees and Charges |
| Processing Fee (EMI conversion) | 0 (for 3-month EMI tenure on eligible purchases) | Smart Credit Card – Standard Chartered India |
| Third-party rent payment platform charge | 1% of transaction amount | Standard Chartered Bank Credit Card Fees and Charges |
| Overseas Transaction Fee | 3.5% of amount | Standard Chartered Bank Credit Card Fees and Charges |
| Transaction Fee (Indian merchant, overseas registered) | 1% of transaction amount | Standard Chartered Bank Credit Card Fees and Charges |
The card’s annual fee of ₹499 + GST is reversed if your total spending exceeds ₹120,000 in the preceding year. This makes the card effectively free for active users.
Applying for SC Smart Credit Card: Process & Eligibility
Applying for the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card in 2026 requires meeting specific age and income criteria. Primary applicants must be between 18 and 65 years old, with add-on cardholders also needing to be at least 18 years old.
The application process typically takes 2-3 weeks for approval after document submission, with VKYC (Video KYC) available for a contactless experience.
- Age Criteria: Primary applicants must be 18 to 65 years old. Add-on cardholders must also be a minimum of 18 years old.
- Income Stability: Applicants need a stable monthly income to qualify for the card. Standard Chartered assesses income to determine creditworthiness.
- Residency Requirement: You must reside in a city where Standard Chartered Bank offers credit card services. This ensures local support and service availability.
- Credit Score: A good CIBIL score is for approval, as IT indicates responsible credit behavior to the bank.
- Application Platform: Applications are primarily submitted through Standard Chartered Bank’s official website. The card is not available via third-party platforms like Paisabazaar.com.
- Documentation: Required KYC documents include identity proof, address proof, and income proof (e.g., salary slips, bank statements).
- Video KYC (VKYC): Standard Chartered offers a VKYC option, allowing applicants to complete their Know Your Customer verification remotely via video call.
- Approval Timeline: After submitting all necessary documents, the approval process typically takes 10-12 days. Priority Visa Infinite cards may see approval in approximately 9 days.
Meeting these eligibility criteria and following the application steps helps ensure a smooth process for obtaining the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card in 2026.
Benefits of Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card
The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers a 2% cashback on online spends and 1% on offline transactions, making IT a strong contender for everyday purchases in 2026. Cardholders can also convert large purchases into EMIs with a 0.99% monthly interest rate for a 3-month tenure.
- Universal Cashback: The card provides cashback on nearly all online and offline spends, including categories like utilities and telecom, which are often excluded by other cards. This broad coverage maximizes savings for cardholders.
- EMI Conversion Option: Purchases over ₹2,000 can be converted into EMIs with tenures ranging from 3 to 60 months. A special offer allows 3-month EMIs at 0.99% monthly interest with zero processing fees.
- Extended Interest-Free Period: New cardholders receive an interest-free credit period of 90 days from the card issuance date, applicable across the first three statement cycles. This provides flexibility for initial expenses.
- High Annual Savings Potential: Users can save up to ₹12,000 annually on online spends and ₹6,000 on other expenses, totaling a maximum annual cashback of ₹18,000. Monthly cashback is capped at ₹1,000 for online and ₹500 for other spends.
- Zero Joining Fee: As of 2026, the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card comes with a ₹0 joining fee, making IT accessible for new applicants. A nominal annual fee of ₹499 applies from the second year.
- Annual Fee Waiver: The annual fee of ₹499 can be waived if the cardholder spends ₹120,000 or more in the preceding year. This encourages consistent card usage for greater savings.
- Balance Transfer and Loan Facilities: Cardholders can transfer outstanding balances from other bank credit cards up to ₹5 lakh or avail a ‘Dial-a-loan’ facility for up to ₹10 lakh, with repayment tenures from 12 to 60 months.
These benefits position the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card as a versatile tool for managing daily expenses and larger purchases efficiently in the Indian market.
SC Smart Card Vs. Other Cashback Cards
The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers a flat 2% cashback on online spends and 1% on offline spends, with a combined monthly CAP of ₹1,500. This differs from cards like the SBI Cashback Credit Card, which provides 5% cashback on online shopping from select platforms, or the Axis Ace Credit Card, which focuses on specific categories like bill payments via Google Pay.
| Feature | Smart Credit Card | Axis Ace Credit Card | SBI Cashback Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Cashback Rate | 2% on all online spends (including utilities, government services, wallet, insurance premium) | 5% on bill payments via Google Pay, 4% on Swiggy, Zomato, Ola | 5% on online shopping (select platforms like Amazon, Myntra, Nykaa) |
| Offline Cashback Rate | 1% on all offline spends | 1.5% on other spends (unlimited) | 1% on offline spends |
| Cashback Exclusions | Only fuel spends | Not explicitly stated, but implies exclusions for higher cashback categories | Not explicitly stated, but implies exclusions for higher cashback categories |
| Cashback CAP (Monthly) | ₹1,000 for online spends, ₹500 for other spends (total ₹1,500) | ₹500 for 5% and 4% cashback categories | ₹5,000 for both online and offline spends |
| Joining Fee | ₹499 + GST (waived as special offer for new SCB credit card holders) | Not specified | ₹999 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹499 + GST (reversed for spends ≥ ₹120,000 in preceding year) | Not specified | ₹999 + GST (waived on spending ₹2 lakh or more in previous year) |
The Smart Credit Card’s broad cashback applicability across online categories, including utilities and insurance, provides consistent value compared to competitor cards that often restrict higher cashback to specific merchant partners or spending types.
Common Queries on SC Smart Credit Card
The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers a 90-day interest-free period on purchases from the card issuance date, a unique benefit for new cardholders. This card is designed for broad cashback across online and offline transactions, with few exclusions.
- Application Process: Applying for the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card involves submitting an application with required documents. Standard Chartered Bank offers Video KYC (VKYC) for a contactless application process.
- Approval Time: After document submission, card approval typically takes 10-12 days. Priority Visa Infinite cards may see approval in approximately 9 days.
- Eligibility Criteria: Primary applicants must be between 18 and 65 years old, with add-on cardholders at least 18 years old. A stable monthly income and a good credit score are for approval.
- EMI Conversion: Purchases exceeding ₹2,000 can be converted into EMIs for 3 to 60 months. A 3-month EMI tenure offers a 0.99% monthly interest rate and zero processing fee.
- Card Closure: To close the card, users can log into internet or mobile banking and use the card management section, or contact customer service directly.
The card aims to simplify cashback earnings and EMI conversions for everyday spending, making IT a versatile option for Indian consumers.
Managing Your SC Smart Credit Card
Effectively managing your Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card ensures you maximise cashback and benefits while avoiding unnecessary charges. The card offers a 90-day interest-free period for new users, providing ample time to understand its features.
- Monitor Your Spends: Track online and offline transactions to stay within the monthly cashback caps of ₹1,000 for online and ₹500 for other spends (as of 2026). This helps maximise your annual savings of up to ₹18,000.
- Utilise EMI Conversion: Convert eligible purchases over ₹2,000 into 3-month EMIs at a 0.99% monthly interest rate with zero processing fee. This feature is useful for managing larger expenses.
- Redeem Cashback Promptly: Accumulate at least ₹1,000 in cashback before initiating a redemption. Once redeemed, the cashback reflects in your account within 3 working days.
- Meet Annual Spend Waiver: Ensure your annual spending exceeds ₹120,000 to waive the ₹499 annual renewal fee from the second year onwards. This helps keep the card effectively free.
- Secure Transactions: Use the contactless payment feature and 3D OTP verification for secure online transactions. Standard Chartered also provides instant digital payment solutions.
- Access Customer Service: For any queries or card management, utilise online banking, mobile banking, or the 24×7 concierge services provided by Standard Chartered Bank.
Regularly reviewing your statements and understanding the card’s terms helps you use its full potential for savings.
Key Takeaways
- The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers 2% cashback on online spends (up to ₹1,000/month) and 1% on offline spends (up to ₹500/month) as of 2026.
- New cardholders receive a 90-day interest-free period from card issuance, allowing for initial financial flexibility.
- The annual fee of ₹499 is waived if you spend ₹120,000 or more in the preceding year, making the card effectively free for active users.
For detailed terms and to manage your card, visit the official Standard Chartered Bank website or use their mobile banking application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main benefits of the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card in 2026?
The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers 1% cashback on all online and offline spends, with fewer exclusions than many other cashback cards. IT provides cashback on categories often excluded, such as utilities, gas, and telecom bills. New cardholders also receive an Amazon Pay voucher worth ₹500 upon activation.
Does the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card have an annual fee?
The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card comes with a joining fee of ₹0. This makes IT an entry-level card without upfront costs for new users. Always verify current fee structures on the official Standard Chartered Bank website as of your application date.
What is the cashback rate on the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card?
The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers a flat 1% cashback on all online and offline transactions. This cashback applies across various merchant categories without specific restrictions. This includes everyday spending on utilities and online purchases.
How can I redeem cashback or rewards with the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card?
You can redeem your rewards points through the Standard Chartered 360° Rewards program, which features an online catalogue. The cashback earned is typically credited to your statement or can be redeemed against available options. Check the Standard Chartered India website for the latest redemption process.
Is Standard Chartered selling its credit card portfolio in India in 2026?
Yes, Standard Chartered is selling a portfolio of 450,000 Indian credit cards to Federal Bank. This deal is expected to close by the end of 2026. Standard Chartered is shifting its focus towards wealth management in India.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card in India?
Eligibility for the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card typically requires applicants to be Indian residents, aged between 21 and 65 years. You generally need a stable income and a good CIBIL score, usually above 700. Specific income requirements vary by bank policy and can be confirmed on the Standard Chartered India website.
How do I close my Standard Chartered Bank Credit Card?
You can close your Standard Chartered Bank Credit Card by logging into your internet or mobile banking account and navigating to the card management section. Alternatively, you can contact Standard Chartered customer service directly and request card cancellation. Ensure all outstanding dues are cleared before initiating the closure.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not financial advice. Interest rates, fees, and eligibility change frequently. Verify current details with the lender or regulator (RBI / SEBI / IRDAI) before deciding.