Standard Chartered Bank
Smart
The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card is a budget-friendly, entry-level card designed for individuals who want a simplified cashback program without being restricted to specific brands or shopping platforms. It features a low annual fee of Rs.
Direct link to the issuer's website. Terms apply — verify current offer with the bank.
Data last updated 7 June 2026.
At a Glance
Annual Fee
₹499
Joining Fee
₹499
Fee Waiver
Spend ₹1,20,000 annually
Lounge Access
See details
Forex Markup
3.5%
Effective Yield
1% – 2%
Our Take
CreditGully Rating
Based on CreditGully editors' analysis. Not influenced by card issuers.
The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card is a budget-friendly, entry-level card designed for individuals who want a simplified cashback program without being restricted to specific brands or shopping platforms. It features a low annual fee of Rs. 499 and stands out by offering cashback on utility bill payments—a category that is usually excluded from the reward structures of other credit cards. However, it does not provide welcome gifts, milestone rewards, or travel benefits to offset the fee.
In terms of rewards, the card offers 2% cashback on online purchases and 1% on offline transactions, subject to monthly caps. Cardholders can also benefit from a 90-day interest-free period immediately after card issuance and the option to convert purchases over Rs. 2,000 into EMIs at a low monthly interest rate of 0.99% with no processing fees. Despite being a pure cashback card, the redemption process is somewhat complex, requiring a high minimum balance of Rs. 2,500 to redeem.
This credit card is an excellent supplementary option for users who already have cards for travel or dining and want a simple tool to optimize cashback on general online spending and utility payments. However, individuals looking for an all-in-one primary card with travel perks, lounge access, or milestone bonuses may find this card lacking.
What We Like
We like that this card provides steady cashback on all online purchases without any platform or merchant restrictions. Furthermore, it uniquely includes everyday utilities like gas, electricity, telecom, and water in its cashback-earning categories.
Pros
- ✓Earn 2X cashback on your online purchases
- ✓Enjoy earning cashback with zero brand restrictions
- ✓Benefit from a budget-friendly and low annual fee
- ✓Get cashback on essential utility payments including water, electricity, gas, and telecom
Cons
- ✗Completely lacks travel benefits
- ✗Monthly limits on cashback accumulation are low
- ✗Cashback redemption process is not straightforward
Get This Card If
- ✓You prefer online shopping over store visits, without preference for any specific brand
- ✓You are looking for a card that rewards you on utilities, gas, electricity and more
- ✓You do not wish to pay a high annual fee
- ✓You already have other cards offering travel, dining, or all-round benefits
Earning & Redemption
How You Earn
| Category | Reward rate | Yield % | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Spends (Accelerated) | 2% Cashback | 2.00% | ₹1,000 per billing cycle |
| Other Retail Spends | 1% Cashback | 1.00% | ₹500 per billing cycle |
| Excluded Categories | No Cashback | 0.0% | — |
Milestone Rewards
| Spend | Benefit | Value | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹1.2 Lakh | Fee Waiver | ₹499 + GST Savings | Annual renewal fee is waived upon hitting ₹1.2 Lakhs annual spend. |
Redemption Value
| Channel | Value per point | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Statement Credit (Cashback) | ₹1.00 per unit1:1 Ratio | Best Value (Redeem via 360° Rewards. Min ₹1,000 for first redemption, then multiples of ₹500) |
What You Need to Know
The 'Initial 90 Days' Perk
Enjoy a 0% interest rate for the first 3 months by paying only the Minimum Amount Due.
Impact: A unique cash-flow tool for new cardholders making high-value 'lifestyle' moves.
Zero Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Unlike almost every other card in India, this card does NOT waive the 1% fuel surcharge.
Impact: Using this card at petrol pumps results in a net loss (Surcharge + 0% reward).
Rental Surcharge (2026)
A 1% processing fee applies to all rental transactions.
Impact: Combined with zero rewards on rent, this card should never be used for housing payments.
Redemption Friction
A rewards handling fee of ₹99 + GST applies to each redemption request.
Impact: Since you need ₹1,000 to redeem, your effective first-year cashback is reduced by ~10%.
Essential Fine Print
Reward Exclusions
Excluded Transactions: Fuel, Rent payments, Wallet loading, Insurance, Government payments, and Cash withdrawals do not earn cashback.
Welcome Offer
Extended Interest-Free Period
Enjoy a 0% interest rate for the first 90 days after card issuance (only applicable on the interest component, minimum amount due must still be paid).
Milestone Benefits
Annual Fee Waiver
Renewal fee of ₹499 is waived if you spend ₹1,20,000 or more in the preceding year.
Additional Features
2% Online Cashback
Earn 2% cashback on all online spends, capped at ₹1,000 per month.
1% Offline Cashback
Earn 1% cashback on all other spends, capped at ₹500 per month.
Smart Pay
Convert purchases into easy EMIs.
Fees & Charges
| Fee Type | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹499 |
| Annual / Renewal Fee | ₹499 |
| Fee Waiver Threshold | Spend ₹1,20,000 annually |
| Forex Markup | 3.5% |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% surcharge |
Eligibility Criteria
Age
Applicant must be between 21 and 65 years of age.
Employment
Stable source of income for both salaried and self-employed individuals.
Location
Applicant must reside in a city where Standard Chartered Bank provides services.
Ready to apply for Smart?
Annual fee: ₹499 · Waived on ₹1,20,000 spend
Frequently Asked Questions
Annual fee
₹499
1% – 2% yield