Adani One Signature Credit Card vs Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• The Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spending with a higher base reward rate of 3.33% versus 1% on the Adani One Signature Credit Card.
• For travel and lounge benefits, the Adani One Signature Credit Cardⓘ offers a strong travel category return of 7% and useful domestic lounge access but lacks international lounges, while the Standard Chartered Ultimate provides 8 domestic and 4 international lounge visits annually.
• Both cards have the same joining and annual fees of Rs 5,000, but the Standard Chartered card has a lower forex markup of 2% compared to 3.5% on the Adani One Signature.
• Pick the Adani One Signature if you prioritize premium travel vouchers and domestic lounge access; the Standard Chartered Ultimate suits those seeking higher rewards on all spends, international lounges, and lower forex costs.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the Adani One Signature Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 100 back at the base rate of 1%. However, its travel category rewards soar to Rs 700 per Rs 10,000, making it highly lucrative for travel-related spending. Utilities also get a decent boost at 3.5%, or Rs 350 per Rs 10,000. The card’s strong travel rewards come with additional welcome vouchers worth Rs 2,000 each for hotels and holidays, plus a Rs 5,000 flight voucher on Rs 25,000 spend within 60 days.

The Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ outperforms on general spending with a base return of Rs 333 per Rs 10,000 at 3.33%. Unlike the tiered category rates of the Adani card, the Standard Chartered Ultimate offers a consistent high rate across all spends, benefiting users who want straightforward high rewards. Its welcome benefit of 6,000 rewards points can be redeemed for shopping vouchers or charity. The card also excels with premium perks such as 5% cashback on duty-free shopping and lifetime free supplementary cards.

Fees Compared

Both cards charge Rs 5,000 as joining and annual fees. The Adani One Signature Credit Cardⓘ offers a fee waiver if you spend Rs 2.00 lakh annually, which equates to about Rs 16,667 per month. This waiver threshold is useful for frequent spenders aiming to avoid the Rs 5,000 fee. The Standard Chartered Ultimate does not specify a waiver threshold, implying the fee is fixed regardless of spend.

Regarding forex costs, the Adani One card charges a 3.5% markup, which would cost Rs 3,500 on Rs 1,00,000 spent abroad. The Standard Chartered Ultimate is more economical for foreign transactions with a 2% markup, costing Rs 2,000 on the same overseas spend, making it better for international travellers.

The break-even spend to cover the annual fee via base rewards is much lower on the Standard Chartered card at about Rs 1.50 lakh, compared to Rs 5.00 lakh on the Adani One Signature, reflecting its superior base reward rate.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Adani One Signature Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent domestic traveller who values premium travel vouchers and a solid 7% travel category return. Its complimentary domestic lounges and various concierge-like benefits such as valet parking and porter services add to its appeal for travel enthusiasts who can hit the Rs 2 lakh spend waiver threshold.

The Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for users looking for a high flat rewards rate on all spends without complicated category tracking. Its better forex markup, international lounge access, and premium features like duty-free cashback and lifetime free supplementary cards make it perfect for international travellers and premium shoppers.

In conclusion, if you want straightforward high rewards and international lounge access, go for Standard Chartered Ultimate. If you want targeted travel rewards and vouchers with domestic lounge perks, the Adani One Signature is your pick. Avoid the Adani card if you do not spend enough to waive the fee or rarely travel, and skip the Standard Chartered card if you do not benefit from its premium perks and international lounges.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Confirm if the 4 complimentary domestic lounges per quarter on Adani One Signature require minimum quarterly spend of Rs 75,000 to avoid surprises.
• Check if the Standard Chartered Ultimate’s 1 international lounge per month depends on prior-month spend of Rs 20,000.
• Understand the redemption value and restrictions on vouchers and points for both cards to ensure you can fully utilize them.
• Beware of high forex markup on Adani One Signature if you travel abroad frequently, as 3.5% is expensive compared to 2% on Standard Chartered Ultimate.

FAQ