Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 1% versus 0.5% on the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ.
  • For travel and lounge access, the Standard Chartered card also leads with unlimited domestic lounges and 6 international lounges per year, compared to 8 domestic lounges on the HDFC IRCTC card with quarterly spend gates.
  • The HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold as it has no annual fee and a low joining fee of Rs 500, whereas the Standard Chartered card is lifetime free but requires Priority Banking relationship.
  • Pick the HDFC Rupay IRCTC cardⓘ if you want a simple, no-fee travel-focused card with UPI rewards and domestic lounge access. Choose the Standard Chartered cardⓘ if you want premium lounge access, better forex rates, and a higher base reward rate for diversified spending.

Side by Side

DetailHDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit CardⓘStandard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeRs 500Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.50 lakh (Rs 12,500 per month)Not applicable
Reward rate0.5% base; 5% travel; 1% UPI1% base; 2% online; 2% travel
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge8 per year (Rs 75,000 quarterly spend gate)Unlimited
International loungeNone6 per year
Forex markup3.5%2%
Best suited forTravel, UPI-Rupay, First-cardPremium, Lounge, Travel, Lifetime-free, Shopping

Rewards Compared

The HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward of Rs 50 on Rs 10,000 spent, but significantly boosts this to Rs 500 on travel spends and Rs 100 on UPI transactions. This makes it highly attractive for users who spend heavily on travel bookings and UPI payments, especially first-time credit card users or those focused on travel rewards. However, outside these categories, the rewards rate is modest.

In contrast, the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ delivers Rs 100 back on Rs 10,000 base spend, doubling the base rewards of the HDFC card. It offers 2% returns on both online and travel spends, providing a more balanced and consistent rewards experience across categories. This makes it better suited for premium users who want steady rewards on diverse spends including travel and shopping.

Fees Compared

The HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ charges a joining fee of Rs 500 but no annual fee, which can be waived if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually (or about Rs 12,500 per month). This spending threshold is fairly achievable for frequent travelers and UPI users, making it effectively a no-fee card for active users.

The Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ has no joining or annual fees but requires you to hold a Priority Banking relationship, which may involve minimum balance or relationship criteria not detailed here. There is no fee waiver condition as such, making it simpler to hold for eligible customers.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ if you are a travel enthusiast who also uses UPI regularly and prefers a card with no annual fee and a modest joining fee. It is ideal as a first credit card or for those who want a simple rewards structure with decent domestic lounge access. However, skip it if you want international lounge access or better forex rates.

Opt for the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you are a premium user with a Priority Banking relationship, who values unlimited domestic lounges, international lounge access, and better forex markup at 2%. This card suits those who want consistent rewards on travel and online spends and are comfortable meeting banking relationship criteria. Avoid this card if you do not have or want to maintain Priority Banking status.

Overall, the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ edges ahead for premium travel and lounge benefits plus higher base rewards, while the HDFC Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ is the better no-frills, travel-focused option with UPI rewards and zero annual fee.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly Rs 75,000 spend requirement to unlock domestic lounge access on the HDFC Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ.
  • Understand the redemption value of points on both cards to ensure rewards translate into meaningful benefits.
  • Verify the Priority Banking eligibility criteria for the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ before applying.
  • Consider the 3.5% forex markup on the HDFC Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ versus 2% on the Standard Chartered cardⓘ if you travel internationally often.
  • Check the lounge locations and gates covered by each card to ensure access aligns with your travel habits.

FAQ

What is the annual fee on the HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ?+
The card has no annual fee, but there is a joining fee of Rs 500. The fee can be waived if you spend Rs 1.50 lakh annually.
Does the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ offer international lounge access?+
Yes, it offers 6 international lounge visits per year in addition to unlimited domestic lounges.
How do the reward rates compare on travel spends?+
The HDFC Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ offers a high 5% return on travel spends, while the Standard Chartered cardⓘ provides 2%, making the former better for heavy travel spenders.
Is there a forex markup on these cards?+
Yes, the HDFC Rupay IRCTC Credit Cardⓘ charges 3.5% forex markup, whereas the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ charges a lower 2%.
Can I get the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ without a Priority Banking relationship?+
No, the card is designed for Priority Banking customers, so eligibility depends on maintaining that relationship.