Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ wins with a 1% base reward rate, double that of the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Cardⓘ.
  • For travel benefits and lounge access, the Standard Chartered card also leads, offering unlimited domestic lounge visits and six international lounge entries annually.
  • Both cards have no joining or annual fees, but the ICICI card suits those wanting a completely fee-free lifetime card with basic rewards.
  • Choose the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Cardⓘ if you want a straightforward, no-fee card as your first credit card or for limited spending categories like dining and shopping. Pick the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you have a Priority Banking relationship, want premium travel perks, and spend significantly online and on travel.

Side by Side

DetailICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit CardⓘStandard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendNoneNone
Reward rate0.5% base; 0.5% on utilities1% base; 2% on online and travel
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic loungeNoneUnlimited
International loungeNone6 per year
Forex markup3.5%2%
Best suited forLifetime-free, first-card, dining, shoppingPremium, lounge, travel, lifetime-free, shopping

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 50 in rewards, reflecting a base reward rate of 0.5%. This rate remains unchanged for utilities spend, offering modest returns primarily suited for light usage or first-time cardholders not chasing high rewards.

In contrast, the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ returns Rs 100 on a Rs 10,000 spend at the base 1% rate, doubling ICICI’s base rewards. Furthermore, this card excels in online and travel spend categories, where it offers 2% rewards or Rs 200 per Rs 10,000, making it significantly more rewarding for digital shoppers and travelers.

Fees Compared

Neither card charges an annual or joining fee, making both attractive for users wary of recurring costs. There are no fee waiver thresholds to meet, as fees are nil upfront and ongoing. This means there is no break-even calculation needed between the two cards on fees, they are equally cost-effective to hold from a fees perspective.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Cardⓘ if you want a simple, no-strings-attached credit card that is truly free forever, ideal for those starting their credit journey or who prefer a card with basic rewards for dining and shopping without worrying about fees or complicated rules. It is less suitable for frequent travelers or users wanting lounge access and premium benefits.

Opt for the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you have a Priority Banking relationship and desire elevated rewards on online and travel spends, combined with excellent lounge access both domestically and internationally. This card suits premium users who travel frequently and value lifestyle perks. It is less fitting for users who do not meet Priority Banking criteria or who do not spend significantly in the higher reward categories.

In a head-to-head, the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ is the superior choice for rewards and travel benefits, while the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Cardⓘ is a solid fee-free option for everyday use without extras.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm any caps on category rewards that may limit your effective earnings beyond a certain spend level.
  • Understand the redemption process and value for points, as some cards’ points may have variable or lower redemption value.
  • Calculate fee waiver thresholds carefully if fees ever apply or if you switch cards, to avoid unexpected charges.
  • If you spend abroad, the Standard Chartered card’s 2% forex markup is notably cheaper than ICICI’s 3.5% fee.
  • Check the domestic and international lounge network locations and partner lounges to ensure they suit your travel habits.

FAQ

What is the annual fee for both cards?+
Both the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Cardⓘ and the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ have no annual fees and no joining fees, making them lifetime free to hold.
Which card offers better rewards on travel spending?+
The Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ offers 2% rewards on travel spend, compared to ICICI’s base 0.5%, making it better for frequent travelers seeking higher returns.
Do either of these cards provide lounge access?+
Only the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ offers lounge access, with unlimited domestic lounge visits and six international lounge entries annually, while the ICICI card does not provide any lounge access.
How much does forex conversion cost on these cards?+
The ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Cardⓘ charges a 3.5% forex markup, which is higher than the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ’s 2% forex fee, making the latter cheaper for foreign currency transactions.
Is there a welcome benefit on these cards?+
The Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ offers welcome benefits for Priority Banking relationship holders, while the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Cardⓘ does not provide any welcome benefit.