Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate and excellent category bonuses.
  • For travel perks and lounge access, the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ leads with more lounge visits and premium benefits including golf access and concierge services.
  • The Standard Chartered card is cheaper to hold with no joining fee and a lower annual fee that can be waived with a modest spend.
  • Choose the ICICI Rubyxⓘ if you value travel perks and premium rewards; pick the Standard Chartered Rewardsⓘ for aggressive cashback on dining and online spends and a lower cost of ownership.

Side by Side

DetailICICI Bank Rubyx Credit CardⓘStandard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 2,000Rs 1,000
Joining feeRs 3,000Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendRs 5.00 lakhRs 1.00 lakh
Reward rate0.5% base, 1% dining & online1% base, 4% dining & online
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year (Rs 75,000 quarterly spend gate)4 per year (Rs 50,000 quarterly spend gate)
International lounge2 per yearNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, rewards, lounge, shoppingrewards, dining, first-card, shopping, lounge

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 50 in rewards at the base rate, rising to Rs 100 in the dining and online categories. The card’s modest base return means you need significant spend to justify the fee. The welcome benefits add value but are one-time and category-specific.

On the other hand, the Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 100 at base rate and Rs 400 on dining and online spends per Rs 10,000. This card clearly rewards your everyday retail spending more generously, especially where you spend on dining and online shopping, making it a strong choice for rewards-focused users. The 4X category rate is a standout for dining and online purchases.

Fees Compared

The ICICI Rubyxⓘ card charges a Rs 3,000 joining fee and a Rs 2,000 annual fee, both of which can be waived only if you spend Rs 5 lakh annually (about Rs 41,667 per month). This high waiver threshold means many users will pay fees unless they are heavy spenders who utilize premium perks.

The Standard Chartered Rewardsⓘ card comes with no joining fee and a Rs 1,000 annual fee that is waived with Rs 1 lakh annual spend (about Rs 8,333 per month). This is much more accessible for typical users, making the card cheaper to hold and more attractive for moderate spenders. The break-even spend to cover the base fee is about Rs 1 lakh for Standard Chartered versus Rs 4 lakh for ICICI Rubyx.

Which One Should You Pick

Pick the ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveler who values premium perks like airport and international lounge access, golf benefits, and concierge services. Its welcome benefits and multiple lounge visits justify the higher fee for those who can meet the waiver threshold. Skip this card if your spend is low or if you do not intend to use travel or premium benefits.

Choose the Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ if you want a no-joining-fee card that delivers high rewards on everyday categories like dining and online shopping. Its low fee waiver bar and strong cashback rates make it ideal for first-time credit card users and those focused on rewards rather than travel. Avoid this card if you prioritize international lounge access or premium travel benefits.

Overall, the Standard Chartered Rewardsⓘ card is the better everyday rewards card with lower cost and higher return on retail spends, while the ICICI Rubyxⓘ suits premium users who want travel and lifestyle privileges.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly spend gate for lounge access, which differs between cards and may limit usage.
  • Understand the real redemption value of points, as these cards use points that may have varying worth.
  • Calculate fee waiver feasibility based on your monthly spend to avoid unexpected fees.
  • Note the 3.5% forex markup applies to both cards, which can be a costly factor for frequent international spenders.
  • Verify which domestic airports the lounge access covers and ensure they align with your travel routes.

FAQ

What is the main difference in reward rates between these two cards?+
The Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 1% and 4% on dining and online spends, compared to ICICI Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ’s 0.5% base and 1% category rates, making it more rewarding for everyday purchases.
Does the ICICI Rubyx Credit Card offer international lounge access?+
Yes, the ICICI Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ provides 2 international lounge visits per year, which the Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ does not offer.
Are the annual fees easy to waive on these cards?+
The Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ fee waiver requires Rs 1 lakh annual spend, while the ICICI Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ needs Rs 5 lakh annual spend, which is substantially higher and harder to achieve for many users.
Do both cards charge forex markup fees on foreign transactions?+
Yes, both cards apply a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions, which is standard but important for frequent international travellers to consider.
What exclusive benefits does the ICICI Rubyx Credit Card provide?+
Besides lounge access, the ICICI Rubyx Credit Cardⓘ offers golf access, concierge services, and a range of welcome vouchers including TataCliQ and EaseMyTrip, which caters well to premium customers.