Quick Verdict
- The Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a higher base reward rate and special category bonuses.
- For travel and lounge access, the Standard Chartered card also leads with unlimited domestic lounge visits and more international lounge passes.
- Both cards have no joining or annual fees, making them equally cheap to hold.
- Choose the LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ if you prioritize lower forex markup and want a truly lifetime free card without any relationship requirements. Pick the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you want premium lounge access and higher rewards on travel and online spends.
Side by Side
| Detail | LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ | Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | Nil (lifetime free) | Nil (lifetime free) |
| Joining fee | Nil (lifetime free) | Nil (lifetime free) |
| Fee waiver on spend | , | , |
| Reward rate | 0.75% | 1% base; 2% on online and travel |
| Reward type | points | points |
| Domestic lounge | 4 per year | Unlimited |
| International lounge | 2 per year | 6 per year |
| Forex markup | 1.5% | 2% |
| Best suited for | lifetime-free, rewards, forex, travel, lounge | premium, lounge, travel, lifetime-free, shopping |
Rewards Compared
On a base spend of Rs 10,000, the LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ earns Rs 75 back in points, reflecting its 0.75% base reward rate. This is a straightforward earn rate without category bonuses. In contrast, the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ provides Rs 100 back on the same Rs 10,000 base spend at 1%, making it more rewarding for general purchases. Moreover, the Standard Chartered card boosts rewards to Rs 200 for Rs 10,000 spent on online and travel categories, doubling the effective return. This makes it particularly attractive for frequent travelers and online shoppers, while the LIC Select card offers a simpler, consistent earn rate.
Fees Compared
Neither card charges a joining fee or annual fee, making both effectively free to hold for a lifetime. There are no fee waiver conditions, so no minimum spend thresholds apply. This parity simplifies the choice to rewards, benefits, and forex charges rather than cost of ownership. There is no break-even spend to worry about since the cost is zero for both cards annually.
Which One Should You Pick
The LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ suits users who want a no-strings-attached, truly lifetime free card with moderate rewards and lower forex markup at 1.5%. It is a good pick for those who value forex savings and occasional lounge access without premium banking requirements. However, it has limited lounge visits and lower reward rates.
The Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for premium users who maintain a Priority Banking relationship, want unlimited domestic lounge access, and higher reward returns on travel and online spends. Its slightly higher forex markup at 2% is a trade-off for superior lounges and category bonuses. This card is better suited to frequent travelers and shoppers who can leverage the 2% rewards and golf access.
In conclusion, skip the LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ if you want maximum rewards or premium lounges. Skip the Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Cardⓘ if you dislike forex markups above 1.5% or do not maintain Priority Banking status.
What to Check Before You Apply
- Confirm the Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate applies to lounge access on the LIC Select Credit Cardⓘ.
- Understand the redemption value of points for both cards to ensure your rewards translate into meaningful benefits.
- Check how your monthly spend aligns with any fee waiver or lounge access thresholds, even if fees are nil.
- Consider the forex markup if you spend heavily abroad: 1.5% versus 2% can add up.
- Verify the locations and partner lounges available domestically and internationally to match your travel patterns.
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