Mayura 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 spend with a higher base reward rate of 3.33% compared to Mayura Credit Card's 1.5%.
• For travel and lounge access, the Mayura Credit Cardⓘ offers unlimited domestic lounge access and 8 international lounge visits per year, edging out the Standard Chartered Ultimate’s limited access.
• The Mayura Credit Card has a slightly higher fee but a lower forex markup of 1.5%, making it cheaper for frequent forex transactions.
• Choose Mayura Credit Card if you prioritize travel perks and forex savings; pick Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card for superior rewards on everyday and premium spends.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the Mayura Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 150 back at the base rate of 1.5%. However, if your spending is concentrated in dining, travel, or online categories, the card offers double the base rate at 3%, translating to Rs 300 rewards on Rs 10,000 spent. This makes it attractive for those with focused category spends.

In contrast, the Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ offers a robust flat base reward rate of 3.33%, which means Rs 333 back on Rs 10,000 spent regardless of category. This higher and simpler rate benefits users with diverse spending patterns who want consistent returns without tracking categories.

Fees Compared

The Mayura Credit Card charges a joining and annual fee of Rs 5,999 each, slightly higher than the Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card’s Rs 5,000 for both fees. Neither card specifies fee waivers based on spend, so these fees are fixed yearly costs.

Looking at break-even spends to cover the annual fee through base rewards, the Mayura requires about Rs 3,99,933 annually, while the Standard Chartered Ultimate needs only Rs 1,50,150. This reflects the Ultimate card’s superior reward rate, making it easier to justify the fee with moderate spending.

Which One Should You Pick

If you are a frequent traveler who values unlimited domestic lounge access, multiple international lounge visits, and lower forex charges, the Mayura Credit Cardⓘ is your best bet. It also suits premium spenders who shop online or dine out often, leveraging the 3% category rewards.

On the other hand, the Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for those who want a straightforward, high base reward rate on all spends and appreciate premium benefits like complimentary lounge access with moderate spend, cashback on duty-free shopping, and comprehensive insurance covers. It is better for users with varied spending habits who want to maximize rewards without tracking categories.

In conclusion, pick Mayura Credit Card for travel and forex advantages; choose Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Card for superior everyday rewards and premium benefits. Those who rarely travel or spend heavily in specific categories should skip Mayura, while those who want travel perks and lower forex fees might skip Standard Chartered Ultimate.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Verify if the unlimited domestic lounge access on Mayura has any hidden caps or guest restrictions.
• Check the redemption value of points on both cards to ensure rewards translate into meaningful benefits.
• Confirm the monthly spend required to maintain any fee waivers or complimentary lounge access, especially for Standard Chartered Ultimate.
• Consider the forex markup differences carefully if you frequently transact abroad, as Mayura’s 1.5% is lower than Ultimate’s 2%.
• Review the availability of lounges in your preferred airports to see which card’s lounge access aligns better with your travel patterns.

FAQ