Quick Verdict

  • The Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ wins for everyday spend with a much higher base reward rate of 3.33% compared to 0.4% on the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ.
  • For travel and lounge benefits, the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ offers zero forex markup and more comprehensive travel insurance, making it preferable for frequent international travelers.
  • The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ is cheaper to hold with an annual fee of Rs 3,000 versus Rs 5,000 on the Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ.
  • Choose the Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ if you prioritize high rewards and premium shopping perks; pick the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ if you want travel-focused benefits and no forex fees.

Side by Side

DetailRBL World Safari Credit CardⓘStandard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 3,000Rs 5,000
Joining feeRs 3,000Rs 5,000
Fee waiver on spendRs 35,000 quarterly (for lounges)Rs 20,000 prior month (for international lounge)
Reward rate0.4% base, 2% travel3.33% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge8 per year8 per year
International lounge4 per year4 per year
Forex markup0%2%
Best suited fortravel, forex, loungerewards, travel, lounge, premium, shopping

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ yields Rs 40 back at the base rate of 0.4%. However, if the spend is on travel, it returns Rs 200, leveraging its category rate of 2%. This makes it a decent option for travel-related expenses but modest for everyday purchases.

In contrast, the Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ offers a substantial Rs 333 back on Rs 10,000 spent at its high base reward rate of 3.33%. This card clearly outperforms the RBL card in general spend categories. It also provides 5% cashback on duty-free shopping, which is an exclusive perk not matched by the RBL card.

Fees Compared

The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ charges Rs 3,000 each for joining and annual fees. While the card offers fee waivers related to lounge access, the primary waiver is conditional on Rs 35,000 quarterly spend for domestic lounges. The break-even spend to cover the base fee through rewards alone is about Rs 7.50 lakh annually, indicating it is best suited for heavy travelers who can maximize lounge and travel benefits.

The Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ demands higher fees of Rs 5,000 for both joining and annual charges. Its fee waiver is tied to a prior month spend of Rs 20,000 for international lounge access, which is easier to achieve. The break-even spend for its base rewards to justify the fee is approximately Rs 1.50 lakh annually, making it more accessible to mid-tier spenders who want strong rewards without excessive spend.

The extra Rs 2,000 fee on the Standard Chartered card is offset by its higher reward rate, with an additional spend of Rs 68,259 needed to justify the fee difference purely on rewards.

Which One Should You Pick

The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for frequent international travelers and forex users who want zero forex markup and complimentary travel insurance. Its quarterly spend requirements for lounge access suit those who travel regularly but may not spend heavily on general purchases. However, those looking for everyday rewards will find the base rate low.

The Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ suits shoppers and premium users who want high base rewards on all spends and additional perks like duty-free cashback and lifetime free supplementary cards. It is better for those who can spend around Rs 1.5 lakh annually to cover fees and maximize rewards but are okay with a 2% forex markup.

In conclusion, pick the Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ for superior rewards and shopping benefits. Skip it if you travel abroad frequently and want to avoid forex fees. Choose the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ if travel and forex savings are your priority, but skip it if you want higher everyday cashback.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly or monthly spend thresholds for lounge fee waivers to avoid unexpected charges.
  • Understand the redemption value of points, especially since both cards use points but with different reward rates.
  • Check if the forex markup applies to all foreign transactions or only certain types, and how it affects your travel budget.
  • Verify the number and location of lounges accessible, as some cards require prior spend or have limited complimentary visits.

FAQ

What is the forex markup fee on these cards?+
The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ charges no forex markup, making it ideal for international spenders. The Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ applies a 2% forex markup on foreign currency transactions.
How many lounge visits are included with each card?+
Both cards offer 8 domestic and 4 international lounge visits annually. The RBL card’s domestic lounges require Rs 35,000 quarterly spend, while the Standard Chartered card requires Rs 20,000 prior month spend for international lounges.
Is there a welcome benefit on these cards?+
Yes, the RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ provides a MakeMyTrip voucher worth Rs 3,000. The Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ offers 6,000 rewards redeemable for shopping vouchers or charity spends.
Which card offers better insurance coverage?+
The RBL World Safari Credit Cardⓘ includes free travel insurance covering trip delays, baggage/passport loss, and dental emergencies. The Standard Chartered Ultimate Credit Cardⓘ provides overseas air accident cover of Rs 1 crore and medical insurance of USD 25,000.
Can the annual fee be waived on these cards?+
Fee waivers depend on meeting the spend criteria tied to lounge access. The RBL card requires Rs 35,000 quarterly spend, while the Standard Chartered card requires Rs 20,000 prior month spend for certain lounge benefits.