Quick Verdict

  • The Standard Chartered Easemytrip Credit Cardⓘ wins for travel-related spends with a very high 10% cashback on travel, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
  • The Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ is better for everyday spends like online shopping and dining due to its elevated 4% reward points in those categories.
  • The Easemytrip card is cheaper to hold annually if you can meet the lower waiver threshold of Rs 50,000 spend per year versus Rs 1,00,000 for the Rewards card.
  • Pick Easemytrip if you prioritize travel perks and lower fee waiver spend; pick Rewards if you want solid returns on dining and shopping plus no joining fee.

Side by Side

DetailStandard Chartered Easemytrip Credit CardⓘStandard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeRs 350Rs 1,000
Joining feeRs 350Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendRs 50,000Rs 1,00,000
Reward rate1% base, 10% on travel1% base, 4% on online and dining
Reward typecashbackpoints
Domestic lounge4 per year4 per year
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, first-card, loungerewards, dining, first-card, shopping, lounge

Rewards Compared

On a Rs 10,000 spend, both cards yield a base reward of Rs 100. However, category rates create a significant difference. The Standard Chartered Easemytrip Credit Cardⓘ delivers an exceptional Rs 1,000 cashback for travel spends of Rs 10,000, translating to a 10% return in this category. This is by far the most lucrative for travelers and stands out as a strong incentive for those who frequently book travel via EaseMyTrip.

Conversely, the Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ offers a 4% reward rate in its highlighted categories, online shopping and dining, translating to Rs 400 per Rs 10,000 spent. While this is less than the Easemytrip card’s travel return, it is more versatile across popular everyday spending categories. The Rewards card’s points can provide ongoing value across multiple retail segments, appealing to users who prioritize lifestyle spending rather than pure travel rewards.

Fees Compared

The Easemytrip card demands a modest joining and annual fee of Rs 350 each, with the annual fee waived if you spend Rs 50,000 annually (about Rs 4,167 monthly). This lower waiver threshold makes it easier to avoid fees if your spend is moderate. The card’s base rewards cover the fee after roughly Rs 35,000 in annual spend at the base rate.

On the other hand, the Rewards card charges no joining fee but an annual fee of Rs 1,000, which is waived only if you spend Rs 1,00,000 annually (about Rs 8,333 monthly). This significantly higher waiver threshold requires more disciplined spend to avoid the fee. The base rewards cover this fee only after about Rs 1,00,000 spent annually.

In summary, Easemytrip is cheaper to hold for moderate spenders, while Rewards may only be fee-free for higher spenders who maximize bonus categories.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Standard Chartered Easemytrip Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveler or someone who primarily spends on travel bookings. Its 10% cashback on travel bookings is unmatched and the low fee waiver spend requirement makes it affordable for moderate users. This card also suits first-time credit card users who want travel perks and domestic lounge access with lower costs.

The Standard Chartered Rewards Credit Cardⓘ suits users who spend heavily on online shopping and dining and want a broader lifestyle rewards card. Its 4% returns in these categories, combined with no joining fee and some premium benefits like fuel surcharge waiver, make it compelling for urban users with diversified spends. However, the higher fee waiver threshold means it favors higher spenders.

In a decisive call, if travel is your priority and you want lower fee risk, pick Easemytrip. If you want a rewards card for varied lifestyle spends and can meet the higher waiver spend, pick Rewards. Skip Easemytrip if you rarely travel or prefer points over cashback. Skip Rewards if you cannot meet the Rs 1,00,000 spend waiver or want lower annual fees.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Check if your travel bookings qualify for the 10% cashback on Easemytrip, including any caps or exclusions.
  • Understand redemption value and flexibility of the Rewards card points versus Easemytrip cashback.
  • Be sure you can meet the monthly waiver spend, Rs 4,167 for Easemytrip or Rs 8,333 for Rewards, otherwise fees will apply.
  • Both cards charge a 3.5% forex markup, typical but costly for frequent international spenders.
  • Domestic lounge access requires Rs 50,000 quarterly spend; verify that you can achieve this to use the lounges for free.

FAQ

What is the difference between cashback and points rewards on these cards?+
The Easemytrip card offers cashback, which directly reduces your billed amount and is straightforward to use. The Rewards card offers points that you must redeem, which can be flexible but may vary in value depending on redemption options.
Are joining and annual fees waived on either card?+
The Easemytrip card has a joining fee of Rs 350 and an annual fee of Rs 350, both waived if you spend Rs 50,000 yearly. The Rewards card has no joining fee but an annual fee of Rs 1,000 waived only if you reach Rs 1,00,000 in annual spend.
Do both cards provide lounge access?+
Yes, both cards include 4 domestic lounge visits per year, subject to a quarterly domestic spend of Rs 50,000. Neither offers international lounge access.
What is the forex markup on foreign transactions?+
Both cards charge a forex markup of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions, which is typical for Indian credit cards.
Can I use these cards as a first credit card?+
Yes, both cards are listed as suitable for first-card users, with the Easemytrip card favored for travel novices and the Rewards card for those wanting lifestyle rewards.