The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card is a Visa-network cashback credit card that rewards users with direct cashback on all types of spending. Unlike reward points cards that require redemption through catalogues or transfer partners, this card offers instant gratification through statement credits.

Key Characteristics:

• Entry-level positioning with low income requirements
• Cashback-based reward structure (not points)
• Focus on online spending and utility payments
• Minimal exclusions compared to competitor cards
• No premium benefits like lounge access or insurance

The primary benefit of the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card is its straightforward cashback structure:

• 2% cashback on online spends - Earn Rs. 2 for every Rs. 100 spent online, up to Rs. 1,000 per month (Rs. 12,000 annually)
• 1% cashback on offline spends - Earn Rs. 1 for every Rs. 100 spent offline, up to Rs. 500 per month (Rs. 6,000 annually)
• Total potential: Up to Rs. 18,000 cashback per year

Extended Interest-Free Period

New cardholders enjoy a unique 90-day extended interest-free credit period on retail purchases. By paying only the minimum amount due each billing cycle during the first 90 days, you can defer full payment without interest charges. This benefit is particularly valuable for those planning large purchases immediately after getting the card.

EMI Conversion Benefits

The Kuch Bhi on EMI (KBE) facility allows you to convert transactions above Rs. 2,000 into easy 3-month EMIs at:

• Special interest rate of 0.99% per month
• Zero processing fee (NIL charges)
• Conversion available via online banking, SC Mobile app, phone banking, or SMS

Utility Bill Payments

The card offers 2% cashback on utility bill payments including:

• Electricity bills
• Water bills
• Gas bills
• Telecom/mobile recharge

Cashback Features

• Never expires - Cashback balance remains valid indefinitely
• Easy redemption - Minimum Rs. 1,000 for first redemption, then Rs. 500 increments
• Zero redemption fee - No charges for cashback redemption
• Statement credit - Redeemed as direct credit to your card account

The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card offers a unique welcome benefit focused on financial flexibility rather than upfront rewards:

• 90-Day Extended Interest-Free Period: New cardholders can enjoy an extended interest-free credit period of 90 days from the date of card issuance by paying only the minimum amount due each billing cycle. This applies to retail purchases only.

Note: Unlike many competing cards, there is no welcome bonus in the form of cashback, reward points, or vouchers. The welcome benefit is purely the extended payment flexibility.

Milestone Rewards

The card does not offer traditional milestone rewards (such as bonus points or vouchers at specific spending thresholds). However, there is one key spending milestone:

Annual Fee Waiver Milestone

• Spend Target: Rs. 1,20,000 in the preceding year
• Benefit: Complete waiver of Rs. 499 + GST annual fee
• Calculation: Spend tracked over 12-month period before renewal date

Cashback Redemption Milestones

• First Redemption: Minimum Rs. 1,000 cashback balance required
• Subsequent Redemptions: Available in multiples of Rs. 500
• No Expiry: Cashback never expires, so you can accumulate without time pressure

The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card does not offer any lounge access benefits - neither domestic nor international. This is consistent with its positioning as an entry-level cashback card focused on everyday spending rewards rather than premium travel perks.

If lounge access is important to you, consider upgrading to a premium Standard Chartered card like the Ultimate, Manhattan, or Rewards+ cards that offer complimentary domestic and international lounge visits.

The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card operates on a pure cashback model rather than a traditional rewards points program. This means you earn direct cashback that can be redeemed as statement credit, not points that need to be transferred or converted.

Earning Cashback

Online Transactions - 2% Cashback

Earn 2% cashback (Rs. 2 per Rs. 100 spent) on all online transactions including:

• E-commerce purchases (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc.)
• Online bill payments (electricity, water, gas, telecom)
• Online food delivery and grocery orders
• Streaming service subscriptions
• Online ticket bookings (movies, events)
• Monthly Cap: Rs. 1,000 (requires Rs. 50,000 monthly online spend to hit cap)

Offline Transactions - 1% Cashback

Earn 1% cashback (Rs. 1 per Rs. 100 spent) on all offline transactions including:

• Retail store purchases
• Restaurant and dining expenses
• Grocery shopping at physical stores
• Entertainment and recreation
• Monthly Cap: Rs. 500 (requires Rs. 50,000 monthly offline spend to hit cap)

Exclusions

Cashback is NOT earned on:

• Fuel transactions (petrol/diesel purchases)
• EMI transactions (converted to installments)
• Cash advances/withdrawals

Redemption Process

• Redemption Method: Statement credit only (not cash withdrawal)
• First Redemption: Minimum Rs. 1,000 cashback balance required
• Subsequent Redemptions: Available in multiples of Rs. 500
• Redemption Fee: Zero (NIL charges)
• Processing Time: Cashback credit reflects in next billing cycle
• Expiry: Cashback never expires

No Loyalty Program Linkage

This card does not participate in any airline or hotel loyalty program. It does not earn transferable points like Standard Chartered Ultimate 360° Rewards points. The cashback is standalone and can only be redeemed as statement credit against your card balance.

Interest Rates

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 45% per annum
• Interest-free period: Up to 50 days (standard) or 90 days (welcome period)
• Minimum payment: 5% of outstanding balance

• Primary cardholder: 18 to 65 years
• Add-on/supplementary cardholder: Minimum 18 years

Income Requirements

• Stable monthly income required
• Minimum recommended: Rs. 25,000 per month (Rs. 3 lakh annually)
• Income proof required: Latest salary slip (for salaried) or IT returns (for self-employed)

Credit Score

• Recommended CIBIL score: 750 or above for smooth approval
• Minimum consideration: 700+ with additional documentation
• Lower scores may require higher income proof and employment stability

Geographic Requirements

Applicants must reside in cities/locations where Standard Chartered Bank offers credit card services. All applications are subject to the bank's credit assessment and policy checks.

Existing Customer Status

Note: The joining fee waiver promotional offer is typically not applicable to existing Standard Chartered Bank credit card holders. New-to-bank customers receive priority for fee waiver offers.

• PAN Card (mandatory for all credit card applications)
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Voter ID Card
• Government-issued photo ID
• Driving License

Address Proof (Any One)

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Driving License
• Voter ID Card (Election Card)
• Utility Bill (not more than 3 months old)
• Bank Account Statement (recent)
• Ration Card
• Property Registration Document
• Job Card issued by NREGA (signed by State Government officer)
• Letter from National Population Register

Income Proof

For Salaried Individuals:

• Latest salary slip (not more than 3 months old)
• Form 16 (latest year)
• Last 3 months' bank statement showing salary credits

For Self-Employed Individuals:

• Latest Income Tax Returns with computation of income
• Certified financial statements
• Business continuity proof (GST registration, trade license, etc.)

For Self-Employed Professionals:

• Latest IT Returns
• Professional practice proof (registration certificates, etc.)
• Bank statements showing business income

Additional Documents

• Recent passport-sized photograph
• PAN Card copy (mandatory)

The fastest way to apply is through Standard Chartered's online application portal:

1. Visit the Standard Chartered India credit cards website
2. Select the Smart Credit Card from the product list
3. Click "Apply Now" button
4. Indicate whether you are an existing SC Bank customer (Yes/No)
5. Enter your name and mobile number to begin
6. Fill in personal details, employment information, and income details
7. Upload required documents (ID proof, address proof, income proof, PAN card, recent photograph)
8. Submit the application
9. Await SMS or email notification regarding approval status (typically within 7-10 business days)

Offline Application

You can also apply by visiting your nearest Standard Chartered Bank branch:

1. Locate the nearest SCB branch using the branch locator on the website
2. Visit the branch with all required documents
3. Request a credit card application form
4. Fill in the physical form with assistance from bank staff
5. Submit the form along with document copies
6. Collect your acknowledgment receipt

Through Partner Platforms

The card may also be available through financial aggregator platforms like BankBazaar, Paytm, or Paisabazaar, though availability varies and promotional offers may differ.

The Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card lives up to its name by offering a smart, no-nonsense cashback program for everyday spenders. With its straightforward 2% cashback on all online transactions and 1% on offline spends, it removes the complexity and exclusions that plague many competing cashback cards. The lack of merchant restrictions means you earn rewards whether you shop on Amazon, pay your electricity bill, order food online, or buy groceries - all at a consistent rate.

The card's standout feature is the 90-day extended interest-free period for new cardholders, which provides genuine value beyond typical welcome bonuses. Combined with zero processing fees on 3-month EMI conversions at just 0.99% monthly interest, this card offers excellent financial flexibility for those managing larger purchases or budget constraints.

However, the absence of premium perks is notable. There are no welcome bonuses, no lounge access, no fuel surcharge waiver, and no insurance coverage. The monthly cashback caps (Rs. 1,000 online, Rs. 500 offline) also limit the appeal for very high spenders. These limitations position it clearly as an entry-level or complementary card rather than a standalone premium option.

Best Suited For:

• First-time credit card users seeking simplicity
• Frequent online shoppers and utility bill payers
• Budget-conscious consumers who value low annual fees
• Those managing multiple category-specific cards who need a catch-all for uncapped spends
• New cardholders who can benefit from the 90-day interest-free window

Not Recommended For:

• Premium card seekers expecting lounge access and insurance
• Frequent travelers needing forex benefits or airport perks
• High spenders who would hit monthly cashback caps quickly
• Those seeking fuel surcharge waivers
• Users who prioritize welcome bonuses and milestone rewards

Overall, the Standard Chartered Smart Credit Card earns a solid recommendation for its target audience: practical, value-conscious consumers who appreciate transparency and simplicity in their rewards. At Rs. 499 annually (waivable with Rs. 1.2L spend), it offers genuine value without the complexity that often accompanies credit card rewards programs.