The Standard Chartered Visa Gold Credit Card is a mid-tier offering designed for global shoppers, frequent travellers, and savvy spenders.
Whether you're buying groceries at home or picking up souvenirs abroad, this card provides flexibility and lifestyle privileges.
In this guide, we'll delve into the benefits, criteria to qualify, fees, how to apply, and pluses of managing the card via the mobile app.
Key Features & Benefits
With worldwide acceptance across millions of outlets and ATMs, it combines everyday perks with enhanced travel insurance and interest-free grace periods.
Worldwide Acceptance
The Standard Chartered Visa Gold Credit Card is accepted globally in over 150 countries through the Visa network.
This ensures you can use it comfortably whether shopping at home or travelling abroad.
Rewards & Cashback
Earn one reward point per equivalent local spend unit—e.g., KES 100, PKR 50, BDT 100—depending on your country.
In select markets (e.g., Kenya), enjoy 5% cashback on fuel purchases, with monthly caps—e.g., up to KES 250 per month.
Access the 360° Rewards programme to redeem points for flights, gift cards, hotels, and more.
Travel & Insurance Perks
Complimentary travel and credit life (debt waiver) insurance are commonly included.
Automatic travel protection when you book travel using the card, as seen in Kenya and South Africa offerings.
Flexible Payment Options
Convert large purchases into EMI over 3 to 36 months (e.g., 0 % for up to 36 months in Bangladesh)
Cash advances up to 40–50 % of the credit limit are available globally.
Additional Perks
Free supplementary cards—often up to 2 in Bangladesh, up to 5 in Kenya.
Contactless and chip‑and‑PIN security, along with Verified by Visa online protection
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility varies slightly by country, but common global criteria include:
- Age: Typically 21–65 years (self-employed sometimes 25+).
- Residence: You must be a legal resident or citizen of the issuing country—e.g., Bangladesh requires residency; Pakistan accepts domestic phone numbers/email.
- Income: Minimum monthly or annual income required (e.g., RM 8,000/month in Malaysia, varying thresholds elsewhere).
- Employment: Salaried or self-employed with valid ID and income documentation, such as payslips, tax forms, or bank statements.
- Credit profile: A stable credit history is crucial; applicants with scores above 750 are more likely to be approved.
How to Apply for the Standard Chartered Visa Gold Credit Card
Applying is straightforward and fully digital across most countries. Visit the Standard Chartered website for your region.
Click Apply Now and complete the online form, entering personal data like name, contact, ID number, and income details.
Prepare documents:
- Identity: passport, national ID, driver's license
- Income proof: payslip, tax forms, bank statements
- Residence proof: utility bill or rental agreement
Upload documents and submit through the secure portal; some regions have InstaBuy options to convert purchases immediately into instalments.
Underwriting typically takes a few business days; approval and credit limit are communicated digitally.
Once approved, your card arrives by courier. Activate it via phone, online banking, or the mobile app.
Many regions offer branch applications or assistance via local customer services.
Interest Rates & Fees
Fees vary by location, but you can expect:
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | Varies: e.g., KES 6,000 (Kenya), waived first year. |
| Monthly interest (APR) | Generally 3–3.75 % monthly (~36–45 % APR) . |
| Cash advance fee | Around 5 % of advance amount . |
| Late payment fee | Varies—e.g., KES 1,500 late fee . |
| Foreign FX fee | Typically 2–3 % on overseas transactions . |
Always refer to your country’s Schedule of Charges before applying, as rates and fees are subject to change.
Managing Your Card via Mobile App
The Standard Chartered Mobile App (or iBanking) provides powerful features to manage your Gold Card on the go:
- Real-time alerts for spending and payments
- View & pay statements, set up auto-pay from your account
- Lock/unlock card, set spending category limits (ATM, POS, online)
- Convert purchases to instalments via InstaBuy or EasyPay
- Supplementary card management: add/remove family members
- Access support: chat or call Customer Care directly from the app
These tools offer comprehensive control and security through a unified digital platform.
Standard Chartered Credit Card Comparison
The bank offers several credit cards across the globe.
Visa Gold is ideal for balanced users who want basic rewards, fuel cashback, and international acceptance without a high income threshold.
| Feature / Card | Visa Gold | Platinum | Manhattan Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target User | Mid-income earners | Professionals/frequent travelers | Urban spenders / cashback users |
| Minimum Income (varies by country) | Moderate (e.g., ~KES 50,000/month) | Higher than Gold | Medium |
| Annual Fee | Medium (e.g., KES 6,000) | Higher (e.g., KES 8,000–12,000) | Often waived 1st year |
| Rewards System | Basic: 1 point per spend unit | 2X points on travel/dining | Cashback up to 5% on groceries, dining, utility |
| Travel Benefits | Basic travel insurance | Extended insurance + airport lounge access | Minimal |
| Instalment Plans | Available (EasyPay/InstaBuy) | Available (usually higher limits) | Available |
| Supplementary Cards | 1–2 free cards | More free cards, flexible limits | 1–3 cards |
| Security | Chip & PIN, Verified by Visa | Same + enhanced fraud monitoring | Same |
| Card Management | SC Mobile App, Online Banking | Same | Same |
| Best For | Balanced global use with mid-range perks | Frequent flyers or spenders in premium segments | Cashback on daily purchases |
Customer Support & Contact
Need help applying or managing your card? Contact channels typically include:
- Customer Care Hotline: Available 24/7 in most countries (e.g., +254 20 329 3900 in Kenya)
- Email/chat support via the Standard Chartered app or website
- Standard Chartered Bank (UK Headquarters): 1 Basinghall Avenue, London EC2V 5DD, United Kingdom
Keep these at hand when you're filling out your application or waiting for approval.
Conclusion
The Standard Chartered Visa Gold Credit Card offers a strong mix of global acceptance, rewards, travel insurance, and flexible payment plans.
With a streamlined online application process and easy mobile app management, it’s a compelling option for both seasoned travellers and everyday users.
Ready to apply? Visit your country’s Standard Chartered website and click Apply Now under the Visa Gold section.
Disclaimer: Interest rates, cashback offers, allowances, and eligibility vary by country and currency. Always refer to your local Standard Chartered website and the official Schedule of Charges for up-to-date details before applying.
