Synopsis: Effective 15th May 2026, HDFC Bank revised the benefits on its Regalia Credit Card, reducing the reward rate and attaching a quarterly spend condition to domestic lounge access. This article explains what changes and which cards now are the best alternatives.
The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card was regarded as one of the best mid-premium all-rounders. The May 2026 revision has nudged many users to re-evaluate their card choices, particularly those who valued its previously unconditional lounge access and competitive reward structure.
What Changed
Before May 2026:
- Reward Rate: 4 Reward Points per ₹150 spent
- 20 Reward Points per ₹150 at Myntra, Nykaa, Marks & Spencer, Reliance Digital
- 12 Complimentary domestic lounge visits/year with no spend condition
- 6 international lounge visits/year via a Priority Pass with no spend condition
- No card reissuance fee
After May 2026:
- Reward Rate revised: 5 Reward Points per ₹200 spent
- Domestic lounge access: 3 visits per calendar quarter, applicable on spending only ₹60,000 or more in the preceding calendar quarter
- 6 international lounge visits via Priority Pass
- Card reissuance fee: ₹100 for lost or damaged card
- New: Boarding Edge Programme, which gives, complimentary spa, buffet, hotel room upgrade, or airport transfer, any 2 per calendar quarter, by uploading boarding pass on Smartbuy
- The reward and lounge access are devalued but is partially offset by the new Boarding Edge travel perk.
Best Alternative Credit Cards
HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹1,000 + Applicable Taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹1,000 + Applicable Taxes
- Fee Waiver: On annual spends of ₹1,00,000 or more
- Interest-free period: Up to 50 days from the date of purchase (subject to the submission of the charge by Merchant)
- Welcome benefit: 1,000 CashPoints on paying the joining fee
- Rewards:
- 5% CashBack on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, Tata CLiQ, BookMyShow, Sony LIV, Cult.fit, capped ₹1,000 CashPoints per statement cycle
- 1% CashBack on all other eligible retail spends, capped ₹1,000 CashPoints per cycle
- 10% additional cashback on Swiggy Dineout via PayZapp/SmartBuy
- Eligibility: Age 21 to 40 years; salaried income ₹35,000/month; self-employed ITR ₹6 lakh p.a.
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
Axis Bank Horizon Credit Card
- Joining Fee: ₹3,500 + Applicable Taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹3,500 + Applicable Taxes
- Lounge Access: 2 complimentary international lounge accesses per calendar quarter; 6 complimentary visits per calendar quarter for Mastercard World cardmembers and, 8 complimentary visits per calendar quarter for Visa Signature cardmembers
- Interest-free period: 20-50 days based on the credit profile and other evaluation metrics
- Welcome benefit: 5,000 EDGE Miles credited if the first transaction is ₹1,000 or more within 30 days of card issuance, and the welcome benefit is applicable only for paid cards
- Rewards:
- 5 EDGE Miles per ₹100 spent on Axis Bank Travel EDGE website and on direct airline spends
- 2 EDGE Miles per ₹100 on all other eligible spends
- Eligibility: Indian citizen between 18 to 70 years of age. The further eligibility depends on the bank and the profile of the applicant.
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
SBI Card PRIME
- Joining Fee: ₹2,999 + taxes
- Annual Fee: ₹2,999 + taxes
- Fee Waiver: Waiver of renewal fee on annual spends of ₹3,00,000 or more
- Lounge Access: 8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year, and 4 complimentary international lounge visits via Priority Pass per year
- Interest-free period: Up to 50 days (subject to merchant claim submission and no prior outstanding)
- Welcome benefit: Welcome e-Gift Voucher worth ₹3,000
- Rewards:
- 20 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on your birthday, capped at 2,000 points per calendar year
- 10 Reward Points per ₹100 on Dining, Groceries, Departmental stores, and Movies
- 2 Reward Points per ₹100 on all other retail spends, excluding fuel
- Redemption rate: 4 Reward Points = ₹1
- Eligibility: Indian citizen between 21 to 70 years of age, salaried or self-employed. The further eligibility depends on the bank and the profile of the applicant.
To apply for the card, please visit the Official Website
Comparison Table
Conclusion
The HDFC Regalia Gold’s May 2026 revision puts the users in a tough spot to consider other alternatives. The HDFC Millennia remains the smartest low-fee card for online shoppers, the Axis Horizon is best suited for frequent travellers, and the SBI Card PRIME stands out for people who are lifestyle spenders wanting dining rewards, birthday bonuses, golf access and priority pass.
Written by Jahnavi
