Credit cards, more than a mere pay tool, are lifestyle choices meant to give a host of benefits accommodating diverse financial and personal considerations. HDFC Bank the largest issuer of HDFC Bank credit cards with over 1.88 crore outstanding cards is equipped with two highly sought credit cards: HDFC Infinia Credit Card and HDFC Regalia Credit Card. Both cards have premium features, but they cater to different audiences and financial goals.
The article explores the diffrence of HDFC Infinia vs Regalia, the features, benefits, and distinctions between these two cards to help you make an informed decision.
Overview: HDFC Infinia vs Regalia
The HDFC Infinia Credit Card is the flagship offering of the bank, catering to HNIs with exclusive rewards and unmatched privileges. On the other hand, the HDFC Regalia Credit Card caters to salaried professionals and those looking for premium benefits without a hefty price tag.
Eligibility Criteria
Infinia Credit Card
- Target Audience: Exclusively for invited customers, primarily HNIs.
- For Salaried Individuals:
- Age: 21–60 years.
- Net Monthly Income: Above ₹1 lakh.
- For Self-Employed Individuals:
- Age: 21–65 years.
- Annual Income Tax Return (ITR): Over ₹12 lakhs.
Regalia Credit Card
- Open to a broader audience.
- Suitable for salaried individuals with a steady income.
The exclusive nature of the Infinia Credit Card means that it remains out of reach for most customers, while the Regalia card is more accessible.
Fees and Waivers
Infinia Credit Card
- Joining and Renewal Fee: ₹12,500 + GST.
- Waiver: Spend ₹10 lakhs annually to waive the renewal fee.
Regalia Credit Card
- Joining and Renewal Fee: ₹2,500 + GST.
- Waiver: Spend ₹4 lakhs in an anniversary year to waive the fee.
Key Takeaway: While the Infinia’s fees are high, frequent travelers and premium users will find that the cost of benefits and rewards can be offset. The Regalia is a budget option for moderate users.
Reward Points and Redemption
Both cards reward users for each rupee spent, but in terms of earning and redemption flexibility, the Infinia wins hands down.
Infinia Credit Card
- Reward Rate: 5 points per ₹150 spent.
- Boosted Rewards: Up to 10x points on purchases through HDFC’s SmartBuy portal.
- Redemption Options:
- ₹1 per point on flight and hotel bookings.
- ₹0.30 per point as cashback.
Regalia Credit Card
- Reward Rate: 4 points per ₹150 spent.
- Boosted Rewards: 5x points on select categories.
- Redemption Options: Slightly lower redemption values compared to Infinia.
Welcome and Renewal Benefits
Infinia Credit Card
- A free year’s Club Marriott membership that enables members to enjoy up to 20% discount on dining and stays at any of the properties in Asia-Pacific.
- 12,500 joining or renewal benefit in the form of reward points.
Regalia Credit Card
- Milestone-based vouchers or bonuses at set spending levels.
Airport Lounge Access
Airport lounge access is one of the primary requirements of frequent travelers. Both cards fulfill this requirement in different capacities.
Infinia Credit Card
- Unlimited Priority Pass Access: Over 1,000 international lounges worldwide.
- Indian Lounge Access: 12 visits per year, capped at six per half-year.
Regalia Credit Card
- No complimentary lounge access.
Key Takeaway : The Infinia Credit Card is well-suited for the business traveler who values comfort and relaxation while traveling. By contrast, the Regalia may not meet that criterion.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
The card comes with the waiver of 1% fuel surcharge on the spends between ₹400 and ₹1,00,000 in one statement cycle. This facility is not provided on the Regalia Credit Card.
Hotel and Dining Privileges
The in-house benefits through the facility of dining and hotel benefits appeal more to the Infinia Credit Card. This benefit is only provided to Infinia Credit Card
Infinia Credit Card
- Exclusive Hotel Stays: “3 nights for the price of 2” at ITC hotels.
- Dining Discounts: Up to 20% savings at premium restaurants via Club Marriott and Swiggy Dineout.
Regalia Credit Card
- Discounts of up to 7.5% when dining via the Swiggy App.
Key Takeaway: People who love fine dining and love staying in luxury hotels tend to prefer the Infinia.
Insurance Coverage
It brings along with itself both these cards with wide-ranging insurance coverage. Yet, Infinia has a more superior offer.
Infinia Credit Card
- Accidental air death cover: ₹3 crores.
- Emergency hospitalization: ₹50 lakhs.
- Credit shield cover: ₹9 lakhs.
Regalia Credit Card
- Accidental air death cover: ₹1 crore.
- Emergency hospitalization: ₹15 lakhs.
- Credit liability cover: ₹9 lakhs.
Golf Privileges
The Infinia Credit Card offers unlimited free golf games and coaching sessions at famous courses, which is a feature not offered with the Regalia Credit Card.
Milestone Benefits
The Regalia Credit Card offers milestone-based rewards in the form of vouchers when the user spends more than the defined spending limits. There are no such rewards associated with the Infinia Credit Card, and instead, it is offering premium experiences rather than giving rewards based on milestones.
Which Card Should You Choose? : HDFC Infinia vs Regalia
Choose the Infinia Credit Card if:
- You have high annual spendings as a high-net-worth individual
- You travel frequently and consider premium lounge access and hotel benefits to be important.
- You seek unmatched rewards and are willing to pay a higher annual fee for unparalleled privileges.
Choose the Regalia Credit Card if:
- You want a cost-effective premium card for everyday use.
- You prefer milestone-based rewards.
- You do not require features like global lounge access or extensive insurance coverage.
Conclusion
The HDFC Infinia and the HDFC Regalia Credit Cards cater to different financial profiles and lifestyle needs. The Infinia offers an opulent experience with unparalleled benefits, but its price tag makes it suitable only for those with substantial spending power. The HDFC Regalia, on the other hand, strikes a balance between affordability and premium features, making it suitable for salaried professionals.
Evaluate and compare your spending habits, lifestyle preferences, and financial goals in your cards to decide which one serves you better. With just one card whose benefits align more with your needs, you could be maximizing value while keeping a seamless credit card experience.
