Choosing the right credit card can make a significant difference in how you manage your finances and enjoy rewards.
Among the popular credit cards in India, the HDFC Bank Regalia and the SBI Card PRIME are often compared due to their competitive features and benefits.
This article explores their offerings, providing a detailed comparison to help you decide which card suits your needs.
HDFC Bank Regalia and SBI Card PRIME
Both cards are designed for premium users but cater to slightly different financial and lifestyle preferences. Here’s a brief overview:
Feature | HDFC Bank Regalia | SBI Card PRIME |
|---|---|---|
Annual Fee | ₹2,500 + GST | ₹2,999 + GST |
Welcome Benefits | 2,500 reward points | e-gift vouchers worth ₹3,000 |
Reward Rate | 4 points per ₹150 spent | 2 points per ₹100 spent (varies by category) |
Key Focus | Travel and lifestyle rewards | Lifestyle benefits and milestone rewards |
Top Features
HDFC Bank Regalia
- Reward Points:
- Earn 4 reward points for every ₹150 spent.
- Redeem points for travel, hotel bookings, and exclusive deals via the HDFC rewards portal.
- Travel Benefits:
- Complimentary Priority Pass membership for access to 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide.
- Foreign currency markup fee of 2%.
- Lifestyle Perks:
- Complimentary dining privileges through the Dineout Passport and Zomato Pro.
- Insurance coverage, including air accident cover worth ₹1 crore.
- Other Features:
- Concierge services for travel and bookings.
- 24×7 customer assistance.
SBI Card PRIME
- Reward Points:
- Earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on regular purchases.
- Accelerated rewards for dining, groceries, and departmental store spends.
- Welcome Benefits:
- Complimentary e-gift vouchers from brands like Amazon, Bata, and Hush Puppies worth ₹3,000.
- Milestone Benefits:
- Get e-vouchers worth ₹7,000 on reaching annual spending milestones.
- Waiver of renewal fee if annual spends exceed ₹3 lakh.
- Exclusive Privileges:
- Complimentary domestic lounge visits (4 per quarter).
- Club Vistara membership, offering additional benefits for frequent flyers.
Detailed Comparison
Annual Fee and Renewal
Feature | HDFC Bank Regalia | SBI Card PRIME |
|---|---|---|
Annual Fee | ₹2,500 + GST | ₹2,999 + GST |
Fee Waiver | Waived if annual spends exceed ₹3 lakh | Waived if annual spends exceed ₹3 lakh |
While the SBI Card PRIME has a slightly higher annual fee, both cards offer a fee waiver for high spenders.
Reward Points
Feature | HDFC Bank Regalia | SBI Card PRIME |
|---|---|---|
Reward Rate | 4 points per ₹150 spent | 2 points per ₹100 spent (higher on select categories) |
Point Value | ₹0.50 per point (varies by redemption) | ₹0.25-₹0.50 per point (varies by redemption) |
HDFC Bank Regalia offers a simpler reward structure, whereas SBI Card PRIME rewards specific spending categories more generously.
Travel Benefits
Feature | HDFC Bank Regalia | SBI Card PRIME |
|---|---|---|
Lounge Access | Unlimited international and 12 domestic lounges per year (via Priority Pass) | 4 domestic lounge visits per quarter |
Foreign Currency Markup | 2% | 3.5% |
The Regalia card stands out with its superior international lounge access and lower currency markup, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Lifestyle Perks
Feature | HDFC Bank Regalia | SBI Card PRIME |
|---|---|---|
Dining Discounts | Complimentary Dineout Passport & Zomato Pro memberships | Discounts on partnered restaurants |
Milestone Benefits | None | E-vouchers worth ₹7,000 for spending milestones |
The SBI Card PRIME offers more structured milestone benefits, while the Regalia card focuses on lifestyle and dining perks.
Insurance and Security
Feature | HDFC Bank Regalia | SBI Card PRIME |
|---|---|---|
Insurance Cover | Air accident cover up to ₹1 crore | None |
Fraud Liability | Covers unauthorized transactions | Covers unauthorized transactions |
For those prioritizing insurance coverage, the Regalia card provides greater peace of mind.
Who Should Choose Which Card?
HDFC Bank Regalia
This card is ideal for:
- Frequent travelers who benefit from international lounge access.
- Users seeking a premium experience with travel, dining, and concierge benefits.
- Those who want lower foreign currency markup fees.
SBI Card PRIME
This card suits:
- Shoppers who frequently spend on groceries, dining, and department stores.
- Individuals who value milestone rewards and gift vouchers.
- Users focused on domestic lounge access and Club Vistara membership benefits.
Our Recommendation
Both the HDFC Bank Regalia and SBI Card PRIME offer excellent benefits, but your choice depends on your spending habits and lifestyle.
If you’re a frequent traveler looking for international perks, the HDFC Bank Regalia is a better fit. On the other hand, if you’re focused on domestic benefits, shopping rewards, and milestone vouchers, the SBI Card PRIME is a fantastic option.
Evaluate your needs, compare the features, and pick the card that complements your financial goals.
Rahul is a finance enthusiast and content strategist with a passion for simplifying complex financial concepts. With years of experience in personal finance, credit cards, and loans, he helps readers make informed decisions through comprehensive guides and expert insights.