HDFC Bank Regalia vs. SBI Card PRIME: Which Credit Card Offers Better Benefits?

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
Info Source: HDFC & SBI

Top Features

HDFC Bank Regalia

  1. Reward Points:
    • Earn 4 reward points for every ₹150 spent.
    • Redeem points for travel, hotel bookings, and exclusive deals via the HDFC rewards portal.
  2. Travel Benefits:
    • Complimentary Priority Pass membership for access to 1,000+ airport lounges worldwide.
    • Foreign currency markup fee of 2%.
  3. Lifestyle Perks:
    • Complimentary dining privileges through the Dineout Passport and Zomato Pro.
    • Insurance coverage, including air accident cover worth ₹1 crore.
  4. Other Features:
    • Concierge services for travel and bookings.
    • 24×7 customer assistance.

SBI Card PRIME

  1. Reward Points:
    • Earn 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on regular purchases.
    • Accelerated rewards for dining, groceries, and departmental store spends.
  2. Welcome Benefits:
    • Complimentary e-gift vouchers from brands like Amazon, Bata, and Hush Puppies worth ₹3,000.
  3. Milestone Benefits:
    • Get e-vouchers worth ₹7,000 on reaching annual spending milestones.
    • Waiver of renewal fee if annual spends exceed ₹3 lakh.
  4. 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
Info Source: HDFC & SBI

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)
Info Source: HDFC & SBI

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%
Info Source: HDFC & SBI

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
Info Source: HDFC & SBI

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
Info Source: HDFC & SBI

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.

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