Since 2011, the Original Regalia Credit card served as one of the Royal premium credit card with HDFC, usually issued with a very good credit limit of 3 Lakhs and above. As the name became very much popular in recent times and as everyone wants to have hands on the card, HDFC launched a similar card named Regalia First positioning it as an Entry level card in Regalia range to meet the demands of those who aren’t eligible for the original Regalia.
I had been asked many a times about the difference between Regalia and Regalia First recently, hence i decided to come up with this article. Hope its helpful for many of you. Here are the major Differences between Regalia and Regalia First credit card.
Table of Contents
1. Joining Fees
- Regalia: 2,500 INR
- Regalia First: 1000 INR
In most cases, you might be able to get the card as First Year Free.
2. Eligibility
- Regalia: Rs.1,20,000 Annual income
- Regalia First: Rs.40,000 Annual income
Even-though the Eligibility for Regalia appears to be high, you should be able to upgrade from Regalia First to Regalia easily given the spends are good.
3. Reward Rate
- Regalia: 1.3%
- Regalia First: 0.8%
This means, if you spend 1Lakh, you get Rs.1,300 value back as points on Regalia, while its only Rs.800 on Regalia First.
4. Spend Based Milestones
- Regalia: Upto 15k Points on 8L Spend
- Regalia First: Upto 7.5k Points on 6L Spend
This is another difference you need to consider if you have high ongoing spends.
5. Airport Lounge Access
- Regalia: Domestic 12 / International: 6
- Regalia First: Domestic: 8 / International: 3
This is one of the major difference from my point of view, if you’re a traveller.
6. Credit Limit
- Regalia: 3 Lakhs+
- Regalia First: 1 Lakh – 3 Lakhs
The major difference is the eligibility of the person which is directly proportional to the credit limit. Thumb Rule: Higher the income & spends, higher the credit limit & better the card you can have.
7. Credit Shield
- Regalia: 9 Lakhs
- Regalia First: 5 Lakhs
To know more, here are the individual reviews of each Regalia variant and its benefits in detail:
Note that if you’ve HDFC Allmiles credit card, you can easily upgrade it to HDFC Regalia First as the bank is no longer issuing Allmiles card. Infact, Regalia First is more of a replacement for Allmiles.
What do you think about Regalia & Regalia First? Share your comments below.
Thanks for short and crisp comparison Sid!
I got regalia first on 52000 limit only as a upgrade from money back card
Yes, exceptions are always there. Though 52k is unbelievable & super low for the Regalia. You’re lucky!
i was using a moneyback card for the last 1.5yrs..
now its upgraded to regalia first with only 25000credit limit
how can i increase my credit limit ?
Credit limit is a big topic and 25k limit is too low.
Check out: How to Increase Your Credit Card Limit
Hi Siddharth, I upgraded to Regalia first in June 2019 and then to Regalia in March 20. So what period shall be considered in my case for the annual spends waiver of 3 lakhs and in what period should I spend 5 lakhs to earn 10000 reward points extra
initially what is the credit limit you used to hold with your old card (Money back card)
I did a little research to find the difference between these two cards but could not find any except for the free lounge visits. I was wondering is this the only difference?? Now, your post explains the difference is short and easy manner.
Thanks
Glad it helped 🙂
Sir it was nice all informations gathered together.very simple to understand.I want to to help me with some detail i want to convert my regalia first into regalia my regalia first credit card limit is Rs- 153000, Can i upgrade it if yes then how.please help me regarding this.
This was very helpful. I have always wondered what were the actual differences but was too lazy to do it myself. Thank-you for posting this!
Glad it helped 🙂
Isn’t it 12 pp for primary card holder +12 pp for the add on card holder for Regalia. And 4 pp each for primary and add on card holder for Regalia First?
No.
Damn buddy you’re on a roll! 5 days I didn’t check your website and there are so many articles to go through. Keep up the good work!
Thank you!
Keep reading and commenting wherever you wish to. It encourages me to write more 🙂
Hey Sid.. I’m completely torn between the HDFC Regalia and the HDFC Jet Privilege World Card. Sorry, but my knowledge of credit cards is very limited. So I really don’t know which one to opt for.
My interest is in generating miles for my travels, but I don’t want to be stuck with a single airline.
With Regalia points I can purchase a ticket with points on any airline while but with JetPrivilege World card I am limited to Jet Airways only.
Really can’t decide.. Do suggest… PLEASE !!
You’ve already answered your question 🙂
Regalia is for you!
Hi Siddharth,
I just received my ‘Regalia first’ for 2 lakhs FD, i was given a limit of 1.5lakhs, I posed a query of the same on this site, which you clarified. I guess I missed out on the ‘1000 reward points every month’ because I got the card on 8th November. I am looking forward for another credit card, looking into standard charter cards, just hoping that i can get the manhattan card based on my Regalia first.
thanks
Sounds good. Have a great time with Regalia First 🙂
Wait for sometime, maybe 2 months before you apply for SC card.
What do you mean my 1000 reward points every month ???? What for ???
Hello sir, I have regalia first with 2.21lakh limit with two add cc and also 3 PP (self+2add on). I want to know about airport lounge. Is it free with PP? or I have to pay some amount? I have read out many comments but still m confused. What is procedure to avail lounge facility?
Thanks
Its free as long as you got free visits left on your a/c.
BTW, they discontinued Taj Epicure membership for Regalia.
Yes, updated the same. Though, not a big deal. Only benefit i got last time is late checkout 😛
What about the vouchers that came with the membership……50% off on buffet lunch, 2nd round of drinks on the house and others….did you not use them?
They’re almost useless :/
recently I have received regalia first card. In limit no changes just 70k. It is too low. not reached regalia range. desopinted
hi sid my 1.5year old money back card is online upgraded to regalia first with limit 52000 btw any chance for limit increase in future my last limit increase is dec.15
Yes, you can request for limit enhancement every 6 months.
what about the annual fee for both cards
Its given free these days.
The HDFC guys told me that if I do an INR 10 transaction on the PayZapp application, I will get the card free for a lifetime. Is it true? If not what are other ways to get the annual fee waived off (apart from the 3 lakh spend per annum)?
Yes, its a Payzapp cross sell. Not sure about Rs.10 txn though. They’re changing this part every few months.
It should be true anyways as you’ll be asked to sign the LTF form mentioning this offer.
What is LTF form signing? Is it like for any offer on the credit card with annual fees and all we need to sign for.
Hey Siddharth. Your posts have been very informative. Thanks. I have a quick question: I have a REGALIA card(the original Regalia, not Regalia first) and also have the priority pass issued. My son is the add-on card holder. I want to know if he can also get a priority pass being the add-on holder.
Regards,
Akshay
Yes Akshay,
You can. Check out: HDFC Priority Pass – Everything You Need to Know
Great article.
What is the eligibility criteria for Regalia & Regalia first?
Hello Sid,
Excellent information. Great help. Kudos to you. Myself getting upset as couldn’t find you earlier?. I got my regalia first visa card today. I got my card converted from moneyback.
1. Do I have domestic lounge access even without priority pass? Please note it is visa card.
2. What does complete 4 transactions in a statement within the first 90 days to be eligible for Priority Pass membership. Does this mean 4 transaction every month for 3 months?
3. My credit limit is 439000. When can I get it converted to original regalia. Is this limit sufficient? And will that also be LTF.
4.also what other criteria are taken into consideration for converting into regalia.
5. Any better card than regalia with this limit? Main criteria is lounge access.
Sachin,
Thanks for the kind words, its never late 🙂
1. Yes
2. Its only for first month.
3. After 6 months. Yes, good limit. LTF depends on offer at that time.
4. Usage,IT,CIBIl
5. Why not Diners premium?
Hello Siddharth,
Thanks a lot for your answer. Is Diners premium easy to upgrade. Any specific documentation required for that?
It depends on the Limit,IT and CIBIL altogether 🙂
Hi Sid,
I have a Diners Premium Card but I’m not much into travel. I use my credit card for daily expenses , bills , lic premium(50k per annum) payments. I’m interested only in cash back and reward points . Could I go for Regalia First/Regalia if thats the case or Would you suggest any other card ?
~Manjunath
Consider Yesbank Preferred & exclusive cards as well.
Btw, Diner premium is now better than Regalia.
I recently upgraded to Regalia first from Allmiles card. this review helped me in understanding the card benefits.
Sounds good. Congrats on Regalia First!
You can likely upgrade to Regalia in next 6 months.
Hi Sid,
I have Regalia First with credit limit 2.5 Lakhs, just wanted to know how do I get upgraded it to Regalia? What should I say to convince the Bank guys/customer care, etc. Your reply would be really helpful in applying for an up gradation.
Should be good to go after 6 months. Just make sure spends are in place as well.
Hello Siddharth,
Another small question. Which is the best card in terms of reward programme and also it LTF card.
Regards
Sachin
There are lots, Diners cards has good 10X rewards that makes a huge difference. Check them out.
Hello team,
I received credit card of Regallia First MasterCard. But I applied for Regallia Visa credit card and during verification call with your HDFC team member they told me , you are eligible for Regallia Visa Card and will send you within 3 working days . But here I not received that card , the HDFC member make me fraud . please change my card .
Pls talk with the bank.
regalia now has become very devalued due to rewards points becoming 0.60 paise (from 0.75 paise) and revoking of taj membership, as well as introducing expiry of reward points every two years.. (which is pathetic)
hello sid,
i want know which hdfc credits card suits me
Annual Gross income:- 12 lakh
frequent flyer
interested in airport lounge access.
PP visits for Regalia First is reduced to 3 now.
is there any card which is better than regalia ? i checked out citibank prestige but i think regalia still beats it in terms of rewards, especially due to 5x rewards..
Infinia is there 🙂
I have got a Regalia card being the preferred HDFC customer.However the card balance is showing only 40k.what is Regalia card limit and when it ll be upgraded and how.?
with my hdfc regalia (master), would i get free airport access to ‘jaipur airport-domestic t2 lounge’ for me & my wife.
i also hold sbi-yatra-master, can WE get access with this card
we are flying on 27mar17 (jetairways – jaipur to mumbai)
Only one can get access, with Regalia MC.
when i redeem my points with regalia first card…always says invalid request…..plzz tell me how to redeem my points?
Hi Siddharth ,
I recently got Regalia First but they gave me the Master variant while i really want the Visa (more offers). RM tells me I can’t choose, it is upto backend team to give me master or visa. Any ideas how i can convert to visa?
Sulabh,
Just ask them to do it, they will do. I got it once and for this, you don’t need to wait for 6 months.
Hey Siddharth,
I hold a HDFC Regalia card and wish to upgrade to Diners black. My ITR statement shows an income of around 15 lacs. Is it possible somehow to get a Diners Black card ?
Pls check Diners Black thread to get an idea.
Eligibility for Diners Black Card- Salaried Person Income -1.75 Lakh per month OR Self Employed -21 Lakh ITR .per Annum.
Hi Sid,
Just wanted to know which card is better, Diners black or Infinia and how can I get an upgrade. Presently I’m using a Regalia.
Thanks,
Rahul
Both are best ones. Its more about what kind of benefit & acceptance you need and decide accordingly.
Hi Sid,
I have a Regalia first credit card.
Are there any charges for international online transactions? If so can you tell me how much it is?
Im booking some tickets in Euro.
Thanks
Hi Siddharth,
Really helpful information. I was able to zeroed in on Regalia first credit card after going through your post only. I wanted regalia solely for lounge benefits (for me and my spouse) as No other cards seems to be providing the same. Can you shed more light on whether i can avail complimentary lounge access with add-on cards through visa lounge access program using Regalia First. With diners premium card i guess i saw on bank’s page the only primary card holder can avail complimentary lounge access but nothing like this was there for regalia/regalia first card. can you confirm ?
Regards,
Rahul
Add-on’s on diners cards have access, but yes not officially mentioned and they make revoke/charge anytime.
i have been using regalia for sometime now, should i upgrade it to infinia?
If eligible, yes.
Hi Sid,
Really very helpful article.
Im having regalia first card with 1.35lakh limit.
And so far ive accumulated 10000 reward points.
If , i want to upgrade to Regalia , my reward points also carry forward??
Nope. They’ll be adjusted towards upgrade to Regalia system of reward value
Hi Sid,
How one can check, how many times we have accessed lounge.
HI Sid,
I am having ALLMiles CC since Jan 2016. Recently i got limit enhancement from 1 lac to 1.15 lac. They are also offering me to upgrade to HDFC Moneyback.
But i think it would be a downgrade. they are not offering upgrade to Regalia. What to do to let me upgrade to Regalia?
Anshuman
Uprrade to regalia first. So some spending on that and apply for regalia then. Other wise if u meet salary criteria then tell them.
HI – first of all thanks for such a information site. I had a hdfc signature card, now during renewal they have upgraded to regalia first. I have few questions as below:
– Is regalia first better than signature, on the site regalia first is super premium compared to premium card for signature but wanted to know your expert view
– How the airport lounge access will now work on regalia first ? Do I need to use regalia first card at domestic terminal lounges and PP card at international terminal lounges?
– How many free complimentary accesses are available for domestic and international lounges? What are the charges post that
– When they say international, is it only india based international terminals or any international airport lounges?
Thanks for the help,
I have called HDFC customer care regarding enquiry about Priority pass for add-on members on Regalia First Card. They said 3 PP for regalia first which can be jointly accessed in a year i.e if both primary card member and addon card member jointly visit the Lounge, only one will be deducted from the yearly quota. SO actually you can visit three lounges with your addon member. If you travel alone also, one will be deducted from the quota
Hi. I have been using Regalia first for the past 8 months . My limit is 3,20,000. I recently called HDFC and requested for an upgrade. My spend is almost 40000 every month. But they replied saying HDFC offers upgrade. you cant apply.
Is this true? If not then which card should i opt for? How do i go about it?
Just download the card upgrade form from the hdfc website amd post it to chennai office address.
Mr.SiddH.. I want to rePay my CC expenses with my Reward Points.
Not thru my saving a/c.
How can pay my outstanding with Reward Points ?
PareSanghvi
No possible with HDFC Cards.
Mr. Siddh..
I’ve HDFC. Regalia. CC…
Hello Sid main January 2017 SE Regalia first card use kar raha Hun January main meri limit 75000 k thi July 2017 main 1,50,000 lakh Ho gayi ye mera card original Regalia main kab Bedlega please guide me
Hi Siddharth,
I am regalia first holder ,I want to know my airport lounge access per year both domestic and international.
IS it 2 per quarter or total of 4 per year.And 3 international lounge access.
i m having regalia first card from last 1.5yr, how to upgrade it
Hi Guys,
Good news for Regalia First & Regalia credit card holders regarding Domestic lounge access
I am a Regalia First card holder and have received a mail today form HDFC Bank regarding Priority pass.
Intl Complimentary visits are same 3 per year , but it was also clearly mentioned that 2 Domestic visits per quarter are complimentary through Master card lounge program. The same is also updated under Benefits column in HDFC website under respective cards.
Today i RECEIVED my Regalia First Credit Card with Limit of 3 lakh. I applied add on card also along with it for LTF.
BUt Add-on card has same sixteen digit number as primary card holder number.
I wanted different number so that i can grab online offers on both these cards.
Can Anyone help?
That’s how HDFC Add-On card works now. Hopefully they come up with fresh no’s for Add-on’s soon as there a huge demand for it.
Is there any Other Bank who issues same 16 digits number for Add on Credit Card as Primary 16 Digit number for Primary Holder?
Hi Sid
Does regalia first give u reward points for insurance premium?
Hi
Hope someone can help me out here.
I have a regalia first cc for past 6 months with decent spends.
Was looking for upgrade to regalia.
But the online option in the netbanking page is not working.
Their customer care number does not seem to have an option for cc upgrade. How have others managed to contact customer care to upgrade cc.
Thanks
you can download the upgrade form under forms centre of hdfcbank.com , fill it and send it to chennai branch for upgrade.
Hi Sid,
One of my friend has Hdfc Bank Preferred Savings account under the group ID of one of his family member. He only maintained 10000/- balance in his account from last 1 year. Recently he got Regalia First Credit Card with a limit of 30000/- only…..
For both Regalia and Regalia First it is mentioned in HDFC website that
“All Lounge visits within India using priority pass will be charged at US $27 + GST as applicable per person per visit w.e.f. 25th May 2017”
Does that even PP is used international lounge it will be charged?
Any user has used PP after this date?
International usage is free. I recently uses it in Hongkong.
It does say ‘within India’ so the lounge accesses on PP internationally will be complimentary till you reach the limit.
Hi!!I got a Regalia First Card yesterday. I have an Indus Ind Voyage Visa and Indus Ind Voyage AMEX Card ( Jet Airways). I also have an SBI ELite card. I use my Indus Ind cards for my travel abroad which I undertake at least 5-6 times a year and yes I do get miles on Jet Airways too.
I wish to get a HDFC Co Branded card with Jet Airways.Once I have that I will close all my cards and keep HDFC Jet Airways card. How do I get my HDFC Regalia First Card upgraded to an HDFC Jet Airways card. Thanks.
Hi, in HDFC rewards points catalogue, its redemption points requirement is classfied based on cards from A to F, but that classification doesnt have regalia first. Under which category does regalia first come?
Cards are divided between A to G category and not A to F category,
There is no category for Regalia First mentioned but i believe it to be same as Business Regalia First which would be category C.
But please keep in mind that if you book flight or hotel with points then each point is valued at 30 paisa but if you buy something from catalogue then each point is valued at 15 paisa.
Heard from one friend that he was denied lounge access in Delhi for Regalia.
They said they are no more allowing Regalia, nothing mentioned in HDFC website though.
Lounge is listed in Mastercard lounge program.
Have you guys faced similar issue with Regalia in other lounges?
Please share update
what the difference between regalia first – business regalia first.
i signed for regalia first but they send business regalia first.
now i am having a doubt whether its linked to saving A/C or
current A/c.?
Only major difference is–
Regalia First- Salaried person giving payslip copy while applying
Business Regalia First- Business person giving ITR copy
I have diners clubmiles on itr basis, now can I get regalia first on card on card basis on other bank card, does HDFC gives two card to a customer, if yes what’s the eligibility?, If no should I opt for regalia first instead of diners clubmiles?
TIA
Hi Sid, You have given a lot of help full information to all. I am very impressed on the answers given by you. I have a regalia first credit card since November 2016 and will be getting over in November 2019. My credit limit has increased to 1.72 L. I want to upgrade my card from Regalia first to Regalia visa card Can you please help me the procedure and secondly when I got this card I was promised about the 1000 points to be getting once I swipe my card initially which has not been done till date. I have repeated spoken to the HDFC bank but in vein. The keep telling me to speak the customer care which is very perthetic. Can you also please guide me on the reward point that I should be getting. Can I get the upgraded card in the next renewal period of the card i.e. november 2019. Thanks
Does regalia first have add on members in one single card ?
If yes, then how many peoples can be added and what is the procedure ?
I hold a Regalia First Card.
How can I upgrade to Regalia where I don’t have to pay annual fee or for that matter any kind of fees?
If you spend more than 3 Lacs a year then the renewal fees for Regalia is waived off.
For upgrade – check your account on Netbanking if you have any offer. Otherwise you will have to print the form and mail it to Chennai office with relevant documents.
How long you been holding RF, what’s your limit and current spends?
Hi Sid, I want to go for a hdfc credit card. my salary is >15lakhs pa. i am interested in on line and offline shopping, travel booking and domestic lounge usage.please suggest suitable cc
I am looking for a credit card with following benifits
1. International longue access
2. Domestic longue access
3. Movie ticket offers.
Kindly suggest on the above matter
Please let me know the difference between Regalia first and Visa Sign Regalia Intl. I have Regalia First already. THe upgrade is available for Visa Sign Regalia, Not sure of the exact differene.
“Visa Sign Regalia Intl.” is nothing but “Regalia”. Now you can read the above article content for differences!
Hi for me its showing “VIS SIGN REGALIA BUSS DEC INTL” what does DEC INTL stand here anyone has any idea?
What does it mean? DEC specially?
I got a chance to upgrade to Regalia Business card , at present am on Regalia First and Cash redemption ratio is 15% of reward points. Please anybody with Regalia Business card (Not Regalia First) tell me your reward cash redemption ratio. Thankyou.
Sid,
I got regalia cc upgraded from money back. My limit is 3.5l. What is the min credit limit to avail next upgrade ie Infinia 🙂
8 lakhs and above
>8 lacs
8 Lakh and Above
I already have a axis bank my zone credit card. HDFC offers me regalia first card. Is t worthy to get one regalia first card?
@Iyappan definitely go for it !
i do have citi reward card with limit of 1.35k and sbi etihaad card with limit of 1.36k also got standard chartered with 90k and icici MMK CC with 70k limit, kindly tell me is it worth for me to take hdfc regalia first CC as they are saying a limit would be 2l to 5l……. Kindly asnwer so i can decide ….i would be appreciate …..thanks alot Sid
I am using HDFC-money back credit card since 2017. Now I have a chance to upgrade money back card to Ragelia first with the same limit as my earlier card. But I have more than 5000 reward points and I am paying my insta loan EMI. Does it have any difference in EMI or the existed reward points? It is not mentioned the annual fee will be waived for the first year. Do i need to pay the annual fee if I upgrade?
Thanks in advance..
Hi,
I have a regalia first credit card with 3L limit, In NetBanking I saw an option to upgrade it to Regalia, is it worth upgrading? And do I have to pay annual charges for this upgradation?
Thanks
Vishnu
If your Regalia First card is Free, Mostly upgrade to Regalia will also be without any Fee.
However once you select upgrade option, the new card Fee will also be displayed, if any, post which you can accept the upgrade.
hdfc recently increased my limit to 3L. so i have a question that when did you get upgrade option from regalia first to regalia after reaching 3lacks credit limit. Hdfc incresed my credit limit 2 times but i am not able to get any upgrade offer from regalia first to regalia
first limit increase was 1lacks to 1.56 lacks and after six month 1.56 lacks to 3 lacks ..
The upgrade will come, hang tight.
I know someone who waiting for an upgrade with a limit of 4L. Got Regalia First to Regalia and 20% limit increase after 5 months of 4L limit.
Upgrade to Regalia is free for the first year, hence you wont be charged. Also, if you keep spending atleast 3 lakhs per year, you wont be charged for the subsequent years also. Straightaway accept the upgrade.
Hi All,
i have regalia first credit card with 4 lac limit,today i completed 3 lac spend based milestone,2 days back i got offer in netbanking to upgrade my card in regalia credit card,the problem is that if i take upgrade now mine milestone rewards points will be waste as customer care is saying that you will receive milestone rewards points in 90 days frame line.please guide me what should i do?shall i go for upgrade immediately or wait for milestone rewards point??? thanks in advance.
which card r u eligible for an upgrade?
Eligibility
Regalia: Rs.1,20,000 Annual income
Regalia First: Rs.40,000 Annual income
Annual income or Monthly?
Hi Sid
Been following your blog for about an year now. Thanks for sharing all the info.
I got a LTF Regalia First in the month of March 2020 with a limit around 1.6L (I held a SBI card with limit around 2.5L at the time)
Around Oct 2020, got a limit enhancement offer (in NetBanking) which brought the limit of both my cards to 2.5L each.
By the end of May 21, I got a card upgrade offer to Regalia card with LTF.
However no change in the credit limit.
Any thought on this?
In the year 2021 February i got upgraded to REGALIA with the limit of 10,000
That time i had only hdfc card, with that i applied for Sbi Card and i got 24000 Simply save card.
Then between six months i got another Sbi card with limit of 18000 and my simply save upgraded t0 32000 limit. This year simply save have 60,000 limit and with that i applied for yes bank and axis and both bank card have 60,000 credit limit. But what happend to REGALIA card only upgraded to 3,000 limit to 13000 now .. 🤔