HDFC started devaluing almost all cards in recent times starting from money-back devaluation and then followed by Allmiles devaluation after which they introduced an unwanted Regalia First Version. They’re sure making the changes with some master idea, obviously to make more money.
Basically HDFC plays the game smart. They know money is there in credit card business and they’re playing it very well. They started issuing Regalia almost to anyone these days, even for free and diluted its premium feel. I’ve seen atleast one guy holding Regalia in almost every lounge i’ve visited these days that’s listed under MasterCard lounges in India.
My old HDFC Business Regalia Credit Card
So here are the changes happening in Regalia, one with points and other with Lounge access.
Regalia Reward Point Value:
- Earlier: 1 RP = 0.75ps with overall reward rate of 2%
- From Nov 1st 2016: 0.60ps with overall reward rate of the card dropping to ~1.5%
That’s a drop of 0.5% in value. This literally makes them millions overnight through points. This is the place of Moneyback card few months back before it was devalued. So the premium card is getting the position of a beginner level card. That’s very bad!
Priority Pass Lounge Access for Regalia Add on Cards:
The Regalia add on card member is also eligible for a Priority Pass membership here on. The Primary card holder and the add on member can jointly have 12 free access to the Priority Pass lounges every year. While they haven’t mentioned how many add on cards can be availed in this way, i pre-assume there is no limit on that as the total free access is limited to 12/Yr.
Know more about Priority Pass Add-on Cards and Tricks -> 5 Priority Pass Tricks that can Save You a Lot of Money
My priority pass Card issued along with Regalia
Its a good benefit for traveling couples. I’ve been asked many a times as to how to gain lounge access for their wife and this solves the problem. There are also other solutions for couples to get access to lounges even with one card. Have a look at the Ultimate Priority Pass guide for more info.
Infact, someone recently said they were allowed to swipe the PP card twice the same day in same lounge to get access for two at Mumbai Travel club (TFS) lounge. From my understanding this is possible because Priority Pass cards issued in India from bank tie ups are different and may not have the “same lounge, same day” limits like original PP cards issued by the company itself.
So this is a strong reason they’ve given us to stay with this card knowing that it really matters to many 😀
So What’s HDFC planning on?
With all these devaluations, i believe HDFC is about to launch some new Premium card to replace Regalia and that might stand between Infinia & existing regalia. Who knows!
In meantime, if you hold Regalia, its better to redeem the points for Recharge/flights to maximize the point value. Else you can try to upgrade to Infinia, Diners black or Diners premium before Nov 1st 2016.
What do you think about HDFC’s recent series of devaluations? Share your thoughts in comments below.
I think peoples who have older points in Regalia will get bonus points which will make sure that old Regalia card holders is not at loss.
Never seen things happen that way. lets wait and watch 🙂
That’s really sad. Regalia was a flagship card for years. The updating route is also not easy, not all regalia holders will be eligible for dinners club or Infinia. The best option is to redeem points asap.
Thanks for the heads up.
-Prashant
This is v saddening . i recently applied for the same via a lifetime free offer
and was looking out to make 6000 inr out of national pension scheme top up online worth rs 3lakh inr
now will be just making out 4800 inr .
but then coming as lifetime free with existing bells is impressive
You can still make 6k savings if you can earn & redeem before Nov 1st
Today is nov 2nd and my regalia offers the same 1RP = .75 Rs., I hope no changes…, anyone out here have more than 6Laks Credit limit on regalia…?? Coz they says its the maximum limit and now I got an invitation for an infinia card.. but they are asking for 10000 INR joining fee… Confused whether to go for it or not…
There is a spend based waiver. If you can meet that, can consider upgrading.
hi all effective from 1nov. 2016 interest rate on regalia is changed from current 1.99% to 2.95 %
Sad again, but hope it doesn’t affect ppl much as hardly few ppl carry forward the balance as EMi is mostly available.
Which credit card should I buy ?
I made an fd of 2 lakh for the credit card
I spend online :- majorly shopping and travel
I also want lot of benefits from my card like cash back etc .
I also spend Mojor amounts of my money on online
Shopping
first preference – DIner Black
Second – Diners premium
Whats yr source about discontinued of regalia credit card.
Hi Siddharth..
Got a call to upgrade my card to HDFC Regalia 3 days back.. I agreed as felt Regalia did have good rewards.. However just saw that they have given the Regalia First, which they did not even once mention. How do I go about this, as I do not want the Regalia First, would rather go back to my previous card.. Any way out?
Raise a complaint, you may eventually get Regalia if your limits & spending are good enough for them to re-consider.
Is it true that regelia itself has multiple versions? I have friends who asked for an upgrad to regelia through HDFC account manager and they were denied lounge access at Mumbai airport. Reason stated was that they had asked for an upgrade and card has reduced benefit’s in such cases?
I personally feel (mainly through reading articles on your website) as American Express Platinum Travel card as being the best card for high spenders or Platinum Reserve. What are your thoughts Siddharth?
Yes, he might be having Regalia First.
Moreover, for Mumbai T2 domestic lounge access, he needs Priority pass.
Wrote a detailed review of that lounge, have a look.
Yes I saw that! Thank you for that and obvious envy as I am a frequent Mumbai to Delhi traveler but I’ve never been there :)..
How is citibank premier miles card?
A humble suggestion for our blog – if you’re comfortable write your credit card points earning strategy. Or take readers views and compile one. I prefer your website over others doing CC reviews and travel reviews. Maybe you can expand your website for travel hacking too! Just few cents.
Keep up the great work!
Premier Miles now got devalued, so its kind of OKAY card. Prestige is better.
Thanks for the suggestions on website. Sure i’ll do it and FYI, something big is coming on that front, keep watching 🙂
Oh nice, all the best for it! I’ve bookmarked your website and I also ensure to check it twice / thrice a week. I have a sheet I made couple of months back for all credit cards and automated calculation of their points. It’s dated but if you want I can send it over. 🙂
Are the 12 lounge accesses through priority pass split across quarters? When I called customer care, they told me 3 accesses per quarter but I don’t see this mentioned on the website.
12 Access per Year on Priority Pass.
Apart from this, you’ll also get Additional lounge access from Visa/Mastercard which is limited to 2 per quarter.
Most CC support guys will be clueless about it, as always 😀
Hey,
I have approx 35K points in my Regalia card,
How to convert this into cash and what will be the value ? I think I should convert it before the changes….Please reply soon…
Divyesh,
Try to burn it on flight tickets, recharges, etc.
How to upgrade hdfc dinerclub rewards to premium?
Contact Cust. Care or simply send the upgrade form to chennai office.
What is validity of regalia eVoucher. If i convert to eVoucher before 30th October, by when I will have to make flight/hotel bookings.
One Month.
Hi — Thanks for the headsup regarding the reward point devaluation. It is surprising how frequently HDFC keeps devaluing the reward points of their cards.
I hold a regalia card, and was wondering whether we can earn reward points by recharging online wallets like freecharge / paytm etc
Yes you can. But this is the time to burn the points rather earning.
Sure, will do. Thanks.
I will exhaust the existing reward points before 1st Nov
I agree with the point that Regalia is being seen in everybodys’ hands these days thus eroding the premiumness of the card. It’s like a Rolex in many wrong hands! 🙂
siddharth, one question please.. how the reward points are calculated ? lets say i have card which give me 5 points per 150 rupees.. if i make 3 transaction of 155, 100 and 245…Total=500.. how many reward point i should be getting ? 10,15 ? I tried to infer from my cards statements but couldn’t really get complete calculation.
since you are expert so though of checking with you ? I am holding HDFC Black, Manhattan Platimum, Kotak Royal Signature and ICICI Platinum cards.. please mention if you find difference in calculation among different banks ?
Thanks for your expert opinion
Regards
Rajesh
It varies from card to card. With HDFC, its per txn wise. If you make less than 150 you wont get points.
However, it doesn’t make much difference considering the whole picture.
Hi Sidharth
You mentioned that regalia can be converted to diners club premium or diners black. But when I asked my relationship manager he told me that regalia is a lifetime free card but diners cards are not lifetime free. At most he can waiver 1st year fee but 2nd year onwards spending value must be attained for waiver. Is this true?
Maybe, it depends on your previous yr usage. Ask them to check with CC internal team on that.
Hi
I was upgraded to a lifetime free Diner’s premium card two months back. My RM called me yesterday to inform about devaluation on all cards including Diner’s. I, however, haven’t seen any information regarding this anywhere till now.
Moreover, Flipkart didn’t reward me with 10x reward points this month. I preferred Flipkart only because of this feature. Other reason being Amazon India does not accept Diner’s cards.
Regards
Mandeep
No Devaluation happened on Diners except airmiles conversion.
I meant it will happen with all the other card starting 1st Nov. That is why I commented ont his particular post!
Hi Sid,
I have regalia and my father have diners black now my question is can i apply addon card for my father in regalia? and same for me addon card on my name in Diners black? how much addon card we can get 3? any terms and condition for getting addon card ?? If i will apply 3 add on card in regalia then i will get priority pass in all 3 cards…?
thanks
Yes you can get dd on cards. On regalia PP visits are shared across Add-on cards.
I have got 2 add on card on regalia but not received PP…is there any process for pp??
Ask customer care to issue.
I am holding HDFC Diners card rewards (Blue). I want using it for domestic lounge access. I have a few visits abroad in near future. I understand from your blog that in Regalia I can get priority pass with 12 free access per calendar year. Does HDFC Diners premiere card also holds same advantages of international lounge access. Which one I should upgrade to Diners Premium or Regalia. Please advise
If you need many domestic lounge access go for Diners premium, else Regalia would be fine.
Hi Siddarth,
The news is out on their website. Effective 01st Nov 2016, the redemption value will be up to Rs. 0.60 per Reward Point on HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card.
Interestingly, HDFC has launched a new ‘Regalia First’ credit card which has Rs. 0.40 per Reward Point. Rest, almost similar features as existing Regalia card except the Taj Epicure membership.
Best,
-Prashant
There is difference in PP access. Regalia has 12 free lounge access per year both for primary and add on card member.
But Regalia First has only 4 free lounge visits that too only for primary card holder.
Yup. They are issuing it like curry and rice…..Oversupply….i got an offer for Regalia but refused it. Waiting to see who the new kid on the block is and then take a call accordingly.
How to redeem points ?
i want to buy mobile from the mobile store shop in indore using my reward points which is there in the store list
i want to buy a mobile for the listed shop”the mobile store”
i confused how to do it via net banking , becuase it say
1.redemption(point only)
2.insta vouchers
3.fastrac+pay
it so confusing can anyone help
using netbanking what i need to enter in item section evouchers or insta vouchers or 1. option
i will be really grateful if anyone could clearly tell
Did u get the Regalia as a free upgrade to your existing card or you had to pay the annual fee?
Just wanted to know if they give the card as a free card to existing users based on spend.
Free upgrade. Most cards are free with HDFC these days.
I recently got upgraded to Regalia from Allmiles . If you want to get it as LTF, then u have to register for smartpay(mobile bill/ utility bill…..). That’s what my RM as well as the credit card sales manager told. This is a chance of policy happened very recently.
Hi Siddharth. I have a question regarding in PP card for regalia.
My card validity is from April to April. Both for PP and the regalia card. So how are the 12 free lounge visits per year calculated? Is it 12 free visits per calendar year, or as per the card validity year?
They have removed complimentary Taj Epicure Plus membership from 1st Dec’2016. The new/existing card members will not be eligible for the fresh issuance of membership or renewal.
pp lounge visits are calculated per calendar year
As per current rule, HDFC has removed free domestic lounge access from priority pass.
Visa has very few domestic lounges, so priority was option to take access to domestic lounges which were not covered by Visa…. but not anymore
see the quote on HDFC bank site
A per visit charge of $27* will be applicable for any accompanying/additional guests and domestic visits and also from 7th International visit for primary card member through Priority Pass
Slowly HDFC is making this card as Premium card instead of super premium card…
what are the alternatives now for free lounge access?
devalued from .60 to .50 paise from 15 august 17 Regalia shocking no announcement any where
I had very bad experience with Regalia card. Its turning bad with customer care as well. there was no communication sent to me for changing terms and conditions. And are not ready to visit or resolve the continued dispute on charges. I have stopped using the card.
They wouldn’t resolve dispute on time. They will play games of taking the disputed amount out of your outstanding balance and then add it back in your next statement. If you notice and ask why did you put it back, Customer service agent will tell you deduct the amount and pay for the rest. In next statement you will see finance changes put on top of that outstanding amount and you will be asked to pay not only disputed amount but also finance charges which would be steep. Pl don’t apply for this card.
Recently got HDFC Regalia update on my E-mail. Good news since the card got devalued last year.
Quote:
Dear Mr. Ankit,
We aim to provide you with only the best, and so we bring you new and improved benefits, over and above the existing benefits of your Card, w.e.f 1st April, 2018.
3 exciting new benefits, just for you:
1. 15000 Bonus reward points every year – Spend over 8 lakhs in each anniversary year
2. 10000 Bonus reward points every year – Spend over 5 lakhs in each anniversary year
3. 12 free domestic lounge access per year
Unquote
Yes, for 8L spends, the reward rate is now as good as before.
Hi Siddharth,
I am using Hdfc Regalia Credit Card since 15 feb 2018 with a decent credit limit. I am not getting Auto Credit Limit Enhancement offer on my card even i have spend 6.5 lacs within 6 months and paid back without any interest charged in full before the statement generation date not payment due date. I got a offer of Jumbo Loan of Rs. 500000/- on my credit card which i haven’t availed apartfrom that, I have hdfc preferred account relationship with the bank with huge balance in it.
Kindly suggest, how to get auto limit enhancement and upgrade to diners black ?
The best thing to do is ask your RM for limit increase or send a limit increase form to chennai with relevant docs mentioned in form. Limit will be increases in 2 weeks. Once you courier the form track it and when delivery shoot a mail to customer care with courier details and ask for status.
Call customer care to check for limit upgrade offer also. As soon as you have Rs.5L limit send card upgrade form to chennai to talk to your RM.
Hi,
Try to exhaust your complete limit for next month, you will have fairly a good chance of getting a limit enchantment.
If your existing limit is more than 5 lac u can fill up Card upgrade form available online and send it to chennai address they will upgrade it.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Kiran
Can i expect a reply !!
Hi,
I had a word with my BM and RM and he told me that they will forward my request to their Cluster Manager and he will recommend your try to upgrade my card to infinia instead of diners black based on my relationship with the bank. Let’s hope for the best !!
Hi Kanika
After you get Infinia apply for YFE.
I think what HDFC is easily issuing is Regalia First (which is one level below Regalia)
Got email notification for my regalia card.
Reward points earned on property management services including rent, made with your HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card will be capped at 1000 RP/month.
Effective from 23/07/2022