HDFC Bank’s Regalia franchise is well known in the premium credit card segment, and Regalia First was introduced as a more accessible alternative for cardholders who couldn’t qualify for the original Regalia. It effectively replaced the earlier Allmiles card and carries many of the Regalia family’s recognizable features, but with a slightly lower tier of benefits and eligibility.
Regalia First targets customers seeking a balance of rewards and modest fees. Below is a focused, practical overview of fees, reward mechanics, ancillary benefits, and application pathways to help you decide whether this card fits your needs.
Table of Contents
- Joining Fees & Charges
- Reward Points
- Default Reward Rate
- Spend Based Milestones
- Redemption
- Lounge Access
- Other Benefits
- How to Apply
- Bottomline
Joining Fees & Charges
| Joining Fee | Rs. 1,000 (first year often waived) |
| Renewal Fee | Rs. 1,000 |
| Renewal Fee Waiver | Waived on Rs. 1,00,000 annual spend |
| Payment Network | Visa Signature |
| Minimum Credit Limit | Typically Rs. 1,00,000 |
Reward Points
Default Reward Rate
- 1 Reward Point (RP) ≈ Rs. 0.30 when redeemed via the Regalia rewards portal
- Earn 4 RP for every Rs. 150 spent on retail purchases
- Approximate base reward rate: ~0.8%
Spend Based Milestones
- 5,000 RPs on annual spends of Rs. 3,00,000 or more in an anniversary year
- 7,500 RPs on annual spends of Rs. 6,00,000 or more in an anniversary year
- Milestone rewards are credited after completion of the card anniversary year
If you meet the Rs. 6 lakh annual spend milestone, your effective reward rate can rise to about 1.2%, which is a competitive outcome for this card category.
Redemption
The best value from Regalia First points is realized when you redeem them for travel bookings such as flights and hotels via the rewards portal. Redemption for merchandise, gift vouchers, or catalog items typically delivers lower value per point, so prioritize travel redemptions if maximizing returns is your goal.
Practical experience with Regalia-family points shows significant savings are possible on travel redemptions, making the card attractive for occasional travellers who can concentrate redemptions toward flights or hotel bookings.
Lounge Access
As of 1 December 2023, complimentary airport lounge access has been removed from the Regalia First card. This change reduces appeal for cardholders seeking frequent lounge visits; consider this when comparing alternatives.
Other Benefits
- Foreign Exchange Markup Fee: 2% + GST
- Credit Shield: Coverage up to Rs. 5,00,000
How to Apply
- New Applicants: Typical eligibility starts around Rs. 7.2 lakh annual income (applications via branch or online)
- HDFC Classic Banking Customers: Classic account holders with a steady balance or average quarterly balance for over six months may have improved chances even if strict income thresholds aren’t met
- Upgrade Path: Existing HDFC cardholders with limits above Rs. 1.5 lakh and consistent spending may be eligible for an upgrade from cards like Moneyback
Many salary account holders whose employers bank with HDFC also receive favourable consideration for Regalia First, even when formal eligibility criteria are borderline.
Bottomline
- Cardexpert Rating: 3/5
Regalia First was more compelling at launch, but benefit reductions—most notably the removal of lounge access—and evolving market alternatives have reduced its relative value. It still offers decent earning potential for travel redemptions and a straightforward fee structure, so it can work well for cardholders who will maximize travel bookings and who do not require lounge access.
If you already hold Regalia First, evaluate whether upgrading to the original Regalia (if eligible) makes sense, or explore other cards that retain lounge privileges if that is a priority for you.
What are your thoughts on HDFC Regalia First? Share your experience or questions in the comments below.