HDFC Revamps Credit Card Policies: Know Details
HDFC Bank has updated its Regalia Gold and Diners Privilege credit cards, changing reward systems, international transaction fees, and airport lounge access. These modifications aim to maintain cardholder satisfaction while addressing financial realities.
Highlights
- •Regalia Gold Reward Points will now award 5 points for Rs 200 spent starting May 15, 2026.
- •DCC fees and replacement card charges have been increased.
- •Airport lounge access is based on quarter-specific spending criteria: Rs 60,000 required for three domestic visits or voucher combinations.
- •New Travel Edge perks are now available to Regalia Gold cardholders.
HDFC Bank has recently updated its Regalia Gold and Diners Privilege credit card policies. Starting from May 15, 2026, key changes will affect points, international transaction fees, and airport lounge access for these premium cards.
Impact on Reward Points
For those holding a Regalia Gold card, the bank has increased the reward rate but subtly affected overall earning rates. Previously, customers earned 4 reward points for every Rs 150 spent. Now, the new policy will see them earning 5 reward points for every Rs 200 spent from May 15, 2026 onwards.
The apparent increase in rewards might mislead some users, as the effective rate per rupee is actually decreasing. This move reflects a strategic shift by HDFC to align rewards with current spending trends and enhance cardholder satisfaction without drastically altering the overall value proposition.
International Transaction Fees
HDFC has also raised the fee for Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) to 1.75%. This means that when international transactions are made in Indian rupees, users will now incur a higher percentage markup on these payments.
Additionally, if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, expect a Rs 199 replacement fee. These changes reflect the bank's strategy to cover operational costs and maintain service quality amid increasing global transaction volumes.
New Airport Lounge Access Rules
Starting July 1, 2026, both Regalia Gold and Diners Privilege cardholders will face new conditions for lounge access. You now need to meet a minimum spending criterion of Rs 60,000 in the preceding quarter to gain entry into airport lounges.
Regalia Gold customers are entitled to three domestic lounge visits per quarter meeting this criteria. Meanwhile, Diners Privilege holders will receive three vouchers good for either two domestic or one international lounge visit. These vouchers can be redeemed by using the SmartBuy platform.
New Features Launched
HDFC has introduced the Travel Edge program to Regalia Gold cardholders. This program allows users to claim various benefits every quarter, including free spa services at partner hotels, up to Rs 750 airport transfers via Uber, complimentary buffet meals, and room upgrades in hotels.
Fees for these cards remain unchanged, with an annual fee of Rs 2,500 plus taxes (waived upon spending Rs 400,000), and a Diners Privilege fee of Rs 1,000 (waived upon spending Rs 300,000 annually).
