From May 15: Reduced base rewards, increased fees
Beginning May 15, HDFC Bank will alter the base reward points system for Regalia Gold cardholders, effectively lowering the earn rate on general purchases.
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Cardholders will earn 5 reward points for every ₹200 spent, down from the previous 4 points per ₹150. Although the total points may seem higher, this change diminishes the reward accumulation per rupee spent. Accelerated rewards on select categories will remain unchanged.
The bank will also raise the Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fee to 1.75% for international transactions executed in Indian rupees. This fee applies to expenditures made abroad or with foreign vendors billing in INR.
Additionally, a fee of ₹199 will be charged for card reissuance in cases of loss, theft, or damage.
From July 1: Lounge access becomes spend-linked
Starting July 1, complimentary domestic airport lounge access will no longer be guaranteed for Regalia Gold or Diners Privilege cardholders.
For Regalia Gold cardholders, the current benefit of three domestic lounge visits per calendar quarter will now require a spend of ₹60,000 in the prior quarter. Access will still be granted via direct card swipe at lounges, without vouchers. However, international lounge access—six visits annually through Priority Pass—will remain unchanged and without a spending prerequisite.
Diners Privilege customers will also see lounge access linked to quarterly spending of ₹60,000. Upon meeting this threshold, users will receive three lounge access vouchers—two for domestic lounges and one for international use.
These vouchers must be generated through the SmartBuy platform and presented with a QR code at participating lounges. If the spending threshold is not met, no vouchers will be issued.
New Travel Edge Program: Benefits tied to travel activity
In conjunction with these changes, HDFC Bank is launching the Travel Edge Program for Regalia Gold cardholders. This feature allows users to claim two complimentary benefits each calendar quarter by uploading their boarding pass.
The available offerings include complimentary spa sessions, buffet meals at partner hotels, airport transfers via Uber (up to ₹750 per ride), and room upgrades at select hotels.
These benefits are limited to the destination city shown on the boarding pass and are accessible through vouchers issued after validation.
A shift toward conditional benefits
The anticipated changes suggest HDFC Bank is adjusting its credit card value proposition by tying key benefits—especially lounge access—to spending thresholds, while also decreasing base reward accrual rates.
While the introduction of travel-related perks adds new opportunities, the overall revisions may diminish value for lower-spending users, necessitating greater engagement to fully utilize card benefits.
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