HDFC Bank's two most prominent credit cards, the HDFC Infinia Credit Card and the HDFC Regalia Credit Card, are often compared due to their premium membership benefits and rewards. Both cards offer exclusive reward programs and lounge access benefits, making them popular choices among customers.

The HDFC Infinia Credit Card is considered the top-tier offering from HDFC Bank, with the most attractive rewards, benefits, and membership fees. On the other hand, the HDFC Regalia Credit Card is highly regarded for its premium benefits and rewards, making it a preferred choice for salaried customers.

HDFC Bank is currently the largest credit card issuer in India, with over 1.88 Crore credit cards outstanding. In the past decade, HDFC Bank has experienced substantial growth in its consumer business and has become a leading distributor of credit cards.

Now, let's compare the key features of HDFC Bank's Infinia Credit Card Metal Edition and Regalia Gold Credit Card:

1. Eligibility:

The Infinia Credit Card is available only to invited customers selected by HDFC Bank, mainly high-net-worth individuals. For salaried Indian nationals, the age requirement is between 21 and 60 years, with a net monthly income exceeding Rs. 1 Lakh. For self-employed Indian nationals, the age requirement is between 21 and 65 years, with an ITR of over Rs. 12 Lakhs p.a.

2. Welcome/Renewal Benefits:

Infinia Credit Card holders enjoy a complimentary Club Marriott membership for one year, offering up to a 20% discount on dining and stay in the Asia-Pacific region. They also receive a welcome and renewal benefit of 12,500 reward points upon fee realization and card activation. Moreover, those who pay the joining fee receive a gift voucher equivalent to the fee amount (Rs. 2,500). By spending Rs. 1 Lakh or more within 90 days of card issuance, customers can also avail complimentary Club Vistara Silver Tier and MMT Black Elite memberships.

3. Fees & Waiver:

The joining and renewal fee for the Infinia Credit Card is Rs. 12,500 + applicable taxes. However, by spending Rs. 10 Lakhs or more in the preceding 12 months, customers can get the renewal membership fee waived off for the following year. On the other hand, the joining and renewal fee for the Regalia Gold Credit Card is Rs. 2,500 + applicable taxes. By spending Rs. 4 Lakhs in an anniversary year, customers can get the renewal fee waived for the next renewal year.

4. Reward Points & Redemption:

Infinia Credit Card holders earn 5 reward points (RP) for every Rs. 150 spent on retail purchases. They can earn up to 10x RP on travel and shopping spends made on Smartbuy. These reward points can be redeemed through HDFC Bank Netbanking or Smartbuy. The value of 1 RP on redemption against flight and hotel bookings, Tanishq vouchers, and Apple products via Smartbuy is Rs. 1. For other products and vouchers purchased through Smartbuy or Netbanking, the redemption value is up to Rs. 0.50 for 1 RP, while cashback conversion is valued at Rs. 0.30 for 1 RP. Additionally, customers can get 1 airmile for 1 RP through Netbanking.

For Regalia Gold Credit Card holders, the earning rate is 4 RP for every Rs. 150 spent on retail purchases. They can earn 5x RP on purchases made at Marks & Spencer, Myntra, Nykaa, and Reliance Digital. Similar to the Infinia Credit Card, these reward points can be redeemed through HDFC Bank Netbanking or Smartbuy. The value of 1 RP on redemption against flight and hotel bookings is Rs. 0.50. For other products and services purchased via Netbanking or Smartbuy, the redemption value is up to Rs. 0.35 for 1 RP. Moreover, customers can redeem against the statement balance at a rate of Rs. 0.20 for 1 RP. They can also get 0.5 airmile for 1 RP through Netbanking.

5. Fuel Surcharge Waiver:

Infinia Credit Card holders enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations in India, provided the transaction amount falls between Rs. 400 and Rs. 1,00,000. The maximum waiver per card statement cycle is capped at Rs. 1,000. However, no reward points can be earned on fuel transactions. On the other hand, Regalia Gold Credit Card holders do not enjoy any fuel surcharge waiver.

6. Airport Lounge Access:

Infinia Credit Card holders and add-on priority pass holders can have unlimited complimentary lounge access at 1,000+ airports within and outside India using Priority Pass. Furthermore, cardholders receive 12 complimentary lounge access visits within India (at both domestic and international terminals) in a calendar year. The limit for complimentary lounge visits is capped at 6 for the primary cardholder and their add-on member per calendar year. Any lounge visits beyond the complimentary limit will be chargeable and subject to the lounge's discretion. Unfortunately, Regalia Gold Credit Card holders do not have any lounge access benefits.

7. Insurance Benefits:

Infinia Credit Card holders are provided with accidental air death cover worth Rs. 3 Crores, emergency overseas hospitalization cover up to Rs. 50 Lakhs, and credit shield cover up to Rs. 9 Lakhs. On the other hand, Regalia Gold Credit Card holders are entitled to accidental air death cover worth Rs. 1 Crore, emergency overseas hospitalization cover up to Rs. 15 Lakhs, and credit liability cover up to Rs. 9 Lakhs.

8. Hotel & Dining Benefits:

Infinia Credit Card holders can book a 3-night stay at participating ITC hotels and pay for only 2 nights. They are also eligible for a 1+1 complimentary buffet at participating ITC hotels. Additionally, under the Good Food Trail Program, they are entitled to an additional 15% off on bill payments at over 20,000 restaurants through Swiggy Dineout. In comparison, Regalia Gold Credit Card holders can enjoy up to 7.5% savings on restaurant bill payments at over 20,000 restaurants through Swiggy Dineout. This offer includes both restaurant and Swiggy discounts, but it is valid only for payments made via the Swiggy App.

9. Golf Privileges:

Infinia Credit Card holders can enjoy unlimited complimentary golf games at leading courses in India and select courses worldwide. They can also avail of unlimited complimentary golf coaching at select golf courses in India by calling the concierge. Unfortunately, Regalia Gold Credit Card holders do not have any golf privileges.

10. Milestone Benefits:

Infinia Credit Card holders do not have any specific milestone benefits. However, Regalia Gold Credit Card holders can receive vouchers worth Rs. 1,500 from Marriott, Myntra, Marks & Spencer, or Reliance Digital by spending Rs. 1.5 Lakhs in every calendar quarter. They can also earn flight vouchers worth Rs. 5,000 by spending Rs. 5 Lakhs in an anniversary year. Furthermore, an additional Rs. 5,000 worth of flight vouchers can be earned by spending Rs. 7.5 Lakhs in an anniversary year.

In conclusion, choosing between the Infinia and Regalia Credit Cards depends on individual preferences and spending patterns. While the Infinia Credit Card offers attractive features such as golf privileges and fuel surcharge waiver, the Regalia Gold Credit Card stands out with its milestone benefits. However, it's important to note that the Infinia Credit Card comes with a significantly higher joining and renewal membership fee.

At an annual membership fee of Rs. 2,500 + applicable taxes, the Regalia Gold Credit Card provides adequate value for users compared to the Infinia Credit Card. Customers are advised to carefully consider their spend patterns, earnings, and repayment capacities before opting for a credit card. Paying high membership fees for premium benefits that do not align with one's lifestyle and spending habits could result in unnecessary expenses.

In the end, it's crucial to choose a credit card that offers the best value and suits the individual's needs. Ignoring the impact of high membership charges could lead to unnecessary financial burdens.