HDFC Bank is the largest and most popular credit card issuer in India, offering a wide range of cards, from entry-level options for beginners to some of the most premium credit cards in the market. With such a vast selection, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed when trying to pick the right one, whether you’re applying for your first card or considering an upgrade. In this article, we compare two of HDFC Bank’s most popular offerings: the Regalia Gold Credit Card and the Diners Club Privilege Credit Card. Many users often find themselves confused between the two, and we aim to clear that up by highlighting their features and helping you decide which one suits you best.
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Comparison of Various Fees
Let’s compare the key fees for both the HDFC Regalia Gold and Diners Club Privilege Credit Cards, specifically focusing on joining/annual fees, renewal fees, and foreign transaction charges.
| Charges | Regalia Gold | Diners Club Privilege |
| Joining Fee | ₹2,500 + GST | ₹1,000 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | ₹2,500 + GST | ₹1,000 + GST |
| Foreign Currency Markup | 2% + GST | 3.5% + GST |
Joining Benefits
| Regalia Gold | Voucher Worth ₹2,500 |
| Diners Club Privilege | Complimentary Swiggy One and Times Prime Membership on Spends of ₹75,000 in the First 90 Days of Card Issuance |
When it comes to joining benefits, the HDFC Regalia Gold clearly stands out as the better option. It effectively offsets the first-year fee by offering vouchers worth ₹2,500, matching the joining charge. In contrast, the Diners Club Privilege card provides two complimentary memberships, but only if you spend ₹75,000 within the first 90 days, which may not be worth it for many users. On the other hand, Regalia Gold also caters to those looking for spend-based benefits by offering MMTBLACK Gold and Swiggy One memberships on reaching a ₹1 lakh spend within the first 90 days of card issuance. This makes Regalia Gold the clear winner in terms of joining perks.
Travel Benefits
The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card offers a low Forex markup charge of 2%, while the Diners Club Privilege offers the industry rate of 3.5%. When combined with complimentary airport lounge access, the Regalia Gold clearly is the go-to choice for travelers. Let’s look at the number of airport lounge visits both offer.
| Cards | Domestic Lounge Access | International Lounge Access |
| Regalia Gold | 3 Complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge Access Every Quarter (12 Each Year) | 6 International Lounge Visits Via Priority Pass (For Both Primary and Add-on Cardholders) |
| Diners Club Privilege | 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Every Quarter Across the Globe | |
Those who travel frequently should opt for the Regalia Gold as it offers more airport lounge access, even for add-on cardholders. While the Diners Club Privilege would be suitable for those who sometimes require access to airport lounges.
Milestone Rewards
| Cards | Quarterly Milestones | Annual Milestones |
| Regalia Gold | On Spending ₹1.5 Lakh in a Calendar Quarter, Get ₹1,500 Worth of Vouchers | -On Spending ₹5 Lakh in a Year, Get ₹5,000 Worth of Flight Vouchers. -On Spending ₹7.5 Lakh in a Year, Get Additional ₹5,000 Worth of Flight Vouchers |
| Diners Club Privilege | On Spending ₹1.5 Lakh in a Calendar Quarter, Get ₹1,500 Worth of Vouchers | N/A |
Clearly as the name suggests HDFC Regalia Gold offers better milestone rewards mking it the obvious choice for high spencers.
Which Card Should You Apply for?
Even though there is quite a difference in their fees, both the HDFC Regalia Gold and the Diners Club Privilege Credit Cards offer surprisingly similar value, be it through quarterly milestone benefits, base reward rates, or complimentary insurance covers. At first glance, the Regalia Gold Credit Card may seem like the superior option, especially given its higher annual fee. However, that isn’t entirely true.
Before we reveal our recommendation, it’s important to highlight that HDFC Regalia Gold is best suited for users with higher annual spends who are seeking enhanced privileges and access to a premium rewards ecosystem. For everyone else, especially those who want strong benefits without a hefty annual fee, the Diners Club Privilege is our top pick, whether you’re applying for a new card or considering an upgrade.
With BOGO (Buy One Get One) movie ticket offers, exclusive Diners Club privileges, complimentary worldwide airport lounge access, and an affordable ₹1,000 annual fee, the Diners Club Privilege card delivers exceptional value.
That said, while Diners Club Privilege is our preferred choice overall, both cards have their place in a well-curated wallet. The Regalia Gold remains an excellent option for high spenders who frequently travel and want access to the exclusive Gold catalogue and top-tier perks.
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