HDFC Bank offers a wide range of credit cards packed with exclusive rewards, cashback offers, and lifestyle benefits. Among its impressive lineup, five HDFC credit cards have gained massive popularity in 2025 due to their exceptional features, high approval rates, and unmatched value for everyday users.
In this article, we’ll explore the top trending HDFC Bank credit cards —
- HDFC Millenia credit card.
- HDFC Moneyback+ credit card.
- HDFC Swiggy credit card.
- HDFC UPI Rupay credit card.
- HDFC Regalia/Regalia gold credit card.
Whether you’re looking for cashback, travel perks, or dining rewards, these cards offer something for everyone and stand out as the best choices from HDFC Bank’s credit card portfolio.
HDFC Millennia Credit Card:-
Introduction
Credit cards are no longer just a way to pay — they’re a lifestyle tool. The right card can reward your daily spending, unlock travel and dining perks, and even save you thousands each year. Among HDFC’s popular cards, the Millennia Credit Card is designed especially for younger professionals, frequent online shoppers, and everyday users who want cashback rewards without complexity.
If your routine involves ordering food online, shopping on e-commerce platforms, paying for subscriptions, and travelling occasionally, this card is worth a serious look. In this guide, we’ll go through its key features, pros & cons, ideal use cases, real examples, expert opinions, and tips — so you can decide if it’s the right card for your wallet.
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Overview
Issuer: HDFC Bank
Annual Fee: ₹1,000 + GST (waived if ₹1,00,000 spent annually)
Reward Type: Direct Cashback
Best For: Millennials, online shoppers, food delivery, entertainment, subscriptions
Highlight: 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy & more
1. High Cashback on Partner Merchants
What You Get:
5% cashback on popular merchants like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, BookMyShow, Uber, Sony LIV, Cult.fit, Tata CliQ, Myntra etc.
Minimum transaction amount: ₹2,000.
Monthly cap on cashback in this category.
Example:
If you spend ₹8,000 a month on Amazon, Zomato, and Uber combined, you can get ₹400 cashback — ₹4,800/year just from these transactions.
Expert Opinion:
This is where Millennia truly shines. Most people’s monthly budgets already include groceries, food delivery, and online shopping — all of which qualify for 5% returns.
Caution:
If you don’t use these merchants frequently or your average transactions are under ₹2,000, you might not unlock the full benefit.
When NOT to use: At stores or merchants not on the partner list — use another cashback card with higher base rewards instead.
2. Cashback on Other Spends
2.5% cashback on other online transactions (non-partner merchants).
1% cashback on offline spends, wallet reloads, etc.
Example:
A ₹10,000 online purchase on a non-partner website gives you ₹250 cashback.
Even an ₹8,000 offline purchase gives ₹80 back.
Expert Opinion:
While 1–2.5% isn’t the highest in the market, the fact that you still earn cashback across almost all categories adds steady value over time.
Tip: Use Millennia online, but if you make frequent offline purchases, consider pairing it with a card that gives 2–3% on offline spends.
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver
1% waiver on fuel transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000.
Monthly cap: ₹250.
Example:
If you fuel ₹4,000 per month, you save ₹40 every time — ₹480/year just on fuel.
Expert Opinion:
While not a game-changer, this is a nice “bonus” feature that makes the card more versatile.
Limitation:
No cashback on fuel — only surcharge waiver. For heavy fuel users, a dedicated fuel credit card might be more beneficial.
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4. Welcome, Milestone & Renewal Benefits
Welcome gift: ₹1,000 voucher on first spends.
Milestone benefit: Spend ₹1,00,000/quarter → ₹1,000 voucher.
Annual fee waiver: Spend ₹1,00,000/year.
Example:
If you spend ₹4,00,000/year, you can earn ₹4,000 in milestone vouchers + ₹1,000 welcome benefit = ₹5,000 value.
Expert Opinion:
These benefits effectively cancel out the card’s annual fee if you are a regular spender. For most users, this makes the card nearly free.
Caution:
If your annual spend is below ₹1,00,000, you’ll have to pay the fee and miss out on milestone perks.
5. Airport Lounge Access
8 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year (2 per quarter).
Expert Opinion:
This perk makes Millennia stand out among entry-level cashback cards. Occasional flyers can save ~₹3,000–₹4,000 annually.
Note:
Some newer terms require a minimum quarterly spend to unlock lounge visits — read your welcome kit carefully.
6. Dining Discounts
Up to 20% off at partner restaurants through Swiggy Dineout.
Example:
Dining bills totalling ₹20,000/year could save you ₹4,000 — practically the cost of your annual fee.
Expert Opinion:
This perk is perfect for urban professionals and students who eat out often.
7. Digital & Contactless Features
Tap-and-pay for small purchases.
SmartEMI: Convert large purchases into EMIs.
Zero liability if card is reported lost.
Up to 50 days interest-free period.
Expert Opinion:
While standard today, these features make day-to-day usage convenient and secure.
8. Everyday Utility & Fuel Savings
Even beyond cashback, the Millennia ensures every rupee you spend earns something — whether it’s a bill payment, subscription, or offline purchase.
Limitations & Drawbacks
1. Cashback Caps: Monthly limits mean heavy spenders might hit the ceiling early.
2. Minimum Transaction Amounts: ₹2,000 minimum to qualify for 5% cashback.
3. Annual Fee: ₹1,000 unless ₹1,00,000 annual spend is met.
4. Fuel Exclusion: No cashback — only surcharge waiver.
5. Lounge Access Conditions: May require milestone spends.
6. Expiry of Rewards: Cashback vouchers often have redemption windows.
Tips to Maximize Benefits
Always use it for Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, and Swiggy to get 5% cashback.
Split big purchases to fit cashback caps.
Track your ₹1,00,000 quarterly spend goal for milestone rewards.
Keep fuel transactions between ₹400–₹5,000.
Redeem cashback promptly to avoid expiry.
Real-Life Scenario
Ideal Use Case:
Rohit, a 26-year-old software engineer, spends ₹6,000/month on Amazon, ₹3,000 on Zomato, ₹2,000 on Uber, and ₹4,000 offline.
Cashback on partner sites: ₹550/month
Cashback on other spends: ₹60/month
Annual milestone vouchers: ₹4,000
Total Annual Value: ₹10,000+ — almost 10× the annual fee.
Poor Use Case:
Priya, a consultant, mostly uses the card for rent, fuel, and wallet reloads — categories excluded from cashback.
Annual Cashback: < ₹500
Annual Fee: ₹1,000
Here, the card is not worth it.
Sources & Further Reading
HDFC Bank Official Millennia Page
Paisabazaar – Millennia Credit Card Review (2025)
MoneyControl – Best Cashback Credit Cards India 2025
MyMoneyMantra – Cashback Optimization Tips
Expert Verdict
The HDFC Millennia Credit Card is one of the most well-rounded cashback cards in India — designed for the digital-first, app-based lifestyle. Its 5% cashback structure directly targets modern spending patterns: online shopping, food delivery, entertainment, and subscriptions.
However, it’s not for everyone. If your spending is heavily offline or on excluded categories, or if you won’t hit ₹1,00,000 a year, you won’t get full value. But if you’re a regular online spender and pay bills in full, this card can easily return ₹8,000–₹12,000 in value annually.
Conclusion
The HDFC Millennia isn’t about luxury travel or premium lounges — it’s about everyday practicality. It rewards you for the things you already do: shop, eat, travel, and binge-watch. For young professionals, students, and urban millennials, this card is one of the most rewarding and cost-effective tools to manage spending smartly in 2025.
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HDFC Moneyback+ credit card
Introduction: Why Consider HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card?
If you’re looking for a reward-oriented, everyday spending credit card that gives decent returns on groceries, online shopping, and EMIs — without the complexity of premium cards — the HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card is one of the most balanced entry-level options in India.
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It’s designed especially for people who:
Spend regularly on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, BigBasket, etc.
Prefer simple cashback-style rewards over travel miles or luxury perks.
Want bonus points for EMIs and easy redemption for purchases or statement credit.
Key Features & Benefits
Let’s break down the main benefits into categories, with examples and expert opinions.
1. Rewards / CashPoints Structure
10× CashPoints on partner merchants: Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, BigBasket, Reliance Smart SuperStore.
Example: Spend ₹10,000 on Amazon → earn ~666 CashPoints (worth ₹166.5).
5× CashPoints on EMI spends at select merchants.
Example: Convert a ₹20,000 phone into EMI → earn ~666 CashPoints.
2 CashPoints per ₹150 on all other eligible spends (non-partner, non-EMI).
Expert Opinion: This is above-average in the entry-level category. The 10× category is especially valuable if your monthly online shopping is ₹10,000-₹30,000.
2. Fuel Surcharge Waiver
1% waiver on transactions ₹400-₹5,000.
Max waiver: ₹250 per billing cycle.
Example: If you spend ₹5,000/month on fuel → you save ₹50/month (₹600/year).
Expert Opinion: Not the main feature, but useful for regular car owners.
3. Welcome, Renewal & Milestone Benefits
500 CashPoints on first-time activation after paying joining fee.
Quarterly voucher (~₹500) if you spend ₹50,000 in a quarter (up to ₹2,000/year).
Renewal fee waived if annual spends ≥ ₹50,000.
Example: If you spend ₹50,000 each quarter, that’s ₹2,000 in vouchers — effectively cancelling out the fee.
Expert Opinion: This makes the card fee-neutral if used moderately (₹50,000+ annually).
4. Other Perks
Dining offers: Up to ~20% off at partner restaurants via Good Food Trail & Swiggy Dineout.
Zero lost card liability: No responsibility for fraud after reporting loss.
Contactless payments: Tap-and-go convenience.
SmartEMI: Convert large spends into EMIs easily.
Expert Opinion: The zero liability and SmartEMI features add real-world practicality beyond rewards.
5. Reward Redemption
Value: 1 CashPoint = ₹0.25
Redeem for:
Statement balance
Flights/hotels via SmartBuy
Vouchers & products
Note: Points valid for 2 years; minimum ~500 needed for redemption.
Example: 2,000 CashPoints = ₹500 statement credit.
Expert Opinion: Redemption is straightforward but plan redemptions before expiry.
Fees & Charges
Feature Details
Joining Fee ₹500 + GST
Annual Fee ₹500 + GST
Fee Waiver Spend ₹50,000+ in a year
Interest ~3.6–3.75%/month (~43–45% p.a.)
Forex Mark-Up ~3.5%
Fuel Waiver Cap ₹250 per cycle
Redemption Minimum ~500 CashPoints
Expert Tip: Always pay in full each month — interest is extremely high. Missing a payment even once can wipe out a year’s rewards.
Who Should Use This Card ✅
Moderate Spenders: People who spend ₹50,000+ per year to avoid the annual fee.
Online Shoppers: Heavy users of Amazon, Flipkart, BigBasket, etc.
Practical Buyers: Those who convert big purchases into EMIs occasionally.
Urban Lifestyles: People who enjoy dining offers and everyday cashback.
When NOT to Use This Card ❌
If you want airport lounge access, travel miles, or luxury perks — look for premium cards like HDFC Regalia.
If you can’t pay your balance in full — the interest will outweigh any rewards.
If most of your spending is on fuel, wallets, or UPI — these earn no points.
If you make frequent foreign transactions — 3.5% markup is costly.
Potential Problems & Solutions 🛠
Problem Impact Solution
⚠ Annual fee if spending < ₹50,000 Lowers net rewards Plan monthly expenses (₹4,200/month) to hit ₹50k
⚠ Interest on unpaid balance 43–45% p.a. Always pay full bill before due date
⚠ Caps on bonus points Rewards stop after cap Track monthly spending; split across cards if needed
⚠ Point expiry (2 yrs) Lose earned rewards Redeem regularly or set reminders
⚠ Excluded categories Missed rewards Use another card for fuel, UPI, or wallet spends
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Strong 10× rewards on popular merchants
Easy milestone vouchers & fee waiver
Useful perks (SmartEMI, contactless, zero liability)
Good redemption flexibility
Cons:
High interest if balance is carried forward
Foreign transaction fee is steep
Limited premium travel/luxury benefits
Rewards capped in high-spend months
Expert Verdict
Rating: 4.2/5 (Entry-Level Rewards Card)
> “HDFC MoneyBack+ is one of the most value-for-money starter cards in India if you’re an online shopper and pay your dues on time. It’s simple, rewarding, and practical — but it’s not for luxury seekers or international travelers.” — CreditCardCompare India, 2025
Conclusion: Final Thoughts
The HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card is a well-balanced choice for anyone looking to maximise value on everyday expenses without paying hefty annual fees. It rewards you generously for online shopping and EMIs, and with careful usage (like redeeming points on time and avoiding interest), it can easily pay for itself — and then some.
However, the card’s value drops sharply if you don’t spend enough annually or if you frequently carry balances. Treat it as a smart spending tool, not a borrowing instrument.
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HDFC Swiggy Credit Card
Introduction
If you regularly order from Swiggy, Instamart, Dineout, or Genie, the HDFC Swiggy Credit Card is designed to reward you with high cashback and simple benefits. Unlike cards with complicated reward structures, this card focuses on three clear categories: Swiggy-related transactions, other online spends, and all other eligible transactions.
This makes it ideal for digitally active urban users who prefer direct cashback over points or miles. In this guide, we break down the features, fees, who should and shouldn’t use the card, and even a practical example to estimate its net value.
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1. Features
i. Cashback on Swiggy-Related Transactions (10%)
You earn 10% cashback on Swiggy app transactions including food delivery, Instamart groceries, Dineout reservations, and Genie services.
Example: Ordering ₹2,000 worth of groceries via Instamart → ₹200 cashback.
Expert Opinion: “High-rate cashback on a single platform is excellent for frequent users, and 10% is among the highest in India.” — ET Money, 2024
Notes: Excludes Swiggy Liquor, Minis, and Money Wallet. Cashback capped at ₹1,500 per billing cycle.
ii. Cashback on Other Online & Marketplace Spending (5%)
Earn 5% cashback on eligible online merchants like apparel, electronics, home décor, personal care, pharmacies, and entertainment.
Example: Spending ₹10,000 on Flipkart → ₹500 cashback (capped at ₹1,500/month).
iii. Cashback on All Other Eligible Spends (1%)
For non-Swiggy, non-partner online, and offline transactions, get 1% cashback (excluding some categories).
Example: Paying ₹15,000 for utility bills offline → ₹150 cashback (capped at ₹500/month).
iv. Welcome / Bonus / Membership Perks
3 months free Swiggy One membership on card activation (extends existing membership if you already have it).
Additional Mastercard World Tier benefits like hotel discounts, golf perks, and lifestyle offers.
v. Fee Waiver / Conditions
Joining / first-year fee: ₹500 + GST.
Renewal (annual) fee: ₹500 + GST from the 2nd year onward.
Fee waived if annual spends exceed ₹2,00,000 before renewal.
vi. Other Useful Benefits
Zero liability for lost or fraudulent transactions if reported promptly.
Interest-free credit period of up to 50 days.
Up to 3 add-on cards for family members to pool spends.
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2. Fees, Exclusions, Limitations & Conditions
i. Annual / Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST; waived if annual spends ≥ ₹2,00,000.
ii. Cashback Category Monthly Caps:
10% Swiggy category: ₹1,500
5% online categories: ₹1,500
1% other categories: ₹500
iii. Exclusions:
No cashback on Swiggy Liquor, Minis, Money Wallet.
Minimum transaction value may apply for some categories.
Government payments, wallet loads, EMIs, jewelry excluded from other spends.
Swiggy Money cashback previously had a 1-year expiry.
iv. Cashback Crediting:
Initially credited as Swiggy Money.
From 21st June 2024, cashback credited directly to credit card statement in many cases.
v. Interest & Other Charges:
High interest on unpaid balances (~43–45% annually).
Foreign currency markup ~3.5%.
Cash advance / withdrawal charges ~2.5% or minimum ₹500.
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3. Who This Card Is Best For
i. Frequent Swiggy users: Food delivery, Instamart groceries, Dineout, or Genie services.
Example: Ordering ₹5,000/month on Swiggy → ₹500 cashback.
ii. Active online shoppers: Apparel, electronics, home décor, entertainment spenders.
Example: Spending ₹10,000/month on Flipkart or Amazon → ₹500 cashback.
iii. High annual spenders: Users who can spend ≥ ₹2,00,000 to waive the renewal fee.
iv. Users preferring simple cashback: No complex reward points or tiers — just straightforward cashback.
v. Families pooling spends: Add-on cards help meet caps and waiver criteria.
Expert Opinion: “Optimized for heavy Swiggy users seeking real cashback. A simple, effective lifestyle savings tool.” — MoneyControl, 2024
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4. Who It Might Not Be Ideal For
i. Users who rarely order on Swiggy or use its services — 10% category will remain underutilized.
ii. Spends mostly in excluded categories (Swiggy Liquor, Minis, wallet loads, EMIs, government payments).
iii. Users unable to reach ₹2,00,000 annual spend — renewal fee applies.
IV. Those seeking premium perks like airport lounges, travel insurance, or international benefits.
V. Frequent overseas travelers — foreign transaction fees apply, benefits India-centric.
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5. Net Value Estimate (Example)
Assume monthly spending of ₹30,000:
₹5,000 on Swiggy / Instamart / Dineout / Genie → 10% cashback → ₹500
₹10,000 on other eligible online merchants → 5% cashback → ₹500
₹15,000 on other general/offline spends → 1% cashback → ₹150
Total monthly cashback: ₹1,150
Annual cashback: ₹1,150 × 12 = ₹13,800
Minus annual fee: ₹500 (if fee waived due to high spend) → Net benefit ≈ ₹13,300+
Higher spends in Swiggy or online categories can further increase value.
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Conclusion
The HDFC Swiggy Credit Card is ideal for:
Frequent Swiggy users, online shoppers, and families pooling spends.
Those who want simple, high cashback without complicated reward points.
Tips to maximize value:
Focus spending on Swiggy and eligible online categories.
Avoid excluded categories like wallet loads, EMIs, and Swiggy Liquor.
Pay bills on time to prevent high interest.
Use add-on cards to reach caps and waive fees.
For heavy Swiggy users, this card offers one of the highest practical cashbacks among mid-range credit cards in India, making everyday transactions truly rewarding.
HDFC UPI RuPay Credit Card
Introduction
The HDFC UPI RuPay Credit Card is designed especially for the new era of digital spending in India, as in the past few years it’s growing rapidly. It combines the convenience of UPI with the power of a credit card. It’s particularly valuable for users who frequently make small payments (and not big ones) through QR codes, UPI apps, or merchant apps and want to earn rewards on everyday transactions — something which regular debit-linked UPI payments cannot.
This card is unlike any other premium travel or luxury cards, as it focuses on practical everyday categories like groceries, dining, utilities, and small merchant spends — while keeping fees minimal or zero. This is a card built for regular spenders who value cashback and simplicity and don’t pay much attention to complex reward programs.
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1. Benefits and Features
1.1 Cashpoints Rewards Structure
The card rewards you with CashPoints (HDFC’s reward points) on almost all eligible spends — both via regular card swipes and UPI transactions.
Groceries, Supermarkets, Dining & PayZapp – 3% Cashback (Up to 500 points/month)
Example: Spending ₹15,000 at Big Bazaar or ordering food at Zomato earns 450 CashPoints.
Opinion: A 3% return on daily essentials is impressive for a low-fee credit card and rarely seen in entry-level cards.
Utility Spends – 2% Cashback (Up to 500 points/month)
Example: Paying ₹6,000 for electricity and water bills → 120 CashPoints.
Opinion: Rewarding utility bill payments is a major plus, as many cards exclude them from cashback.
Other Eligible Spends – 1% Cashback (Up to 500 points/month)
Example: Spending ₹15,000 at a clothing store → 150 CashPoints.
Opinion: A 1% return on general spends is decent and competitive, especially considering the low annual fee.
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1.2 UPI-Enabled & Hybrid Usage
Seamless UPI Payments: Link the card to UPI apps (like PhonePe, GPay, Paytm) and pay merchants directly.
Example: Paying ₹800 at a café via UPI QR using the card → earns 3% cashback like a normal swipe.
Opinion: The RuPay-UPI link is a significant innovation — it allows you to earn rewards even on QR payments that typically don’t offer any.
PIN-Based Security: To use it with UPI, you’ll need a credit card PIN set up — this keeps transactions secure.
Better Acceptance: Since it’s RuPay-based, merchants are more likely to accept it for UPI transactions without extra charges.
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1.3 Interest-Free Period
Enjoy up to 50 days of interest-free credit if you pay your bill in full by the due date.
Example: Buying groceries worth ₹8,000 on the 1st of the month → pay by 20th of next month → no interest charged.
Opinion: The interest-free period is a vital feature, especially since many users forget that UPI credit card payments still function like regular credit transactions.
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1.4 Fees & Renewal / Waiver
Joining Fee: ₹99 (sometimes waived under promotional offers).
Annual Renewal Fee: ₹99, waived if yearly spending ≥ ₹25,000.
Example: Spending ₹3,000/month (₹36,000/year) → renewal fee waived.
Opinion: The low annual fee and easy waiver condition make the card nearly free to own, even for moderate users.
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1.5 Redemption & Rewards Validity
CashPoints Redemption: Use points to pay your credit card bill (1 CashPoint = ₹0.25).
Example: Accumulating 1,000 CashPoints → ₹250 off your next statement.
Other Redemption Options: Use points on HDFC SmartBuy for hotels, flights, vouchers, etc.
Points Validity: Points remain valid for 2 years from the transaction date.
Opinion: The 2-year validity period is generous and ensures that even casual users have ample time to redeem their points.
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2. Limitations, Exclusions & Conditions
2.1 Caps on Points
Each category (3%, 2%, 1%) has a monthly cap of 500 points. After that, further spending in that category earns no additional points.
Example: Spending ₹25,000 on groceries → you still earn only 500 points for that category.
Opinion: The monthly caps make this card better suited for light to moderate spenders rather than heavy shoppers.
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2.2 Excluded Categories
No rewards on rent, fuel, EMI, wallet loads, insurance, or government payments.
Example: Paying ₹10,000 for rent via UPI → 0 rewards.
Tip: Use a different card for these excluded spends to maximize benefits.
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2.3 Minimum Spend for Waiver
If your annual spending is below ₹25,000, you’ll pay the ₹99 renewal fee.
Example: Spending only ₹20,000 in a year → renewal fee applies.
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2.4 Virtual / Physical Card Options
Some variants (like Mega Saver) are issued as virtual-only cards, meaning you won’t receive a physical card.
Example: You can’t use it for offline swipe payments at stores without UPI.
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2.5 Merchant Acceptance
While UPI acceptance is broad, some merchants or QR setups may not support credit card payments via UPI yet.
Tip: Always keep a backup payment method (like a debit card or wallet) just in case.
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2.6 Interest on Outstanding Balances
If you don’t pay the full balance, standard interest (~3.6% per month or ~43% per year) applies.
Example: Carrying ₹5,000 unpaid → ~₹180 interest per month.
Tip: Always pay bills in full to avoid losing the benefit of cashback.
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3. Who Should Use This Card
1. Frequent UPI Payers: If you often pay at local stores, markets, cafés, or online using UPI, this card lets you earn rewards on those small daily spends.
Example: Paying ₹3,000/month via UPI QR → ~₹90 cashback over time.
2. Daily Essentials Spenders: Perfect for people whose major monthly costs include groceries, dining, and utilities, where you get the highest reward rates.
3. Low-Cost Card Seekers: With an annual fee of ₹99 (easily waived), it’s ideal for those who don’t want expensive premium cards.
4. Cashback over Luxury Perks Users: Best for those who prefer simple, tangible savings over airport lounges or travel benefits.
5. Digital-Only Users: Suits users who rely on virtual cards, QR codes, and online transactions instead of physical swipes.
Opinion: Overall, this card is one of the most practical entry-level credit cards available today — built around how most people in India actually spend their money.
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Conclusion
The HDFC UPI RuPay Credit Card is a smart choice for modern, everyday spending. It’s designed for people who live on UPI, shop for daily essentials, and prefer cashback without highly complex reward plans and programs. With its low cost, easy fee waiver, decent reward rates (up to 3%), and hybrid UPI-credit functionality, it stands out as one of the most practical and affordable credit cards in India today.
To get the most from it, keep these tips in mind:
1. Focus spending on groceries, dining, and utilities for maximum cashback.
2. Track monthly caps to avoid wasting high-reward opportunities.
3. Pay your due bill in full every month.
4. Keep an eye on excluded categories and potential policy changes.
If your spending style is mostly digital and UPI-based, this card can turn your daily QR payments into monthly rewards, making it a must-have addition to your wallet.
HDFC regalic/Regalia gold credit card key benifits
Introduction
In the world of premium credit cards, the HDFC Regalia and Regalia Gold Credit Cards stand out as it seemlessly blend luxury, travel convenience, rewards, and lifestyle benefits into one powerful financial tool. Designed for individuals who want more than just a payment method, this card caters to frequent travellers, high spenders, and those with a taste for premium experiences. Whether it’s earning accelerated reward points on top brands, unlocking complimentary airport lounge access, enjoying milestone travel vouchers, or benefiting from global insurance coverage, the Regalia series is built to elevate your everyday spending into tangible, high-value returns.
1. Features of HDFC Regalia / Regalia Gold Credit Card
The Regalia and Regalia Gold are HDFC Bank’s premium lifestyle credit cards designed for travel, rewards, and luxury-oriented spending. Below are the major features:
i. Reward Points
Base Rewards: You earn 4 reward points for every ₹150 spent on regular retail transactions, including insurance premiums, utility bills, and education payments.
Example: If you spend ₹30,000 in a month on utilities and shopping, you earn 800 points (30,000 ÷ 150 × 4).
Accelerated Rewards: You get 5X points (20 points per ₹150) on partner brands like Myntra, Nykaa, Marks & Spencer, and Reliance Digital.
Example: Spending ₹15,000 on Myntra gives you 2,000 points instead of the usual 400.
Redemption: Points can be redeemed on HDFC’s SmartBuy portal for flights, hotels, or vouchers.
Example: 10,000 points can typically cover a one-way domestic flight ticket or ₹2,500 worth of e-vouchers.
ii. Milestone Benefits
Quarterly Milestone: Spend ₹1.5 lakh in a quarter and get ₹1,500 worth of vouchers.
Example: If you spend ₹50,000/month, you qualify for this every quarter and receive ₹6,000 annually.
Annual Milestones: Spend ₹5 lakh in a year to receive a ₹5,000 flight voucher, and ₹7.5 lakh for another ₹5,000 voucher.
Example: A frequent traveller spending ₹8 lakh annually will receive ₹10,000 in flight vouchers.
Annual Fee Waiver: If yearly spend crosses ₹4 lakh, the ₹2,500 annual fee is waived.
iii. Travel & Lounge Access
Domestic Lounges: Enjoy 12 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year.
Example: Frequent flyers can save around ₹4,000 annually on lounge fees.
International Lounges: Priority Pass membership offers 6 complimentary visits abroad per year for both primary and add-on cardholders.
Example: Each visit can save ₹2,000–₹3,000, valuable for regular international travellers.
iv. Insurance Coverage
Air Accident Insurance: Coverage of up to ₹1 crore.
Overseas Medical: Emergency hospitalization cover up to ₹15 lakh.
Credit Liability: In the event of death, the card liability is covered up to ₹9 lakh.
Example: Frequent flyers get peace of mind for medical emergencies abroad or accidental travel incidents.
v. Lifestyle & Welcome Benefits
Welcome Vouchers: Gift vouchers equivalent to the joining fee (~₹2,500) from brands like Swiggy or Myntra.
Complimentary Subscriptions: Benefits like Swiggy One or MakeMyTrip Black Elite.
Dining Offers: Discounts at partner restaurants through the Good Food Trail Program.
Example: A couple dining out twice a month could save ₹5,000–₹8,000 annually.
vi. Low Forex Markup
2% Foreign Currency Markup: Lower than typical 3.5% on standard cards.
Example: A ₹1 lakh international spend incurs ₹2,000 instead of ₹3,500 — saving ₹1,500.
vii. EMI Conversion & Contactless Payments
SmartEMI: Convert large purchases into EMIs directly from the app or portal.
Contactless Payments: Tap-and-pay enabled for spends under ₹5,000 for speed and convenience.
Example: A ₹50,000 electronics purchase can be converted into EMIs with minimal hassle.
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2. Who Should Consider the HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card?
The Regalia series is not a generic card — it’s designed for users with specific spending patterns and lifestyle preferences.
i. Frequent Travelers:
The combination of complimentary airport lounge visits (domestic + international), overseas medical cover, and low forex markup makes this card highly attractive to those who travel often.
Example: A consultant taking 10+ flights annually benefits from lounge access and forex savings.
ii. High Spenders:
Those who spend ₹4–8 lakh annually can unlock milestone rewards, fee waivers, and vouchers — increasing the effective reward rate significantly.
Example: Spending ₹7.5 lakh yields ₹10,000 in travel vouchers plus waived annual fees.
iii. Luxury Lifestyle Users:
Concierge services, premium subscriptions, dining privileges, and lifestyle offers make the card appealing for users seeking convenience and exclusivity.
Example: Frequent fine-dining users save more on meals, plus gain travel perks and vouchers.
iv. Online Shoppers:
Accelerated rewards on Myntra, Nykaa, Reliance Digital, etc., make it valuable for those who shop online frequently.
Example: Spending ₹50,000 annually on Myntra can yield over 6,600 reward points — worth ~₹1,650 in travel vouchers.
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3. Things to Keep in Mind
i. Annual Fee Justification:
The ₹2,500 + GST fee is only worth it if you spend enough (~₹4 lakh) to earn milestone rewards or qualify for the fee waiver.
Example: Spending ₹2 lakh annually without hitting milestones means the net reward return is too low to offset the fee.
ii. Spending Strategy Required:
To maximize benefits, plan purchases around quarterly and annual spend targets.
Example: If you are ₹20,000 short of a ₹1.5 lakh quarterly milestone, prepaying insurance or utility bills could unlock ₹1,500 in vouchers.
iii. Reward Redemption Value Varies:
Points are most valuable when redeemed on SmartBuy for travel. Voucher redemption or statement credit offers lower value.
Example: 10,000 points redeemed for flights might save ₹2,500, but only ₹2,000 if converted into vouchers.
iv. Income Eligibility:
Regalia is usually issued to salaried individuals earning ₹70,000+ per month or self-employed with ₹8–9 lakh annual income.
Example: Applicants below this threshold might be offered a lower-tier card instead.
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Conclusion
The HDFC Regalia / Regalia Gold Credit Card stands out as one of India’s most versatile premium lifestyle cards — offering a strong balance of travel benefits, milestone rewards, accelerated points, and lifestyle perks. It particularly shines when used strategically by frequent travellers, high spenders, and lifestyle-oriented users who plan their expenses to hit milestone thresholds. However, to truly maximize value, one must understand the reward caps, plan annual spending intelligently, and use the SmartBuy platform for redemptions. When used this way, Regalia becomes more than just a credit card — it becomes a long-term financial and lifestyle asset
In conclusion,
In 2025, HDFC Bank credit cards continue to set the benchmark in India’s financial ecosystem by combining rewarding benefits, premium experiences, and high approval rates. Each of the top-performing cards — the HDFC Millennia Credit Card, MoneyBack+ Credit Card, Swiggy Credit Card, UPI RuPay Credit Card, and the Regalia/Regalia Gold Credit Card — caters to a distinct spending pattern and lifestyle.
If your focus is on cashback and online shopping, the Millennia and MoneyBack+ cards deliver excellent returns. For food and dining enthusiasts, the Swiggy Credit Card offers unmatched value, while the UPI RuPay Credit Card is ideal for seamless digital transactions. On the premium end, the Regalia and Regalia Gold cards provide luxury travel benefits, airport lounge access, and exclusive rewards — perfect for professionals and frequent travelers.
When choosing the best HDFC credit card, consider your spending habits and goals — whether it’s saving more, earning travel rewards, or enjoying lifestyle privileges. With responsible usage, these trending cards can help you build credit, save on expenses, and enhance your overall financial management.
The right HDFC Bank credit card can turn your everyday purchases into long-term financial advantages — making it a smart addition to your wallet in 2025.