From May 15: Reduced base rewards, increased fees
Beginning May 15, HDFC Bank will adjust the base reward points system for Regalia Gold credit cardholders, resulting in a lower earn rate for regular spending.
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Customers will now earn 5 reward points for every ₹200 spent, compared to the previous rate of 4 points per ₹150. While the nominal points may seem higher, this new structure decreases the reward accumulation per rupee spent. Accelerated rewards in select categories will remain unchanged.
The bank will also raise the Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fee to 1.75% for international transactions billed in Indian rupees. This applies to expenses incurred abroad or with foreign merchants using INR for billing.
Furthermore, a ₹199 fee will apply for card reissuance in cases of loss, theft, or damage.
From July 1: Lounge access becomes expenditure-based
Starting July 1, complimentary domestic airport lounge access will no longer be automatic for either Regalia Gold or Diners Privilege cardholders.
For Regalia Gold users, the current benefit of three domestic lounge visits per calendar quarter will now necessitate spending ₹60,000 in the previous quarter. Access will still be granted via direct card swipe at lounges without needing vouchers. However, international lounge access—six visits per year through Priority Pass—will remain the same and will not require any spending thresholds.
Diners Privilege customers will find that lounge access also hinges on quarterly spending of ₹60,000. Upon meeting this benchmark, users will receive three lounge access vouchers—two for domestic and one for international lounges.
These vouchers must be generated through the SmartBuy platform and presented along with a QR code at participating lounges. If the spending criteria are not achieved, no vouchers will be distributed.
New Travel Edge Program: Benefits linked to travel activities
In conjunction with these changes, HDFC Bank is launching the Travel Edge Program for Regalia Gold cardholders. This feature enables customers to redeem any two complimentary benefits each calendar quarter by submitting their boarding pass.
The benefits 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 confined to the destination city referenced on the boarding pass and can be accessed through vouchers issued post-validation.
A move towards conditional benefits
The forthcoming changes indicate that HDFC Bank is adjusting its credit card value proposition by tying key benefits—particularly lounge access—to spending thresholds, while simultaneously reducing base reward accumulation rates.
Although the addition of travel-related perks creates new opportunities, the overall modifications may lessen the value for low-spending users, necessitating greater engagement to fully enjoy card benefits.
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