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Comparison · हिन्दी

HDFC Regalia vs SBI Card ELITE

Both cards compared on real rupee returns for premium credit card rewards lounge access comparison. We ran the numbers so you can make the right call.

Last updated: · Based on current card terms
HDFC
REGALIA
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
SBI
CARD ELITE
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
HDFC Regalia Credit Card wins for most people
HDFC Regalia wins with a calculated annual benefit of -₹106, significantly outperforming SBI Card ELITE's -₹2,779. For this ₹15,000 monthly spend profile, HDFC Regalia's lower fee and SmartBuy partnership rewards make it the better choice.
Side-by-side comparison
HDFC Regalia Credit Card ✓ SBI Card ELITE
Annual benefit -₹106 -₹2,779
Annual feeThe yearly fee a bank charges for holding the card, often waived if you spend enough in a year.Full definition → ₹2,500 + taxes (waived on ₹3L spend) ₹4,999 + taxes (waived on ₹10,00,000/year spend)
Reward rateCashback pays you directly in rupees; reward points need converting first, and their real value depends on the redemption ratio.Full definition → 4 reward points per ₹150 spent (about 1.33% when redeemed at 50 paise a point on flights and hotels); up to 5% on SmartBuy partner spends 10 reward points per ₹100 on dining, grocery and departmental stores (2.5%); 2 RP on others (0.5%)
Lounge accessFree entry to airport lounges, usually limited to a set number of visits per quarter or year.Full definition → 12 visits/year (domestic + international) 2 domestic visits/quarter + 6 international visits/year via Priority Pass
Forex markupThe extra fee your bank adds on top of the real exchange rate for any spend in a foreign currency.Full definition → 2% 1.99%
Best for Premium rewards and lounge access Premium lifestyle card with movie benefits, lounge access and dining/grocery rewards
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹6L+ per year ₹40,000/month (salaried)
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 750+ 750+
Apply now ↗ Full review →
Apply now ↗ Full review →
When each card wins
HDFC Regalia Credit Card
HDFC Regalia excels when you leverage SmartBuy partner benefits for shopping, dining, and travel categories. Its lower annual fee and flexible reward redemption on flights and hotels maximize value for this spend pattern.
SBI Card ELITE
SBI Card ELITE suits those prioritizing dining and grocery rewards with bonus points (2.5% return). However, its high annual fee makes it less attractive for ₹15,000 monthly spend unless you exceed ₹10 lakh annual spend for fee waiver.
Who should get which card
Get HDFC Regalia if you…
· Lower annual fee with easier waiver (₹3L vs ₹10L)
· Better SmartBuy rewards on shopping, dining, travel
· Superior value for flight and hotel redemptions
· Minimizes net annual cost with this spend profile
Get SBI Card ELITE if you…
· Prefer concentrated dining and grocery purchases
· High annual spender (₹10L+) seeking fee waiver
· Value premium lifestyle benefits beyond rewards
· Prioritize movie ticket discounts and lounge access
Partner offer
IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card
Frequent travellers who book hotels and flights through the IDFC FIRST Bank app specifically, where the real redemption value is highest; weak for everyday spending outside the app
Apply now →
IDFC
ASHOK KUMAR

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Frequently asked questions
Based on our analysis, HDFC Regalia Credit Card offers better annual returns for most spend profiles.
HDFC Regalia Credit Card has an annual fee of ₹2,500 + taxes (waived on ₹3L spend). SBI Card ELITE has an annual fee of ₹4,999 + taxes (waived on ₹10,00,000/year spend).
HDFC Regalia Credit Card offers 4 reward points per ₹150 spent (about 1.33% when redeemed at 50 paise a point on flights and hotels); up to 5% on SmartBuy partner spends. SBI Card ELITE offers 10 reward points per ₹100 on dining, grocery and departmental stores (2.5%); 2 RP on others (0.5%).
HDFC Regalia Credit Card lounge access: 12 visits/year (domestic + international). SBI Card ELITE lounge access: 2 domestic visits/quarter + 6 international visits/year via Priority Pass.
HDFC Regalia Credit Card charges 2% forex markup. SBI Card ELITE charges 1.99% forex markup.