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American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card VS HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 30 June 2026

Both HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card and American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card suit travel-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card costs ₹2,500 + GST and earns 4 Reward Points on every Rs. 150 spent on retail. American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card costs ₹5,000 + GST and earns 1 Membership Rewards Point for every ₹50 spent. HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card also brings 8 complimentary accesses per year, spend-based (Rs. 1 lakh per quarter for 2 vouchers), while American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card counters with 8 complimentary visits per year to airport lounges across India (max 2 per quarter). Weigh the fee against the reward rate above to see which fits your spending pattern better.

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card
HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹5,000 + GST
Joining Fee₹2,500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹5,000 + GST
Renewal Fee₹2,500 + GST
Spend Based WaiverNo explicit waiver; retention offers possible. Spending over ₹7 Lakhs/year usually helps in waiver.
Spend Based WaiverAnnual fee waiver (second year onwards) on spending Rs. 3 lakhs or more in the previous year.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% of the transaction amount + service tax.
Foreign Transaction Fees2% on all foreign currency transactions.
Interest Rate (APR)3.5% per month (42% annually).
Interest Rate (APR)3.6% per month or 43.2% annually on outstanding amount.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome Bonus10,000 Membership Rewards points on spending ₹15,000 within 90 days of cardmembership.
Welcome Bonus2,500 bonus Reward Points are awarded after the successful realization of the joining fee.
Rewards Rate1 Membership Rewards Point for every ₹50 spent.
Rewards RateEarn 4 Reward Points on every Rs. 150 spent on retail.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNil
Reward Redemption FeeRs. 99 (plus applicable taxes) charged on every redemption request.

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access8 complimentary visits per year to airport lounges across India (max 2 per quarter).
Domestic Lounge Access8 complimentary accesses per year, spend-based (Rs. 1 lakh per quarter for 2 vouchers).
International Lounge AccessComplimentary Priority Pass membership (US$99 fee waived), but lounge visits are chargeable (US$32/35).
International Lounge AccessPriority Pass membership with 6 complimentary lounge visits per year outside India.
Travel BenefitsPremium travel card with complimentary domestic lounge access & Priority Pass membership.
Travel BenefitsComplimentary domestic/international lounge access, travel insurance, and accelerated rewards on bookings.
Movie Benefits
Movie BenefitsNot Applicable
Dining BenefitsUp to 20% discount at select partner restaurants and deals on food delivery platforms.
Dining BenefitsGet up to 20% off on partner restaurants via Swiggy Dineout when payment is made via the Swiggy application.
Golf Benefits
Golf BenefitsNot applicable.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver0% convenience fee at HPCL for transactions < ₹5,000; 1% for transactions ≥ ₹5,000.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on transactions Rs. 400-5,000, capped at Rs. 500 per month.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Health insurance benefits available with ICICI Lombard.
Insurance BenefitsAccidental air death cover of Rs. 1 Cr, emergency overseas hospitalization up to Rs. 15 lakhs.
Cash Advance Charges3.5% of transaction amount, min. ₹250.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of transaction amount or Rs. 500, whichever is higher.
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card

HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card

Who is it for?

The American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card is a premium travel card ideal for frequent domestic travelers and those who can maximize its attractive milestone benefits. It offers substantial Membership Rewards points and Taj Experiences E-Gift Cards on reaching spend thresholds. Cardholders enjoy 8 complimentary domestic lounge accesses annually and a complimentary Priority Pass membership. Despite recent devaluations, it remains a strong option for individuals seeking travel and hotel privileges.

Who is it for?

The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card is a premium offering designed for individuals seeking significant travel and lifestyle benefits. It provides a robust rewards program with 4 Reward Points on every Rs. 150 spent, complemented by welcome and milestone bonuses. Cardholders enjoy complimentary domestic and international lounge access, a low foreign currency markup, and comprehensive insurance coverage, making it ideal for frequent travelers and those seeking exclusive privileges.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Attractive milestone benefits, including substantial bonus MR points and Taj vouchers.

Provides 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per year (2 per quarter).

Complimentary Priority Pass membership with annual fee waived for international travel.

Membership Rewards points do not expire as long as the card remains active.

Offers up to 20% discount at select dining establishments and food delivery deals.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Generous welcome bonus reward points and a competitive reward rate.

Low foreign exchange markup fee of 2% on international transactions.

Complimentary domestic and international lounge access with Priority Pass.

Significant milestone benefits with bonus reward points on annual spending.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

No complimentary international airport lounge access; Priority Pass visits are chargeable.

High foreign currency markup fee of 3.5% on international transactions.

Annual fee is not automatically waived based on spending; retention offers are discretionary.

Reward point value is lower for shopping vouchers or cash credit compared to travel.

Acceptance can be an issue at smaller merchants outside premium establishments.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Other HDFC cards might offer better benefits or redemption options.

Many spend categories like fuel, rentals, and government spends do not earn reward points.

Reward points have an expiry period of 2 years from the date of accumulation.

Domestic lounge access is spend-based, requiring Rs. 1 lakh spend per quarter.

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.
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