With an increasing number of credit card options in India, HDFC Bank offers a range of cards with unique features to cater to diverse spending needs. The HDFC Regalia First Credit Card and Millennia Credit Card are two of its popular offerings, each designed for different user profiles. While the Regalia First caters to those seeking premium benefits at a reasonable annual fee, the Millennia Credit Card is aimed at millennials and frequent online shoppers looking to maximize cashback rewards.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll examine the key aspects of both cards, including their fees, rewards, travel perks, and more. We’ll also include a comparison table to help you make an informed choice based on your lifestyle and spending patterns.
HDFC Regalia First Credit Card
The HDFC Regalia First Credit Card is a premium card that offers a range of lifestyle, dining, and travel benefits for high-value transactions. Designed for individuals who appreciate travel perks and high reward rates, this card is a step below HDFC’s flagship Regalia Card but retains many of its best features at a lower cost.
Key Features:
- Joining Fee: ₹1,000 + GST (waived if spending criteria are met)
- Renewal Fee: ₹1,000 (waived if annual spending exceeds ₹1,00,000)
- Interest Rate: 3.49% per month
- Reward Points: 4 reward points per ₹150 spent
- Travel Benefits: Access to airport lounges
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000
HDFC Millennia Credit Card
The HDFC Millennia Credit Card is geared towards younger, digital-savvy consumers who make frequent online transactions and want to maximize cashback. It rewards spending on popular e-commerce platforms, making it ideal for those who frequently shop online, order food, or book travel through apps.
Key Features:
- Joining Fee: ₹1,000 + GST (waived if spend criteria are met)
- Renewal Fee: ₹1,000 (waived if annual spending exceeds ₹1,00,000)
- Interest Rate: 3.6% per month
- Cashback: Up to 5% on select online transactions
- Lifestyle Benefits: Cashback on major e-commerce platforms and dining discounts
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000
Key Differences
Here’s a breakdown of the primary differences between the Regalia First and Millennia credit cards:
Feature | HDFC Regalia First Credit Card | HDFC Millennia Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
Target Audience | High spenders, frequent travelers | Millennials, online shoppers |
Joining Fee | ₹1,000 + GST | ₹1,000 + GST |
Renewal Fee | ₹1,000 (waived on spends over ₹1,00,000) | ₹1,000 (waived on spends over ₹1,00,000) |
Interest Rate | 3.49% per month | 3.6% per month |
Reward/Cashback Structure | 4 reward points per ₹150 spent | Up to 5% cashback on online transactions |
Reward Redemption | Travel, shopping vouchers, airline miles | Bonus points on annual spending milestones |
Travel Benefits | Complimentary domestic and international lounge access | Limited lounge access, mainly domestic |
Milestone Benefits | Bonus points on annual spend milestones | None |
Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 | 1% on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 |
Insurance Coverage | Includes accidental and medical coverage | None |
In-Depth Comparison of Key Features
Annual Fees and Fee Waivers
Both the Regalia First and Millennia cards come with a joining fee of ₹1,000 plus GST, which can be waived off upon meeting certain spending thresholds. The renewal fee is also ₹1,000 for both cards, waived if the user’s annual spending reaches ₹1,00,000.
Winner: Tie. Both cards offer the same fee structure and waivers.
Reward and Cashback Structure
- Regalia First: Offers 4 reward points per ₹150 spent. Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other premium lifestyle rewards.
- Millennia: Provides up to 5% cashback on online spending at select platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, and Zomato. Cashback is credited as points, which can be redeemed directly against the statement balance.
Winner: The Millennia Card is more rewarding for online shopping, while the Regalia First offers greater flexibility for travel redemptions.
Travel Benefits
- Regalia First: The cardholder receives complimentary access to domestic and select international airport lounges. This is a great perk for frequent travelers who value convenience and comfort.
- Millennia: Offers limited lounge access, typically focused on domestic lounges.
Winner: Regalia First. It offers better travel perks, ideal for those who fly frequently.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Both cards offer a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000, making it cost-effective for regular fuel purchases.
Winner: Tie. Both cards have an identical benefit in this category.
Other More Perks
- Regalia First: Offers milestone bonuses for high spenders, such as additional reward points on reaching certain annual spending thresholds. It also provides various insurance coverages, including accidental and medical coverage.
- Millennia: Lacks milestone rewards and doesn’t include insurance coverage.
Winner: Regalia First. It provides more value through milestone rewards and insurance coverage.
Ideal User Profile
To understand which card is better for your lifestyle, consider the ideal user profiles for each:
- HDFC Regalia First:
- Suitable for those with high monthly spending, particularly on travel, dining, and lifestyle.
- Ideal for individuals looking to redeem points for travel, lifestyle, and premium experiences.
- Best suited for travelers who value airport lounge access and want coverage benefits.
- HDFC Millennia:
- Perfect for younger, digital-savvy users who spend frequently on e-commerce and online platforms.
- Beneficial for those looking for instant cashback on purchases.
- Ideal for those who prefer cashback over reward points for easy redemption.
Pros and Cons
Credit Card | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
Regalia First | Premium benefits, lounge access, flexible reward redemption options, milestone rewards | Annual fee, suited more for travelers |
Millennia | High cashback on online spends, lower joining requirements, ideal for online shoppers | Limited lounge access, no milestone rewards or insurance coverage |
Choosing the Right Card
When deciding between the HDFC Regalia First and HDFC Millennia Credit Card, consider the following factors to determine which aligns better with your spending habits and preferences:
- Spending Pattern: If you spend more on travel, dining, and lifestyle, the Regalia First may offer better value through reward points and redemption flexibility. Conversely, if you are an online shopper who spends heavily on e-commerce platforms, the Millennia’s cashback benefits make it the better choice.
- Travel Frequency: For frequent travelers who prefer lounge access and premium services, the Regalia First offers more substantial travel benefits. The Millennia provides limited access, which might not be as beneficial for avid travelers.
- Redemption Preference: The Regalia First’s reward points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and vouchers, offering flexibility. However, if you prefer simple cashback directly to your statement, the Millennia’s cashback structure is straightforward.
- Additional Perks: For high spenders seeking additional perks, the Regalia First offers milestone bonuses and insurance coverage. The Millennia, on the other hand, lacks milestone rewards but is easy to manage for users who value cashback over points.
Our Recommendation
Both the HDFC Regalia First and HDFC Millennia Credit Card have unique advantages that cater to different user needs. The Regalia First is ideal for high spenders and travelers who appreciate premium perks like lounge access and flexible reward redemption. Its milestone benefits and insurance coverage add value for those seeking a comprehensive credit card experience.
On the other hand, the Millennia Credit Card is tailored for the modern shopper, especially millennials, who favor high cashback rates on online spending at popular e-commerce platforms. It provides an easy, straightforward cashback option that appeals to users who prioritize instant returns over extensive travel benefits or reward points.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your lifestyle. If you are a frequent traveler and prefer premium experiences, the Regalia First may be a better fit. However, if you are an online shopper who values cashback and prefers a simpler rewards structure, the Millennia Credit Card could serve you well.
Frequently Asked Questions
The HDFC Regalia First is better suited for frequent travelers as it offers complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access, higher reward points, and flexible redemption options, including travel bookings. The Millennia card has limited lounge access and is designed more for cashback on online shopping.
Yes, for both the Regalia First and Millennia cards, the ₹1,000 renewal fee can be waived if your annual spending exceeds ₹1,00,000. This waiver option makes both cards attractive for frequent users who can meet this spending requirement.
The Regalia First offers 4 reward points for every ₹150 spent, which can be redeemed for travel, lifestyle, and vouchers. The Millennia card, however, focuses on cashback, providing up to 5% on online spends through select platforms, making it ideal for online shopping enthusiasts who prefer instant cashback over points.
Yes, there is a slight difference in interest rates. The HDFC Regalia First Credit Card has an interest rate of 3.49% per month, while the Millennia Credit Card’s interest rate is 3.6% per month. While small, this difference may impact users who frequently carry a balance.
The Millennia Credit Card is ideal for those who frequently shop online and want cashback rewards. It offers up to 5% cashback on purchases made through popular platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Zomato, which is not available with the Regalia First. This card is a better choice for individuals who prefer cashback over reward points and do not need extensive travel perks.
Ranjan is a dedicated finance writer for smartfinclub.com, where he specializes in comparing top financial products in India, including loans, credit cards, savings accounts & more. With a focus on providing clear insights into features, rates, and benefits, Ranjan aims to empower readers to make informed financial decisions customized to their needs.