Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card vs HDFC Regalia Card

Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card vs HDFC Regalia Card

Last Updated : March 28, 2025, 11:53 a.m.

Choosing the right premium credit card can be overwhelming, especially with options like the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card and the HDFC Regalia Credit Card , both of which offer a range of exclusive benefits. The Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card is known for its accelerated reward points, fuel and railway surcharge waivers, and priority assistance, making it ideal for frequent shoppers and travelers. On the other hand, the HDFC Regalia Credit Card stands out with its superior travel perks, including complimentary airport lounge access, comprehensive insurance coverage, and an extensive rewards program. While both cards cater to premium customers, their features vary, making it important to choose one that aligns with your financial goals. This article presents a detailed comparison to help you decide which card suits your lifestyle best. After you choose a credit card and apply for it, check your CIBIL score online at Wishfin. Your credit score is a very important eligibility criteria that lenders look into before approving your credit card application.

Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card Vs HDFC Regalia Credit Card - Comparison

You can see the comparison of both the cards in the table given below and compare their features and benefits.

ParameterKotak Royale Signature Credit CardHDFC Regalia Credit Card

Joining fee

Nil

Rs. 2500 plus taxes

Annual fee

Rs. 999

Rs. 2,500 + taxes

Annual fee waiver

Waived on spending Rs. 1 lakh annually

Waived on spending Rs. 3 lakhs annually.

Reward points

  • 4 reward points per Rs. 150 spent on hotels, airlines, restaurants, travel agencies, and international spends.
  • 2 reward points per Rs. 150 spent on other categories
  • 4 reward points per Rs. 150 spent on all transactions excluding EasyEMI, fuel, and wallet transactions

Rewards redemption

  • Redeem points against products and vouchers on the Kotak rewards website @ 1 reward point = Rs. 0.1875

Redeem points on the SmartBuy portal.

  • 1 reward point = Rs. 0.50 for flight and hotel bookings.
  • 1 reward point = Rs. 0.35 for products and vouchers.
  • 1 reward point = Rs. 0.20 for cashback.
  • 1 reward point = 0.5 Air Miles for Air Miles redemption.

Milestone Benefits

  • 10,000 extra reward points on reaching annual milestone spends of Rs. 4 lakhs
  • 30,000 bonus reward points on annual spends of Rs. 8 lakh
  • 10,000 reward points on annual spends of Rs. 5 lakhs.
  • Bonus 5,000 reward points on reaching milestone annual spends of Rs. 8 lakhs

Lounge Access

2 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per quarter (8 per year)

  • 12 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per year (3 per quarter)
  • 6 complimentary international lounge accesses per year

Comprehensive Air travel insurance cover

Air Accident Cover – The card offers an air accident insurance cover of up to Rs. 1.25 crore, ensuring financial security for the cardholder’s family in the unfortunate event of an air accident.

Lost Baggage Cover – If the cardholder’s checked-in baggage is lost during air travel, the insurance provides compensation to cover the loss.

Loss of Passport – In case of passport loss while traveling abroad, the insurance provides financial assistance to help in obtaining a replacement.

Flight Delay Cover – If a flight is delayed beyond a certain duration, the cardholder may be eligible for compensation to cover incidental expenses.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Cover – The insurance may offer coverage in case a trip is canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen reasons like medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other eligible circumstances.

The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card offers comprehensive air travel insurance coverage, providing cardholders with financial protection during their journeys. The key insurance benefits include:

  • Accidental Air Death Coverage : In the unfortunate event of death resulting from an air accident, the primary cardholder's nominee is entitled to a sum insured of Rs. 1 crore. This coverage is activated when air tickets are purchased using the HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card.

Other insurance benefits

  • Personal accidental cover: The card offers an insurance cover against accidental death.

  • Provides financial protection for the cardholder's family in case of unforeseen events.
  • Purchase Protection:

Covers high-value purchases made using the card against damage or loss due to fire, theft, or burglary.

  • Lost card liability cover.
  • Protects against fraudulent transactions in case of card loss or theft.
  • Reduces liability on unauthorized usage when reported in a timely manner.
  • Emergency Overseas Hospitalization : For medical emergencies arising during international travel, the card provides coverage up to Rs. 15 lakhs. This benefit addresses sudden, unexpected sickness or bodily injury; however, it excludes expenses related to pre-existing illnesses.
  • Credit Liability Cover : In cases of card loss or misuse, the primary cardholder is protected with a liability cover of up to Rs. 9 lakhs, safeguarding against unauthorized transactions.

Fuel surcharge waiver

  • 1% waiver on transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3000 (Up to a maximum waiver of Rs. 3500 per year)

1% waiver on transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 5,000

Railway Surcharge Waiver

  • Applicable on transactions made on the IRCTC website or at railway booking counters.
  • Maximum waiver of Rs. 500 per year

Not applicable

Welcome Benefits

Not applicable

2500 reward points on successful payment of joining fees.

Dining Benefits

  • Earn 4X reward points on every ₹150 spent on dining, allowing you to accumulate points faster.
  • Enjoy exclusive discounts and cashback offers at partner restaurants, making your dining experiences more affordable.
  • Special Culinary Events & Privileges: Get invitations to exclusive gourmet events and chef-curated dining experiences, offering a taste of luxury.
  • Dine-out passport membership.
  • 5% additional discount with zero convenience fee at 200+ partnered restaurants

Eligibility

  • Age: 21 to 65 years.
  • Minimum annual income: Rs. 24 lakhs.
  • Resident of India.
  • Age: 21 to 60 years (salaried), 21 to 65 years (self-employed)
  • Minimum income: Rs. 1 lakh per month (salaried), Rs. 12 lakh per annum (self-employed)

Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card vs HDFC Regalia Credit Card - Which Card is the Best to Choose?

When choosing between the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card and the HDFC Regalia Credit Card, the decision depends on your spending habits and lifestyle preferences. The HDFC Regalia Credit Card is better suited for frequent travelers, offering superior benefits such as 12 domestic and 6 international airport lounge visits annually, lower forex markup fees (2%), and comprehensive travel insurance, including air accident coverage. It also provides a higher reward rate, especially on travel and dining. However, it comes with a higher annual fee of Rs. 2,500, waived on spending Rs.. 3 lakh annually. On the other hand, the Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card is more affordable, with a ₹999 annual fee (waived on ₹1 lakh spend) and a decent reward structure, making it a good choice for moderate spenders who seek basic travel perks and rewards. If international travel, lounge access, and premium benefits matter to you, HDFC Regalia is the better choice, while Kotak Royale Signature is ideal for those who prefer a lower fee with steady benefits.

Note: HDFC Bank is no longer accepting applications for Regalia Credit Card, existing cardholders can continue using the card. The content on this page about the card is only for informational purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which card - The Kotak Royale Signature credit card or the HDFC Regalia has better cashback or discount offers?

Which card offers better milestone benefits?

Does Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card have lounge access?

How easy is it to redeem reward points on both the credit cards - Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card and HDFC Regalia Credit Card.

Which card, the HDFC Regalia credit card or the Kotak Royale Signature credit card offers luxury perks?

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