Overview: HDFC Millennia Credit Card vs HDFC Regalia Gold, which is better for you?
When it comes to choosing the right credit card in India,
especially from a trusted bank like HDFC, most people often get stuck between
cashback and reward-based cards. Two of HDFC's most popular offerings in this
category are the HDFC Millennia Credit Card and the HDFC Regalia Gold
Credit Card. The two cards target different spending preferences and
lifestyles. While Millennia is designed for the modern-day online spender who
loves shopping, food delivery, and digital entertainment, Regalia Gold is
curated for high spenders who prioritise travel, lifestyle privileges, and
reward accumulation over time.
Let’s understand how these two cards differ and which one
makes the most sense for your needs in 2025.
1. Purpose and Type of Credit Card
- HDFC Millennia Credit Card is a cashback card, best suited for young
professionals, online shoppers, and digital-savvy users who want immediate
value from their everyday spending. It rewards you with CashPoints, which
can be easily redeemed against your card statement or spent across travel
and shopping platforms.
- HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is a premium rewards card, more aligned with people who have high monthly spends, travel frequently, and prefer long-term value in the form of reward points. It provides enhanced luxury features, travel insurance, complimentary lounge visits, and premium lifestyle perks.
2. Cashback and Reward Structure
HDFC Millennia Credit Card
- Earn
5 percent cashback in the form of CashPoints when you shop at
popular online platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and even
food and entertainment platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Sony LIV, Uber,
BookMyShow, and Cult.fit.
- Earn
1 percent cashback on all other eligible retail spends (except
fuel, rent, wallet loads, and EMIs).
- A
maximum of Rs 1000 cashback can be earned per billing cycle through
the 5 percent category.
This structure is highly rewarding for anyone who primarily
transacts online and prefers getting instant value in the form of cashback
rather than building up points over time.
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
- You’ll
get 4 reward points for every
₹150 you spend on regular retail purchases.
- Get
5X Reward Points on partner brands like Marks & Spencer,
Myntra, Nykaa, Reliance Digital. This multiplier helps you earn points
faster on premium retail spending.
- Offers
milestone-based rewards such as:
- Rs
1500 worth vouchers on spending Rs 1.5 lakh per quarter.
- Rs
5000 flight voucher on annual spends of Rs 5 lakh and another Rs 5000
voucher on reaching Rs 7.5 lakh.
The Regalia Gold is better suited for users who have high
monthly spends and don’t mind waiting a little longer to redeem their points
for higher value.
3. Redemption Value and Flexibility
HDFC Millennia
- Cashback
is given in the form of CashPoints.
- You
can redeem these at 1 CashPoint = Re 1 when adjusting against your
credit card statement.
- Can
also be used for travel and shopping redemption, though at a reduced
value of 1 CashPoint = 0.30 paise.
- A
maximum of 3000 CashPoints can be redeemed each month.
- Reward points remain valid for two
years from the day they are credited.
Millennia is more straightforward in its rewards –
especially useful for users who want to reduce their credit card bill directly
using their earned cashback.
HDFC Regalia Gold
- Reward
Points can be redeemed in multiple ways:
- 1
Point = Rs 0.65 when redeemed on premium catalog (products, gift
vouchers).
- 1
Point = Rs 0.50 when booking flights and hotels via the SmartBuy
portal.
- 1
Point = 0.50 Air Mile when converted to air miles for frequent flyer
programs.
- 1
Point = Rs 0.20 when used to pay credit card bills.
- Reward
Points are valid for 2 years.
This card gives you flexibility to redeem in the way that
suits your lifestyle best, but it’s most rewarding when used for travel and
luxury benefits rather than bill payments.
4. Lounge Access and Travel Privileges
HDFC Millennia
- Lounge
access is based on quarterly spending milestones.
- On spending Rs 1 lakh per quarter, you can choose between: One free domestic airport lounge access, or A Rs 1000 gift voucher for popular brands.
- No
international lounge access is provided.
Ideal for occasional domestic travellers who prefer cashback
but still want limited lounge benefits.
HDFC Regalia Gold
- Offers
12 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per year (3 per
quarter).
- Comes
with free Priority Pass membership, which gives international
airport lounge access. (Usage is limited to 6 international lounge
visits per year for primary cardholder.)
- Includes
free concierge assistance, help with travel bookings, and access to a dedicated
travel desk.
Perfect for frequent flyers who need premium lounge access
and travel assistance.
5. Insurance and Protection Benefits
HDFC Millennia
- Basic
protection and fraud liability cover offered.
- Not
a card focused on insurance benefits.
HDFC Regalia Gold
Comes with robust insurance coverage, such as:
- Rs
1 crore air accident insurance
cover.
- Offers
₹15 lakh in health emergency
protection when you're abroad.
- Rs
9 lakh credit liability cover, which protects you from fraudulent
usage of your card in case of theft or loss.
Clearly, Regalia Gold goes far beyond Millennia in this
category, offering security and peace of mind for high spenders and
international travellers.
6. Fees, Charges and Eligibility
HDFC Millennia
- Joining
Fee: Rs 1000 plus taxes
- Annual
Renewal Fee: Rs 1000 plus taxes (waived if you spend more than Rs 1
lakh in a year)
- Eligibility:
- Salaried:
Age between 21 and 40 years, monthly income above Rs 35,000
- Self-employed:
Annual ITR above Rs 6 lakh
Millennia is easy to qualify for and doesn’t demand heavy
annual spending for benefits, making it suitable for early earners and young
professionals.
HDFC Regalia Gold
- Joining
Fee: Rs 2500 plus taxes
- Annual
Renewal Fee: Rs 2500 plus taxes (waived on spends of Rs 4 lakh in a
year)
- Eligibility:
- Salaried:
Age 21–60, monthly income above Rs 1.5 lakh
- Self-employed:
Annual ITR above Rs 18 lakh
This is a premium credit card for high-income individuals
who spend big and want more luxurious experiences and premium service.
7. Dining and Lifestyle Benefits
- HDFC
Millennia: Up to 20 percent discount at partner restaurants via Swiggy
Dineout.
- HDFC
Regalia Gold: Up to 7.5 percent discount on dining via Swiggy Dineout
and access to curated lifestyle offers.
Though Millennia offers higher dining discounts, Regalia
Gold provides a more luxurious experience overall with lifestyle, shopping, and
concierge privileges.
HDFC Millennia vs Regalia Gold – Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
Feature / Benefit |
HDFC
Millennia Credit Card |
HDFC
Regalia Gold Credit Card |
Card Type |
Cashback Card |
Premium Rewards Card |
Best For |
Online shopping, food delivery, basic rewards |
High spenders, luxury, travel, and lifestyle |
Reward Structure |
5% Cashback (CashPoints) on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy,
Zomato, etc. |
4 Reward Points per Rs 150 spent; 5X points on premium
partner brands |
Reward Redemption |
1 CashPoint = Re 1 (statement credit), 0.30 paise for
travel/shopping |
1 RP = Rs 0.65 (catalog), Rs 0.50 (travel), Rs 0.20 (bill
payment) |
Monthly Redemption Limit |
3000 CashPoints |
No strict cap; based on earned points |
Lounge Access |
1 free domestic lounge access or
voucher on Rs 1 lakh/quarter spend |
12 domestic + 6 international lounge visits
via Priority Pass |
Dining Benefits |
Up to 20% off via Swiggy Dineout |
Up to 7.5% off + luxury dining experiences |
Insurance Benefits |
Basic fraud protection only |
Rs 1 crore air accident cover, Rs 15 lakh overseas
medical, Rs 9 lakh liability |
Joining Fee |
Rs 1000 + taxes |
Rs 2500 + taxes |
Annual Fee |
Rs 1000 + taxes (waived on Rs 1 lakh/year spend) |
Rs 2500 + taxes (waived on Rs 4 lakh/year spend) |
Reward Validity |
2 years |
2 years |
Eligibility (Salaried) |
Income above Rs 35,000/month; Age 21–40 years |
Income above Rs 1.5 lakh/month; Age 21–60 years |
Eligibility (Self-Employed) |
ITR above Rs 6 lakh |
ITR above Rs 18 lakh |
Foreign Currency Markup Fee |
3.5% |
2% |
Concierge & Lifestyle Privileges |
Not available |
Available |
Which Card is Better for You: HDFC Millennia Credit Card
vs Regalia Gold?
Go for HDFC Millennia if:
- You’re
just starting your career or are a moderate spender.
- You
mostly spend on online platforms like Amazon, Swiggy, and Flipkart.
- You
prefer instant cashback over long-term reward accumulation.
- You
want a low-maintenance card with great benefits under Rs 1000 annual fee.
Choose HDFC Regalia Gold if:
- You
spend more than Rs 4 lakh per year and want to maximise premium rewards.
- You
travel frequently, both domestically and internationally.
- You
value lounge access, insurance coverage, travel concierge, and luxury
experiences.
- You want a card that offers multiple reward redemption options beyond cashback.
If you're someone who values simple cashback with lower annual costs and spends largely on daily digital needs, the HDFC Millennia Credit Card is a solid option. But if you're a high-income earner looking for a premium lifestyle and travel card, then the HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is well worth the higher annual fee.
Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. HDFC
Millennia Credit Card vs Regalia Gold: Which is Better for Cashback?
If
you’re looking for cashback on everyday purchases and online shopping,
the HDFC Millennia Credit Card is the better choice. It offers
5% cashback on select platforms like Amazon and Swiggy, making it ideal for
frequent digital shoppers.
2. Is
the HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card Worth It for Luxury Purchases?
The
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is ideally designed for individuals with
premium spending habits. With 5X reward points on luxury brands like Marks
& Spencer and Myntra, it’s the ideal card for those who shop for premium
items.
3. What
Are the Foreign Transaction Fees on Both Cards?
The HDFC
Millennia Credit Card has a foreign transaction fee of 3.5%, while
the HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card charges 2%. If you
frequently make international purchases, the Regalia Gold may be a better
option.
4. Can
I Earn Travel Points on the HDFC Millennia Credit Card?
Yes,
you can earn reward points on the HDFC Millennia Credit Card, but
it’s better suited for cashback rather than travel rewards. For more travel
benefits, the HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card provides superior
perks, including access to airport lounges and flight vouchers.
5. Which
Card Has Better Insurance Benefits?
The HDFC
Regalia Gold Credit Card offers comprehensive insurance coverage,
including accidental air death cover of Rs. 1 crore and emergency
hospitalization cover abroad. In comparison, the HDFC Millennia Credit
Card does not offer any insurance benefits.
Read also: Cashback SBI Card vs. Axis Bank Ace Credit Card Comparison
Final View
In
the debate of HDFC Millennia vs Regalia Gold, which is better, the
answer depends on your financial preferences and lifestyle. If you’re looking
for cashback on your digital and everyday purchases, the HDFC Millennia
Credit Card is ideal. But if you’re after premium benefits, travel
perks, and rewards on luxury items, the HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card is
the clear winner.
Choose wisely based on what suits your spending habits and lifestyle to maximize the benefits you receive from your credit card.