Axis Bank Horizon Mastercard Credit Card vs HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa: Which is Better in 2026?

vs HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa

In short: HDFC Regalia has the lower annual fee (₹2,500 vs ₹3,000); Axis Horizon includes 6 airport lounge visits, HDFC Regalia 8 airport lounge visits a year; both charge a 3.5% forex markup.

Key factsAxis HorizonHDFC Regalia
Annual fee₹3,000₹2,500
Joining fee₹3,000₹2,500
Annual fee waivedNot listedOn ₹3 lakh annual spend
Top reward rate5 EDGE Miles on Every ₹100 Spent on Travel4 reward points For Every ₹200
Base rewards2 EDGE Miles Per ₹100 On All Other Spends4 reward points For Every ₹200
Lounge access6 airport lounge visits8 airport lounge visits a year
Forex markup3.5%3.5%

From issuer benefit data, checked 8 Nov 2026. Milestones, welcome benefits and caps are in the full table below.

The Axis Bank Horizon Mastercard Credit Card and the HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa both offer premium benefits with a focus on travel and rewards, but they differ in fee structure, lounge access, and rewards program details. Axis Bank Horizon provides EDGE Miles with higher travel rewards, while HDFC Regalia offers a more flexible points system with milestone bonuses and a fee waiver on high spends. Both cards include fuel surcharge waivers and foreign currency transaction fees of 3.5%.

Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.

Last updated:

Best for rewards → Axis Bank Horizon Mastercard Credit Card
Best for travel → HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa
Best for low fee → HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa
Best for beginners → Too close to call
Feature Axis Bank Horizon Mastercard Credit Card HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa
BankAxis BankHDFC Bank
NetworkMasterCardVisa
Joining feeJoining Fee of Rs.3000Joining Fee of Rs. 2500
Annual / renewal feeAnnual Fee - Rs.3000Renewal Fee of Rs. 2500
Annual fee waiver—Spend Rs.300000 For Renewal Fee Waiver
Top reward rateEarn 5 EDGE Miles on Every Rs.100 Spent on TravelEarn 4 Rewards Points For Every Rs.200
Base rate (other spends)Earn 2 EDGE Miles Per Rs.100 On All Other Spends—
Lounge — domestic6 Complimentary Lounge Access in India8 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Year
Lounge — internationalEnjoy 2 International Complimentary Airport Lounge Access6 Complimentary International Lounge Access
Fuel surcharge waiver1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Welcome benefitWelcome Benefits - 5000 EDGE Reward Points—
Milestone benefitRenewal Benefit - 1500 EDGE MilesEarn 10000 Bonus Rewards Points on Rs. 5 Lakhs Spends; Earn 15000 Rewards Points on Spend of Rs.8 Lakhs
Foreign currency markup3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions

Which is better for rewards?

For rewards, the Axis Bank Horizon Mastercard stands out with its accelerated earning of 5 EDGE Miles per Rs.100 spent on travel and 2 EDGE Miles on other spends, which can be redeemed for flights and hotels. The HDFC Regalia Credit Card offers a flat rate of 4 rewards points per Rs.200 spent across categories including grocery and insurance, with milestone bonuses of 10,000 and 15,000 points on spends of Rs.5 and 8 lakhs respectively. Overall, Axis Bank Horizon provides stronger rewards on travel spends, while HDFC Regalia offers consistent rewards across multiple categories with additional milestone incentives.

Which is better for travel?

Regarding travel benefits, HDFC Regalia offers more comprehensive lounge access with 8 domestic and 6 international complimentary airport lounge visits per year, compared to Axis Bank Horizon's 6 domestic and 2 international lounge accesses. Additionally, HDFC Regalia includes 24/7 concierge services, which Axis Bank Horizon does not list. Both cards have a 3.5% forex markup fee and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, making them comparable for foreign transactions and fuel spends.

Which has lower effective cost?

In terms of fees, HDFC Regalia has a lower joining and renewal fee of Rs.2,500 each, with a renewal fee waiver available upon spending Rs.3,00,000 annually. Axis Bank Horizon charges Rs.3,000 for both joining and renewal without a listed fee waiver. This makes HDFC Regalia more cost-effective for high spenders who can avail the waiver, while Axis Bank Horizon's fees are fixed.

Rewards Structure and Redemption

Axis Bank Horizon uses EDGE Miles with a clear travel acceleration, while HDFC Regalia offers a flat points system with milestone bonuses. Regalia's points can be redeemed for airmiles, travel bookings, or cashback, offering flexibility. Horizon’s miles transfer program allows direct redemption for flights and hotels, making it travel-centric.

Lounge Access and Concierge

HDFC Regalia provides a higher number of complimentary lounge visits including 6 international lounges and offers 24/7 concierge services, enhancing the travel experience. Axis Bank Horizon offers fewer international lounge visits and does not list concierge services.

Fee Waiver Complexity

HDFC Regalia offers a renewal fee waiver if you spend Rs.3,00,000 annually, which can significantly reduce the effective cost for high spenders. Axis Bank Horizon does not list any fee waiver, so the Rs.3,000 annual fee applies regardless of spend.

Who should pick Axis Bank Horizon Mastercard Credit Card?

Consider Axis Bank Horizon Mastercard Credit Card if you prioritize higher travel rewards earning rates and prefer a straightforward rewards program focused on travel spends. It's suitable for cardholders who value EDGE Miles that can be redeemed directly for flights and hotels and who do not mind a fixed annual fee.

Who should pick HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa?

Consider HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa if you want broader lounge access both domestically and internationally, value concierge services, and seek a fee waiver option through high annual spending. It's ideal for users who prefer a versatile rewards program with milestone bonuses and want to reduce costs by meeting the waiver criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the joining and renewal fees for both cards?

Axis Bank Horizon Mastercard has a joining and renewal fee of Rs.3,000 each, while HDFC Regalia charges Rs.2,500 for both. HDFC Regalia offers a renewal fee waiver if you spend Rs.3,00,000 annually.

How do the rewards earning rates compare?

Axis Bank Horizon earns 5 EDGE Miles per Rs.100 on travel and 2 EDGE Miles per Rs.100 on other spends. HDFC Regalia earns 4 rewards points per Rs.200 across all spends, including grocery and insurance.

What lounge access benefits do these cards provide?

Axis Bank Horizon offers 6 domestic and 2 international complimentary lounge visits per year. HDFC Regalia provides 8 domestic and 6 international complimentary lounge visits annually.

Is there a fuel surcharge waiver on these cards?

Yes, both cards offer a 1% fuel surcharge waiver with a maximum capping of Rs.400 per statement cycle.

Do these cards charge fees on foreign currency transactions?

Both cards have a forex markup fee of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.

Are there any milestone rewards on these cards?

Axis Bank Horizon offers 1,500 EDGE Miles as a renewal benefit milestone. HDFC Regalia provides bonus rewards of 10,000 points on Rs.5 lakhs spend and 15,000 points on Rs.8 lakhs spend annually.