HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa vs LIC Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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In short: LIC Axis has the lower annual fee (none vs ₹2,500); HDFC Regalia includes 8 airport lounge visits a year, LIC Axis 2 airport lounge visits a quarter; both charge a 3.5% forex markup.
| Key facts | HDFC Regalia | LIC Axis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹2,500 | None |
| Joining fee | ₹2,500 | None |
| Annual fee waived | On ₹3 lakh annual spend | Not listed |
| Lounge access | 8 airport lounge visits a year | 2 airport lounge visits a quarter |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 3.5% |
From issuer benefit data, checked 22 Oct 2026. Rewards, milestones and welcome benefits are in the full table below.
The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa and the Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card both offer Visa network benefits but cater to different user needs. Regalia has a higher joining and renewal fee with fee waiver conditions, while the Axis Bank card has no joining or renewal fees. Rewards and lounge access vary significantly, with Regalia focusing more on premium travel benefits and higher reward points, whereas the Axis Bank card offers simpler rewards with a focus on LIC premium payments.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
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| Feature | HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa | Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | HDFC Bank | Axis Bank |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
| Joining fee | Joining Fee of Rs. 2500 | Joining Fee - Nil |
| Annual / renewal fee | Renewal Fee of Rs. 2500 | Annual Fee - Nil |
| Annual fee waiver | Spend Rs.300000 For Renewal Fee Waiver | — |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 4 Rewards Points For Every Rs.200 | Earn 1 Reward Points Per Rs.100 |
| Lounge — domestic | 8 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Year | 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter |
| Lounge — international | 6 Complimentary International Lounge Access | — |
| Milestone benefit | Earn 10000 Bonus Rewards Points on Rs. 5 Lakhs Spends; Earn 15000 Rewards Points on Spend of Rs.8 Lakhs | — |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa provides a more rewarding points system, offering 4 reward points per Rs. 200 spent, including on groceries and insurance, with milestone bonuses on high spends. In contrast, the Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card offers 1 reward point per Rs. 100 spent and 2 points per Rs. 100 on LIC premium payments but lacks milestone bonuses. Regalia is better suited for users who spend more and want to maximize reward points, while the Axis Bank card is simpler but less rewarding overall.
Which is better for travel?
For travel benefits, the HDFC Regalia card stands out with 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per year and 6 international lounge accesses, supporting premium travel experiences. The Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature card offers 2 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per quarter but no international lounge access. Additionally, Regalia allows redemption of reward points for travel at favorable rates. Therefore, Regalia is more travel-focused, while the Axis Bank card offers more limited travel perks.
Which has lower effective cost?
The Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card has a clear advantage in fees with no joining or renewal fees, making it more accessible for beginners or those wary of upfront costs. The HDFC Regalia card charges Rs. 2500 for joining and renewal but offers a renewal fee waiver on spending Rs. 3 lakhs annually. Both cards have a 3.5% forex markup and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. Overall, Axis Bank’s card is more cost-effective for users who prefer no annual fees and simpler terms.
Reward Redemption Options
HDFC Regalia offers flexible redemption of reward points including travel redemptions at 1 RP = Rs. 0.5 or 0.5 airmiles, and cashback at 1 RP = Rs. 0.20. The Axis Bank card allows redemption against e-vouchers, gift cards, and other products but does not specify travel redemption rates, indicating Regalia has more versatile reward usage.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Both cards provide a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, but the Regalia card’s waiver starts from October 2025, whereas the Axis Bank card offers it currently across all petrol pumps, which may be more beneficial in the short term.
Who should pick HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa?
Consider HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa if you are a frequent traveler seeking premium lounge access both domestically and internationally, and if you spend enough annually to benefit from milestone rewards and renewal fee waivers. This card suits users who want higher reward points on varied categories like groceries and insurance and are comfortable with a higher joining fee.
Who should pick Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card?
Consider Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card if you prefer a no-fee credit card with straightforward rewards, especially if you pay LIC premiums regularly to earn accelerated points. This card is suitable for beginners or those who want basic lounge access without worrying about annual fees or complex fee waivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
HDFC Regalia charges Rs. 2500 for both joining and renewal with a renewal fee waiver on spending Rs. 3 lakhs annually. Lic Axis Bank Visa Signature card has no joining or renewal fees.
HDFC Regalia provides 8 domestic and 6 international complimentary lounge accesses per year, while the Axis Bank card offers 2 domestic lounge accesses per quarter and no international lounges.
Both cards charge a forex markup fee of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.
Only the HDFC Regalia card offers milestone rewards, including 10,000 bonus points on Rs. 5 lakhs spent and 15,000 points on Rs. 8 lakhs spent annually. The Axis Bank card does not have milestone rewards.
Yes, both cards offer a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. The Axis Bank card’s waiver applies currently across all petrol pumps, while HDFC Regalia’s waiver starts from October 2025.
HDFC Regalia allows redemption of reward points for travel bookings and airmiles conversion. The Axis Bank card offers redemption against e-vouchers and gift cards but does not specify travel redemption.