HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa vs Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?

HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa vs Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card

In short: HDFC Regalia has the lower annual fee (₹2,500 vs ₹3,000); HDFC Regalia includes 8 airport lounge visits a year, HDFC Marriott Bonvoy 12 airport lounge visits; both charge a 3.5% forex markup.

Key factsHDFC RegaliaHDFC Marriott Bonvoy
Annual fee₹2,500₹3,000
Joining fee₹2,500₹3,000
Annual fee waivedOn ₹3 lakh annual spendNot listed
Top reward rate4 reward points For Every ₹2008 Marriott Bonvoy Points per ₹150 at Marriott Bonvoy
Base rewards4 reward points For Every ₹2002 Marriott Bonvoy Points For Every ₹150 Other Purchases
Lounge access8 airport lounge visits a year12 airport lounge visits
Forex markup3.5%3.5%

From issuer benefit data, checked 24 Oct 2026. Milestones, welcome benefits and caps are in the full table below.

What you'd earn in a year

On ₹20,000 a month with ₹5,000 at each card's top rate, HDFC Marriott Bonvoy returns about ₹2,700 more a year after annual fees (₹5,600 vs ₹2,400 in rewards).

Spend profileHDFC RegaliaHDFC Marriott Bonvoy
Reward value: top rate / base rate1% / 1%5.33% / 1.33%
₹20,000 a month, all general spends₹2,400₹3,200
₹20,000 a month, ₹5,000 of it at each card's top rate₹2,400₹5,600
Annual fee₹2,500₹3,000

Estimates from the earn rates above, with stated cashback caps applied, before exclusions. Reward points are valued at the card's best listed redemption (often travel or vouchers via the bank's portal); cash-back on the statement is usually worth less. Annual fees may be waived on spend (see the table below).

The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa and the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card both offer premium benefits but cater to different spending preferences. Regalia focuses on versatile reward points with milestone bonuses and balanced lounge access, while Marriott Bonvoy targets frequent travelers and Marriott loyalists with higher points on Marriott spends and multiple free night awards. Both cards have similar forex markups but differ in fee waiver structures and lounge access quantities.

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 → Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card
Best for travel → Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card
Best for low fee → HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa
Best for beginners → HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa
Feature HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card
BankHDFC BankHDFC Bank
NetworkVisaDiners
Joining feeJoining Fee of Rs. 2500Joining Fee of Rs.3000
Annual / renewal feeRenewal Fee of Rs. 2500Renewal Fee of Rs.3000
Annual fee waiverSpend Rs.300000 For Renewal Fee Waiver—
Top reward rateEarn 4 Rewards Points For Every Rs.200Earn 8 Marriott Bonvoy Points per Rs.150 at Marriott Bonvoy
Base rate (other spends)—Earn 2 Marriott Bonvoy Points For Every Rs.150 Other Purchases
Lounge — domestic8 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Year12 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Within India
Lounge — international6 Complimentary International Lounge Access12 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Outside India
Fuel surcharge waiver1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver—
Welcome benefit—Welcome Gift - 1 Free Night Award on Every Anniversary Year
Milestone benefitEarn 10000 Bonus Rewards Points on Rs. 5 Lakhs Spends; Earn 15000 Rewards Points on Spend of Rs.8 Lakhs1 Free Night Award on Spend of Rs.6 Lakhs in an Anniversary Year; 1 Free Night Award on Spend of Rs.9 Lakhs in an Anniversary Year
Foreign currency markup3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions

Which is better for rewards?

The Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card clearly leads in rewards, offering 8 Marriott Bonvoy Points per Rs.150 spent at Marriott properties, which translates to a higher effective reward rate of about 5.33% for top category spends compared to Regalia's 1% equivalent. Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy rewards points on dining, entertainment, travel, and grocery at accelerated rates, while Regalia offers a flat 4 reward points per Rs.200 (1%) with milestone bonuses at high spends. If you prioritize flexible redemption and higher rewards on Marriott spends, Marriott Bonvoy is better. However, Regalia offers balanced rewards across grocery and insurance categories with milestone bonuses that add value for high spenders.

Which is better for travel?

Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card is superior for travel benefits, providing 12 complimentary airport lounge accesses both domestically and internationally, compared to Regalia's 8 domestic and 6 international lounges. Marriott also offers free night awards as welcome and milestone benefits, which can be valuable for frequent Marriott stays. Regalia provides decent lounge access and the ability to redeem points for travel, but Marriott Bonvoy's travel-centric rewards and elite status benefits make it a better choice for travelers loyal to Marriott or those seeking more lounge access.

Which has lower effective cost?

The HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa has a joining and renewal fee of Rs.2500 with a clear waiver if you spend Rs.3,00,000 annually, making it easier to waive the fee for moderate spenders. Marriott Bonvoy charges Rs.3000 for joining and renewal with no listed fee waiver in our data, which could mean a higher effective cost unless you benefit from the free night awards and elite status perks. Both cards have a 3.5% forex markup, but Regalia offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver while Marriott Bonvoy does not list any fuel surcharge waiver. Overall, Regalia may be more cost-effective for moderate spenders aiming to avoid fees.

Co-brand Program and Travel Focus

Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card is a co-branded card focused on Marriott hotel stays, offering 8 points per Rs.150 spent at Marriott and free night awards that enhance travel value. In contrast, HDFC Regalia is a general rewards card with a flat reward rate and milestone bonuses, making it more versatile but less travel-specialized.

Lounge Access Comparison

Marriott Bonvoy offers a total of 24 complimentary airport lounge visits annually (12 domestic and 12 international), which is higher than Regalia's combined 14 (8 domestic and 6 international). This makes Marriott Bonvoy more attractive for frequent flyers seeking lounge access.

Fee Waiver and Fuel Surcharge

Regalia provides a clear renewal fee waiver on spending Rs.3,00,000 annually and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, which can reduce effective costs. Marriott Bonvoy does not list any fee waiver or fuel surcharge waiver in our data, potentially leading to higher costs for moderate spenders.

Who should pick HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa?

Consider HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa if you want a balanced rewards card with consistent points across retail, grocery, and insurance spends, plus milestone bonuses that reward high spending. It is also suitable if you prefer a lower joining and renewal fee with a straightforward waiver on Rs.3,00,000 annual spend. Additionally, if you value a mix of domestic and international lounge access and a fuel surcharge waiver, Regalia is a practical choice.

Who should pick Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card?

Consider Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card if you are a frequent traveler, especially one who stays at Marriott properties, as it offers superior rewards on Marriott spends and multiple free night awards as welcome and milestone benefits. It is also ideal if you want extensive airport lounge access both in India and internationally and value complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. This card suits those who can leverage its travel perks and higher reward rates despite a higher joining fee without a listed waiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the joining and renewal fees for these cards?

HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa charges Rs.2500 for joining and renewal with a fee waiver on spending Rs.3,00,000 annually. Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card charges Rs.3000 for joining and renewal with no fee waiver listed in our data.

Which card offers better rewards on Marriott hotel spends?

Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card offers 8 Marriott Bonvoy Points per Rs.150 spent at Marriott properties, which is significantly higher than Regalia's flat 4 reward points per Rs.200 on all spends.

How many complimentary airport lounge visits do these cards provide?

Marriott Bonvoy offers 12 domestic and 12 international complimentary lounge accesses annually, totaling 24. Regalia provides 8 domestic and 6 international lounge visits per year, totaling 14.

Is there a fuel surcharge waiver on these cards?

HDFC Bank Regalia Credit Card Visa offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, while the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank Credit Card does not list any fuel surcharge waiver in our data.

Do these cards offer milestone benefits?

Yes, Regalia offers bonus reward points on spends of Rs.5 Lakhs and Rs.8 Lakhs annually. Marriott Bonvoy provides free night awards on spends of Rs.6 Lakhs, Rs.9 Lakhs, and Rs.15 Lakhs in an anniversary year.

What is the forex markup fee on these cards?

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