HDFC Bank Regalia First Credit Card Visa vs Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
vs
The HDFC Bank Regalia First Credit Card Visa and the Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card both offer Visa network benefits but differ in fee structure, rewards focus, and lounge access. HDFC Regalia First emphasizes rewards on insurance, utilities, and education spends with milestone bonuses, while Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature targets higher reward points on everyday spends and partner merchants. Fee waivers and lounge benefits also vary, making each card suitable for different user preferences.
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:
| Feature | HDFC Bank Regalia First Credit Card Visa | Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | HDFC Bank | Axis Bank |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
| Joining fee | Joining Fee of Rs.1000 | Joining Fee of Rs.500 |
| Annual / renewal fee | Renewal Fee of Rs.1000 | Second Year Onwards Annual Fee of Rs.500 |
| Annual fee waiver | Spend Rs.1 Lakh For Renewal Fee Waiver | Spend Rs.2 Lakhs For Annual Fee Waiver |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 3 Rewards Points For Every Rs.200 on Insurance | Earn 5 EDGE Reward Points on Rs.100 |
| Lounge — domestic | — | 4 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Calendar Year |
| Welcome benefit | Welcome Benefit - Rs.1000 Reward Points | Welcome Benefits - 2500 EDGE Reward Points |
| Milestone benefit | 5000 Bonus RP on Rs.9 Lakh Spends Per Anniversary Year; Earn 7500 Reward Points on Spend of Rs.6 Lakhs | — |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
For rewards, the Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card offers higher base earning rates with 5 EDGE Reward Points per Rs.100 spent and 10 points on select merchants like Zomato and Myntra, making it more rewarding for everyday and online shopping spends. The HDFC Regalia First card provides 3 Reward Points per Rs.200 on specific categories such as insurance, utilities, and education, plus milestone bonuses on high spends. However, Samsung Axis Bank's broader and higher reward rates generally make it better for maximizing points on varied spends.
Which is better for travel?
In terms of travel benefits, the Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card provides 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per calendar year, which adds tangible value for frequent domestic travelers. The HDFC Regalia First card does not list any lounge access benefits domestically or internationally. Both cards have the same forex markup of 3.5%, so neither has a distinct advantage on foreign currency transactions. Overall, Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature is better suited for travel convenience.
Which has lower effective cost?
The Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card has a lower joining and renewal fee of Rs.500 compared to Rs.1000 for the HDFC Regalia First card. Its fee waiver threshold is Rs.2 lakhs, which is more accessible than the Rs.1 lakh spend required for HDFC's renewal fee waiver. Additionally, Samsung Axis Bank card waives fees from the second year onwards, which may appeal to cost-conscious users. Therefore, Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature is more cost-effective for most users.
Reward Structure and Partner Benefits
Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card offers enhanced rewards on partner brands like Zomato, BigBasket, and Myntra, providing more value for lifestyle and shopping spends. In contrast, HDFC Regalia First focuses on specific categories such as insurance and utilities, which may benefit users with regular spends in these areas.
Fee Waiver Thresholds
The fee waiver for Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature requires Rs.2 lakhs of spend, which is higher than the Rs.1 lakh needed for HDFC Regalia First. However, Samsung's lower annual fee and waiver from the second year onwards may offset this for many users.
Who should pick HDFC Bank Regalia First Credit Card Visa?
Consider HDFC Bank Regalia First Credit Card Visa if you prioritize rewards on insurance, utilities, and education spends and are comfortable with higher annual spends to unlock milestone bonuses. This card suits users who want category-specific rewards and are less focused on lounge access or lower fees.
Who should pick Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card?
Consider Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card if you want higher and more versatile reward points on everyday and partner spends, domestic airport lounge access, and a lower fee structure with easier fee waivers. It is suitable for users seeking travel convenience and better value from regular spends.
Frequently Asked Questions
HDFC Bank Regalia First Credit Card Visa has a joining fee of Rs.1000, while Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card charges Rs.500.
Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card provides 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per calendar year. HDFC Regalia First Credit Card Visa does not offer lounge access.
Both cards charge a forex markup fee of 3.50% on foreign currency transactions.
HDFC Regalia First Credit Card Visa offers milestone rewards such as 5000 bonus reward points on Rs.9 lakh spends per anniversary year and 7500 points on Rs.6 lakh spends. Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature Credit Card does not list milestone benefits.
HDFC Regalia First waives the Rs.1000 renewal fee if you spend Rs.1 lakh annually. Samsung Axis Bank Visa Signature waives the Rs.500 annual fee if you spend Rs.2 lakhs.