Bank of Maharashtra SBI Card PRIME vs HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card: Which Credit Card Wins in 2026?

Quick Verdict

• For everyday spend, the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate and better returns on online shopping, making it the winner.
• For travel and lounge access, the Regalia Gold card also leads with more domestic and international lounge visits and additional premium benefits.
• The Bank of Maharashtra SBI Card PRIMEⓘ has a slightly higher joining and annual fee but lacks a fee waiver, making it more expensive to hold unless you maximize its category rewards.
• Pick the SBI Card PRIMEⓘ if your spending is concentrated in dining, grocery, or utilities and you value lounge access moderately. Choose the Regalia Goldⓘ if you want a card with better rewards on online spends, travel perks, and fee waivers.

Side by Side

Rewards Compared

The Bank of Maharashtra SBI Card PRIMEⓘ provides a base reward of Rs 50 on Rs 10,000 spent. However, it shines in specific categories like dining and grocery, where it offers Rs 250 back per Rs 10,000, and utilities where the return is Rs 500 per Rs 10,000. This means if your spending is focused on these categories, you can earn significantly more than the base rate. Outside these categories, the rewards are modest, and you need to spend nearly Rs 6 lakh annually just to cover the Rs 2,999 annual fee with base rewards alone.

In contrast, the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Cardⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 1.25%, translating to Rs 125 back on Rs 10,000 spent. It also provides a lucrative 6.25% return on online spends, amounting to Rs 625 per Rs 10,000. This card suits users who spend heavily online or want consistent rewards across all categories. The break-even spend to cover the Rs 2,500 annual fee with base rewards is about Rs 2 lakh, significantly lower than the SBI Card PRIMEⓘ.

Fees Compared

The SBI Card PRIMEⓘ charges a joining and annual fee of Rs 2,999 each, with no fee waiver on spending. This means cardholders pay these fees regardless of their usage, which can be a deterrent unless the card’s category rewards are fully utilized.

The Regalia Goldⓘ has a slightly lower joining and annual fee of Rs 2,500 each but offers a fee waiver if you spend Rs 4 lakh annually, or Rs 33,333 monthly. This waiver threshold is more accessible for regular spenders, making the card effectively free to hold if you meet the criteria. The break-even spend to cover the fee with base rewards is about Rs 2 lakh, which is more achievable than the SBI Card PRIMEⓘ’s Rs 6 lakh.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the Bank of Maharashtra SBI Card PRIMEⓘ if your spending is concentrated in dining, grocery, or utilities and you want a card that rewards these categories well. It also suits those who value some lounge access but may not spend enough to justify the Regalia Goldⓘ’s higher lounge limits and premium benefits. However, skip this card if you spend mostly outside its reward categories or want a fee waiver.

Opt for the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent online shopper, traveler, or someone who values premium benefits like concierge and more lounge visits. The fee waiver on Rs 4 lakh annual spend makes it cost-effective for regular spenders. Avoid this card if your spending is low or primarily in categories not rewarded at a higher rate, as the fee waiver threshold might be hard to meet.

Overall, the Regalia Goldⓘ is the better all-rounder for rewards and travel perks, while the SBI Card PRIMEⓘ is a niche pick for category-focused spenders.

What to Check Before You Apply

• Verify if your spending patterns match the card’s category rewards to maximize returns.
• Understand the redemption process and value of points, as these affect overall benefits.
• Calculate if you can meet the fee waiver threshold on the Regalia Goldⓘ to avoid paying annual fees.
• For foreign travel, consider the forex markup and lounge access gates, especially the quarterly spend requirement for Regalia Goldⓘ.

FAQ