Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spend, the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card ⓘ wins with a higher base reward rate of 1.25% versus 0.5% for the BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ.
  • For travel and lounges, both cards offer international lounge access (6 per year), but Regalia Gold provides more domestic lounge visits (12 per year) with conditions, plus premium benefits like concierge and boarding edge programs, giving it a slight edge.
  • The BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ is more expensive with Rs 4,999 joining and annual fees, while Regalia Gold’s fees are Rs 2,500 each, with a waiver on Rs 4.00 lakh annual spend.
  • Choose BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ if you focus on dining and grocery rewards and want straightforward lounge access. Pick HDFC Regalia Gold ⓘ if you want better rewards on online shopping, travel perks, and can meet the fee waiver spend.

Side by Side

DetailBoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘHDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card ⓘ
Annual feeRs 4,999Rs 2,500
Joining feeRs 4,999Rs 2,500
Fee waiver on spendRs 4.00 lakh annual (Rs 33,333 per month)
Reward rate0.5% base, 2.5% dining/grocery1.25% base, 6.25% online
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge8 per year12 per year (3/quarter with Rs 60,000 prior quarter spend)
International lounge6 per year6 per year
Forex markup1.99%2%
Best suited forRewards, dining, grocery, loungeRewards, travel, lounge, shopping

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ yields Rs 50 back at the base rate of 0.5%, but this jumps to Rs 250 on dining and grocery spends, showcasing its focus on these categories. This card suits users who spend heavily in these areas, making it a good choice for foodies and frequent grocery buyers. However, outside these categories, the rewards are modest.

The HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card ⓘ delivers Rs 125 as base rewards on Rs 10,000 spent, which is 2.5 times higher than the BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ base rate. Its standout category is online spending with a 6.25% reward rate, translating to Rs 625 back on Rs 10,000 online spend. This makes it ideal for shoppers who buy regularly online, and the broader base rate also benefits everyday purchases more than the SBI card.

Fees Compared

The BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ charges Rs 4,999 as both joining and annual fees, with no fee waiver on spend. To simply cover the annual fee with base rewards at 0.5%, a cardholder must spend around Rs 10.00 lakh annually, making it less forgiving for moderate spenders.

In contrast, the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card ⓘ has lower joining and annual fees of Rs 2,500 each, which can be fully waived by spending Rs 4.00 lakh annually (approximately Rs 33,333 monthly). The break-even spend to cover the fee with base rewards is about Rs 2.00 lakh annually, making it more accessible for mid-level spenders who also benefit from category bonuses and welcome vouchers worth Rs 2,500.

Which One Should You Pick

Choose the BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ if you prioritize rewards in dining and grocery spends and want straightforward lounge access without complicated fee waivers. It suits big spenders who can easily justify the high fees with category spend and value multiple international and domestic lounge visits.

Opt for the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card ⓘ if you want a card that rewards online shopping heavily and provides a solid base reward rate. Its premium benefits like a boarding edge program and 24/7 concierge service enhance the travel experience, while the fee waiver threshold is achievable for many. It fits those who want a well-rounded card with travel perks and moderate fees.

In conclusion, if your spend is focused on dining and groceries and you prefer a high-end lounge experience, the BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ is better. If you want more value from online shopping and a lower cost of ownership with premium travel benefits, the HDFC Regalia Gold ⓘ is the smarter pick. Moderate spenders or those who dislike high fees should skip BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ, while those uninterested in travel perks or unable to meet the fee waiver spend might avoid Regalia Gold ⓘ.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the domestic lounge visit rules on the Regalia Gold ⓘ: 3 visits per quarter require Rs 60,000 prior quarter spend.
  • Review redemption values carefully; points are the reward type but actual value can vary by redemption method.
  • Calculate if your monthly spend will realistically cover or waive the annual fee, especially for the BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ with its high fee.
  • For foreign travel, note the forex markup differences: 1.99% for SBI ELITE ⓘ versus 2% for Regalia Gold ⓘ.
  • Check which airports have lounges accessible with each card to ensure your preferred airports are covered.

FAQ

What is the difference in base reward rates between these cards?+
The HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card ⓘ offers a higher base reward rate of 1.25%, compared to 0.5% for the BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ.
Can the annual fee be waived on both cards?+
Only the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card ⓘ offers a fee waiver on an annual spend of Rs 4.00 lakh. The BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ does not have a fee waiver policy.
How many lounge visits do the cards provide?+
The BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ offers 8 domestic and 6 international lounge visits annually. The Regalia Gold ⓘ offers 12 domestic lounge visits annually (3 per quarter after Rs 60,000 prior quarter spend) and 6 international visits.
Are there any welcome benefits on these cards?+
Yes, the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card ⓘ provides a voucher worth Rs 2,500 as a welcome benefit. The BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ does not list any welcome benefit.
What is the forex markup on foreign transactions?+
The BoM SBI Card ELITE ⓘ charges a forex markup of 1.99%, slightly lower than the 2% charged by the HDFC Bank Regalia Gold Credit Card ⓘ.