HDFC Bank has something for everyone in the world of premium credit cards. If you’re a big spender looking for top-tier luxury, the Infinia Metal is made just for you but only if you’re invited. On the other hand, the Regalia Gold brings premium benefits within easier reach, perfect for professionals who want a taste of luxury without the heavy requirements. Let’s break down what each card offers and see which one fits you best.
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HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card
The HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card is the most premium offering from the bank. Its sleek metal design highlights its exclusive nature, and it is offered only by invitation. This card is designed for ultra-high-net-worth individuals who expect top-tier rewards and unmatched lifestyle privileges. It covers everything from luxury travel and fine dining to high-end lifestyle benefits.
HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card
The HDFC Regalia Gold Credit Card sits just below the ultra-premium range, offering strong lifestyle and travel benefits for high-income individuals. It is ideal for professionals who want premium perks without the strict entry barriers of cards like Infinia Metal. The card is application-based and comes with a sleek dark-to-gold design that reflects its premium feel.
Recent updates have made the Regalia Gold even more attractive, including limited-time first-year-free offers and better welcome rewards.
HDFC Infinia Metal vs HDFC Regalia Gold: Annual Fees and Waivers
The annual fee is a key difference between these two cards. The HDFC Infinia Metal charges ₹12,500 plus GST (around ₹14,750 total). This fee is waived if you spend ₹10 lakh or more in a year. It’s clearly designed for heavy spenders who can make the most of the card’s elite benefits.
On the other hand, the HDFC Regalia Gold has a much lower annual fee of ₹2,500 plus GST (about ₹2,950 total). The fee is waived with just ₹4 lakh in annual spending, making it a better fit for users who want premium perks without the high spending requirement.
| Feature | HDFC Infinia Metal | HDFC Regalia Gold |
| Annual Fee | ₹12,500 + GST (≈ ₹14,750) | ₹2,500 + GST (≈ ₹2,950) |
| Fee Waiver Condition | Spend ₹10 lakh in 12 months | Spend ₹4 lakh in 12 months |
| Target Audience | Ultra-high spenders | Affluent professionals |
| Accessibility | Invitation-only | Application-based |
Welcome Benefits Comparison
Both cards come with strong welcome benefits, but they cater to different user profiles.
Infinia Metal gives 12,500 reward points when you pay the joining fee and activate the card. You also get a free Club Marriott membership for the first year. Since reward points on this card have a 1:1 value for travel and premium spends, the ₹12,500 worth of points effectively offsets the joining fee.
Regalia Gold, on the other hand, offers a ₹2,500 gift voucher—equal to the joining fee, plus free memberships to Swiggy One and MakeMyTrip Black Elite. To unlock these, you need to spend ₹1 lakh within 90 days of getting the card. This setup provides upfront value and motivates users to engage with the card early.
Rewards Structure and Earning Potential
Base Rewards
The Infinia Metal gives 5 reward points for every ₹150 spent on most purchases. When used for travel or premium redemptions, this gives you an effective return of 3.3%.
Regalia Gold offers 4 points per ₹150 on regular spending, which works out to a 2.67% return. However, it gives a major boost on select brands—20 points per ₹150 at Myntra, Marks & Spencer, Nykaa, and Reliance Digital. That’s a high 6.6% reward rate, making it very rewarding if you shop frequently on these platforms.
SmartBuy Platform Benefits
Both cards offer extra rewards on HDFC Bank’s SmartBuy platform, but the Infinia Metal clearly leads in earning potential.
With Infinia Metal:
- Flights earn 5X rewards (effective return: 16.5%)
- Hotels via MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip earn 10X rewards (33% return)
- Instant vouchers and Apple Store also earn 5X rewards
- You can earn up to 25,000 bonus points per month, allowing heavy users to extract high value
With Regalia Gold:
- Flights earn 5X rewards (6.5% return)
- Hotels earn 10X rewards (13% return)
- Instant vouchers also get 5X rewards (6.5% return)
- The monthly caps are lower, but still offer good value for moderate spenders
In short, SmartBuy boosts both cards—but Infinia is built for high spenders, while Regalia Gold offers meaningful rewards for regular users.
Travel Benefits and Lounge Access
The HDFC Infinia Metal offers unlimited free access to both domestic and international airport lounges through Priority Pass. This benefit applies to both the primary cardholder and add-on users. It’s ideal for frequent and international travelers who value comfort and convenience while flying.
The Regalia Gold has a limited lounge benefit. You get:
- 12 free domestic lounge visits per year
- 6 free international lounge visits per year via Priority Pass
Priority Pass Access
Both cards come with a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
- Infinia Metal gives unlimited access to over 1,000 international lounges globally, with no visit limits.
- Regalia Gold gives access to the same lounge network, but with a cap of 6 visits per year.
Domestic lounge access under Regalia Gold is separate and doesn’t use the Priority Pass quota.
In summary, Infinia Metal is designed for frequent flyers with global travel needs, while Regalia Gold caters to moderate travelers with structured access.
Insurance Coverage and Protection
HDFC Infinia Metal offers high-value protection suited for top-tier users:
- ₹3 crore accidental air death cover
₹50 lakh emergency overseas hospitalization - ₹9 lakh credit shield (covers outstanding dues in case of death)
Regalia Gold provides solid but lower coverage:
- ₹1 crore accidental air death cover
- ₹15 lakh emergency overseas hospitalization
- ₹9 lakh credit shield
Infinia Metal is clearly geared for users with higher travel risk and financial exposure, while Regalia Gold offers balanced protection for frequent professionals and travelers.
Exclusive Benefits and Lifestyle Privileges
Golf and Recreation
The Infinia Metal stands alone in offering unlimited complimentary golf access at leading courses across India and select international courses.
The Regalia Gold does not include golf benefits.
Hotel and Dining Privileges
The HDFC Infinia Metal Credit Card offers premium hotel and dining benefits that cater to frequent luxury travelers. Through its partnership with ITC Hotels, cardholders can enjoy the “Stay 3 Pay 2” program and 1+1 complimentary buffet offers, both of which require advance booking through the concierge. These benefits can lead to substantial savings on upscale stays and dining. Additionally, Infinia Metal includes a complimentary Club Marriott membership for the first year, which provides up to 20% discounts on dining and hotel bookings across the Asia-Pacific region. For users who frequently travel or dine at high-end properties, these privileges can easily justify a significant part of the card’s annual fee.
In contrast, the Regalia Gold focuses on more mainstream but still valuable offerings. It provides dining discounts through Swiggy Dineout and rewards users with milestone-based vouchers that can be redeemed for hotel and dining experiences. While less luxurious, these benefits are practical and appealing for professionals seeking lifestyle perks without the exclusivity barrier.
Eligibility and Application Process
The HDFC Infinia Metal is an invite-only credit card, meaning it cannot be obtained through a regular application process. It is typically extended to existing HDFC Bank customers who maintain high account balances and demonstrate a strong overall relationship with the bank. Factors such as current credit limits, spending behavior, and the customer’s long-term value to the bank are carefully evaluated before issuing an invitation. This exclusivity reinforces the card’s ultra-premium positioning.
On the other hand, the Regalia Gold is open to applications but has recently revised its eligibility criteria. As of 2025, private sector employees must have a monthly income of ₹1.5 lakh, government employees must earn ₹1 lakh per month, and self-employed individuals must show an annual ITR of at least ₹18 lakh. These thresholds ensure the card remains aspirational while still accessible to high-earning professionals.
Optimal Spending Thresholds
An analysis of spending patterns reveals clear differences in value between the two cards based on annual expenditure. For conservative users spending around ₹3 lakh per year, the Regalia Gold delivers a positive net benefit due to its lower fee and achievable rewards, while the Infinia Metal results in a net loss because its high annual fee outweighs the benefits at this level. For moderate spenders in the ₹5 to ₹8 lakh range, both cards become viable depending on individual usage. The Regalia Gold’s fee waiver at ₹4 lakh makes it an attractive choice for this segment, especially for users who do not frequently engage with luxury benefits. However, the Infinia Metal starts to become competitive if the user actively utilises SmartBuy offers or frequently avails premium services like lounge access, hotel privileges, and concierge assistance. For heavy spenders exceeding ₹10 lakh annually, the Infinia Metal clearly outperforms Regalia Gold due to its unlimited reward-earning potential, high redemption value, and fee waiver, delivering superior overall returns that the Regalia Gold cannot match at higher spend levels.
HDFC Infinia Metal vs. HDFC Regalia Gold: Choosing Between the Cards
Deciding between the HDFC Infinia Metal and Regalia Gold depends on how much you spend, how often you travel, and the kind of lifestyle benefits you want. The Infinia Metal is best for people who spend a lot across many categories, travel often—especially internationally—and want premium services like unlimited golf and luxury hotel offers.
The Regalia Gold is a better fit for professionals who want good benefits at a lower cost. It works well for those who shop at partner brands, travel occasionally, and want to earn rewards without a high annual fee. Its milestone benefits and easier eligibility also make it a good way to start a relationship with HDFC Bank’s premium cards.
If you’re new to premium credit cards, Regalia Gold is a strong entry point. If you already spend heavily and want top-tier perks, Infinia Metal is the more suitable choice.
Conclusion
Both the HDFC Infinia Metal and Regalia Gold offer great value in their own categories. The Infinia Metal is one of the top credit cards in India, offering high rewards, unlimited lounge access, and exclusive benefits for those who can meet its high requirements. The Regalia Gold provides strong rewards and lifestyle benefits with easier access and a lower cost.
Your choice should depend on your spending habits, travel needs, and financial comfort. If your spending is moderate, Regalia Gold offers excellent value. If you’re a high spender or frequent traveler, Infinia Metal will deliver more value over time. Either way, both cards are strong upgrades from regular cards and can greatly enhance your benefits if used well.
