HDFC Bank to cut rewards from May; link lounge access to spends from July on select credit cards

HDFC Bank is set to roll out a series of changes to its Regalia Gold and Diners Privilege credit cards in the coming months, tightening some existing benefits while introducing new travel-linked features. The revisions, effective May 15 and July 1, signal a shift toward more spend-driven rewards and conditional perks.

From May 15: Lower base rewards, higher fees

Starting May 15, HDFC Bank will revise the base reward points structure for Regalia Gold credit cardholders, effectively reducing the earn rate on regular spending.

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Customers will earn 5 reward points for every ₹200 spent, compared to the earlier 4 points per ₹150. While the headline number of points appears higher, the change lowers the reward accrual per rupee spent. Accelerated rewards on specific categories will continue unchanged.

The bank will also increase the Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) fee to 1.75% on international transactions conducted in Indian rupees. This applies to spends made abroad or with foreign merchants billing in INR.

Additionally, a ₹199 fee will be levied for card reissuance in case of loss, theft, or damage.

From July 1: Lounge access becomes spend-linked

From July 1, complimentary domestic airport lounge access will no longer be unconditional for either Regalia Gold or Diners Privilege cardholders.

For Regalia Gold users, the existing benefit of three domestic lounge visits per calendar quarter will now require spending of ₹60,000 in the previous quarter. Access will continue via direct card swipe at lounges, without vouchers. However, international lounge access—six visits annually through Priority Pass—will remain unchanged and without any spending requirement.

For Diners Privilege customers, lounge access will also be linked to quarterly spending of ₹60,000. On meeting the threshold, users will receive three lounge access vouchers—two for domestic lounges and one for international use.

These will need to be generated via the SmartBuy platform and presented with a QR code at participating lounges. If the spending condition is not met, no vouchers will be issued.

New Travel Edge Program: Benefits tied to travel activity

Alongside these changes, HDFC Bank is introducing the Travel Edge Program for Regalia Gold cardholders. The feature allows customers to avail any two complimentary benefits per calendar quarter by uploading their boarding pass.

The offerings include complimentary spa sessions, buffet meals at partner hotels, airport transfers via Uber (up to ₹750 per ride), and room upgrades at select hotels.

These benefits are restricted to the destination city mentioned on the boarding pass and are accessible through vouchers issued after validation.

A shift toward conditional benefits

The upcoming changes suggest HDFC Bank is recalibrating its credit card value proposition by linking key benefits—especially lounge access—to spending thresholds, while also reducing base reward accrual rates.

While the introduction of travel-related perks adds new use cases, the overall revisions may reduce the value for low-spending users, making higher engagement necessary to fully access card benefits.

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