HDFC Bank’s update to the HDFC Regalia Credit Card is a targeted rewards improvement that increases dining earnings from 4 reward points to 6 reward points per ₹150 spent at restaurants, effective May 1, 2026. The change applies to existing cardholders automatically, and each reward point continues to be worth ₹0.50. The annual fee remains ₹2,500 and is waived on ₹3 lakh annual spend, so the economics of holding the card are unchanged outside the dining category.
The math matters here: at 4 points per ₹150 and a point value of ₹0.50, the old dining return was 1.33%. At 6 points per ₹150, the return rises to 2%. That is a 50% increase in reward value for restaurant transactions, and it is one of the cleaner reward upgrades in the premium segment. The update does not alter non-dining spends, lounge access, or the fee structure, so the improvement is focused rather than broad-based. Existing cardholders are auto-enrolled, which means there is no need to opt in or activate anything manually.
For users who spend heavily on dining, HDFC Regalia becomes more competitive against cards like SBI Elite, especially now that SBI is cutting lounge visits from 6 to 2 per quarter. Against Axis Atlas, Regalia is not a travel card and therefore cannot compete on mileage earning, but it can still be a practical premium card for urban spenders who prioritize restaurants. The card remains less compelling for users whose spending is concentrated in travel, fuel, or online shopping. That said, if dining is a recurring monthly category, the improved earn rate can deliver measurable incremental value over time.
Cardholders should simply continue using the HDFC Regalia Credit Card at restaurants after May 1, 2026; no enrollment or promo code is required. The only deadline that matters is the effective date of the new rate. Users who are close to the ₹3 lakh annual spend threshold may also find it easier to justify keeping the card because the dining uplift improves overall value without changing the fee. The fine print to watch remains the point value of ₹0.50, which is what determines the true cashback-equivalent return.