HDFC Regalia Gold vs IDFC FIRST Wow
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IDFC FIRST Wow wins 5-4. Secured card backed by FD — accessible to thin-credit-file applicants. HDFC Regalia Gold is still the right call if mid-tier travel + dining without the diners black price tag.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC Regalia Gold | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹2,500 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹2,500 | None |
| Top reward rate | 25% (travel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 4% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | · 2% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 2,500 reward points + ₹1,500 Marriott / Cult.fit voucher | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹400,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹1,200,000 | — |
| Min credit score | · 770 | 600 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4/5 |
Benefits compared
HDFC Regalia Gold
- 5x reward points on travel + dining via SmartBuy
- 4 complimentary international lounge visits per year (Priority Pass)
- 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year
- Annual memberships: Club Vistara Silver, MMT Black Elite
- Low forex markup: 2%
- Milestone benefits at ₹1.5L, ₹3L and ₹4L spend
IDFC FIRST Wow
- 1 reward point per ₹100 (no rate change cliff)
- Lifetime free, no annual fee
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits/quarter
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Backed by FD: easy approval
FAQ
›HDFC Regalia Gold vs IDFC FIRST Wow: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Wow wins on more dimensions (5 vs 4). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use HDFC Regalia Gold for its best categories, IDFC FIRST Wow for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
HDFC Regalia Gold: 2,500 reward points + ₹1,500 Marriott / Cult.fit voucher. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.