ICICI Emeralde Private Metal vs HDFC Regalia
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
HDFC Regalia wins 5-3. Mid-tier travel without the Regalia Gold price tag. ICICI Emeralde Private Metal is still the right call if high-net-worth families wanting universal 6 icici points/₹100..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI Emeralde Private Metal | HDFC Regalia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹12,499 | ₹2,500 |
| Joining fee | · ₹12,499 | ₹2,500 |
| Top reward rate | 6% (general) | · 2.7% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 6% | · 2.7% |
| Forex markup | = 2% | = 2% |
| Welcome bonus | = Taj Epicure / EazyDiner Prime / Times Prime annual membership | = 2,500 reward points on first 90-day spend |
| Fee waiver threshold | · ₹1,500,000 / yr | ₹300,000 / yr |
| Min income | · ₹5,000,000 | ₹1,200,000 |
| Min credit score | · 800 | 770 |
| Editorial rating | 4.8/5 | · 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal
- Unlimited domestic + international lounge access for self & guest
- 6 reward points per ₹100 across all categories
- Taj Epicure annual membership included
- 24x7 concierge + Golf privileges
- 2% forex markup
HDFC Regalia
- 4 reward points per ₹150
- 12 domestic + 6 international lounge visits/year
- Low forex markup 2%
- Buy-1-get-1 BookMyShow tickets
- Milestone reward points at ₹1L, ₹5L
FAQ
›ICICI Emeralde Private Metal vs HDFC Regalia: which is better?
HDFC Regalia wins on more dimensions (5 vs 3). 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 ICICI Emeralde Private Metal for its best categories, HDFC Regalia for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal: Taj Epicure / EazyDiner Prime / Times Prime annual membership. HDFC Regalia: 2,500 reward points on first 90-day spend.