Standard Chartered Smart vs HDFC Regalia
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
Standard Chartered Smart wins 5-4. Entry tier alternative — flat 2% on online spends. HDFC Regalia is still the right call if mid-tier travel without the regalia gold price tag..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | Standard Chartered Smart | HDFC Regalia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹499 | · ₹2,500 |
| Joining fee | ₹499 | · ₹2,500 |
| Top reward rate | · 2% (shopping) | 2.7% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2.7% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | 2% |
| Welcome bonus | = ₹500 Amazon voucher on first 30-day spend | = 2,500 reward points on first 90-day spend |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹120,000 / yr | · ₹300,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹250,000 | · ₹1,200,000 |
| Min credit score | 720 | · 770 |
| Editorial rating | · 4/5 | 4.3/5 |
Benefits compared
Standard Chartered Smart
- 2% cashback on online spends (capped at ₹100/month)
- 1% cashback on offline + bill payments
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Up to 15% off on partner restaurants (EazyDiner)
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
›Standard Chartered Smart vs HDFC Regalia: which is better?
Standard Chartered Smart 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 Standard Chartered Smart for online shopping, HDFC Regalia for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
Standard Chartered Smart: ₹500 Amazon voucher on first 30-day spend. HDFC Regalia: 2,500 reward points on first 90-day spend.