HDFC Regalia Gold vs Kotak Zen
Full side-by-side comparison based on verified card data. Updated April 2026.
Quick Verdict
HDFC Regalia Gold wins 5 of 8 dimensions with a CardTrail Score of 8.7/10 vs 7.9/10.
| Feature | HDFC Regalia Gold | Kotak Zen |
|---|---|---|
| CardTrail Score | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Annual Fee | ₹2,500 | ₹1,500 |
| Base Reward Rate | 1.73% | 1% |
| Max Reward Rate | 3.3% | 3% |
| Forex Markup | 2% | 3.5% |
| Domestic Lounges | 8 | 8 |
| International Lounges | 4 | 3 |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes | Yes |
| Network | Visa Signature | Visa Signature |
When to Choose HDFC Regalia Gold
- You can meet the fee waiver condition: Spend ₹3L/year
- You travel internationally — saves ₹1,500/year on ₹1L forex spend
- You want higher rewards — up to 3.3% vs 3%
- Your primary spend is: travel, dining, general
When to Choose Kotak Zen
- You can meet the fee waiver condition: Spend ₹1.5L/year
- Your primary spend is: general, value
Forex Cost Comparison
On ₹1,00,000 annual international spending: HDFC Regalia Gold costs ₹2,360 in forex fees vs Kotak Zen at ₹4,130. You save ₹1,770/year with HDFC Regalia Gold.
Annual Fee Value Analysis
To break even on HDFC Regalia Gold's ₹2,500 fee at 1.73% rewards, spend ₹12,042/month.
To break even on Kotak Zen's ₹1,500 fee at 1% rewards, spend ₹12,500/month.