HDFC Regalia Gold vs Axis Atlas

[Manu_CK]

I tried to compare Regalia Gold and Atlas with some numbers (which is derived from my spending pattern) using Chat GPT. My prompt is the following

Can you compare HDFC Regalia Gold and Axis Atlas
- Compare the features
- Compare Exclusions
- Calculate the rewards in INR and reward percentage

My spend details are
- Total 8 lakhs a year
- Minimum 1.5 lakh spends in a calendar quarter
- Airline tickets + Hotel spend → <= 2 Lakhs
- Entertainment + Eating out → <= 1 lakhs
- Fuel → 90000
- Other spends will be → School fees, Insurance Payments, Government Utilities, Miscellaneous

• Consider Reg Gold rewards points at 0.50/-
• Consider the card renewal charges in the calculation. If the fees are waived off, consider it as 0/-
• Consider the normal calculations and ACCOR transfer scenarios both

The answer I got is a bit surprising. For the above numbers, Regalia has the upper hand on Atlas.

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4. Reward Calculation (Normal Value)​

HDFC Regalia Gold (₹0.50 / RP)​

1. Flights + Hotels via SmartBuy (5X)
   
   • Base: (₹2,00,000 ÷ ₹150) × 4 = 5,333 RP
   • 5X = 26,665 RP → Value = ₹13,333
   • (₹1,00,000 ÷ ₹150) × 4 = 2,666 RP → ₹1,333
2. Total Value (before fee) = ₹13,333 + ₹1,333 + ₹5,466 + ₹16,000 = ₹36,132
3. Fee after waiver check → Spend > ₹4L → Fee waived = ₹0
4. Final Value = ₹36,132 (Yield = 4.52%)

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Axis Atlas (₹1 / EM)​

1. Flights + Hotels (5 EM/₹100)
   
   • ₹2,00,000 ÷ ₹100 × 5 = 10,000 EM → ₹10,000
   • ₹1,00,000 ÷ ₹100 × 2 = 2,000 EM → ₹2,000
2. Total Value (before fee) = ₹10,000 + ₹2,000 + ₹8,200 + ₹5,000 = ₹25,200
3. Fee after waiver check → Spend < ₹15L → Fee = ₹5,000 + GST = ₹5,900
4. Final Value = ₹19,300 (Yield = 2.41%)

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5. Reward Calculation (Accor Transfer Scenario)​

Assumptions:

• HDFC Regalia Gold (2 RP = 1 ALL Point ≈ ₹1 → same as ₹0.50/RP)
• Axis Atlas: ₹1.80 / EM when transferred to Accor ALL (1 EM = 2 ALL points, 2 ALL points = €0.04)

HDFC Regalia Gold (₹0.50 / RP)​

• No change from normal: ₹36132 net, 4.52% yield.

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Axis Atlas (₹1.80 / EM)​

• Points from normal calculation: 25,200 EM equivalent
• Value = 25,200 × 2 × ₹1.80 = ₹90720
• Milestones (in EM) already included in above
• Fee = ₹5,900
• Final Value = ₹84820 (Yield = 10.6%)

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6. Summary Table​

Card	Normal Value	Normal Yield	Accor Value	Accor Yield
HDFC Regalia Gold	₹36,132	4.52%	₹36,132	4.52%
Axis Atlas	₹19,300	2.41%	₹84,820	10.60%

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n.b., Click here for a clear side by side comparison (Manual Calculation).

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[Manu_CK]

Thanks bro. I am also in the same situation. I have many cards, but last month I got Atlas, and all of my core spends are now moved to Atlas.
With my relationship with HDFC I think I will get RG FYF sometime this year. (Or at the best DCB, but chances are less)
I am planning to consolidate my card strategy with these 2 core cards alone.

I will write a detailed post on how I will use these two cards.
(Only now, after spending 2-3 years + using so many cashback and LTF cards, only now I got some clarity on how to consolidate and move forward).
One good thing I realized is that we need to take cards as per our spend categories and where/how we need returns, and not anything else.

Almost the same case here. Using credit cards since 2005 but I believe I was living under a rock this long 🙁 . I had good enough spends over the years and I believe I wasted them. Only learnt about the points and how to categorize spends since last year; still learning.

Have many cards now (8), but will be reducing them to 3.
1. AMEX Plat Travel → 4L
2. HDFC Reg Gold → 5L
3. Axis Atlas → Rest everything

n.b. RG gets a bigger chunk now because of SmartBuy. If Axis counterparts are better, will definitely re-align the numbers.

 

[cardio_guycardio_guy is verified member.]

@cardio_guy Attaching the excel sheet for calculations

Super. Thanks a lot.
Small suggestion:
If you want, you can make it a public google sheet and share the link so that people can work online.
Make sure your copy is not editable, people can just make copy and work on it.
Experts can give further suggestions on finetuning and correcting mistakes if any.

Tagging some people for visibility and support.
@hender @jk51 @Fini7777 @Sriim @S U D O @Z_S @SSquad @Jatayu @CodeCrusher @panchabhut @the_collector

 

[S U D O]

Thanks for the tag @cardio_guy
I have also been relying on Cashback cards for past few years. Mainly because it is easier to keep track and manage.
But recently decided to get Atlas and explore the reward points game.
Already have HDFC RG.

Thanks a lot @Manu_CK for this thread. We can add our findings here and create an ultimate guide for both RG and Atlas.

 

[Sriim]

I have previously used Regalia Gold and I have always felt that it's a very underrated card. I even got Regalia's milestone bonus points on 5L and 8L spends because of a bug. No experience with Atlas.

 

[Jatayu]

Tagging some people for visibility and support.
[ @Jatayu

Thanks for the tag. As my spends are not high, I am even not accepting pre approved upgrade from Ltf Rg to FYF Rg Gold from last 2 years. Just checked even now too. In future as my spends grow then I would consider participating in this Atlas vs Rg Gold calculation & would contribute even better.

 

[Fini7777]

@Manu_CK @cardio_guy @hellowo₹ld @HumorSimpson
Looks good — you did some solid number crunching 👌. On paper the math is fine, but in reality things don’t always play out the same. For example, I’ve often noticed fares on HDFC SmartBuy are inflated compared to airline sites or OTAs, so the “real” return feels lower than what the reward % suggests. That’s why I never fully trust just the numbers.

From my experience, it really depends case-to-case. Sometimes Regalia Gold gives better value, and other times Atlas pulls ahead. The one thing I’ll agree on — Atlas has a stronger transfer ratio (esp. for Accor and airline partners), but it can be unpredictable with frequent T&C changes.

I currently use both HDFC RG and Atlas, and I’ll soon be trying HSBC TravelOne too. Early feedback says HSBC shows more competitive fares and lower convenience fees than HDFC or Axis, so I’m curious how that plays out.

I’m not a hardcore “miles gamer,” but here are some common mistakes most of us make with these cards:

1. Spending big but not using the best redemption routes.
2. Believing reward numbers blindly — real value depends heavily on where/how you redeem.
3. Flight fares + convenience fees are critical — since most of us redeem for travel, they can make or break the ROI.
4. Focusing only on reward % instead of net return.

So yeah, the math is a great reference point, but the actual value depends on redemption choices, pricing quirks, and even convenience fees.

My Suggestions:

• Consider Atlas if you’re into Accor stays, or if you can hit milestones and enjoy tier-based benefits. Some airline partners (like Air India) also give decent value on transfers — though it depends on the route.
• HDFC Regalia Gold is solid for medium spenders, and if you get it LTF, it’s hard to beat.
• HSBC TravelOne is worth a shot if you book flights via their partner TAs or directly from the HSBC app.

 

[hellowo₹ld]

@Manu_CK @cardio_guy @hellowo₹ld @HumorSimpson
Looks good — you did some solid number crunching 👌. On paper the math is fine, but in reality things don’t always play out the same. For example, I’ve often noticed fares on HDFC SmartBuy are inflated compared to airline sites or OTAs, so the “real” return feels lower than what the reward % suggests. That’s why I never fully trust just the numbers.

From my experience, it really depends case-to-case. Sometimes Regalia Gold gives better value, and other times Atlas pulls ahead. The one thing I’ll agree on — Atlas has a stronger transfer ratio (esp. for Accor and airline partners), but it can be unpredictable with frequent T&C changes.

I currently use both HDFC RG and Atlas, and I’ll soon be trying HSBC TravelOne too. Early feedback says HSBC shows more competitive fares and lower convenience fees than HDFC or Axis, so I’m curious how that plays out.

I’m not a hardcore “miles gamer,” but here are some common mistakes most of us make with these cards:

1. Spending big but not using the best redemption routes.
2. Believing reward numbers blindly — real value depends heavily on where/how you redeem.
3. Flight fares + convenience fees are critical — since most of us redeem for travel, they can make or break the ROI.
4. Focusing only on reward % instead of net return.

So yeah, the math is a great reference point, but the actual value depends on redemption choices, pricing quirks, and even convenience fees.

My Suggestions:

• Consider Atlas if you’re into Accor stays, or if you can hit milestones and enjoy tier-based benefits. Some airline partners (like Air India) also give decent value on transfers — though it depends on the route.
• HDFC Regalia Gold is solid for medium spenders, and if you get it LTF, it’s hard to beat.
• HSBC TravelOne is worth a shot if you book flights via their partner TAs or directly from the HSBC app.

to eat some more of your brain time 😉

Thread 'Is Your Credit Card Worth the Fee? A Guide to Evaluating Net Rewards' https://www.technofino.in/community...-fee-a-guide-to-evaluating-net-rewards.25803/

 

[hellowo₹ld]

@Manu_CK @cardio_guy @hellowo₹ld @HumorSimpson
Looks good — you did some solid number crunching 👌. On paper the math is fine, but in reality things don’t always play out the same. For example, I’ve often noticed fares on HDFC SmartBuy are inflated compared to airline sites or OTAs, so the “real” return feels lower than what the reward % suggests. That’s why I never fully trust just the numbers.

From my experience, it really depends case-to-case. Sometimes Regalia Gold gives better value, and other times Atlas pulls ahead. The one thing I’ll agree on — Atlas has a stronger transfer ratio (esp. for Accor and airline partners), but it can be unpredictable with frequent T&C changes.

I currently use both HDFC RG and Atlas, and I’ll soon be trying HSBC TravelOne too. Early feedback says HSBC shows more competitive fares and lower convenience fees than HDFC or Axis, so I’m curious how that plays out.

I’m not a hardcore “miles gamer,” but here are some common mistakes most of us make with these cards:

1. Spending big but not using the best redemption routes.
2. Believing reward numbers blindly — real value depends heavily on where/how you redeem.
3. Flight fares + convenience fees are critical — since most of us redeem for travel, they can make or break the ROI.
4. Focusing only on reward % instead of net return.

So yeah, the math is a great reference point, but the actual value depends on redemption choices, pricing quirks, and even convenience fees.

My Suggestions:

• Consider Atlas if you’re into Accor stays, or if you can hit milestones and enjoy tier-based benefits. Some airline partners (like Air India) also give decent value on transfers — though it depends on the route.
• HDFC Regalia Gold is solid for medium spenders, and if you get it LTF, it’s hard to beat.
• HSBC TravelOne is worth a shot if you book flights via their partner TAs or directly from the HSBC app.

agree. one thing I only consider whether that credit card worth the fee or not only after redemption.

for cashback its straight, for voucher upto 20% discount value, for hotel or flight booking same location, similar hotel or flight fares.

but that can only be known after redemption and for majority multiple years, until then they have to start somewhere and that needs numbers.

so, IMO these calculations helps them to choose best one. Providing both low and high numbers means they can expect their final net return in that range and can only be procced if they satisfied with it.

because we dont know whether they take Indigo or Vistara, marriot or accor or Oyo..

 

[Manu_CK]

@Manu_CK @cardio_guy @hellowo₹ld @HumorSimpson
Looks good — you did some solid number crunching 👌. On paper the math is fine, but in reality things don’t always play out the same. For example, I’ve often noticed fares on HDFC SmartBuy are inflated compared to airline sites or OTAs, so the “real” return feels lower than what the reward % suggests. That’s why I never fully trust just the numbers.

From my experience, it really depends case-to-case. Sometimes Regalia Gold gives better value, and other times Atlas pulls ahead. The one thing I’ll agree on — Atlas has a stronger transfer ratio (esp. for Accor and airline partners), but it can be unpredictable with frequent T&C changes.

I currently use both HDFC RG and Atlas, and I’ll soon be trying HSBC TravelOne too. Early feedback says HSBC shows more competitive fares and lower convenience fees than HDFC or Axis, so I’m curious how that plays out.

I’m not a hardcore “miles gamer,” but here are some common mistakes most of us make with these cards:

1. Spending big but not using the best redemption routes.
2. Believing reward numbers blindly — real value depends heavily on where/how you redeem.
3. Flight fares + convenience fees are critical — since most of us redeem for travel, they can make or break the ROI.
4. Focusing only on reward % instead of net return.

So yeah, the math is a great reference point, but the actual value depends on redemption choices, pricing quirks, and even convenience fees.

My Suggestions:

• Consider Atlas if you’re into Accor stays, or if you can hit milestones and enjoy tier-based benefits. Some airline partners (like Air India) also give decent value on transfers — though it depends on the route.
• HDFC Regalia Gold is solid for medium spenders, and if you get it LTF, it’s hard to beat.
• HSBC TravelOne is worth a shot if you book flights via their partner TAs or directly from the HSBC app.

@Fini7777 You are correct; case to case the yield varies!

I am neither a miles person, but with the 'influence' of social media content, I used to think that Atlas is better than RG. However, I got RG before Atlas and once I start using RG, I got a better hold on the flexibility it provides and practical value (real life) it has.

• Simple quarterly milestones are good enough for me.
• On top of it, the exclusions on Atlas makes it difficult to achieve the milestones.
• RG is simple and straight forward; you will achieve the milestone if you spend; you may of may not get reward points on that category (which is secondary for me).
• Also my comparison is not to tell how SmartBuy is better or worse. I have seen both lower and higher flight fares on SmartBuy and do the booking wherever I get more yield.
• The reward structure of Atlas is skewed towards one channel.

For me, RG stand on top of Atlas on every use (as I am not an hardcore Accor user). This post is only to debunk 'Atlas is better than RG' fallacy and encourage people to take either of them and use the one you have to full potential. However, if I told this story in plain English, people would have trolled me 🙂. Hence, I had to back myself with numbers; to ignite the thoughts before random questioning.

n.b. HSBC Travel One is new to the town and yet to show potential. Hence, I cannot comment on it.

Cheers'

 

[sachbs]

@Manu_CK @Fini7777 @cardio_guy @hellowo₹ld Great Insights. Having read through the discussion, I felt the need to share this perspective as there might be a niche set of audience who can relate to me.

A little background - I took atlas in 2023 June as I wanted to get into the "Miles Game". I had the Diners Club Privilege LTF, and Regalia Gold had not launched yet. I was motivated by youtubers/influencers about travelling and staying in luxury. In the last two years, I have been able to milk out atlas, crossing the 15L threshold in both years (Only because of big activities like my marriage, a car purchase, and an international vacation). Using my Edge Miles, I was able to cover multiple vacations (14 nights in Japan using Accor, ITC Culinaire Elite membership and stays in Blore, Hyderabad, Agra, Dharamshala). I had the clarity that Atlas EM would be best used in hotel stays and did not bother looking for flights/aviation miles.

I am still not eligible for Regalia Gold based on Salary requirements. Atlas, on the other hand was accessible to a lot of people (Though this will change from today). I personally believe atlas gave me the hope to dream bigger and explore things that I could have never done otherwise. This is the biggest differentiator for me between Atlas and Regalia Gold. I stopped calculating net returns and using different OTAs, and now purchase directly from the airlines to maximize atlas rewards. I might end up saving 8-10k on my annual travel expenses from OTAs, but I can instead spend that amount and get a stay at a great 5 star hotel instead with my accumulated points, which is worth much more to me in terms of experience and luxury.

Will I get a Regalia gold? Definitely. I still love the smartbuy portal, and I am not using it since reward returns on DCP is measly compared to atlas/Amex cards. Also, I am practical and know that Atlas might be devalued at some point of time in future. I just want to continue milking atlas until then.
Do I think RG is better than Atlas? For me, no. RG is a great card. But it simply cannot give you the kind of experiences you can obtain with Atlas. And that might be the dealbreaker for people who feel Atlas is better than RG.