HDFC Multicurrency ForexPlus Card vs Regalia ForexPlus Card: Features, Charges, and More

Yadana Chaw

HDFC offers a selection of foreign currency and multi-currency card options for Indian residents who need to travel abroad. These cards include the HDFC multi-currency forex card¹ supporting 22 currencies, and the Regalia Forex card² which is a USD denominated card with lounge access and no cross currency fee.

Both the HDFC multicurrency forex card vs Regalia Forex card have stand out features - but as they work differently, they might suit different customer needs and preferences. This review will help you select the right option for you - plus we touch on the Wise Travel Card as a flexible multi-currency alternative with mid-market exchange rates.

Wise Travel card

What Is an HDFC Multi-Currency Forex Card?

The HDFC Multi-currency forex card is a multi-currency debit card which lets you add a balance in any of 22 supported currencies. You’ll get the live HDFC rate³ when you top up, which might include a markup - but which allows you to set your travel spending budget in advance and lock in the rate. You can use this option to buy foreign currency when the rates look good, or to gradually build up your budget for a future trip.

The HDFC Multi-currency forex card offers some complimentary insurance which can be suitable for travellers, including some travel accidental death cover, and coverage for lost travel baggage and personal effects.

HDFC multi currency forex card currencies include:

  • US Dollar (USD)
  • Euro (EUR)
  • Swiss Franc (CHF)
  • British Pound (GBP)
  • Canadian Dollar (CAD)
  • Australian Dollar (AUD)
  • Japanese Yen (JPY)
  • Singapore Dollar (SGD)
  • UAE Dhiram (AED)
  • Swedish Krona (SEK)
  • Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
  • South African Rand (ZAR)
  • New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
  • Omani Riyal (OMR)
  • Danish Krone (DKK)
  • Norwegian Krone (NOK)
  • Saudi Riyal (SAR)
  • Korean Won (KRW)
  • Bahrain Dinar (BHD)
  • Qatari Riyal (QAR)
  • Kuwait Dinar (KWD)
  • Thailand Baht (THB)

Here are a few key benefits of the HDFC Multi-currency forex card:

  • 22 currencies supported for holding and spending
  • Get complimentary insurance
  • Lock in exchange rates for future multi-currency spending
  • Load online or in a branch
  • Load up to 250,000 USD equivalent a year

The fees you should know about for the HDFC Multi-currency forex card include:

  • 750 INR issuance fee
  • Potential rate markups at the point of top up
  • 2% cross currency fee if you spend in an unsupported currency

What Is an HDFC Regalia Forex Card?

The HDFC Regalia Forex card is a USD denominated debit card which lets you top up US dollars for overseas spending and bills. If you need to use your card to spend in other foreign currencies you can also do that. There’s no foreign transaction fee to spend in unsupported currencies, but bear in mind that the rate you’re offered to convert from INR to USD for your initial top up might include a markup - a fee.

The HDFC Regalia card also offers some premium perks like airport lounge access and a range of complimentary insurance options, covering some accidents and travel cover for things like lost documents, cash or baggage.

Here are a few key benefits of the HDFC Regalia card:

  • 1 lounge access per quarter
  • Load online or in a branch
  • Get complimentary insurance
  • Top up in USD and spend with no further fees in USD and other currency
  • Load up to 250,000 USD a year

The fees you should know about for the HDFC Regalia card include:

  • 1,000 INR issuance fee
  • Potential rate markups at the point of top up
  • 4 USD ATM withdrawal fee

HDFC Multi-Currency Platinum vs Regalia Forex Card: Features and Benefits

Both the HDFC multicurrency forex card vs Regalia Forex card have interesting features, but their scope is a bit different which probably means one will suit you more than the other.

The Regalia card is great for USD spending and also offers premium perks like airport lounge access. Although it doesn’t offer multi-currency holding features beyond USD you can spend in other currencies with no foreign transaction fee added using the live network exchange rate. That can make it attractive for people mainly heading to the US, with occasional travel elsewhere.

The multi-currency card from HDFC supports a selection of 22 currencies and allows you to lock in exchange rates in advance. If you spend in a currency you don’t hold in your account, a 2% HDFC fee applies, which means this may be a better option for people who are happy to plan their travel budgets in advance, and those on longer multi-country trips.

If you’re still not sure about the best option from HDFC multicurrency forex card vs Regalia Forex card this side by side comparison might help - plus we’ve got a closer look at their fees and exchange rates coming up right after.

Feature HDFC Multi-currency Platinum HDFC Regalia Forex Card
Supported currencies 22 currencies USD
Top up methods Online and in branches - Funding from NRO accounts / Debit Cards not allowed Online and in branches - Funding from NRO accounts / Debit Cards not allowed
Exchange rate for top up HDFC rate, available online or in branch HDFC rate, available online or in branch
Exchange rate for spending Network exchange rate Network exchange rate
Foreign transaction fee 2% No fee
Lounge access Not available Available
Insurance Some travel and accident insurance available Some travel and accident insurance available
Other perks Back up card facility Changeable cardholder offers available including discounts and vouchers

*Details correct at time of research - 25th June 2026

HDFC Multi-Currency Platinum vs Regalia Forex Card: Charges

Before you choose, you’ll want to compare the HDFC multi currency forex card charges against the HDFC Regalia Forex charges, to see which offers best value for your needs.

As well as up front issuance charges there are ATM fees to withdraw and check your balance, and you might find you pay for currency conversion either at the point of topping up or if you spend an unsupported currency.

Here’s a summary of the key costs, and you can check the full details on the HDFC website as well.

Service/fee type HDFC Multi-currency Platinum HDFC Regalia Forex Card
Issuance fee 500 INR + GST 1,000 INR + GST
Reload fee 75 INR + GST for manual reload; no fee for digital reload 75 INR + GST for manual reload; no fee for digital reload
ATM withdrawal fee Varied by currency - 1.5 EUR/2 USD for example 4 USD
ATM balance inquiry fee Varied by currency - 0.5 EUR/0.5 USD for example 0.5 USD
Cross currency Conversion Mark-up charges 2% No fee

*Details correct at time of research - 25th June 2026

Comparing Exchange Rates: HDFC Multi-Currency Platinum vs Regalia Forex Card

The HDFC Multi-currency Platinum card has a different approach to currency management compared to the Regalia Forex Card.

With the HDFC Multi-currency Platinum card you can hold 22 currencies all in one account. You’ll be able to see the HDFC rate for topping up when you add money to your account. The rate might include a markup - that’s a percentage fee added to the mid-market rate that you might find on Google or using a currency conversion tool. This fee isn’t easy to spot, and can mean you’re spending more than you need to.

With the HDFC Multi-currency Platinum card you can also spend in unsupported currencies. When you spend a currency you don’t hold in your card account the conversion is managed with the network exchange rate, plus an HDFC fee of 2%.

If you get the HDFC Regalia Forex Card instead, you’ll need to add USD to your account. You can see the exchange rate available from HDFC at the time you top up, which may include a markup. If you spend in any currency other than USD using your card, your purchase value is converted using the network exchange rate with no additional fee from HDFC.

For an even more transparent setup, you can always compare both options with the Wise Travel Card. With Wise, you always get the mid-market exchange rate with zero hidden markups, allowing you to hold and convert 40+ currencies seamlessly in one place. Take a look at the live mid-market rate below.

HDFC Multi-Currency Platinum vs Regalia Forex Card: Which Card Is Better for Your Travels?

There’s not one stand out winner when it comes to HDFC Multi-currency Platinum vs Regalia Forex Card - the right option for you depends on your travel style.

If you’re a planner and prefer to lock in your spending budget across multiple currencies in advance, the HDFC Multi-currency Platinum might appeal - or for people primarily transacting in USD, the Regalia Forex Card can be a good choice. Bear in mind with both that there are likely to be some fees to pay, including possible exchange rate markups at the point of topping up our card balance. This is a cost that’s not always obvious to see, but it means that your overseas spending is costing you more than you think.

Use this guide to help you decide between the HDFC Multicurrency Platinum and the Regalia Forex Card. Don’t forget to check out the Wise Travel Card as a transparent multi-currency alternative with no forex markups and spending at the interbank rate.

Spend Abroad With No Forex Markups: Meet the Wise Travel Card

Managing multiple currencies across international borders doesn't have to break your budget. If you are preparing for an upcoming overseas trip, bring along the Wise Travel card. With no hidden markups, the Wise Travel card is a smart way to spend abroad. You'll always get the real interbank exchange rate for conversions across 40+ currencies. Wise's transparent, low pricing, plus no foreign transaction fees or forex markups, usually means you are getting the best value for your money.

The fully digital account opening and vKYC process allows you to sign up from the comfort of your home, and there are no annual or monthly fees either. Simply order your card, show proof of your travels, and you're ready to add your funds. Load your account easily using UPI for fee-free top-ups directly inside the app, or opt for a standard bank transfer. Plus - card orders are currently free to Indian addresses (limited time launch offer, while stocks last)! A physical Wise card enables you to make secure chip and PIN payments and get some free ATM withdrawals while you're overseas. You can also instantly freeze or unfreeze your card in the app anytime for peace of mind.

Wherever your travels take you, the Wise Travel card is the only forex card you'll need to make spending internationally simpler and cheaper.

🚀 Get a free Wise Travel card


Sources:

  1. HDFC multi currency forex card
  2. HDFC Regalia Forex card
  3. HDFC forex rates

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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