HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card Review: Benefits, Charges and How to Apply

If you’re planning a trip abroad, finding a good forex card can help you avoid unnecessary fees and make your money go further. A popular option available in India is the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card, issued by HDFC Bank.

This HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card review walks you through its features, benefits, and how it works. We'll also introduce you to the Wise Travel card, which allows you to hold 40+ currencies in on card and spend without any forex markups or hidden fees.

What is HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card?

The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card is a single-currency prepaid forex card that operates like a debit card for international spending. It is loaded only with US Dollars (USD) but can be used globally wherever VISA and MasterCard are accepted.

Since you convert your INR to USD at the point of loading, you lock in your exchange rate when you load funds, and the bank advertises zero forex markup on cross-currency conversions. The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card also offers complimentary insurance, airport lounge access, contactless payments, PIN and Chip-enabled security, and multiple reloading facilities.¹

Is HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card safe?

HDFC Bank, a leading RBI-regulated bank in India, issues this forex card. The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card operates under FEMA Guidelines and complies with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations set up by the Reserve Bank of India. The card also satisfies VISA and MasterCard conditions, making it a safe option for managing your forex needs.²

HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card: Features and benefits

Here are the main features of the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card.³ We've also compared it against the Wise Travel card, a multi-currency travel card.

HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card: Charges

Being aware of the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card charges makes it convenient to plan your international card usage accordingly.⁵ Note that GST is applicable on all stated INR fees.

HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card’s exchange rate

What is the exchange rate that the HDFC Regalia Forex card charges for loading and using the card overseas? Does it charge any forex markup on currency conversion?

HDFC Bank publishes its forex rates daily. The bank uses the published rates for all foreign exchange transactions you do using the card. While the bank does not explicitly advertise a markup, to determine if you are getting the best value, you should compare the HDFC rate against the interbank rate. Providers like Wise always use the interbank rate and apply only a small, transparent conversion fee, which allows for a direct, honest cost comparison against HDFC.

How to apply for HDFC Regalia Forex Plus Card

Eligibility: Available to Indian citizens over 12 years old, with a valid passport and PAN.

The following documents are mandatory.⁸

If you are an existing HDFC Bank customer:

• Self-attested photocopy of your valid passport
• Self-attested photocopy of your PAN card

If you are not an HDFC Bank customer:

• Self-attested photocopy of your valid passport
• Self-attested photocopy of your PAN card
• Copy of your international travel ticket OR visa
• Copy of your bank account passbook for one year

Step-by-step process:

Both HDFC Bank customers and non-customers can apply for the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card.

If you are an HDFC Bank customer:

• Visit the HDFC SmartForex portal⁹
• Select “Apply Now” and choose “I have an HDFC Bank account”
• Enter your customer ID and complete the CAPTCHA code verification
• Fill in your travel details, KYC information, and upload the required documents
• Choose your card type (HDFC Regalia ForexPlus), load the US dollars (USD) amount, and make the payment
• HDFC Bank will deliver the card to your registered address

If you are not an HDFC Bank customer:

• Visit the same HDFC SmartForex portal
• Select “I do not have an HDFC Bank account”
• Enter your mobile number and complete the CAPTCHA code verification
• Visit the nearest HDFC Bank branch, fill out the application form offline, and submit the documents.
• HDFC Bank will verify your credentials and deliver the card to your address.

Generally, you should get the card within 3 to 5 working days after your application and document verification. You can opt for a branch pickup if the facility is available.

How to use the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card

The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus card is a single-currency card loaded with US dollars (USD). However, you can use it in all countries to make payments in US dollars (USD) or local currencies. The only exceptions are India, Nepal, and Bhutan, where you must use the card to pay in the respective local currency.⁴

You can use the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus card anywhere. All market establishments honouring VISA and MasterCard products accept the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus card.

You can withdraw cash in local currencies up to a maximum limit of 5,000 USD or the local currency equivalent.

You can use it for online transactions at all e-commerce retail outlets.¹⁰

Summary: Is the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card good for travelling?

The HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card is a great choice, particularly well-suited for those headed to USD-linked destinations and who enjoy the added travel benefits such as complimentary insurance and lounge access.

However, if your travels take you to countries that don't use the USD, or if you require the flexibility to hold and exchange several currencies in one place, the Wise Travel card may be a better multi-currency forex card alternative.

Meet the Wise Travel card: 40+ currencies in one card, with no forex markups or hidden fees

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, load your funds, and you're all set. Plus - card orders are currently free to Indian addresses (only until February 10, 2026)! 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 Wise Travel card