From July 1, major changes are coming to credit card rules in India.
Two big banks—State Bank of India (SBI) and HDFC Bank—are updating reward systems and benefits on select credit cards.
These updates will affect how much you earn in reward points and when you can access perks like airport lounges.
If you regularly use a credit card, these changes could directly impact your monthly benefits.
That’s why it’s important to understand what is changing before the new rules take effect.
HDFC Bank Changes Lounge Access and Reward Points
HDFC Bank has updated rules for its Regalia Gold and Diners Club Privilege credit cards.
Some changes in reward points have already started, while lounge access rules will change from July 1, 2026.
For Regalia Gold users, reward points will now be calculated differently. In addition, airport lounge access in India will no longer be free for all users.
Customers will need to spend at least ₹60,000 in a quarter to qualify for domestic lounge access.
For Diners Club Privilege cardholders, lounge access is now based on spending as well.
Once users meet the required spending limit, they will receive vouchers for domestic and international lounge visits.
Importantly, the bank has not changed joining or renewal fees for these cards.
SBI Card Introduces Reward Limits and Removes Some Benefits
SBI Card has also revised its reward structure for PhonePe SBI Card Purple and PhonePe SBI Card Select Black. These changes will be effective from July 1, 2026.
The biggest change is a new monthly cap on reward points.
This means users will only earn rewards up to a fixed limit each month. Separate limits will apply depending on the type of spending, such as insurance or other purchases.
Online spending rewards have also been reduced compared to earlier rules.
In addition, SBI has removed reward points for several categories.
These include toll payments, gift cards, jewellery purchases, education fees, utility bills, insurance payments, and some UPI transactions outside the PhonePe platform.
What This Means for Card Users
These changes show a clear shift in how banks are structuring credit card benefits.
Instead of offering broad rewards, banks are now focusing on controlled and category-based benefits.
For users, this means reward earnings may decrease, especially for everyday or non-essential spending categories.
Experts suggest that cardholders should now choose credit cards based on their actual spending habits rather than just attractive reward offers.
If you use SBI or HDFC credit cards, it is a good idea to review your card terms before July and understand how these updates may affect your benefits.
