IDFC FIRST Select vs Federal Bank Scapia vs IndusInd Tiger – Best Lifetime Free Card?
Choosing between the IDFC FIRST Select, Federal Bank Scapia, and IndusInd Tiger credit cards depends on your spending patterns and travel frequency. The IDFC FIRST Select excels in rewarding high spenders with 10X points and domestic lounge access, making it ideal for frequent domestic travelers. The Federal Bank Scapia stands out with unlimited lounge access, zero forex markup, and exceptional travel rewards through Scapia Coins—perfect for international travelers and online shoppers. The IndusInd Tiger offers premium lifestyle perks including complimentary movie tickets, golf privileges, and both domestic and international lounge access, catering to luxury seekers. All three cards are lifetime free, but they differ significantly in reward structures, lounge access criteria, and target audiences. This comprehensive comparison will help you identify which card aligns best with your financial lifestyle and spending habits.
| IDFC FIRST Bank Select Credit Card | Federal Bank Scapia Card | Indusind Bank Tiger Card |
|---|---|---|
 IDFC First Bank |  Federal Bank |  Indusind Bank |
| Card Network | ||
| Visa | RuPay, Visa | Visa |
| USP | ||
| The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is a lifetime free Visa card offering 10X reward points on higher spends, complimentary domestic lounge access with low spending criteria, and enhanced rewards on education and government payments, making it perfect for frequent domestic travelers and everyday spenders. | The Federal Bank Scapia Card is a lifetime-free credit card perfect for frequent travelers and online shoppers, offering unlimited domestic lounge access, zero forex markup, and high-value Scapia Coins rewards on all spends. It delivers exceptional travel benefits and seamless digital management through the Scapia app. | The IndusInd Bank Tiger Credit Card offers premium lifestyle rewards, including accelerated points, complimentary movie tickets, golf privileges, and extensive domestic and international lounge access, all with zero annual fees—perfect for frequent travelers and luxury seekers. |
| Annual Fee | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Joining Fee | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Welcome Benefits | ||
| ₹500 voucher on spending ₹5,000 within 30 days of card issuance. Periodic promotional vouchers from partners worth up to ₹45,000 | N/A | 2 complimentary movie tickets per year on BookMyShow (up to ₹500 each), 1 complimentary golf game or lesson per quarter (4 per year), Priority Pass membership for lounge access |
| Lounge Access | ||
| Domestic: 2 per quarter On spends of ₹20,000+ in the last month | Domestic: Unlimited On monthly spends of ₹10,000+ for Visa and ₹15,000+ RuPay variant | Domestic: 2 per quarter | International: 2 per year |
| Reward Rate | ||
| Earn 10X points on spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle and on birthdays, 3X points on spends up to ₹20,000, education, wallet loads, government payments, rent, 1X point on utilities and insurance | Earn 10% Scapia Coins (equivalent to 2% value-back approximately) on all online and offline purchase transactions. Additional 20% value-back on travel bookings made through the Scapia app. No capping on Scapia Coins earned. | Up to 6 accelerated reward points on every ₹100 spent based on spending slabs; 1 Reward Point = ₹0.40 in cash credit or 1.2 Airmiles; excludes fuel, utility, education, real estate, and rental payments |
| Interest Rate | ||
| 0.75% to 3.5% per month (9% to 42% per annum) | Interest rate is 45% per annum. | 3.5% per month (42% per annum) |
| Best For | ||
| Lounge Access, Travel | 0% Forex Markup, Lounge Access, Travel | Lounge Access |
| Pros | ||
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| Cons | ||
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| Apply Now | Apply Now | Apply Now |
Final Verdict
The IDFC FIRST Select is perfect for domestic travelers and high spenders seeking accelerated rewards on education and government payments. Choose this if you spend ₹20,000+ monthly and prioritize reward points over lounge frequency. The Federal Bank Scapia is unmatched for international travelers and digital nomads, offering zero forex markup and unlimited lounge access—ideal if you travel abroad frequently or shop online extensively. The IndusInd Tiger suits lifestyle enthusiasts who value entertainment and golf privileges alongside moderate travel benefits. Pick IDFC FIRST for maximum rewards, Scapia for travel-centric benefits, or Tiger for premium lifestyle perks. Your monthly spending pattern and travel frequency should be the deciding factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which card offers better lounge access: IDFC FIRST Select, Federal Bank Scapia, or IndusInd Tiger?
Federal Bank Scapia offers unlimited domestic lounge access with monthly spends of ₹10,000-₹15,000, making it the best for frequent lounge users. IDFC FIRST Select provides 2 domestic visits per quarter with ₹20,000 monthly spend, while IndusInd Tiger offers limited access with 2 domestic and 2 international visits annually but includes Priority Pass membership for global lounges.
2. Is Federal Bank Scapia better than IDFC FIRST Select for international travel?
Yes, Federal Bank Scapia is superior for international travel with zero forex markup, saving 3.5% on foreign transactions. It also offers unlimited lounge access and 20% value-back on Scapia app travel bookings. IDFC FIRST Select lacks forex benefits and international lounge access, making it suitable only for domestic use. Choose Scapia if you travel abroad regularly.
3. Which card has the best reward rate among IDFC FIRST Select, Scapia, and IndusInd Tiger?
IDFC FIRST Select offers the highest reward rate with 10X points on spends above ₹20,000 and on birthdays. Federal Bank Scapia provides consistent 10% Scapia Coins (approximately 2% value-back) with no capping. IndusInd Tiger offers up to 6X points but with lower redemption value at ₹0.40 per point. IDFC FIRST wins for high spenders, Scapia for consistent rewards.
4. Do all three cards have annual fees, and which is truly free?
All three cards—IDFC FIRST Select, Federal Bank Scapia, and IndusInd Tiger—are lifetime free with no annual or joining fees. This makes them excellent choices for users seeking premium benefits without recurring costs. However, benefits like lounge access require minimum monthly spending, so review spending thresholds before applying.
5. Which card is best for online shopping: Federal Bank Scapia or IDFC FIRST Select?
Federal Bank Scapia is better for online shopping with 10% Scapia Coins on all online and offline transactions with no capping. IDFC FIRST Select offers 3X points for spends up to ₹20,000 and 10X above that threshold. If you consistently spend over ₹20,000 monthly, IDFC FIRST becomes competitive, but Scapia’s uncapped rewards make it ideal for regular online shoppers.
6. Can I get movie tickets and golf benefits with IDFC FIRST Select or Scapia card?
No, only the IndusInd Tiger Credit Card offers lifestyle perks like 2 complimentary movie tickets per year (up to ₹500 each) and 4 complimentary golf games or lessons annually. IDFC FIRST Select and Federal Bank Scapia focus on reward points and travel benefits respectively, without entertainment or sports privileges. Choose Tiger for lifestyle experiences.
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