IDFC FIRST Bank Select Credit Card,

Joining Fee: 0 Annual Fee: 0

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.

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FeatureDetails
Bank / IssuerIDFC First Bank
Card TypeVisa
Joining Fee
Annual Fee
Welcome Benefits₹500 voucher on spending ₹5,000 within 30 days of card issuance. Periodic promotional vouchers from partners worth up to ₹45,000
Reward RatesEarn 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
Eligibility Criteria (Salary)1200000
Eligibility Criteria (Business)1200000
Eligibility Criteria (Self-Employed)1200000
Interest Rates0.75% to 3.5% per month (9% to 42% per annum)
Foreign Exchange Markup1.99% on international transactions
Best ForLounge Access, Travel
Lounge Access Domestic: 2 per quarter
On spends of ₹20,000+ in the last month

Key Features & Benefits

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card delivers exceptional value without any joining or annual fees, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious consumers. The card’s tiered reward structure provides 10X points on spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle and on birthdays, while offering 3X points on education, wallet loads, government payments, and rent transactions. The enhanced rewards on essential categories like education and government payments make it particularly valuable for families and professionals managing regular institutional payments.

The card stands out with its domestic travel benefits, offering 2 complimentary airport lounge visits and 4 railway lounge visits per quarter with a manageable spending threshold of ₹20,000 per month. Additional perks include buy-one-get-one movie tickets on Paytm, travel insurance coverage, and exclusive discounts across 300+ partner brands. The low foreign exchange markup of 1.99% makes it suitable for international transactions, while reward points never expire, ensuring long-term value accumulation.

All You Need to Know About: IDFC FIRST Bank Select Credit Card,

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is a Visa network credit card issued by IDFC FIRST Bank Limited, designed as a lifetime free offering with zero joining and annual fees. The card targets middle-income professionals with a minimum annual income requirement of ₹12 lakhs across all applicant categories including salaried employees, business owners, and self-employed individuals. With its comprehensive reward structure, the card offers 10X points on spends exceeding ₹20,000 per statement cycle and birthday transactions, 3X points on education expenses, wallet loads, government payments, and rent, while providing 1X point on utility and insurance payments.

The card’s travel benefits include 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits and 4 railway lounge visits per quarter, accessible upon spending ₹20,000 in the current calendar month for the following month’s benefits. Welcome benefits feature a ₹500 voucher upon spending ₹5,000 within 30 days of card activation, plus periodic promotional vouchers worth up to ₹45,000 from partner brands. Entertainment perks include buy-one-get-one movie tickets on Paytm twice monthly with discounts up to ₹125 per ticket, alongside exclusive offers from 300+ brand partners covering dining and shopping categories.

The financial structure includes interest rates ranging from 0.75% to 3.5% monthly (9% to 42% annually) based on individual credit profiles, with a competitive 1.99% foreign exchange markup on international transactions. Additional charges encompass cash withdrawal fees of ₹250 per transaction, over-limit penalties at 2.5% of excess amounts, late payment charges from ₹100 to ₹1,250, EMI conversion fees at 1% of transaction value, and reward redemption processing fees of ₹99 plus GST. The card includes complimentary travel insurance, personal accident coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, and EMI conversion facility for purchases above ₹2,500.

Application processing occurs online through the official bank website with instant approval capabilities for eligible candidates, followed by physical card delivery within seven working days. The card particularly benefits frequent domestic travelers, families with education expenses, individuals making government payments, and cost-conscious users seeking international transaction flexibility without annual fee commitments. Reward points never expire, ensuring long-term value accumulation, while the low forex markup makes it suitable for occasional international usage, positioning it as a practical everyday credit solution for middle-income earners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Lifetime free with no joining or annual fees
  • 10X reward points on higher spends and birthdays
  • Domestic lounge access with reasonable spending criteria
  • Low forex markup (1.99%) for international transactions
  • Reward points never expire

Cons

  • No international lounge access benefits
  • Moderate reward rates compared to premium cards
  • Limited insurance coverage options
  • Reward redemption fee of ₹99 + GST applies

How to Apply

  • Visit the official IDFC FIRST Bank website at https://www.idfcfirstbank.com/credit-card/select
  • Fill out the online application form with personal and financial details
  • Complete OTP verification and submit required KYC documents digitally
  • Receive instant approval notification for eligible applicants, with physical card delivery within 7 working days

Detailed Fee Structure

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card maintains transparency with its lifetime free structure, eliminating joining and annual fees permanently. However, users should be aware of operational charges including cash withdrawal fees of ₹250 per transaction, over-limit charges at 2.5% of excess amount (minimum ₹500), and late payment penalties ranging from ₹100 to ₹1,250 based on due amounts.

Additional charges include EMI conversion fees at 1% of transaction value (minimum ₹99), reward redemption processing fee of ₹99 plus GST, and card replacement charges of ₹100 for standard cards or ₹499 for personalized variants. All fees are subject to 18% GST, and the foreign exchange markup stands at a competitive 1.99% on international transactions.

Who Should Get This Card?

This card is ideal for young professionals and middle-income earners with annual income above ₹12 lakhs seeking a no-cost credit solution with decent rewards. It particularly suits frequent domestic travelers who can benefit from quarterly lounge access, families with education expenses, and individuals making regular government payments or rent transactions. The card also appeals to budget-conscious users wanting international transaction flexibility without premium card fees, and those who prefer accumulating non-expiring reward points for long-term benefits.

Alternatives & Competitor Comparison

FeatureIDFC FIRST Bank Select Credit CardIndusind Bank Tiger Card
Card ImageIDFC FIRST Bank Select Credit CardIndusind Bank Tiger Card
Card NetworkVisaVisa
USPThe 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 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 FeeN/AN/A
Joining FeeN/AN/A
Welcome Benefits₹500 voucher on spending ₹5,000 within 30 days of card issuance. Periodic promotional vouchers from partners worth up to ₹45,0002 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 AccessDomestic: 2 per quarter
On spends of ₹20,000+ in the last month
Domestic: 2 per quarter | International: 2 per year
Reward RateEarn 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 insuranceUp 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 Rate0.75% to 3.5% per month (9% to 42% per annum)3.5% per month (42% per annum)
Best ForLounge Access, TravelLounge Access
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum income required for IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card approval?

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card requires a minimum annual income of ₹12 lakhs for salaried, business, and self-employed applicants.

How many lounge visits does IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card offer annually?

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card provides 8 domestic airport lounge visits and 16 railway lounge visits per year (2 airport and 4 railway visits per quarter), with a spending condition of ₹20,000 per month.

What are the reward points earning rates on IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card?

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card offers 10X points on spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle and birthdays, 3X points on education and government payments, and 1X point on utilities.

Is there any annual fee for IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card?

IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is completely lifetime free with zero joining fee and zero annual fee for all applicants.

What is the foreign exchange markup on IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card?

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card charges 1.99% foreign exchange markup on all international transactions, which is competitive compared to most credit cards.

Final Verdict

Is the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card right for you? If you're seeking a reliable, cost-effective credit solution with decent rewards and domestic travel benefits, this lifetime free card delivers solid value. While it may not match premium cards' luxury perks, its combination of no fees, reasonable lounge access criteria, and enhanced rewards on essential categories makes it an excellent choice for practical users. The card particularly excels for domestic travelers and families with education expenses. Apply today to enjoy lifetime free benefits with meaningful rewards and travel privileges.

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