IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card

Key Features & Benefits

The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card stands out as a completely free-for-life card that rewards your everyday spending generously. With no joining or annual fees ever, you can enjoy up to 10X reward points on all spends above ₹20,000 per billing cycle—that’s an effective 2.5% return on your purchases. Even on your first ₹20,000 of monthly spending, you earn 3X points worth 0.75%. What makes this card special is that these reward points never expire, giving you complete flexibility to accumulate and redeem them whenever you want.

Beyond rewards, the card offers practical lifestyle benefits that add real value. You get complimentary railway lounge access four times per quarter when you spend ₹20,000 in a billing cycle, making train journeys more comfortable. Foodies will love the 25% discount on movie tickets (up to ₹100 monthly) via District by Zomato, plus discounts of up to 20% at over 1,500 restaurants. The card also provides 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to ₹200 per cycle) on transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000, along with emergency roadside assistance four times a year.

New cardholders receive welcome benefits worth up to ₹1,500, including a ₹500 voucher from popular brands like Amazon, Bigbasket, Uber, or Lifestyle on spending just ₹5,000 within 30 days. Additionally, you can earn 5% cashback up to ₹1,000 on your first EMI transaction within the same period. With contactless payments, personal accident cover, and zero lost card liability, this card combines convenience, safety, and value without costing you a rupee in fees.

All You Need to Know About: IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is a lifetime free credit card issued by IDFC FIRST Bank on the Visa network, designed specifically for value-conscious users who want substantial rewards without any recurring costs. With absolutely no joining or annual fees ever, this card removes the financial barrier that often comes with credit cards, making it an attractive proposition for first-time users and experienced cardholders alike. The card operates on a tiered reward system where you earn 10X reward points on all spending above ₹20,000 per billing cycle and 3X points on the first ₹20,000 spent each month. What makes this particularly valuable is that each reward point is worth ₹0.25, translating to an effective return of 2.5% on higher spends and 0.75% on base spends. These reward points never expire, allowing you to accumulate them over time without pressure to redeem quickly.

Beyond the core rewards program, the card offers meaningful lifestyle benefits that enhance everyday life. Cardholders get complimentary railway lounge access four times per quarter, provided they spend ₹20,000 in the billing cycle—a feature rarely seen in lifetime free cards. The dining and entertainment benefits include 25% off on movie tickets (up to ₹100 per month) through the District by Zomato app, discounts of up to 20% at over 1,500 restaurants across India, and up to 15% savings at 3,000+ health and wellness outlets. For drivers, there’s a 1% fuel surcharge waiver capped at ₹200 per billing cycle on transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000, plus emergency roadside assistance available four times annually. The card also features contactless NFC payment technology for quick and secure transactions.

New cardholders are welcomed with benefits worth up to ₹1,500, which includes a ₹500 gift voucher from popular brands like Amazon, Bigbasket, Uber, or Lifestyle upon spending just ₹5,000 within the first 30 days of card generation. Additionally, you can earn 5% cashback up to ₹1,000 on your first EMI transaction made within the same initial 30-day period, excluding gold and jewelry purchases. The reward structure is comprehensive with 3X points on specific spending categories including education expenses, government payments, wallet loads, rent, and property management, while utility and insurance payments earn 1X point. However, rewards are not earned on fuel purchases, EMI transactions, cash withdrawals, insurance premiums, and certain other transaction types.

The eligibility criteria are accessible with a minimum annual income requirement of just ₹3,00,000 for salaried employees, business owners, and self-employed individuals. The application process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online through the official IDFC FIRST Bank website, with processing typically instant or completed within a few days. Credit limits vary based on eligibility, with instant offers up to ₹5,00,000 possible for qualified applicants. The interest rate ranges from 8.5% to 46.2% per annum on outstanding balances, making timely repayment crucial. International transactions carry a 3.5% foreign exchange markup. While the card is free of annual charges, users should note the ₹99 plus GST reward redemption fee charged each time you redeem points, cash advance fees of approximately ₹199 per transaction, and standard late payment penalties. The card includes personal accident cover, zero lost card liability protection, and the flexibility to convert large purchases into EMIs. For those who can maintain monthly spending above ₹20,000, the 10X reward multiplier makes this one of the most rewarding entry-level cards available in the Indian market without any cost of ownership.

Pros & Cons

How to Apply

Applying for the IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is simple and can be completed entirely online. Visit the official IDFC FIRST Bank credit card page and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button for the Classic Credit Card. Fill in your personal details including name, mobile number, email, PAN card information, and employment details. You’ll need to provide proof of income showing a minimum annual salary of ₹3 lakh for salaried individuals or equivalent for self-employed and business owners. Upload the required KYC documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, address proof, and recent salary slips or ITR. The bank typically processes applications instantly or within a few days, and you may receive an instant credit limit offer of up to ₹5 lakh based on your eligibility. Once approved, your card will be delivered to your registered address within 7-10 working days.

Detailed Fee Structure

The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is genuinely lifetime free with no joining fee or annual renewal charges, making it one of the most cost-effective credit cards available. However, you should be aware of certain transactional and service charges. Cash advance fees are approximately ₹199 per transaction, so avoid using the card for cash withdrawals. If you miss payment deadlines, late payment charges and interest rates ranging from 8.5% to 46.2% per annum will apply on the outstanding balance, so always pay your bills on time.

One notable charge is the reward redemption fee of ₹99 plus GST each time you want to redeem your accumulated points, which can reduce the effective value of your rewards if you redeem frequently. It’s best to accumulate substantial points before redemption to minimize this impact. Card replacement fees apply if you lose or damage your card. Foreign currency transactions attract a 3.5% markup fee. GST is applicable on all fees and charges as per prevailing government regulations. The fuel surcharge waiver applies only to transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000, with a maximum benefit of ₹200 per billing cycle. Despite these charges, the absence of annual fees and strong reward structure make this card financially attractive for regular users.

Who Should Get This Card?

The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is ideal for middle-income earners and young professionals with an annual income of ₹3 lakh or more who want a no-strings-attached credit card without any fee burden. It’s perfect for regular spenders who can consistently spend above ₹20,000 per month to maximize the 10X rewards benefit, effectively earning 2.5% back on all purchases. Frequent train travelers will appreciate the complimentary railway lounge access, while food lovers can benefit from substantial discounts at restaurants and on movie tickets.

This card suits those who prefer reward points over cashback and don’t mind the redemption fee, especially if they accumulate points over time for larger redemptions. It’s also great for first-time credit card users who want to build credit history without committing to annual fees. However, international travelers might find the 3.5% forex markup expensive, and those who primarily use cards for fuel, utilities, or insurance won’t benefit much from the reward structure. If you’re looking for a solid everyday card with strong rewards, dining benefits, and zero maintenance costs, the IDFC FIRST Classic is an excellent choice.

Alternatives & Competitor Comparison

Feature	IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card	Axis Bank Neo Credit Card
Card Image
Card Network	Visa	RuPay, Visa
USP	The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is a lifetime free card offering up to 10X never-expiring reward points on monthly spends above ₹20,000, along with welcome benefits worth ₹1,500, railway lounge access, and dining discounts of up to 25%, making it perfect for everyday spenders seeking maximum rewards without any annual fees.	The Axis Bank Neo Credit Card is a cost-effective rewards card perfect for frequent online shoppers and food delivery users, offering high-value cashback, exclusive partner discounts, and effortless everyday savings on utility bills and entertainment.
Annual Fee	N/A	250 Lifetime free for select channels
Joining Fee	N/A	250 Lifetime free for select channels
Welcome Benefits	Up to ₹1,500 in benefits - ₹500 gift voucher (Amazon, Bigbasket, Uber, Lifestyle) on spending ₹5,000 within 30 days + 5% cashback up to ₹1,000 on first EMI transaction within 30 days	100% cashback up to ₹300 on your first utility bill payment within 30 days of card issuance; additional exclusive partner vouchers may be available during limited-time offers.
Lounge Access	N/A	N/A
Reward Rate	Earn 10X reward points (2.5% value) on spends above ₹20,000 per month, 3X points (0.75% value) on first ₹20,000 spent, and 3X points on education, government payments, wallet loads, rent. 1X point on utilities. points never expire.	Earn 1 EDGE reward Point per ₹200 spent on most categories (excluding fuel, EMI, and a few other exceptions); additional instant partner discounts on select brands like Zomato, Myntra, and BookMyShow.
Interest Rate	8.5% to 46.2% per annum	3.75% per month (55.55% per annum)
Best For	N/A	Food Ordering, Movies, Online Shopping
Apply Now	Apply Now	Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions