Your gateway to hassle-free shopping with lifetime free benefits and instant rewards
Zero joining and annual fees forever
₹500 worth reward points on first transaction
1% fuel surcharge waiver at all petrol pumps nationwide
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| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Zero Annual Fee | Completely free for life with no hidden charges or fee waiver conditions to meet. |
| Welcome Reward Points | Receive 500 reward points (worth ₹500) upon making your first transaction within 30 days of card activation. |
| Accelerated Rewards | Earn 3 reward points per ₹150 spent on dining, groceries, and department stores. 2 reward points per ₹150 on all other purchases. |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Save 1% on fuel surcharges at all petrol pumps across India on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000. |
| Airport Lounge Access | Complimentary domestic airport lounge access four times per quarter (12 visits annually) via Mastercard or Visa network. |
| Dining Privileges | Access exclusive offers at partner restaurants through IDFC FIRST Bank's dining programme. |
| Railway Lounge Access | Complimentary access to railway lounges twice per quarter at select stations across India. |
| Low Forex Mark-up | Competitive foreign currency mark-up on international transactions. |
| EMI Conversion | Convert large purchases into easy EMIs directly through the mobile app or net banking. |
| Insurance Coverage | Complimentary air accident insurance cover and purchase protection on eligible transactions. |
| Attribute | Classification |
|---|---|
| Issuer / Provider | IDFC FIRST Bank |
| Bank / Non-bank | Bank-affiliated |
| Category | Entry-Level / Lifestyle |
| Type of Card | Lifetime Free Credit Card (Available in Visa and Mastercard variants) |
| Free or Paid | Lifetime Free (₹0 joining fee, ₹0 annual fee) |
The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is designed for individuals seeking a reliable, no-frills credit card without the burden of annual fees. It's particularly suitable for first-time credit card users, students, young professionals, and those who want to build or maintain their credit history without paying for premium features. With accelerated rewards on everyday categories like dining and groceries, fuel savings, and complimentary airport lounge access, this card offers surprising value for a lifetime free product. The straightforward rewards structure and absence of complex terms make it an excellent choice for those who want predictable benefits without fee-related stress.
Lifetime Free Proposition: Unlike many cards that advertise as "free" but have hidden fee waiver conditions, the IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is genuinely free for life with no joining or annual fees whatsoever. There are no minimum spend requirements to avoid fees, making it a truly zero-cost product.
Simple Rewards Programme: The card offers a straightforward rewards structure with accelerated earning on everyday spending categories. Earn 3 reward points per ₹150 on dining, groceries, and department stores, and 2 reward points per ₹150 on all other eligible purchases. Each reward point typically holds a value of ₹1 when redeemed.
Welcome Bonus: New cardholders receive 500 reward points (equivalent to ₹500) credited upon making their first transaction within 30 days of card activation. This effectively provides an immediate return on your first purchase.
Fuel Benefits: Save 1% on fuel surcharges at all petrol pumps across India on transactions ranging from ₹400 to ₹4,000 per transaction. Whilst capped at ₹250 savings per month, this benefit helps offset rising fuel costs.
Airport Lounge Access: Despite being a lifetime free card, it provides complimentary domestic airport lounge access four times per quarter through the Mastercard or Visa lounge programme. This translates to 12 free visits annually, a benefit typically reserved for paid cards.
Railway Lounge Benefits: Access railway lounges twice per quarter at select railway stations across major Indian cities, providing comfort during train journeys.
Dining Offers: Access exclusive dining privileges and discounts at partner restaurants across India through IDFC FIRST Bank's dining programme.
EMI Facility: Convert high-value purchases into convenient EMIs directly through the IDFC FIRST mobile app or internet banking platform. The bank offers both merchant EMI and post-purchase EMI conversion options.
Contactless Payments: The card supports contactless payment technology for quick and secure transactions up to ₹5,000 without entering a PIN.
Digital Integration: Manage your card seamlessly through the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app, which offers features like instant credit limit tracking, statement downloads, reward point balance, and bill payments.
Insurance Protection: Benefit from complimentary air accident insurance cover and purchase protection on eligible transactions, providing peace of mind whilst travelling or shopping.
Wide Acceptance: As a Visa or Mastercard, the card is accepted at millions of merchant locations across India and internationally.
Accelerated Categories: Earn 3 reward points for every ₹150 spent on:
Dining at restaurants and cafés
Groceries and supermarkets
Department stores
Standard Earn Rate: Earn 2 reward points for every ₹150 spent on all other eligible retail purchases including:
Online shopping
Entertainment and cinema
Travel bookings
Apparel and accessories
Electronics purchases
Healthcare and pharmacy
Reward Point Value: Each reward point is typically valued at ₹1 when redeemed through the rewards catalogue or for statement credit.
Minimum Spend: Reward points are earned only when spending crosses ₹150 increments. For example, spending ₹299 earns rewards for ₹150 only.
Rewards Catalogue: Redeem accumulated points for:
Products and electronics
Gift vouchers from popular brands
Travel bookings
Lifestyle and wellness products
Home and kitchen appliances
Statement Credit: Convert reward points directly into statement credit to reduce your outstanding balance.
Redemption Flexibility: Redeem points in increments based on available catalogue options, with minimum redemption thresholds specified in the rewards programme.
Points Validity: Reward points typically remain valid for an extended period, allowing you to accumulate points for high-value redemptions. Check your latest statement or the IDFC FIRST app for exact expiry dates.
Activation Benefit: Receive 500 reward points (worth ₹500) credited to your account upon making your first transaction within 30 days of card activation.
Eligibility: Available only to new IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card holders on their first card activation.
Crediting Timeline: Points are typically credited within 60 days of meeting the eligibility criteria.
Waiver Details: 1% fuel surcharge waived on transactions at all petrol pumps across India.
Transaction Limits: Applicable on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000 per transaction.
Monthly Cap: Maximum fuel surcharge waiver benefit capped at ₹250 per calendar month.
Validity: Surcharge waiver is automatically applied on eligible fuel transactions without requiring any enrolment.
Domestic Access: Four complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter (12 visits annually) for the primary cardholder.
Lounge Network: Access lounges through Mastercard or Visa lounge programmes at major airports across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and more.
Usage Process: Present your IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card at the lounge reception along with your boarding pass for same-day travel.
Guest Policy: Complimentary access is for the primary cardholder only; guests may be charged separately as per lounge policies.
Quarterly Entitlement: Two complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter at participating railway stations.
Station Coverage: Available at select railway stations across major cities in India.
Access Requirement: Valid railway ticket for same-day travel required along with the credit card.
Restaurant Offers: Access exclusive dining offers and discounts at partner restaurants through IDFC FIRST Bank's dining privileges programme.
Partner Network: Covers premium restaurants, cafés, and quick-service restaurants across major Indian cities.
Booking Process: Reservations may need to be made through the designated dining portal or by showing the card at participating establishments.
Purchase EMI: Convert high-value purchases into easy EMIs at the point of sale at participating merchants.
Post-Purchase EMI: Convert eligible transactions into EMIs after purchase through the IDFC FIRST mobile app or internet banking.
Tenure Options: Choose from flexible tenure options ranging from 3 to 24 months depending on transaction value.
Processing Fee: EMI conversion may attract a nominal processing fee and interest charges based on selected tenure.
Air Accident Cover: Complimentary air accident insurance providing coverage for cardholders during air travel.
Purchase Protection: Protection against theft or damage for items purchased using the card within a specified timeframe.
Lost Card Liability: Limited liability protection against fraudulent transactions post card loss or theft, subject to timely reporting.
Mobile App Control: Access the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app to:
Track real-time credit limit utilisation
View reward points balance
Download statements
Pay bills instantly
Set spending alerts
Block/unblock card for security
Contactless Payments: Use tap-and-pay technology for transactions up to ₹5,000 without PIN entry for faster checkouts.
Instant Alerts: Receive SMS and email alerts for every transaction, ensuring complete visibility and fraud prevention.
Reward points are not earned on the following transaction categories:
Cash withdrawals and cash advances
Fuel purchases (though fuel surcharge waiver applies)
EMI conversions and processing fees
Wallet loads and reloads
Rent payments through third-party platforms
Insurance premium payments
Government institution payments
Jewellery and bullion purchases
Card fees and charges (if any)
Reversals, refunds, and chargebacks
Note: The exclusion list may vary, and IDFC FIRST Bank reserves the right to modify eligible categories without prior notice.
Disclaimer: The card features, benefits, application process, and other details mentioned above are accurate at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹0 | Completely free - no joining fee charged. |
| Annual Fee | ₹0 (Lifetime Free) | No annual fee ever, with no conditions or minimum spend requirements. |
| Add-on Card Fee | ₹0 | Complimentary add-on cards for family members. |
| Interest Rate (APR) | 3.5% per month (42% annually) | Applicable on outstanding balances after the due date. |
| Foreign Currency Markup | 3.5% + GST (~4.13%) | Charged on international transactions in foreign currency. |
| Cash Withdrawal Fee | 2.5% of cash amount (Minimum ₹300) | Applicable on cash withdrawals from ATMs or banks. |
| Cash Advance Limit | Up to available credit limit | Maximum cash withdrawal permitted as per bank policy. |
| Late Payment Fee | ₹100 to ₹1,300 based on outstanding amount | Charged when minimum amount due is not paid by due date. Increases with consecutive defaults. |
| Over-limit Penalty | 2.5% of over-limit amount (Minimum ₹500) | Charged when spending exceeds sanctioned credit limit. |
| Cheque Return/Dishonour Fee | ₹500 per instance | Charged when payment cheque bounces or auto-debit instruction fails. |
| Reward Redemption Fee | ₹0 for most redemptions | Generally no fee for redeeming rewards through the catalogue. |
| Duplicate Statement Fee | ₹100 per statement | Charged for requesting duplicate physical statements. |
| Card Replacement Fee | ₹100 | Applicable for lost, stolen, or damaged card replacement. |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | Included in markup | No separate transaction fee beyond the forex markup. |
| Rent Payment Fee | 1% with capping as per platform | Surcharge applicable when paying rent through credit card payment platforms. |
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
Age | Primary cardholder must be between 21 and 65 years |
Existing Customer | Available to both existing IDFC FIRST Bank customers and new applicants |
Citizenship | Must be a Resident Indian |
Credit Score | Good to fair credit score (typically 650+) acceptable due to entry-level positioning |
Income | Minimum monthly income of ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 for salaried individuals; higher for self-employed |
Employment | Salaried employees, self-employed professionals, or business owners with stable income |
Banking Relationship | No prior banking relationship with IDFC FIRST Bank required |
| Document Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Any one of the following: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID Card |
| Address/Residence Proof | Any one of the following: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID Card, Recent Utility Bill (within 3 months), Bank Statement |
| Income Proof | Latest salary slips (last 2-3 months) / Bank statements (last 3-6 months) / Form 16 / IT Return acknowledgement / Audited financials (for self-employed) |
| PAN Card | Mandatory for credit card issuance as per RBI guidelines |
| Photograph | Recent passport-size photographs (if required) |
Step 1: Check Basic Eligibility - Ensure you meet common criteria such as age, income level, and a good credit history.
Step 2: Keep Documents Ready - You will generally need identity proof, address proof, and income documents like salary slips or bank statements.
Step 3: Choose the Application Mode - You can apply through authorised banking channels, digital platforms, or assisted application services that support credit card onboarding.
Step 4: Fill in Personal & Financial Details - Provide accurate details such as name, contact information, employment type, and income information.
Step 5: Complete Identity Verification - Verification is usually done through digital or in-person KYC, depending on the application method.
Step 6: Application Review - The bank reviews your details, documents, and credit profile before making a decision.
Step 7: Card Approval & Dispatch - Once approved, the credit card is issued and sent to your registered address.
| Usage Tips | Details |
|---|---|
Maximise Accelerated Categories | Use the card primarily for dining, groceries, and department store purchases to earn 3X reward points and get the best return rate. |
Claim Welcome Bonus | Make your first transaction within 30 days of card activation to receive 500 reward points worth ₹500. |
Optimise Fuel Savings | Fill petrol/diesel in transactions between ₹400-₹4,000 to maximise the 1% fuel surcharge waiver benefit up to ₹250 monthly. |
Use Airport Lounges Strategically | Plan your lounge visits across the quarter - you get 4 complimentary visits every quarter, so use them for longer layovers or early arrivals. |
Track Reward Points | Regularly check your reward points balance via the IDFC FIRST mobile app and plan redemptions for high-value products or statement credit. |
Enable Transaction Alerts | Activate SMS and email alerts for all transactions to monitor spending and detect any unauthorised usage immediately. |
Pay in Full Monthly | Always clear your entire statement balance by the due date to avoid interest charges of 42% annually and maintain a healthy credit score. |
Avoid Cash Withdrawals | Minimise or completely avoid cash withdrawals as they attract 2.5% fees and immediate interest charges with no interest-free period. |
Convert Large Purchases to EMI | For high-value purchases (₹3,000+), consider converting them to EMIs through the mobile app to manage cash flow better. |
Use Contactless Payments | For transactions under ₹5,000, use the tap-and-pay feature for quick and secure checkouts without PIN entry. |
Monitor Credit Utilisation | Keep your credit utilisation below 30% of your total limit to maintain a good credit score and demonstrate responsible credit behaviour. |
Utilise Railway Lounges | When travelling by train, use your two complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter at participating stations. |
Explore Dining Offers | Check the IDFC FIRST Bank dining programme regularly for exclusive restaurant offers and discounts in your city. |
Set Up Auto-Pay | Enable auto-debit from your bank account to ensure you never miss a payment deadline and avoid late fees. |
Review Monthly Statements | Carefully review your monthly credit card statement to track spending patterns, verify transactions, and plan budget adjustments. |
The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is designed for users who want to maximize their credit card benefits effectively.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page has been gathered from various reliable sources and is intended solely for general informational purposes. As details may change over time, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content. Users are advised to verify the information with official or relevant sources before making any decisions or taking action.
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