Experience lifetime-free premium banking with unlimited rewards and exclusive lounge access
Earn up to 10X reward points on spends above ₹20,000 monthly
8 complimentary lounge visits annually (airport & railway combined)
Zero joining fee and zero annual fee forever
Enter your details to get started
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Welcome Benefits | ₹500 gift voucher on spending ₹5,000 within 30 days + 5% cashback (up to ₹1,000) on first EMI transaction within 30 days |
| Accelerated Rewards Programme | Earn 10X reward points (10 points per ₹150) on all spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle and on birthday purchases |
| Standard Rewards | Earn 3X reward points (3 points per ₹150) on spends up to ₹20,000 per statement cycle |
| Complimentary Airport Lounge Access | 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter (8 annually) on spending ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month |
| Railway Lounge Access | 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter on spending ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month (effective from 20th February 2025) |
| Unlimited, Never-Expiring Reward Points | Reward points never expire and have no capping limit, offering complete flexibility in accumulation and redemption. |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹300 per statement cycle on transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000 |
| Movie Benefits | Buy 1 Get 1 offer on movie tickets up to ₹125 through District by Zomato app (valid twice per month) |
| Travel Insurance | Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) cover up to ₹10,000 for non-refundable flight and hotel bookings |
| Personal Accident Cover | ₹1 crore air accident cover + ₹5 lakh personal accident cover + ₹50,000 lost card liability cover |
| Low Foreign Currency Markup | Just 1.99% forex markup on international transactions (one of the lowest in the industry) |
| Attribute | Classification |
|---|---|
| Issuer / Provider | IDFC FIRST Bank |
| Bank / Non-bank | Bank-affiliated |
| Category | Lifestyle / Rewards Card |
| Type of Card | Visa/Mastercard Credit Card (Rewards & Travel) |
| Free or Paid | Lifetime Free (₹0 joining fee, ₹0 annual fee forever) |
The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is the perfect companion for moderate to high spenders who want premium benefits without paying annual fees. As a lifetime-free credit card with an accelerated rewards structure, it's designed for individuals who consistently spend above ₹20,000 monthly and want to maximise their rewards earning potential. With comprehensive travel benefits including both airport and railway lounge access, low forex markup for international transactions, and unlimited reward points with no expiry, this card delivers exceptional value for everyday purchases, travel bookings, dining, and entertainment.
Lifetime-Free Premium Card: Unlike most premium credit cards that charge annual fees, the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card remains completely free for life with zero joining fee and zero annual fee, making it accessible to a broader audience whilst offering premium-tier benefits.
Incremental Rewards Structure: The card features a unique tiered rewards system where you earn 3X reward points (3 points per ₹150) on all eligible spends up to ₹20,000 per statement cycle, and then automatically upgrade to 10X reward points (10 points per ₹150) on all incremental spends above ₹20,000 in the same cycle, providing significant value to high spenders.
Birthday Bonus: Every transaction made on your birthday earns 10X reward points regardless of your monthly spend threshold, allowing you to maximise rewards on your special day.
Comprehensive Welcome Benefits: New cardholders receive a ₹500 gift voucher from leading brands like Amazon, BigBasket, Uber, or Lifestyle upon spending ₹5,000 within the first 30 days of card generation. Additionally, enjoy 5% cashback up to ₹1,000 on your first EMI transaction made within 30 days of card activation.
Dual Lounge Access: Unique amongst lifetime-free cards, the IDFC FIRST Select provides access to both domestic airport lounges (2 visits per quarter) and railway station lounges (4 visits per quarter), totalling 24 potential lounge visits annually, subject to spending ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month.
Ultra-Low Forex Markup: With just 1.99% foreign currency markup fee, this card offers one of the most competitive forex rates in the Indian credit card market, making it ideal for international travel and foreign currency online shopping.
Unlimited Reward Points: All reward points earned have no expiry date and no capping limit, giving you complete flexibility to accumulate and redeem them at your convenience without worrying about forfeiture.
Flexible EMI Conversion: Convert any transaction above ₹2,500 into Easy Monthly Instalments directly through the IDFC FIRST mobile app or instantly during online transactions on the bank's OTP authentication page, with flexible tenures from 3 to 18 months.
Entertainment Benefits: Enjoy Buy 1 Get 1 free movie tickets worth up to ₹125 through the District by Zomato app, available twice per month, making cinema outings more affordable.
Travel Protection: The card includes Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage up to ₹10,000 for non-refundable flight and hotel bookings (maximum of two claims per policy period), comprehensive travel insurance covering checked baggage loss/delay, passport loss, and trip delays, plus substantial accident insurance coverage.
Wide Category Coverage: Earn rewards on utilities, insurance, rent, property management, education, government services, and wallet loads at 1-3X reward points, categories often excluded by other cards.
UPI Integration: Link your IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card to UPI as a virtual RuPay card for seamless digital payments, bill payments, wallet recharges, and online shopping without carrying the physical card.
Interest-Free Period: Enjoy up to 48 days of interest-free credit on purchases from the transaction date, subject to full payment by the due date, providing excellent cash flow management.
This card is particularly valuable for individuals who maintain monthly spends above ₹20,000, travel frequently within India, shop internationally online, and want comprehensive benefits without the burden of annual fees.
Standard Reward Rate (Up to ₹20,000 monthly spend)
3X Reward Points on Eligible Spends
Earn 3 reward points for every ₹150 spent on all eligible retail transactions up to ₹20,000 per statement cycle
Applicable across categories including shopping, dining, groceries, online purchases, and utility bills
This translates to a base reward rate of 2% (₹0.50 value per ₹150 spent at redemption value of ₹0.25 per point)
Accelerated Reward Rate (Above ₹20,000 monthly spend)
10X Reward Points on Incremental Spends
Earn 10 reward points for every ₹150 spent on all incremental purchases above ₹20,000 in a statement cycle
This accelerated rate applies automatically once you cross the ₹20,000 threshold
Translates to a superior reward rate of 6.67% (₹1.67 value per ₹150 spent)
No category restrictions—all eligible retail transactions qualify for 10X rewards
Birthday Bonus Rewards
10X Rewards on Your Special Day
All transactions made on your birthday automatically earn 10X reward points (10 points per ₹150)
No monthly spend threshold required on birthday transactions
Applicable on all eligible retail purchases throughout your birthday
Enhanced Earning Categories
3X Rewards on Special Categories
Education expenses: 3 reward points per ₹150
Wallet load transactions: 3 reward points per ₹150
Government services: 3 reward points per ₹150
Rent and property management/purchase: 3 reward points per ₹150
These categories earn 3X rewards regardless of the ₹20,000 threshold calculation
1X Rewards on Utilities & Insurance
Utility bill payments: 1 reward point per ₹150
Insurance premiums: 1 reward point per ₹150
Allows you to earn rewards even on essential expenses
Gift Voucher
₹500 Brand Voucher on Card Activation
Spend ₹5,000 or more within 30 days of card generation to receive a ₹500 gift voucher
Choose from premium brands: Amazon, BigBasket, Uber, or Lifestyle
Voucher link delivered via SMS/email within 4-5 working days after meeting the spend criterion
Eligibility limited to primary cardholder only
EMI Cashback Offer
5% Cashback on First EMI Transaction
Receive 5% cashback up to ₹1,000 on your first EMI conversion
Must be done within 30 days of card activation
Applicable on transactions converted to Easy Monthly Instalments through the IDFC FIRST mobile app
Domestic Airport Lounge Access
2 Complimentary Visits Per Quarter
Access domestic airport lounges across India twice every calendar quarter (8 visits annually)
Eligibility Requirement: Must spend ₹20,000 or more in the previous calendar month
Present your IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card along with boarding pass for entry
Additional visits beyond the complimentary quota will be charged to your card
Access through participating domestic airport lounge networks
Railway Lounge Access
4 Complimentary Visits Per Quarter
Enjoy 4 complimentary visits to railway lounges at Indian railway terminals every quarter
Important: Effective 20th February 2025, you must spend ₹20,000 within the current calendar month to access railway lounge benefits in the following month
Enhance your train travel experience with comfortable waiting areas
Access available at select railway terminals across India
Travel Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive Travel Protection
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Cover: Up to ₹10,000 reimbursement for non-refundable hotel and flight cancellations
Maximum of two claims during the policy period
Benefit shared between primary and add-on cardholders
Travel Insurance Benefits (up to USD 300)
Loss of checked-in baggage: USD 100
Delay of checked-in baggage: USD 67
Loss of passport and other travel documents: USD 67
Trip delay coverage included
Accident Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive Accident Protection
Air accident cover: ₹1 crore
Personal accident cover: ₹5 lakh
Lost card liability cover: ₹50,000
Eligibility: Valid on making at least one transaction in the last 30 days
Roadside Assistance
Complimentary Vehicle Support
24/7 roadside assistance worth up to ₹1,399
Includes flat-tyre assistance and basic vehicle support
Available across India
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
1% Savings at Petrol Pumps
1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India
Applicable on transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000
Maximum waiver of ₹300 per statement cycle
Note: Reward points are not earned on fuel transactions; this is purely a surcharge waiver benefit
Movie Ticket Offers
Buy 1 Get 1 on District by Zomato
Buy 1 Get 1 offer on movie tickets through the District by Zomato mobile app
Discount up to ₹125 on the second ticket
Valid twice per month
Enjoy blockbuster cinema experiences at discounted rates
Low Forex Markup
Industry-Leading 1.99% Forex Fee
Minimal foreign currency markup of just 1.99% on all international transactions
One of the lowest forex rates amongst Indian credit cards
Ideal for international travel and foreign currency online shopping
Significant savings compared to cards charging 3.5% or higher
Redemption Options
Flexible Reward Utilisation
Redeem reward points for online and in-store purchases
Use points directly at partner merchant platforms
Convert points to e-vouchers from various brands
Redemption value: ₹0.25 per reward point
Redemption Fee
₹99 per redemption transaction (effective from 1st October 2022)
Plan your redemptions strategically to maximise value
Reward Points Validity
Unlimited Validity
Reward points never expire as long as your card remains active
No capping on total reward points that can be accumulated
Complete flexibility to save points and redeem when most beneficial
Instant EMI Options
Flexible Payment Plans
Convert transactions above ₹2,500 into Easy Monthly Instalments
Instant EMI conversion available on the IDFC FIRST Bank OTP authentication page during online transactions
Convert via IDFC FIRST mobile app post-purchase
Flexible tenure options: 3 to 18 months
Balance Transfer Facility
Consolidate Your Debt
Transfer balances from other bank credit cards to IDFC FIRST Select
Convert transferred balance into EMIs with tenures of 3 to 18 months
Convenient debt consolidation option
Up to 48 Days Interest-Free
Enjoy up to 48 days of interest-free credit on all purchases from the transaction date
Applies when full payment is made by the due date
Excellent for managing cash flow
Flexible Payment Option
If the full amount is not paid by the due date, remaining balance carries forward as revolving credit
Interest charges apply as per the applicable interest rate structure
Reward points are not earned on the following transactions:
Fuel purchases (though fuel surcharge waiver applies)
Cash advances and ATM cash withdrawals
Card fees and charges
Transactions converted to EMI after the transaction date
GST component on transactions
Note: The 10X reward threshold of ₹20,000 does not include spends on:
Rental & property management
Utility bills
Insurance premiums
Government services
Education expenses
Wallet loads
Fuel transactions
EMI transactions
Cash withdrawals
Fee and charges
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹0 | Completely free—no one-time charge when the card is issued. |
| Annual Fee | ₹0 | Lifetime free—no recurring annual charges ever. Some sources indicate a fee of ₹199 + GST from the second year onwards, which may be a recent change. |
| Add-on Card Fee | ₹0 | Complimentary add-on cards for family members |
| Interest Rate (APR) on Purchases | 0.75% to 3.5% per month (9% to 42% per annum) | Applicable on outstanding balances not paid by the due date. Actual rate depends on credit profile |
| Overdue Interest Rate | 3.99% per month (47.88% annually) | Higher interest rate applied on overdue amounts; may be reduced if the minimum amount due is paid. |
| Cash Advance Fee | ₹199 to ₹250 per transaction | Charged on all cash withdrawals from ATMs. Most sources cite ₹199 + GST; some older ones mention ₹250. |
| Cash Advance Interest | Interest charges apply from transaction date | No interest-free period on cash withdrawals. Some sources mention an interest-free period of up to 45 or 48 days. |
| Foreign Currency Markup | 1.99% | One of the lowest forex fees in India on all international transactions. |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% (up to ₹300 per statement cycle) | Applicable on transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000 at all fuel stations. |
| Payment Return Charges | ₹450 | Charged when payment cheque/instrument is returned or dishonoured |
| Balance Transfer Processing Fee | Varies based on tenure selected | Check with bank for specific rates on balance transfer EMI plans |
| Reward Redemption Fee | ₹99 per redemption transaction | Applicable from 1st October 2022 onwards. |
| Card Replacement Fee | As per bank's schedule of charges | Applicable for lost/stolen/damaged card replacement |
| GST | 18% (or as notified by Government) | Applicable on all fees, charges, and interest. |
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
Age | Minimum 21 years, Maximum 65 years for primary cardholder. Some sources cite a minimum of 18 years. |
Citizenship | Must be a Resident Indian with current and permanent address within India. |
Income - Annual | Minimum annual income: ₹12 lakhs or more (this is the predominant requirement). |
Income - Monthly | Minimum net monthly income: ₹25,000 per month (conflicts with the annual figure in some sources). |
Credit Score | Good CIBIL score (ideally 700-750 or above) recommended for approval. |
Employment | Salaried employees or self-employed professionals/businesspersons with stable income. |
Location | IDFC FIRST Bank maintains a list of eligible cities for card issuance—verify your city's eligibility. |
Existing Relationship | Can be applied by both existing IDFC FIRST Bank customers and new-to-bank applicants |
Internal Policy | Subject to bank's internal credit assessment based on credit history, existing relationship, demographics, and credit exposure |
| Document Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Any one: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID Card |
| Address/Residence Proof | Any one: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID Card, Ration Card, Recent Utility Bill (electricity/telephone/gas) not older than 3 months |
| Income Proof | For Salaried: Latest salary slips (last 2-3 months) / Bank statements showing salary credits / Form 16. For Self-Employed: Income Tax Returns (ITR) with computation of income / Profit & Loss statement and Balance Sheet certified by CA (if required). |
| PAN Card | Mandatory for all credit card applications as per RBI guidelines. |
| Passport-size Photograph | Recent colour photograph. |
| Credit Report | May be requested by the bank during application process (optional) |
Step 1: Click on Apply Now: Hit the 'Apply Now' button on the official website to start your application.
Step 2: Fill in Your Details: Enter your personal information, including name, date of birth, contact details, employment information, and financial details in the application form.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of your PAN Card, Aadhaar/Address Proof, Income Proof, and a recent photograph.
Step 4: Submit Your Application: Carefully review all the details you've entered for accuracy and click the Submit button.
Step 5: Approval & Card Delivery: Once approved, your card will be dispatched to your registered address within 7-10 working days.
| Usage Tips | Details |
|---|---|
Activate Your Card Immediately | Activate your card as soon as you receive it via IDFC FIRST mobile app, NetBanking, or customer care helpline |
Set Up Credit Card PIN | Set a 4-digit PIN for card security through IDFC FIRST mobile app, NetBanking, or by calling customer care. Essential for ATM and POS transactions |
Link to UPI | Link your card to UPI as a virtual RuPay card for seamless digital payments without carrying the physical card |
Enable Contactless Payments | Activate tap-and-go feature through mobile banking app for contactless payments up to ₹5,000 per transaction |
Cross the ₹20,000 Threshold | Aim to spend above ₹20,000 each statement cycle to unlock 10X reward points on all incremental spends, maximising your rewards earning |
Use for International Transactions | Leverage the ultra-low 1.99% forex markup for international travel and foreign currency online shopping—one of the best rates available |
Track Monthly Spends for Lounge Access | Ensure you spend ₹20,000 in a calendar month to qualify for lounge access (both airport and railway) in the following month |
Plan Lounge Visits Strategically | Utilise 2 airport lounge visits per quarter and 4 railway lounge visits per quarter (subject to monthly spend requirement) |
Maximise Welcome Benefits | Spend ₹5,000 within first 30 days to claim ₹500 gift voucher, and convert one transaction to EMI within 30 days for 5% cashback up to ₹1,000 |
Birthday Bonus Rewards | Use the card extensively on your birthday to earn 10X reward points on all eligible transactions regardless of monthly spend threshold |
Fuel Transactions Between ₹200-₹5,000 | Fill fuel in the ₹200 to ₹5,000 range per transaction to maximise 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to ₹300/month) |
Convert Large Purchases to EMI | Use the instant EMI conversion facility on transactions above ₹2,500 through the mobile app or during online checkout for better cash flow management |
Utilise Movie Offers | Book movie tickets through District by Zomato app twice per month to enjoy Buy 1 Get 1 offers worth up to ₹125 |
Pay Bills on Time | Always pay at least the minimum amount due by the due date to avoid late fees, higher interest rates, and negative credit score impact |
Use for Utilities & Insurance | Unlike many cards, earn reward points even on utility bills and insurance premiums (1 point per ₹150) |
Include Rent Payments | Pay rent through your credit card to earn 3X reward points whilst managing cash flow |
Monitor Reward Points | Regularly check accumulated reward points through mobile app or NetBanking and plan redemptions to maximise value |
Strategic Redemption | Accumulate points before redeeming to avoid multiple ₹99 redemption fees; redeem in bulk for better value |
Set Up Auto-Pay | Enable auto-debit facility from your savings account to ensure you never miss payment due dates |
Track Transactions via App | Download and use IDFC FIRST mobile banking app to monitor transactions in real-time, set spending alerts, and manage your card |
Avoid Cash Withdrawals | Minimise cash advances as they attract ₹250 fee per transaction and interest charges from day one with no interest-free period |
The IDFC FIRST Select 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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