IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is a lifetime-free premium credit card from IDFC FIRST Bank with no joining or annual fee, 10X reward points on dining, travel and international spends, zero forex markup and complimentary domestic airport lounge access. It suits individuals earning Rs.12 lakh or more a year who want travel and lifestyle benefits without annual charges. 

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Key Highlights of IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

The following are the key highlights of IDFC FIRST Select credit card:  

Lifetime-Free Card: The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card comes with no joining fee and no annual fee on the primary card. This lifetime-free feature makes it a cost-effective choice for managing everyday expenses as well as high-value purchases without worrying about recurring card charges. 

Zero Forex Markup:  International transactions and online purchases made in foreign currencies attract no forex markup fee. This helps cardholders save significantly on overseas spending and international travel expenses.

Complimentary Domestic Airport Lounge Access:  Cardholders can enjoy one complimentary visit per quarter to participating domestic airport lounges across India. This benefit enhances the travel experience by providing access to comfortable seating, refreshments, and other lounge amenities. However, you must spend Rs.20,000 or more in a calendar month to access this benefit in the following month.

Buy One Get One Free Movie Tickets: The card offers Buy One Get One Free movie ticket benefits every month when you spend Rs.20,000 or more in the previous calendar month, allowing cardholders to enjoy their favorite movies while reducing entertainment expenses.

Reward Points Valid for 24 Months: Reward points earned on eligible purchases are valid for 24 months from the date they are credited, giving cardholders ample time to accumulate and redeem them. These points can be redeemed for flights, hotel bookings, e-vouchers, and various partner offers, enabling users to maximize the value of their spending.

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Features of IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

The following are the features of IDFC FIRST Select credit card:  

Contactless Payment Facility: The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card supports contactless payments, allowing cardholders to make purchases up to the prescribed limit by simply tapping their card at enabled merchant terminals for a quick and convenient checkout experience. 

Cash Withdrawal Facility: Cardholders can withdraw cash from domestic and international ATMs when needed. The card also offers an interest-free period of up to 45 days on cash withdrawals, although a nominal cash advance fee may apply. 

Accelerated Reward Structure: The card features a tiered rewards program that offers higher reward points on select spending categories such as dining, travel and international purchases, as well as spends on your birthday. This enables cardholders to earn rewards at a faster rate compared to a standard rewards structure.

Flexible Reward Redemption Options: Accumulated reward points can be redeemed across multiple categories, including flight bookings, hotel stays, e-vouchers, and partner platforms, giving cardholders the flexibility to choose rewards that best suit their needs. 

Complimentary Airport Lounge Access: The card provides complimentary access to selected domestic airport lounges, allowing travelers to enjoy a more comfortable and relaxing pre-flight experience. 

Roadside Assistance Services: Cardholders can avail themselves of 24x7 roadside assistance services, including support for flat tyres and other basic roadside emergencies, helping ensure peace of mind while travelling. 

Value-Packed Lifetime-Free Credit Card: The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card combines travel, lifestyle, and rewards benefits without any joining or annual fees. It is well-suited for frequent travelers, regular shoppers, and individuals looking for a feature-rich yet cost-effective credit card. 

Benefits of IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Welcome Benefits

  • You will receive a Rs.500 gift voucher when you spend Rs.5,000 within 30 days of your card being issued. 
  • You will get 5% cashback (up to Rs.1,000) on your first EMI transaction, provided it is done within 30 days of card issuance.

Travel Benefits 

Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to domestic airport lounges as well as select railway station lounges, making their journeys more comfortable and convenient. These benefits allow travelers to relax and access premium facilities before departure. The card comes with a trip cancellation cover of up to ₹10,000 for non-refundable flight tickets and hotel bookings. This benefit can help reduce financial losses arising from unexpected travel cancellations. To provide additional peace of mind while travelling, the card offers travel insurance along with personal accident and air accident coverage, helping protect cardholders against unforeseen events during their journeys. 

Lifestyle & Merchant Benefits 

  • Cardholders have access to over 300 merchant benefits that offer discount benefits across shopping, dining, wellness, and travel categories.  

Fuel Benefits 

  • Cardholders can receive a 1 percent fee waiver for eligible fuel purchases, which helps offset the cost of fuel purchases and regular vehicle use.  

Safety & Security 

  • There are lost-card liability benefits, roadside assistance in case of a vehicle breakdown, and personal/air accident coverage so cardholders can travel and conduct their daily transactions with peace of mind. 
  • The card offers an air accident cover of Rs.1 crore, a personal accident cover of Rs.5 lakh and a lost card liability cover of Rs.50,000, which stay valid when you make at least one transaction on the card in the last 30 days. 
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Reward Points Benefits

  • Earn 3X Reward Points on all other eligible retail transactions, such as shopping, groceries, and most online purchases, with no monthly spend threshold.
  • Dining, travel, and international purchases earn 10X reward points from the first eligible transaction.
  • All eligible purchases made on your birthday earn 10X reward points, irrespective of the spending amount. 
  • The IDFC FIRST Select Card offers 3X reward points on education payments, wallet reloads, government service payments, rent payments, and property management transactions. 
  • Utility bill payments, insurance premium payments, railway spends and FASTag recharges earn 1X reward points.
  • Fuel purchases, EMI transactions and Cash withdrawals do not earn regular or accelerated rewards. 

Spend Category 

Reward Rate 

Details, Eligibility, and Conditions 

Dining, travel and international purchases

10X reward points 

  • Applies to eligible dining, travel and international purchases from the first transaction, with no minimum monthly spend.
  • Rent, property management, government, education, wallet, utility, insurance, railway and FASTag transactions are excluded from the 10X rate.
  • Reward Points are valid for 24 months from the date they are credited.

Birthday spends 

10X reward points 

  • All eligible purchases made on your birthday qualify automatically for the 10X reward rate.  
  • This makes it one of the most rewarding single-day benefits on the card.

All other eligible spends

3X reward points 

  • These points apply to routine retail purchases such as shopping, groceries, entertainment and eligible UPI spends.
  • There is no monthly cap on the 3X rate, but Reward Points are earned only on spends up to your credit limit in each billing cycle.

Education payments 

3X reward points 

  • Includes school fees, university fees, coaching centres, and recognised online learning platforms.  
  • This category is treated independently and consistently earns 3X. 
  • It is useful for households with frequent academic-related expenses. 

Wallet loads 

3X reward points 

Funds added to digital wallets such as Paytm, PhonePe, and Amazon Pay are eligible for reward earnings. 

These transactions are treated as qualifying digital payments, enabling cardholders to accumulate reward points while managing their everyday wallet expenses.

Government payments 

3X reward points 

  • Includes statutory payments such as taxes, fines, and government service fees.  
  • They earn 3X reward points but are excluded from the 10X reward rate.

Rent payments 

3X reward points 

Rent payments made through eligible rent-payment platforms earn 3X reward points, allowing cardholders to benefit from a recurring monthly expense. 

While certain payment platforms may charge a convenience fee for processing rent transactions, the reward points earned can help offset these costs and enhance the overall value of digital rent payments.

Property management or purchase related payments 

3X reward points 

  • Includes society maintenance charges, digital payments for property management services, and certain purchase-related transactions.  
  • Eligibility may vary depending on the merchant category code assigned by the payment processor. 

Utility payments 

1X reward point 

  • Covers electricity, water, gas, telecom, and broadband bills.  
  • These transactions earn base-level rewards and are excluded from the 10X reward rate.

Insurance payments 

1X reward point 

  • Applies to life, health, motor, and general insurance premiums.  
  • Although these payments earn points, they are excluded from the 10X reward rate.

EMI transactions 

No reward points 

  • Once a transaction is converted into an EMI, either through the bank or at the merchant level, it no longer earns reward points.
  • Any points awarded before the conversion remain unaffected, but the EMI instalments themselves do not generate rewards. 

Cash withdrawals 

No reward points 

  • Cash advances withdrawn from ATMs do not earn any points and typically incur fees and immediate interest charges, making them unsuitable for reward optimisation. 

Fuel purchases 

No reward points 

  • Fuel transactions, including petrol, diesel, and other automotive fuels, are excluded from the reward structure entirely.  
  • This separation ensures clarity in categories where pricing and taxation differ from standard retail purchases. 

Railway spends and FASTag recharges 

1X reward point 

Passenger railway spends and FASTag recharges earn base-level rewards and are excluded from the 10X reward rate. 

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Fees and Charges of IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Fee Type 

Charges 

Notes 

Joining / Annual Fee 

Rs.0 

No joining fee and no annual fee for the primary card. 

Add-on Card Fee 

Rs.499 per year 

Applicable per add-on card issued under the primary cardholder. 

Cash Advance / ATM Withdrawal 

Rs.199 per transaction 

Interest on cash advances is charged from the date of withdrawal until repayment. 

Interest on Purchases / Outstanding Balances 

0.71% to 3.85% per month

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 8.5% to 46.2% p.a., depending on credit profile and internal bank policy.

Overdue / Late Payment Interest 

3.99% per month 

Annualised rate approx. 47.88%. It is applicable if the minimum amount due is not paid by the due date. 

Late Payment Charges 

15% of Total Amount Due (minimum Rs.100, maximum Rs.1,300) 

Levied if the payment is not made by the due date. 

Over-limit Fee 

2.5% of the over-limit amount (minimum Rs.550)

Charged if spending exceeds the sanctioned credit limit. 

Foreign / Forex Transaction Fee 

Nil

No markup applies on foreign currency transactions, including online payments in foreign currency and dynamic currency conversion transactions.

Reward Redemption Fee 

Rs.99 per redemption 

Applicable when redeeming reward points for vouchers, products, or other benefits. 

Card Replacement Fee 

Rs.199

Charged for replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged card. 

Fuel Surcharge 

1% of fuel transaction value 

Waived on fuel transactions between Rs.200 and Rs.5,000, up to Rs.300 per statement cycle.

Education Fees via third-party platforms 

1% (minimum Rs.249) 

Applicable when paying school, college, or coaching fees via certain payment channels. 

Rent and Property Management Fee 

1% of transaction value (minimum Rs.249)

Applicable per transaction on domestic rent and property management payments. 

Goods and Service Tax (GST) 

18% 

GST applies to all fees, charges, and interest rates wherever applicable. 

Note: The interest rates are effective from 9 September 2026. 

Eligibility for IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

The eligibility criteria for IDFC FIRST Select credit card is given below:  

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old. 
  • Should have an annual income of Rs.12 lakh or more. 
  • Must be a resident Indian. 
  • A good credit score is required, with final approval subject to the bank’s internal credit assessment.

Documents Required to Apply for the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

You will have to submit these documents to the bank once you have qualified for the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card: 

Proof of Identity 

Applicants must provide one valid identity document from the following: 

  • PAN card 
  • Aadhaar card 
  • Voter ID 
  • Passport 
  • Driving Licence 

Proof of Address 

Applicants must provide one valid address proof from the following: 

  • Aadhaar card 
  • Passport 
  • Voter ID 
  • Driving Licence 
  • Recent utility bills (not older than 3 months) 
  • Registered rent agreement 

Proof of Income 

  • For salaried applicants: Submit recent salary slips (typically for the last 3 months) and bank statements showing salary credits for the past few months. 
  • For self-employed applicants: Provide Income Tax Returns with computation of income, and if required, a profit & loss statement and balance sheet certified by a Chartered Accountant. 

Additional Documents 

  • Recent passport-size photographs. 
  • Credit report, if available, may be requested by the bank during the application process. 

How to earn more reward points on IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card?

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card allows cardholders to maximize their reward earnings by booking flights and hotels through the ‘FIRST Rewards Gallery’ section of the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App. By using this dedicated travel portal, you can earn accelerated reward points in addition to the regular rewards earned on your transactions, making your travel expenses even more rewarding. 

Step 1: Log In to the IDFC FIRST Mobile App 

Open the IDFC FIRST Mobile Banking App on your smartphone and sign in using your registered credentials. The app serves as a convenient platform for managing your credit card and accessing exclusive travel booking benefits. 

Step 2: Visit the ‘FIRST Rewards Gallery’ Section

After logging in, navigate to the ‘FIRST Rewards Gallery’ section from the app menu. This dedicated portal offers travel booking services along with accelerated reward point benefits on eligible hotel and flight reservations. 

Step 3: Select Your Preferred Travel Booking 

Hotel Bookings: 

Browse and choose from a wide range of hotels in India and overseas. When you book a hotel through this portal using your IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card, you can earn 20% bonus reward points in addition to the standard reward points applicable to the transaction.

Flight Bookings: 

Search for and book domestic or international flights through the FIRST Rewards Gallery portal. Eligible flight bookings earn 10% bonus reward points, helping you accumulate rewards much faster than regular spending.

Step 4: Make the Payment 

Enter the required travel details, select your preferred hotel or flight, and complete the booking using your IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card. The applicable bonus reward points are automatically credited in addition to the regular reward points earned on the transaction. 

Step 5: Redeem Your Reward Points 

Once sufficient reward points have been accumulated, you can redeem them for future flight and hotel bookings through the app. This allows you to reduce your travel expenses while making the most of your card's rewards program.

Summary

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is a lifetime-free card from IDFC FIRST Bank that pairs accelerated reward points with zero forex markup, airport and railway lounge access, and insurance covers. Its rewards favour dining, travel, international and birthday spends, while 300+ merchant offers and flexible redemption add everyday value. Check your eligibility and apply for the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card on BankBazaar. 

FAQs on the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

1.What is the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card?

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is a lifetime-free premium credit card issued by IDFC FIRST Bank. It rewards everyday spending and adds travel, dining, entertainment and insurance benefits without any joining or annual fee on the primary card.

2.Is the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card lifetime free?

Yes, the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is lifetime free, so you pay no joining fee or annual fee on the primary card. Add-on cards and other services carry separate charges, which are listed in the fees and charges table above.

3.What are the key benefits of the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card?

The key benefits of the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card are accelerated reward points, complimentary domestic airport and railway lounge access, movie ticket offers and merchant discounts. It also includes a trip cancellation cover, accident covers and roadside assistance.

4.How does the reward programme on the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card work?

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card earns reward points at three tiers based on the spend category. Dining, travel, international and birthday spends earn the highest rate, most other eligible spends earn a standard accelerated rate, and utility, insurance, railway and FASTag payments earn the base rate, as shown in the reward table above.

5.Which transactions do not earn reward points on the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card?

Fuel purchases, EMI transactions and cash withdrawals do not earn reward points on the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card. Points already earned on a purchase before it is converted into an EMI remain unaffected.

6.Do reward points on the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card expire?

Yes, reward points on the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card have a fixed validity period that starts from the date they are credited. The current validity is mentioned in the key highlights above, so plan your redemptions before the points lapse.

7.How can I redeem IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card reward points?

You can redeem IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card reward points through the FIRST Rewards Gallery on the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app for flights, hotels, e-vouchers and partner offers. A redemption fee applies to each redemption, as shown in the fees table above.

8.How can I earn more reward points on travel bookings with the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card?

You can earn bonus reward points by booking flights and hotels through the FIRST Rewards Gallery section of the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app using your IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card. These bonus points are credited over and above the regular reward points on the transaction.

9.Does the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card offer airport lounge access?

Yes, the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card offers complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every quarter. You must meet a minimum monthly spend to unlock the benefit, and it does not cover international airport lounges.

10.Does the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card charge a forex markup?

The forex markup on the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is listed in the fees and charges table above. To avoid extra conversion costs abroad, choose to pay in the local currency rather than opting for dynamic currency conversion. 

11.What insurance and safety benefits come with the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card?

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card comes with a trip cancellation cover, personal accident and air accident covers, lost-card liability cover and 24x7 roadside assistance. These benefits protect you during travel and against fraudulent use of a lost card.

12.Can I withdraw cash from an ATM using the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card?

Yes, you can withdraw cash from domestic and international ATMs using the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card. A cash advance fee applies to each withdrawal, and cash withdrawals do not earn reward points.

13.Will I be asked to enter my IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card PIN at every POS terminal?

Yes, you must enter your IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card PIN for all POS transactions in India. Outside India, a PIN is needed only if the terminal supports PIN authentication, and you can also tap to pay once contactless payments are enabled in the app.

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