IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card Review
Author And Publisher: Gyro 3.oIDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card
Financial Expert Advice
Choose Your First (or Next) Credit Card Wisely
"Limit yourself to holding two credit cards A/C—one for daily expenses and auto-debits, and another reserved for emergencies.
Avoid chasing cashback, miles, rewards or Investments, as this can distract from sound financial management;
and lead to unnecessary debt. Focus on stability & discipline."
IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card Review: Lifetime-Free Simplicity, Everyday Rewards & UPI Power for Smart Spenders
Introduction
Looking for a truly lifetime-free credit card with smart rewards and next-gen UPI compatibility? The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is designed to give first-time cardholders, digital natives, and savvy spenders convenient access to benefits without annual fees or hidden costs. This card prioritizes affordability, flexible rewards, and seamless usage—empowering you to save on everyday purchases, access exclusive deals, and pay effortlessly through both UPI and traditional networks. If you want banking that works as hard as you do, this card deserves your attention.
Key Features and Benefits
Lifetime Free Ownership
- No joining or annual fees—enjoy worry-free usage forever.
Interest-Free ATM Cash Withdrawal
- Enjoy interest-free ATM cash withdrawals for up to 45 days, with a nominal transaction fee of ₹199 plus GST—better than most credit cards that charge daily interest.
Welcome Benefits
- Welcome Offer: Get a ₹500 voucher on spending ₹5,000 within 30 days of card generation.
- Fulfilment: Receive an SMS/email link within 4–5 days to redeem your voucher in the app (valid for 90 days).
- Exclusions: UPI, add-on card, wallet loads, EMI, ATM, and reversed or disputed transactions not eligible.
Reward Structure
Earn 10X, 3X, or 1X rewards (1 Point per ₹150 spent; 1 Point = ₹0.25).
₹99 (+ GST) redemption fee applies per request; Fuel, EMI, and cash withdrawals not eligible.
Insurance, utilities, rent, education, wallets, and government payments are excluded from 10X rewards Category.
UPI Integration
- Joining and Annual fee (2nd year onwards) of just ₹199 + GST.
- Limited period offer: 100% cashback up to ₹200, ₹50 each on the first 4 UPI transactions.
- Earn up to 3X reward points on your spends.
Lounge Access
- Enjoy 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter; spend ₹20,000 in a month to unlock access for the next month.
IDFC FIRST App: Earn Bonus Points on Travel Bookings
- Earn 50X Bonus Reward Points on hotel bookings, over and above your usual Credit Card Reward Points.
- Earn 20X Bonus Reward Points on flight bookings, over and above your usual Credit Card Reward Points.
- Redeem your Reward Points for flight & hotel bookings.
insurance Benefits
- Get ₹2,00,000 accident cover and ₹25,000 lost card liability cover with at least one transaction in the last 30 days.
24/7 Roadside Assistance
- Complimentary 24/7 roadside assistance worth ₹1,399, available up to 4 times a year with your FIRST Classic Credit Card.
Fees and charges
| Category / Fee | Details | Threshold / Cap |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Membership Fee | nill | — |
| Renewal Membership Fee | nill | — |
| Interest Rate | from 8.5% - 46.2% per annum | — |
| Redemption Convenience Fee | ₹99 + GST per redemption | — |
Struggling to keep up with mounting credit card bills?
Card Essentials
| Type | Reward Points |
| Welcome Benefits | ₹500 voucher on ₹5,000 spend within 30 days. |
| Annual Fee | nil |
| Reward Structure | Rewards on Eligible SPENDS |
| Renewal Benefit | n/a |
Rewards and Benefits Analysis
The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is strongest when used for regular spending and bill payments.
High Value for Everyday Spenders
Everyday purchases earn 3X points up to ₹20,000, jumping to 10X once you cross that mark in the billing cycle.
Special “birthday bonus” with 10X points maximizes reward earning for annual milestone purchases.
UPI Advantage
UPI integration appeals to digital-first users—spend via UPI, earn points, and unlock ease for small daily spends.
Travel Benefits
Premium rewards are unlocked only when booking through the bank’s app, ideal for mobile-savvy travelers.
Reward Structure Caps
Points earned never expire—great for flexible redemption.
Reward caps/accelerated rates apply only to select spends; insurance and utility spends earn at base rate.
Practical Considerations
Limitations
Accelerated rewards limited to select transactions and monthly spend brackets.
UPI features require activation and an add-on RuPay credit card link.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum annual income: ₹3 lakhs.
Good credit history will be required for approval.
Usage Tips
Activate UPI for daily expenses and maximize points.
Use the app for travel bookings to trigger bonus rewards.
Track billing cycle spends to ensure you cross ₹20,000 for 10X points acceleration.
Redemption Options
IDFC FIRST Rewards Platform
Redeem points for flights, hotels, e-gift vouchers, merchandise, and bill credits via mobile app.
Conversion ratio: Typically ₹0.25 per reward point (verify latest options on platform).
Points never expire, giving you freedom to save for big-ticket redemptions.
Best-Value Strategy
Pool points for travel bookings or merchant offers on the app for maximum ROI.
Ideal User Profile
Young professionals, salaried employees, and digital-first spenders seeking a no-fee card.
Users who favor UPI payments and want to earn rewards on digital transactions.
First-time cardholders desiring simplicity, easy app controls, and transparent fees.
Responsible spenders who regularly pay balances in full and redeem rewards smartly.
Final Thoughts
Strengths:
Lifetime-free ownership with no annual or joining fees.
High reward rates on everyday spending and UPI transactions.
Premium travel bonuses via the mobile app.
Flexible reward redemption; points never expire.
User-friendly mobile experience and extensive merchant offers.
Weaknesses:
Accelerated rewards require minimum monthly spending and app-based bookings.
Cash withdrawals incur processing fee (though interest-free period is generous).
UPI activation charges, albeit minor.
Limited travel/luxury perks compared to premium cards.
Additional Tips for Applicants
Income Requirements
Annual income must be at least ₹3 lakhs; higher income may improve approval chances.
Documentation
PAN, Aadhaar, income proof (salary slips or ITR), address validation.
Maximizing Benefits
Activate UPI for cashback rewards.
Use app for travel redemptions and merchant deals.
Responsible Usage
Pay statement in full each month to avoid interest/fees.
Set autopay to never miss a bill.
Explore merchant offers and travel bonuses for extra savings.
This review offers a clear and balanced overview of The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card’s strengths and limitations, helping readers make an informed choice about whether this card fits their
Spending Habits And Financial Goals.
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