IDFC FIRST SELECT 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 SELECT Credit Card Review: A Comprehensive Guide
introduction
key features and benefits
Lifetime Free
- No annual, joining, or membership fees—enjoy premium access year after year.
Welcome Benefits
- ₹500 gift voucher from top brands on card activation.
- 5% cashback up to ₹1,000 on your first EMI within 30 days of card issuance.
Airport Lounge Access
- Get 2 free domestic airport lounge visits every quarter by spending ₹20,000 in the current month to qualify for next month's benefit.
Reward Structure
10X reward points on spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle, and on your birthday.
3X reward points on spends up to ₹20,000 per cycle, and on all UPI transactions via RuPay add-on.
1X reward points on insurance premium and utility bill payments.
Unlimited reward points that never expire.
Travel Perks
Complimentary domestic airport and railway lounge access.
50X bonus points on hotel bookings, 20X on flight bookings through bank app “Travel & Shop”.
Free trip cancellation cover up to ₹10,000.
Comprehensive Insurance
Air accident cover: ₹1 crore.
Personal accident cover: ₹5 lakh.
Lost card liability cover: ₹50,000 (valid with 1+ transactions in last 30 days).
Comprehensive travel insurance up to USD 300 (baggage loss/delay, passport loss/delay, flight delay).
24/7 roadside assistance worth ₹1,399 for car/two-wheeler emergencies across India.
UPI Integration
Activate UPI on RuPay add-on for 3X points on all UPI spends.
Fast, secure digital payments with robust rewards.
UPI activation fee of ₹199 with up to ₹200 cashback (₹50 on each of first 4 transactions).
Fees and charges
| Category / Fee | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 gift voucher from top brands* |
| Annual Fee | nil |
| Reward Structure | Rewards on Eligible SPENDS |
| Renewal Benefit | n/a |
Rewards and Benefits Analysis
Who Benefits Most?
Premium spenders who consistently clear ₹20,000+ in monthly card spend, maximizing the 10X reward accelerator and birthday bonus.
Travelers and deal lovers who tap into lounge access, travel insurance, and extra reward points for bookings via the bank’s app.
Digital natives using UPI for everyday transactions—earn 3X on all UPI spends.
Comparison and Value
10X rewards surpass most standard cards; capped to incremental spends above ₹20,000.
50X/20X bonuses for travel bookings are industry-leading when using the IDFC FIRST app.
UPI reward rates are highly competitive, especially for those who prefer RuPay and smartphone wallets.
Points never expire—redeem at your convenience for the biggest events or travels.
Practical Considerations
Limitations
Accelerated rewards only apply above ₹20,000 monthly spend and to birthday transactions; spends below get 3X.
Travel perks require booking via bank app; not available for other portals.
UPI features need RuPay activation (fee applies, offset by cashback).
Instant EMI, ATM cash withdrawals, or UPI use may carry minor one-time fees.
Eligibility Criteria
Minimum annual income: ₹12 lakhs.
Good credit history and stable income recommended for approval.
Usage Tips
Use UPI everywhere for 3X points—activate RuPay add-on immediately.
Book travel through “Travel & Shop” to score max bonus points and lounge access.
Monitor spend to cross reward acceleration threshold every cycle for 10X points.
Redemption Options
IDFC FIRST Rewards Platform
Redeem points for flights, hotels, electronics, e-vouchers, and bill credits via mobile app.
Standard conversion: ₹0.25 per point (verify latest rates on portal).
Bonus redemptions on travel bookings for further savings and experiences.
Best-Value Strategy
Pool points for travel or festival shopping, or redeem for big-ticket vouchers during promotions.
Focus on birthday spend and incremental travel purchases to maximize point accrual.
Ideal User Profile
Professionals, business owners, and frequent travelers with ₹12 lakh+ annual income.
Premium spenders who want lifetime-free access to robust rewards.
Tech-savvy users who pay bills in full, use mobile banking, and prefer UPI.
Those who value travel benefits, insurance, and exclusive deals without luxury fees.
Final Thoughts
Strengths
Lifetime-free—no recurring or hidden fees.
Exceptional rewards (10X) and travel bonuses; points never expire.
Lounge access, travel insurance, forex perks.
Powerful UPI integration for digital payments.
Easy app management, fast approvals, and merchant deals.
Weaknesses
High income requirement limits accessibility.
Accelerated rewards need monthly spend to be worthwhile.
Travel bonus redemption locked to app.
Verdict
The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is India’s standout choice for premium spenders who want maximum rewards and premium perks—without annual fees. If you travel, shop online, or use UPI regularly, Select gives you luxury benefits for zero recurring cost.
Apply now if you meet the income requirement and want a rewards-first card that grows with your lifestyle.
Additional Tips for Applicants
Income Requirements
Minimum ₹12 lakhs annual income; higher income can improve approval odds.
Documentation
PAN, Aadhaar, proof of income (ITR or salary slips), address verification.
Application
Fast digital onboarding; instant RuPay/UPI activation via app/portal.
Maximizing Benefits
Book travel via app only for best bonus points and lounge perks.
Track spend above ₹20,000 every cycle, target birthday transactions, and activate all partner offers for max rewards.
UPI users: activate and use RuPay for 3X points/cashback.
Responsible Usage
Pay full bill each month; use app autopay to avoid interest and penalty fees.
Monitor reward balance, leverage merchant offers and seasonal deals.
This review offers a clear and balanced overview of The IDFC FIRST Select 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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