IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card Lineup: What You Must Know?

IDFC FIRST Bank is a private sector player known for some unique credit cards in its portfolio. There are credit cards for people just starting to build credit, to high-income professionals who love luxury perks. 

Many of their cards come with zero forex markup, generous rewards, and a strong merchant network for travel, dining, and lifestyle offers. 

Best Credit Cards by IDFC FIRST Bank

IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card Features & Benefits

IDFC FIRST cards make it easy for just about anybody to get on board with flexible options: lifetime-free cards, secured credit cards backed by fixed deposits, and high-end variants loaded with premium privileges. 

Depending on the card, you’ll get everything from zero forex markup for international travelers to high reward multipliers for lifestyle spends. 

Top Features & Benefits

• Zero or minimal forex markup – ZERO forex on Mayura Metal; low on Ashva.
• FD-backed secured cards such as FIRST EA₹N and FIRST WOW! for users with no income proof or credit history.
• Never-expiring reward points usable across a broad range of spend categories.
• Lounge access (domestic and international), golf privileges, wellness packages, and dining deals on higher-tier cards.
• Enhanced rewards on milestone spends and categories like travel, hotel, and dining.

My observation: The never-expiring reward points are a big deal. Many cards I’ve used annoyingly have an expiry timeline. Having unlimited validity is like financial breathing room: you earn at your pace without stress.

Top IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card Reviews

• FD-backed cards like FIRST WOW! are popular among those lacking income proof or credit history because the FD security improves approval chances. 
• Premium metal cards such as Mayura and Ashva win appreciation for luxury perks, though users mention high joining fees and stricter income criteria.
• Zero forex markup cards are perfect for international payments.
• Some users report delays in address or workplace verification. Applications can be rejected due to “internal policy.” (reddit.com)
• Lifetime-free cards and simple rewards are big positives, though merchant offers could be more consistent. 

My input: I’ve personally seen smoother approvals for FD-backed options versus unsecured cards. It’s a good route if your first application got rejected elsewhere. No embarrassment, no endless waiting.

Secured Credit Cards by IDFC First Bank 

The bank’s FD-backed options: FIRST EA₹N and FIRST WOW! let you use your fixed deposit as security. 

Your card limit often matches your FD value, making these ideal for students, freelancers, or early earners starting their credit journey. Once you build trust with regular bill payment, you’re in a strong position to qualify for unsecured cards later. 

Important tip: I recommend a minimum FD of ₹25,000–₹30,000 to start. Keep utilization under 30% and pay on time: the results show up on your CIBIL report surprisingly fast.

IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card Rewards, Cashback & Offers

• Never-expiring reward points (where applicable).
• Up to 10X rewards on travel, hotels, and flights for premium cards.
• Cashback offers and discounts with merchant partners: movie BOGO, dining offers, wellness, and lifestyle tie-ups.
• Milestone bonuses like vouchers or extra reward points after a spending threshold.

The bank’s reward system feels straightforward. You don’t need to memorize complicated conversion charts. The merchant tie-ups section could be a bit more dynamic, but what’s already available works fine for regular spenders.

Eligibility Criteria for IDFC First Credit Cards

Eligibility depends on the card type: premium cards ask for higher income, while FD-backed options are flexible. Applicants need to be Indian residents over 18/21 years with valid KYC documents.

• Age: Minimum 18 years (some cards need 21+). 
• Indian resident with a valid ID and address proofs. 
• Minimum income: ₹3 lakh p.a. for mid-tier; ₹12–25 lakh+ for metal/premium cards
• Good credit score or FD-based security for new applicants

Note: Even if you don’t clear the income criterion for metal cards, don’t give up. The FD route is designed exactly to help you climb this ladder safely.

Documents Required

• Identity proof: PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License.
• Address proof: Aadhaar, Passport, utility bill (under 3 months old), or rent agreement.
• Income proof: Salary slips, ITRs, or bank statements as applicable.
• For FD-backed cards: Proof of fixed deposit and related account.
• Additional KYC: PAN, photo, and sometimes physical verification.

Generally, if you’re applying for the first time, it would include a quick call, and there might be a brief address visit. Pretty straightforward. 

How to Apply for an IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card? 

1. Go to the official website or mobile app and pick your card.
2. Enter personal, work, and income details, then upload KYC documents.
3. For FD-backed cards, open an FD online and complete eKYC/video KYC.
4. Wait for verification and track your application via the reference number or mobile app.

Track Your Card Application

Applicants can use the “Track My Application” page on IDFC FIRST’s website by inputting the reference number, DOB, and mobile number. Common statuses include “In Progress”, “On Hold”, “Approved”, “Dispatched”, and “Rejected”.

Activating Your IDFC FIRST Credit Card

Once your card arrives, activate it via the mobile banking app or internet banking under the “Credit Cards” section. You’ll set your PIN and confirm receipt. Easy enough for even your parents to try without calling customer care.

IDFC FIRST Bank Login / Netbanking

Through the bank's official site or mobile app, you can check your credit card details, spend summary, statements, and reward balances. Access uses two-step verification and is pretty smooth. 

IDFC First Credit Card Customer Care

Helpline: 1800-10-888. You can talk to them about card status updates, lost/stolen card blocking, and documentation help through phone, app, or branch. 

Recent Updates & Changes

• From September 16, 2025, IDFC FIRST discontinued domestic lounge access via DreamFolks and transitioned to Elite Assist. (m.economictimes.com)
• Some partner offers and reward rates have been adjusted as per new policies. 
• IDFC FIRST launched the co-branded IndiGo credit card with RuPay and Mastercard network choices. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)

Domestic Lounge Access Update

DreamFolks lounge access for domestic terminals was officially discontinued from September 16, 2025, replaced by Elite Assist. Users now need to register or access lounges through the new platform depending on card eligibility tier. (Economic Times)

Here are the cards with decent lounge access:

Also Check: Lounge Access Checker Tool in India

Frequently Asked Questions

For Ashva, around ₹12 lakh p.a., and for Mayura, ₹25 lakh+, depending on offers.

No, most IDFC FIRST Bank credit cards offer reward points with no expiry.

3. Can I get a card without income proof?

Yes. Through FD-backed cards like FIRST EA₹N and FIRST WOW!, approval is easier if you lack a credit score or income proof.

4. How long does approval take?

Usually within 3–5 working days post-verification. You can track progress online. 

5. Do all cards give lounge access?

No, only premium cards like Mayura, Ashva, and FIRST Wealth do. Domestic lounge access is now managed through Elite Assist instead of DreamFolks.

Personal Thoughts about IDFC First Credit Cards

What I like most about IDFC FIRST Bank’s approach is that it’s not all flash. There’s a solid system for every kind of user. Personally, I love their FD-backed lineup because it offers inclusivity without hidden traps. 

My advice: don’t just chase fancy card names; pick the one that suits your spending habits. For example, if you travel rarely, zero forex markup has no real benefit for you: look instead for milestone cashback or lifetime-free variants.