IDFC First Select Credit Card: Real User Review & Benefits

Table of Contents

• Application Process
• The Card
• Reward Points Redemption
• Credit Limit
• Customer Support
• Drawbacks
• Bottom line

The Card

The IDFC First Select credit card resembles the IDFC Visa Signature debit card in appearance, with some differences:

• Card details are printed rather than embossed.
• The front displays only the cardholder name; the card number, CVV and expiry date are printed on the back.
• There is no signature panel on the back.
• The VISA logo has a distinctive metallic reflective finish, which stands out.

Reward Points Redemption

One of the strongest features is how reward points (RPs) can be redeemed directly during an online purchase, similar to how American Express handles point redemption. When I used points at checkout, the transaction processed normally, and within two days I received a statement cash-back credit equivalent to the redeemed amount. That speed is impressive.

Redemption options are currently versatile: cash credit is available, and popular gift vouchers from merchants such as Amazon and Flipkart are offered. You can enter a custom gift voucher amount and redeem up to the maximum available RPs rather than being limited to preset denominations. This flexibility is similar to SBICard AURUM’s system, as both programs use the same redemption provider.

You can redeem points through the mobile app without additional login. An EMI conversion option appears during OTP entry for eligible transactions, which I have yet to test. Overall, the redemption flow is user-friendly and innovative for a newer card issuer.

Credit Limit

I once used over 80% of my credit limit for a hospital bill, and IDFC promptly sent email and SMS alerts. After crossing the 80% threshold, I was required to prepay to continue using the card. However, prepaying allowed me to use the card again and continue earning reward points within the statement cycle.

Attempts to exceed the assigned credit limit on the same day failed; the card worked normally the next day. This kind of same-day restriction is common with other issuers as well, including HDFC and SBI.

Customer Support

In my 1.5 years with IDFC First, I contacted customer support around ten times and generally found the staff polite and helpful. The bank’s newer mobile app is thoughtfully designed and reduces the number of clicks needed for common tasks, though it can hang occasionally.

The app supports in-app chat and video chat. I used video support to inquire about an upgrade to a wealth card and was advised to try again after six months, subject to internal eligibility. A request for a temporary credit limit increase in late April was politely declined; the team indicated a minimum six-month period is required before considering such adjustments.

Drawbacks

There are a few downsides. Insurance transactions do not earn reward points, which is disappointing; allowing limited points for such payments would be preferable. Wallet load transactions are typically eligible for base-rate points (3 points per 100 spent) according to customer support, although in one recent billing cycle I received higher points (6X) for some transactions.

As a new entrant, the older netbanking UI and credit-card section of the mobile app had limited features initially. I migrated to the new portal via a link shared in an inaugural article and found the new portal more capable.

Bottom line

Overall, my experience with the IDFC First Select credit card has been positive. The card proved reliable during a hospitalization when another card I held had acceptance issues. The simple and efficient rewards redemption, similar to cashback cards, makes this a strong choice for beginners and everyday use. I look forward to seeing more targeted offers for cardholders similar to those periodically sent to debit card customers.