The IDFC First Select Credit Card is a semi-premium card on the Visa Signature platform. It sits above the IDFC Classic Credit Card and below the IDFC Wealth Credit Card in the issuer’s lineup.
Although the card offered strong value at launch, recent devaluations have reduced its appeal. Still, it retains useful features for many cardholders—especially those who value lounge access and a lifetime-free fee structure. Below is a clear and concise guide to its features and suitability.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Fees
- Design
- Rewards
- Lounge Access
- Other Benefits
- Getting the Card
- Bottomline
Overview
| Type | Semi-Premium Credit Card |
| Reward Rate | 0.6% – 2% |
| Annual Fee | Lifetime Free |
| Best for | Airport / Railway lounge access |
| USP | Complimentary Roadside Assistance Service |
The bank markets this as a premium product, but in practice it functions more like an entry-level card that can deliver premium-level value if you maintain higher monthly spends.
Fees
| Joining / Renewal Fee | Lifetime Free |
| Welcome Benefit | 500 INR voucher |
- Welcome voucher of ₹500 on spend of ₹15,000 or more within 90 days of card issuance.
The main practical advantage is the lifetime-free fee with continued privileges. Keep in mind the usual caveats around “lifetime free” offers and how issuers may change terms over time.
Design
The card sports a clean, simple deep-red design that aligns with the bank’s brand. It looks attractive, though it resembles other IDFC cards and can sometimes be mistaken for the IDFC Signature debit card.
Rewards
| SPEND TYPE | REWARDS | REWARD RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Offline Spends | 3 RP / 125 INR (3X) | 0.6% |
| Online Spends | 6 RP / 125 INR (6X) | 1.2% |
| Spends >25K (per stmt) | 10 RP / 125 INR (10X) | 2% |
| Spends on Birthday | 10 RP / 125 INR (10X) | 2% |
- 1 Reward Point = ₹0.25
- Redemption fee: ₹99 + GST (effective from 1 Oct 2022)
- Reward points do not expire
IDFC has introduced several restrictions to its rewards program recently, and further changes are possible. Be aware of the current limits before relying on this card for heavy rewards accumulation.
Terms & Conditions:
- Rewards are not applicable on fuel, insurance, and EMI transactions.
- Rental transactions earn 3X rewards (0.6%) only and are excluded from 10X calculations.
This card is not suited to repeatedly carrying balances beyond your sanctioned credit limit—such behaviour can trigger account flags from the issuer.
Lounge Access
| ACCESS TYPE | Access Via | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Airport Lounges | Visa | 4/Qtr |
| Domestic Railway Lounges | Visa | 4/Qtr |
| International Lounges | Nil | Nil |
The card provides four complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter via Visa. Uniquely, it also includes four domestic railway lounge visits per quarter—a benefit not commonly bundled with many cards.
Given that some other issuers have reduced lounge access on certain card tiers, having a card that still offers both airport and railway lounge access can be useful for frequent travellers.
Other Benefits
- Complimentary Roadside Assistance (RSA) valued at ₹1,399
- Revolving Interest Rate: Relatively lower card interest compared to some peers—typically in the 20%–24% p.a. range (example rate seen: 22% p.a.)
- Buy 1 Get 1 Movie Offer: Up to ₹250 per ticket via Paytm Movies
- Forex Markup Fee: 1.99% + GST
Complimentary roadside assistance is a distinct benefit that can be practical in emergencies such as jump-starting a vehicle. The bank’s comparatively lower revolving interest rate is attractive in principle, although applicants’ actual rates vary by profile.
Getting the Card
- Eligibility: Existing IDFC Select account or a credit card limit of roughly ₹1.5 lakh with another bank
- Online application available with potential instant approval and a virtual card issued quickly if approved
If your portfolio includes other cards with around ₹1.5 lakh limit, you stand a good chance of qualifying for the Select variant when applying online. Applicants with higher credit limits on existing cards may be considered for the Wealth variant instead, which includes enhanced benefits.
Upgrade path: Holders of IDFC Classic or Millennia cards with low limits should first request a credit limit increase before applying for an upgrade to the Select tier.
Bottomline
- Cardexpert Rating: 4/5 (for this segment)
Although cashback-focused cards generally offer stronger value for many users in 2022 and beyond, the IDFC First Select Credit Card still makes sense for those who prioritize lifetime-free status and lounge access. It also benefits cardholders who can leverage targeted promotional bonus point campaigns when available.
In summary: a lifetime-free card with lounge privileges, roadside assistance, and reasonable rewards—best suited for travellers and cardholders with moderate to high monthly spends.
If you have the IDFC First Select Credit Card, feel free to share your experience and thoughts in the comments.