IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card Review (2026)

Quick verdict: The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is best for lifetime-free all-rounder. It earns Up to 10X points, lifetime free, with an annual fee of Lifetime free (Rs 0). Hold it if its strongest category matches where you spend the most, and always pay the full bill to keep the rewards worthwhile.

Overview

The IDFC FIRST Select packs a lot into a lifetime-free card: airport and railway lounge access, a low foreign-currency markup and reward points even on categories that usually earn nothing, like utilities and insurance.

It is one of the strongest no-fee all-rounders in India, especially for occasional travellers who want lounge access without paying an annual fee.

Fees & Charges

Rewards & Benefits

• 3 reward points per Rs 200 on monthly spends up to Rs 20,000, and 10 reward points per Rs 200 above Rs 20,000.
• 10X reward points on dining, travel and international spends.
• Reward points even on usually-excluded categories such as utilities and insurance (1X).
• Complimentary airport and railway lounge access each quarter.
• Low 1.99% forex markup, Buy 1 Get 1 movie offers via partner app, and a fuel surcharge waiver.

Pros & Cons

Who Should Get This Card?

• Anyone wanting a no-fee card with lounge access
• Occasional travellers who value low forex markup
• People who want rewards on bills and insurance too

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Get the Most from the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

• Use it where it is strongest — lifetime-free all-rounder — where it earns Up to 10X points, lifetime free; route other spends to a card that rewards them better.
• Always pay the full statement balance by the due date so interest never eats your rewards.
• Track the fee and its waiver (Lifetime free (Rs 0)) and aim to cross the waiver spend if the card is worth keeping.
• Redeem rewards regularly through the highest-value option so points or cashback never lapse.
• Set up auto-pay, transaction alerts and sensible online/international limits in the issuer’s app.

Eligibility & Documents

Exact criteria depend on IDFC FIRST Bank and the card variant, but for the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card you will usually need:

• Age: generally 18–65 years.
• Income: a stable salaried or self-employed income; entry cards often start around ₹15,000–₹25,000 a month, while premium variants need more.
• Credit score: 700+ helps, and 750+ unlocks the best terms and limits.
• Documents: PAN (mandatory), an address proof (Aadhaar/passport/utility bill), income proof (salary slips, Form 16 or ITR) and a photograph.

Existing IDFC FIRST Bank customers, and applicants with a clean repayment history, typically see faster approval and higher starting limits.

How Rewards Work & Redemption

This card earns Up to 10X points, lifetime free. To judge its real value, look past the headline rate to what each reward is actually worth on redemption — cashback is credited at face value to your statement, while points and miles vary by how you redeem them (vouchers, catalogue products, statement credit, or airline/hotel transfers, which usually give the best value). Redeem before any expiry, and remember that fuel, rent, wallet loads and government payments are commonly excluded from rewards.

Plan Smarter With Free Tools

Get more out of this card with our free, no-login calculators and guides:

• EMI Calculator — work out the real cost before converting a big purchase to EMI.
• Interest Calculator — see how much revolving a balance actually costs you.
• Finance Glossary — plain-language definitions of APR, billing cycle, utilisation and more.
• Learn Hub — quizzes, flashcards and guides to sharpen your money skills.
• Compare all 60 cards — see how this card stacks up against the rest.

Related Credit Cards

Still comparing? Look at these related cards, or browse the full best credit cards in India guide and comparison table:

• SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card — Online shopping (entry-level)
• IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card — Secured / first card
• AU Bank LIT Credit Card — Customisable, lifetime-free
• IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card — Lifetime-free rewards
• Tata Neu Plus HDFC Bank Credit Card — Entry Tata ecosystem