FIRST EA₹N

Joining Fee

Free

Annual Fee

Rs. 499 (Reversed on annual spends of Rs. 1 Lakhs)

Forex Markup

3.5% + GST

INTERNATIONAL
Cashback
Best For: First-time credit card users, Those with no credit history, UPI-heavy spenders, Students and young adults

FIRST EA₹N

Rewards Structure

Base Reward Rate

1% on spends

Point Value

1 Point = ₹0.25

Earning Cap

₹500 /statement_cycle

Pros

  • No credit history or income proof required
  • Assured approval with FD backing
  • 1% cashback on UPI via IDFC FIRST app
  • Works on UPI at 60M+ merchants
  • Zero joining fee (limited period offer)
  • Annual fee waived on ₹1 lakh annual spends
  • Earn FD interest alongside cashback

Cons

  • Cashback capped at ₹500 per statement cycle
  • 1% surcharge on rent and property management payments
  • 3.5% forex markup on international transactions
  • No add-on card facility
  • Virtual card only, no physical card
  • 1% surcharge on utility spends above ₹20,000 in a statement cycle

Hidden Catches (Transparency Policy)

To build trust with our users, we highlight the fine print that issuers often tuck away in policy documents.

Cashback capped at ₹500 per statement cycle

Cash withdrawal and EMI transactions excluded from cashback

Welcome offer only for cards issued on or after 16 Dec 2025

₹0 joining fee is a limited period offer

1% surcharge on utility spends above ₹20,000 in a statement cycle

Key Benefits & Features

Virtual RuPay card; FD-backed with credit limit equal to 100% of Fixed Deposit value (min FD ₹5,000)

Usable at 60M+ UPI merchant QR codes; compatible with IDFC FIRST Bank app, PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm

Instant credit limit increase by linking existing FD or booking new FD from ₹5,000

Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirement

18+ Years

Occupation

SALARIEDSELF_EMPLOYEDRETIREDSTUDENT

Required Documents

IDENTITY Proof

Aadhaar Card
PAN Card

Notable Exclusions

No cashback on cash withdrawal transactionsNo cashback on EMI transactions1% surcharge on rent and property management payments, minimum ₹249 (+GST) per transaction1% surcharge (+GST) on utility spends above ₹20,000 in a statement cycle

*Exclusions may apply to EMI transactions, fuel, and wallet reloads based on current bank policy.

About FIRST EA₹N

The IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST EA₹N is a virtual RuPay credit card backed by a Fixed Deposit, making it accessible to virtually anyone regardless of credit history. Applicants simply need an FD with IDFC FIRST Bank starting at ₹5,000 to receive a credit limit equal to 100% of their deposit value. This makes it an ideal first credit card for students, young adults, and those with no prior credit history looking to build their financial profile. The card is built for the UPI generation, automatically linking to the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app and compatible with PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm. Cardholders earn 1% cashback on UPI spends via the IDFC FIRST Bank app, 0.5% cashback on UPI spends via other apps and all online transactions, and 0.5% cashback on utility, insurance, and wallet loads, capped at ₹500 per statement cycle. Bonus cashback of up to 8% on hotel bookings and 4% on flight bookings through the app adds further travel value. Additional perks include 25% off movie tickets once a month, a lost card liability cover of ₹25,000, and a personal accident cover of ₹2,00,000. The joining fee is currently waived as a limited-period offer, with an annual fee of ₹499 that is waived on spends of ₹1 lakh or more, making the card both rewarding and cost-effective.

Expert Review

Our Verdict

FD-backed virtual RuPay card with 1% cashback on UPI spends, no credit history needed.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout FIRST EA₹N

ELIGIBILITYWhat are the eligibility criteria to apply for a FIRST EA₹N Credit Card?
The eligibility criteria for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card are: Age limit of 18 to 80 years; the applicant must qualify as an Indian resident with a current and permanent residential address in India; you need to create and maintain a minimum fixed deposit of ₹5,000 with IDFC FIRST Bank. No credit history or income proof is required. The final decision is at the Bank's sole discretion, in line with its internal policies, and notwithstanding the applicant meeting the above criteria.
ELIGIBILITYDo I require a credit history or income proof to apply for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card?
No, you do not need any credit history or income proof to apply for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card. This card is backed by a Fixed Deposit with IDFC FIRST Bank, making it accessible to everyone — whether you are new to credit, a student, or a first-time credit card applicant. All you need is a minimum FD of ₹5,000 and valid KYC documents such as Aadhaar card and PAN card.
FEESWhat are the joining and annual fees for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card?
The FIRST EA₹N Credit Card currently has a ₹0 joining fee as a limited period offer (regular joining fee is ₹499 + GST). The annual fee from the second year onwards is ₹499 + GST. However, the annual fee is waived off if your total annual spends are ₹1 lakh or more in a year. This makes the card effectively free if you meet the spending threshold.
FEESAre there any surcharges or additional charges on the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card?
Yes, there are a few additional charges to be aware of: a 1% surcharge (plus GST) on rent and property management payments, subject to a minimum of ₹249 per transaction; a 1% surcharge (plus GST) on utility spends (electricity, gas, telecom, etc.) above ₹20,000 in a statement cycle; and a 3.5% forex markup on all international transactions. The interest rate (APR) ranges from 8.5% to 46.2% per annum.
REWARDSWhat cashback benefits does the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card offer?
The FIRST EA₹N Credit Card offers: 1% cashback on UPI spends made via the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app; 0.5% cashback on UPI spends via other apps (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, etc.) and all online spends; 0.5% cashback on utility, insurance, and wallet loads. Additionally, you can earn bonus 4% cashback on flight bookings and 8% cashback on hotel bookings via the 'FIRST Rewards Gallery' section on the IDFC FIRST mobile app. Cashback is capped at ₹500 per statement cycle.
REWARDSHow much cashback can I earn in a statement cycle?
The maximum cashback you can earn in a single statement cycle is ₹500. This cap applies across all cashback categories including UPI spends, online transactions, utility payments, insurance, and wallet loads. Cash withdrawal and EMI transactions are excluded from cashback benefits. Bonus cashback on travel bookings via the FIRST Rewards Gallery may have separate terms. It is advisable to check the detailed terms and conditions on the IDFC FIRST Bank website.
BENEFITSIs there a welcome offer on the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card?
Yes, there is a welcome offer for new FIRST EA₹N Credit Card holders. You can earn 10% cashback of up to ₹250 on your first transaction, completed within 15 days of card generation. Card generation refers to the point at which your card is created along with FD funding. Please note that this welcome benefit is a limited-time offer and is applicable only for new cards issued on or after 16th December 2025.
APPLICATIONHow can I apply for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card?
Applying for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card is simple and fully digital. Here are the steps: Register and verify your details on the IDFC FIRST Bank website or app; choose and fund your Fixed Deposit (minimum ₹5,000); complete your KYC process using your Aadhaar card and PAN card; your FIRST EA₹N Credit Card will be ready instantly. No branch visit is required, and the entire process can be completed through the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app.
DOCUMENTSWhat documents are required to apply for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card?
To apply for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card, you need the following documents for KYC verification: Aadhaar Card and PAN Card. No income proof or salary slips are required since the card is backed by a Fixed Deposit. You must be an Indian citizen with a current and permanent residential address in India. The application process is entirely digital and can be completed through the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app or website.
USAGEWhat is a virtual credit card and how does the FIRST EA₹N Virtual Credit Card work?
A virtual credit card exists exclusively online without any physical form. It has a unique card number, expiration date, and CVV for secure online transactions. The FIRST EA₹N Virtual Credit Card can be used in two ways: for online transactions by entering card details or via UPI; and for offline payments by scanning QR codes at merchant stores using your linked UPI app. It works at 60 million+ merchants across India. Once generated, it is automatically linked to your IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app.
INTERNATIONALCan I use the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card for international transactions?
The FIRST EA₹N Credit Card is a RuPay network card primarily designed for domestic use in India. For international transactions, a forex markup of 3.5% applies on all foreign currency transactions. Since RuPay acceptance may be limited at certain international merchants, it is advisable to check acceptance at your destination before travelling. For frequent international spenders, you may want to consider an IDFC FIRST Bank card with zero forex markup, such as the FIRST WOW! or Diamond Reserve Credit Card.
BENEFITSIs there an add-on card facility available on the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card?
No, the add-on card facility is not available for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card. Since it is an FD-backed secured credit card, the add-on card option is not offered. However, any eligible family member can independently apply for their own FIRST EA₹N Credit Card. It is an assured card available to everyone who meets the basic eligibility criteria of being an Indian resident aged 18 to 80 years with a minimum FD of ₹5,000.
USAGEHow can I increase my credit limit on the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card?
You can instantly increase your credit limit on the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card by linking an existing Fixed Deposit or booking a new FD through the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app. The minimum FD amount to increase your limit is ₹5,000. Your credit limit will be updated instantly after the FD is linked. Since the credit limit is 100% of your FD value, increasing your FD directly increases your available credit limit in a simple, transparent, and hassle-free manner.
REWARDSWhat happens to my cashback if I return or cancel a purchase?
If you cancel, reverse, or return a purchase, the cashback earned on that transaction will be reversed. The reversed cashback amount will be adjusted or deducted from your monthly statement cashback. For example, if you made a UPI transaction of ₹10,000 earning ₹100 cashback and later returned the item, the ₹100 cashback will be reversed in your next statement. This could also result in a negative cashback balance in your statement for that cycle.
USAGEHow can I link the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card to third-party UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm?
Once your FIRST EA₹N Credit Card is generated, it is automatically linked to the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app for UPI payments. To link it to third-party apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm, you can scan the respective QR code provided in the IDFC FIRST Bank app or follow the in-app instructions to add your RuPay credit card. Once linked, you can scan merchant QR codes and make payments at 60 million+ merchants, earning 0.5% cashback on those transactions.

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