FIRST Select

Joining Fee

Free

Annual Fee

Rs. 0 + Taxes

Forex Markup

1.99% + GST

INTERNATIONAL
Lifestyle
Rewards
Travel
Best For: Lifestyle spenders seeking premium benefits with no annual fee, Frequent domestic travelers, Those who spend above ₹20,000 per month to maximize 10X rewards

FIRST Select

Rewards Structure

Base Reward Rate

1% on spends

Point Value

1 Point = ₹0.25

Earning Cap

₹20,000 /statement_cycle

0

Pros

  • Lifetime free - no joining or annual fee
  • 10X never-expiring reward points
  • Low forex markup of 1.99%
  • Complimentary airport and railway lounge access
  • Comprehensive insurance coverage
  • Buy-1-Get-1 movie ticket offer
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver
  • Interest-free cash withdrawals up to 45 days

Cons

  • Airport lounge access requires ₹20,000 spend in current month
  • Railway lounge access also requires ₹20,000 spend in current month
  • Reward redemption attracts ₹99 + GST convenience charge per redemption
  • No rewards on fuel, EMI transactions and cash withdrawals

Hidden Catches (Transparency Policy)

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

Lounge access is conditional on ₹20,000 spend in the prior calendar month

Reward program not applicable on Fuel, EMI transactions, Cash withdrawals, Rental & Property Management, Government Services, Education, Wallet Load, FASTag Recharges and Railway Spends for 10X milestone counting

Reward redemption fee of ₹99 + GST per redemption

Welcome gift voucher excludes UPI, add-on card transactions, wallet load, EMI converted transactions and ATM cash withdrawals

Key Benefits & Features

Over 300+ merchant offers across dining, shopping, travel and more

33% bonus reward points on hotel bookings and 13% bonus reward points on flight bookings via FIRST Rewards Gallery

Eligibility Criteria

Min. Annual Income

₹12.0 Lakhs

Occupation

SALARIED

Notable Exclusions

No reward points on Fuel transactionsNo reward points on EMI transactionsNo reward points on Cash withdrawalsRental & Property Management, Government Services, Education, Wallet Load, Utility, Insurance, FASTag Recharges and Railway Spends do not count towards 10X spends milestone

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

About FIRST Select

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is a lifetime-free premium card designed for individuals who seek a balance of premium privileges and everyday rewards without paying any joining or annual fees. Built for lifestyle spenders and frequent travelers, this card delivers exceptional value through its 10X reward points that never expire, ensuring every rupee spent continues to work in the cardholder's favor. Travel benefits form a core part of the FIRST Select experience. Cardholders enjoy 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter, 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter, a low forex markup of just 1.99% on international transactions, and free trip cancellation cover of up to ₹10,000. Additional travel perks include airport meet-and-greet discounts, transfer discounts, and access to a 24/7 travel concierge. Beyond travel, the card offers compelling lifestyle benefits such as Buy-1-Get-1 movie ticket offers via District by Zomato, a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, over 300 merchant offers, and complimentary golf rounds and lessons. Comprehensive insurance coverage including air accident cover of ₹1 crore, personal accident cover of ₹5,00,000, and lost card liability cover of ₹50,000 adds further security. New cardholders are also welcomed with a ₹500 gift voucher and up to ₹1,000 cashback on their first EMI transaction.

Expert Review

Our Verdict

Lifetime-free card with 10X never-expiring rewards, lounge access, and low 1.99% forex markup.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout FIRST Select

ELIGIBILITYWhat is the minimum income required to apply for the FIRST Select Credit Card?
To be eligible for the FIRST Select Credit Card, you need an annual income of ₹12 lakhs or more. This ensures access to the premium lifestyle and travel benefits offered by the card.
FEESIs there a joining fee or annual fee for the FIRST Select Credit Card?
No, the FIRST Select Credit Card is a lifetime-free card with absolutely no joining fee and no annual fee. You can enjoy all the premium benefits of the card without paying any membership charges, making it an excellent value proposition for cardholders.
REWARDSHow does the reward points system work on the FIRST Select Credit Card?
The FIRST Select Credit Card offers tiered rewards: 10X reward points on incremental spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle and on your birthday, 3X reward points on spends up to ₹20,000 in a statement cycle, and 1X reward points on insurance premium payments and utility bill payments. Each reward point is worth ₹0.25, and 1 reward point is earned per ₹200 spent.
REWARDSDo reward points expire on the FIRST Select Credit Card?
No, the reward points earned on the FIRST Select Credit Card never expire. This means you can accumulate your points at your own pace and redeem them whenever you choose, without worrying about losing them due to an expiry date.
REWARDSIs there a charge for redeeming reward points?
Yes, reward redemption attracts a small convenience charge of ₹99 + GST per redemption. Note that the reward program is not applicable on fuel, EMI transactions, and cash withdrawals. Rental and property management, government services, education, wallet load, utility, insurance, FASTag recharges, and railway spends do not count towards the 10X spends milestone.
INTERNATIONALWhat is the forex markup fee for international transactions on the FIRST Select Credit Card?
The FIRST Select Credit Card charges a low forex markup of 1.99% + GST on international transactions. This fee is also applicable for international transactions conducted in Indian rupees, making it a cost-effective option for frequent travellers and international shoppers.
BENEFITSHow many complimentary airport lounge visits do I get with the FIRST Select Credit Card?
You get 2 complimentary visits to domestic airport lounges every quarter with the FIRST Select Credit Card. However, to avail this benefit in a given month, you must spend ₹20,000 in the current calendar month. The benefit is then activated for the following month. You can click on the card's lounge access page to view the list of available lounges.
BENEFITSAre there complimentary railway lounge visits with the FIRST Select Credit Card?
Yes, the FIRST Select Credit Card offers 4 complimentary visits to lounges at Indian railway terminals every quarter. Effective 20th February 2025, you must spend ₹20,000 within the current calendar month to access railway lounge benefits in the following month. You can explore the list of eligible railway lounges on the card's benefits page.
BENEFITSWhat are the joining benefits offered with the FIRST Select Credit Card?
New cardholders enjoy two welcome benefits: a ₹500 gift voucher from brands like Amazon, Bigbasket, Uber, or Lifestyle upon spending ₹5,000 within 30 days of card generation, and up to ₹1,000 cashback (5% cashback) on the first EMI transaction within 30 days of card generation. Vouchers are valid for 90 days after receiving the notification, and cashback is credited within 90 days of the offer end date.
BENEFITSWhat insurance coverage is included with the FIRST Select Credit Card?
The FIRST Select Credit Card comes with comprehensive insurance coverage including: air accident cover of ₹1 crore, personal accident cover of ₹5,00,000, lost card liability cover of ₹50,000, and free trip cancellation cover up to ₹10,000 for non-refundable hotel and flight cancellations (up to 2 claims per policy period). International travel insurance covers loss of baggage (USD 100), baggage delay (USD 67), loss of passport (USD 67), and flight delay (USD 67). All covers are valid upon making at least one transaction in the last 30 days.
USAGECan I withdraw cash using the FIRST Select Credit Card, and is interest charged?
Yes, you can withdraw cash from domestic and international ATMs using the FIRST Select Credit Card. The card offers interest-free cash withdrawals for up to 45 days, which is a unique benefit. However, a one-time cash withdrawal fee of ₹199 + GST per transaction is applicable. Note that reward points are not earned on cash withdrawal transactions.
BENEFITSIs there a fuel surcharge waiver on the FIRST Select Credit Card?
Yes, the FIRST Select Credit Card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver of up to ₹300 per statement cycle at all fuel stations across India. This waiver is applicable on transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000. Note that fuel transactions do not earn reward points under the card's reward program.
BENEFITSWhat movie benefits are available on the FIRST Select Credit Card?
The FIRST Select Credit Card offers a Buy-1-Get-1 movie ticket discount of up to ₹125 on the District by Zomato mobile app. This offer is valid twice per month, allowing you to enjoy blockbuster experiences with a companion at a reduced cost. Terms and conditions apply.
USAGEHow can I activate UPI on my FIRST Select Credit Card?
You can activate UPI on your FIRST Select Credit Card at a joining and annual fee of just ₹199 + GST. As a limited period offer, you can earn 100% cashback up to ₹200 (₹50 each on the first 4 UPI transactions). Once activated, you can earn up to 3X reward points on your UPI spends. You can activate it through the IDFC FIRST Mobile Banking App.
APPLICATIONHow do I apply for the FIRST Select Credit Card?
You can apply for the FIRST Select Credit Card online through the IDFC FIRST Bank website by clicking the 'Apply Now' button on the card page. You need to meet the eligibility criteria of having an annual income of ₹12 lakhs or more. You can also manage your card, view transactions, set PINs, and make repayments conveniently through the IDFC FIRST Mobile Banking App after your card is issued.

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