IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card

About IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card

Are you tired of watching fuel prices eat into your monthly budget without getting anything in return? The IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card is built specifically to turn your petrol station visits into savings.

This card offers a solid value proposition for anyone who commutes daily. By focusing on a partnership with HPCL, it allows you to save up to ₹7,658 annually through a combination of reward points and surcharges. It is a straightforward financial tool that rewards your necessary spending rather than just your luxury splurges.

If you are a professional earning at least ₹25,000 a month or a business owner with an annual income of ₹3 lakhs, this card fits right into your wallet. It targets the everyday driver who wants a low-cost card that pays for itself within a few months of use.

What sets it apart:

• ✓ Massive 21X rewards on HPCL fuel spends, which is significantly higher than most entry level cards.
• ✓ Extra 1.5 percent savings when you pay via the HP Pay App, adding a layer of benefit on top of the credit card rewards.
• ✓ Dual benefit of being a RuPay card, allowing you to link it to UPI for easy merchant payments.

Quick check: To qualify for this card, you need to be between 21 and 60 years old with a credit score (CRIF) of 720 or higher.

Let's break down why this card might be the smartest move for your fuel expenses:

Key Benefits and Features of the IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card is packed with features that cater to commuters and travelers. Here is a detailed look at how you can maximize your returns:

Accelerated Fuel Rewards

The standout feature is the 21X Reward Points for every ₹150 spent at HPCL fuel stations. This translates to a 3.5 percent reward rate. When you combine this with the 1 percent fuel surcharge waiver, you are looking at significant relief at the pump. Note that the 21X points are capped at 700 reward points per month on spends up to ₹5,000. For the best results, use the HP Pay App to make your payments, as it gives you an additional 1.5 percent back in "Happy Coins," capped at 600 coins per month.

Travel and Flight Savings

While this is primarily a fuel card, it surprisingly offers great value for flight bookings. When you book through the IDFC FIRST Mobile App, you earn 30 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent. This is a 5.33 percent value back, which beats many dedicated travel cards in the same fee bracket. You can earn up to 8,000 reward points every month through these bookings. When it comes time to travel, you can use your accumulated points to pay for up to 70 percent of your booking value.

Welcome Benefits to Get You Started

The bank welcomes you with offers worth over ₹1,000. Within the first 30 to 60 days of getting your card, if you make your first HPCL fuel transaction of ₹250 or more, you receive a ₹250 cashback or gift voucher. Additionally, if you prefer to convert large purchases into EMIs, your first EMI transaction of at least ₹2,500 (with a tenure of 6 months or more) earns you 5 percent cashback, up to a maximum of ₹1,000.

Annual Fee and Easy Waivers

One of the most attractive parts of the IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card is its low entry barrier. The joining fee is a modest ₹199 plus GST. The bank reverses this fee if you spend ₹50,000 within your first anniversary year. From the second year onward, the annual fee remains ₹199, but it is waived completely if you cross the ₹50,000 annual spend threshold. For an average user spending about ₹4,200 a month, this card becomes effectively free.

Protection and Assistance

Security and peace of mind are built into the card. You get a Personal Accident Cover of ₹2,00,000 and a Lost Card Liability Cover of ₹25,000. A unique perk is the complimentary Roadside Assistance worth ₹1,399. If your vehicle breaks down, you have a safety net that most cards at this price point do not offer.

Reward Redemption Simplified

Your points do not just sit there. Each reward point is worth ₹0.25. You can redeem them through the IDFC FIRST Mobile App for various options like gift vouchers, memberships, or even instant online redemption at select merchants. There is zero hassle involved in using what you have earned.

How to Apply for the IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card

The application process is designed to be straightforward and digital. Follow these steps to get your card:

1. Go to the official IDFC FIRST Bank website and navigate to the credit cards section.
2. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, specifically the minimum monthly income of ₹25,000 and a CRIF score of 720 plus.
3. Fill in your basic details like name, mobile number, and PAN card information.
4. Choose the "FIRST Power Credit Card" from the list of available options.
5. Complete the digital application form and provide your employment details.
6. Go through the video KYC process if prompted, which usually takes only a few minutes.
7. Once verified and approved, your physical card will be dispatched to your registered address.

Credit Limit and What to Expect

Credit limits are assigned based on your income, credit score, and banking relationship. Contact the bank directly for information on expected credit limits. Generally, for an applicant meeting the minimum income requirement of ₹25,000, you can expect a starting limit that balances your spending needs with your repayment capacity. A higher credit score and a clean repayment history on previous loans or cards will often result in a more generous limit. The bank typically reviews your limit every 6 to 12 months, and you may be eligible for an increase if you use the card responsibly and pay your bills on time.

Comparison Table: IDFC FIRST Power vs. Competitors

Choosing the right fuel card depends on where you fill up. Here is how the IDFC FIRST Power compares to other popular entry level fuel cards in India:

The IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card wins for users who want the lowest possible annual fee while still getting a high reward rate on fuel. It is also the superior choice if you frequently book flights through a bank portal, as its 5.33 percent reward rate on flights is exceptional for this segment.

Documents Required for IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card Application

You will need to submit the following documents when applying for this card:

For Salaried Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory), Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID.
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Utility Bills (not older than 2 months), or Rent Agreement.
• Income Proof: Last 3 months' salary slips and 6 months' bank statements showing salary credits.

For Self-Employed Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory), Aadhaar Card, or Driving License.
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card or Property Documents.
• Income Proof: Latest 2 years' ITR with a minimum of ₹3 Lakhs annual income.
• Business Proof: Business registration certificate or GST registration.

Note: All documents should be clear and valid. The bank may request additional documents during the verification process to confirm your eligibility.

Who Should Get This Card?

Should you get this card? Here is who benefits most from the IDFC FIRST Power:

The Daily Commuter: If you are a professional who drives to work and spends roughly ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 on petrol every month at HPCL stations, this card is a no brainer. You will easily hit the ₹50,000 annual spend to waive the fee, and you will earn about ₹2,100 worth of reward points just on fuel alone annually.

The Budget Traveler: You might be an early career professional who travels home or takes vacations a few times a year. By booking through the IDFC FIRST app, you get a 5.33 percent return. If you spend ₹50,000 on flights in a year, you get ₹2,665 back in rewards. This is much higher than what most basic cards offer for travel.

The UPI Enthusiast: Since this is a RuPay card, you can link it to apps like BHIM, Google Pay, or PhonePe. If you prefer to make all your small merchant payments via UPI but want to use your credit line and earn rewards, this card provides that flexibility without any extra charge.

You might want to skip this card if: You do not have an HPCL station near your home or office, or if you are looking for premium perks like airport lounge access and movie ticket discounts, which this card does not provide.

BankKaro Expert Review

Based on the card's features, the IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card excels at being a focused, high value tool for a very specific segment of users. It does not try to be everything to everyone, and that is its strength. The 21X rewards on HPCL fuel is one of the most aggressive reward structures in the sub-₹500 fee category.

The biggest limitation is the lack of lifestyle perks. You will not find any lounge access, dining discounts, or movie offers here. It is strictly a utility card designed to save you money on fuel and flights. Also, keep in mind the reward exclusions: you won't earn points on insurance, utilities, or groceries, which are common spending categories for many families.

Our verdict: Choose this card if your primary goal is to offset your fuel bills and you appreciate the convenience of a RuPay card for UPI payments. It offers one of the best "return on investment" profiles for a card with such a low annual fee of ₹199.

Terms and Conditions

Before you apply, please keep these terms in mind:

• The bank may offer a different card variant based on your eligibility. Please carefully read the features of the card offered before submitting your application.
• Reward points for fuel are only applicable at HPCL outlets.
• The fuel surcharge waiver is applicable only on transactions within specific limits defined by the bank.
• Cashback and welcome vouchers are subject to meeting the spend criteria within the first 30 to 60 days of card issuance.
• Reward points have a specific validity period, so ensure you redeem them through the FIRST Rewards portal.