IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

About IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Are you earning a six figure monthly salary but still paying thousands in annual credit card fees? Most premium cards demand high fees for the privilege of lounge access and movie perks, but the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card changes that math entirely. It offers a suite of high end lifestyle benefits without the burden of a recurring annual charge.

This card provides a smooth entry into the world of premium banking. It gives you 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every quarter and a "Buy One, Get One" movie offer that can save you up to ₹3,000 annually on entertainment alone. If you are a professional earning ₹1 lakh or more per month, this card is designed to match your lifestyle while keeping your fixed costs at zero.

For those who frequently travel by Indian Railways or fly domestically, the IDFC FIRST Select card acts as a versatile companion. It bridges the gap between basic entry level cards and expensive super premium cards by offering features like comprehensive travel insurance and lounge access without an upfront price tag.

What sets it apart:

• Zero Annual Fee: Unlike competitors that charge ₹2,500 or more, this card is Life Time Free.
• Railway Lounge Access: You get 4 complimentary visits per quarter, a rare feature in this segment.
• Unique Insurance Cover: Includes "Cancellation For Any Reason" (CFAR) insurance for flights and hotels, providing a safety net for your travel plans.

Quick check: To qualify for this card, you should be between 21 and 60 years old with a minimum monthly income of ₹1,00,000 and a credit score of 750 or higher.

Let's break down why this card deserves a permanent spot in your wallet:

Key Benefits and Features of IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is packed with features that cater to travelers, movie buffs, and those looking for solid protection on their spends. Here is a detailed look at what you get:

Welcome Rewards and Activation Perks

The card starts rewarding you the moment you start using it. If you spend ₹5,000 or more within the first 30 days of getting your card, you receive a welcome voucher worth ₹500. Additionally, for those who prefer paying in installments, the card offers a 5% cashback (up to ₹1,000) on the value of your first EMI transaction, provided it is done within the first 30 days of card generation.

Premium Travel and Lounge Benefits

Travel perks are a major highlight of the IDFC FIRST Select card. It covers both air and rail travel needs:

• Domestic Airport Lounges: You can enjoy 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits every quarter. To access this benefit, you need to spend at least ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month. This is a straightforward way to turn your regular monthly spends into a luxury travel experience.
• Railway Lounges: For rail travelers, the card offers 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter at participating stations across India. This ensures comfort even when you are not flying.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Savings

If you enjoy catching the latest blockbusters, the movie benefits on this card are highly rewarding. Through the Paytm mobile app, you can access a "Buy One, Get One" (BOGO) offer on movie tickets. You can get up to ₹125 off on the second ticket, and this offer is valid twice every month. Over a year, this benefit alone can put ₹3,000 back in your pocket.

Reward Point System

The reward structure is built for simplicity. Every reward point you earn is worth ₹0.25. These points can be used to redeem various items from the bank's catalogue. However, keep in mind that certain transactions do not earn points. These exclusions include fuel spends, EMI transactions, insurance payments, wallet reloads, and government related payments. For everything else, you accumulate points that never expire.

Comprehensive Insurance Protection

The IDFC FIRST Select card offers one of the most robust insurance packages in its class:

• Cancellation For Any Reason (CFAR): This unique benefit allows you to claim up to ₹10,000 for hotel and flight booking cancellations (valid for 2 claims).
• Air Accident Cover: You are covered for ₹1 Crore in the event of an air accident.
• Personal Accident and Liability: Includes a Personal Accident Cover of ₹5,00,000 and Lost Card Liability Cover of ₹50,000 to protect you against fraudulent transactions.
• Travel Insurance: An additional travel insurance cover of ₹22,500 is provided for other travel related contingencies.

Fees and Eligibility Summary

The most attractive feature is the fee structure. The joining fee is ₹0, and the annual fee is also ₹0. There are no hidden waiver conditions for the annual fee because the card is fundamentally Life Time Free. To apply, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Age: 21 to 60 years (though individuals up to 65 with a stable salary often see better approval rates).
• Monthly Income: ₹1,00,000 (12 LPA).
• Credit Score: A CRIF or CIBIL score of 750 or above is recommended for a smooth application process.

How to Apply for the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

The application process for the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is digital and straightforward. Follow these steps to get your card:

1. Visit the official IDFC FIRST Bank website or use a trusted partner link to start your application.
2. Enter your mobile number and PAN card details to initiate the identity verification.
3. Step 2: Ensure you meet the minimum income requirement of ₹12 lakh annually, as the system will check this against your employment details.
4. Provide your personal details, including your current residential address and employment type (Salaried or Self-Employed).
5. Complete the Video KYC process as prompted by the bank. Have your original PAN card ready for this step.
6. Submit the digital application. Once submitted, the bank will verify your credit score (looking for 750+) and your income documents.
7. If approved, your physical card will be dispatched to your registered address within 7-10 working days.

The standard processing timeline is 7 to 10 working days from application to card delivery, though existing bank customers often experience instant approval and faster dispatch.

Credit Limit: What to Expect

Credit limits are assigned based on your income, credit score, and existing banking relationship. Since the IDFC FIRST Select is a premium offering requiring a monthly income of ₹1 lakh, you will receive a healthy credit limit tailored to your profile. Most approved applicants receive a starting limit ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh, though this can be higher if you have an existing high limit card or a deep relationship with the bank. Your final limit is determined by your debt-to-income ratio and credit utilization history.

Comparison Table: IDFC FIRST Select vs. Competitors

To understand the true value of the IDFC FIRST Select card, we must see how it stacks up against other premium cards in the Indian market.

If you want a card that provides domestic and railway lounge access along with movie discounts without ever paying an annual fee, the IDFC FIRST Select is the clear winner. While HDFC Regalia Gold or ICICI Sapphiro might offer slightly higher reward rates or more lounge visits, they come with high annual fees that you have to spend lakhs to waive. The IDFC FIRST Select gives you a hassle-free experience from day one.

Documents Required for IDFC FIRST Select Application

You will need to submit the following documents when applying to verify your eligibility and identity:

For Salaried Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory), Aadhaar Card, or Passport.
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Utility Bills (not older than 2 months).
• Income Proof: Latest 3 months' salary slips showing a monthly net income of at least ₹1,00,000 and 6 months' bank statements.
• Employment Proof: Office ID card or a formal appointment letter.

For Self-Employed Applicants

• Identity Proof: PAN Card (mandatory) and Aadhaar Card.
• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card or Property Documents.
• Income Proof: Latest 2 years' ITR (Income Tax Returns) with a computation of income showing at least ₹12 LPA and 6 months' bank statements.
• Business Proof: Business registration certificate or GST registration documents.

Note: All documents should be clear and valid. The bank will request specific additional documents during the verification phase to resolve any discrepancies in identity or income.

Who Should Get This Card?

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

The Savvy Corporate Professional: You earn ₹1.2 lakh monthly and want a card that reflects your status without adding to your monthly bills. You spend around ₹30,000 a month on groceries, dining, and shopping. By meeting the ₹20,000 monthly spend threshold, you get 8 free airport lounge visits a year. Combined with the movie BOGO offer, you easily save over ₹6,000 annually without paying any card fees.

The Frequent Domestic Traveler: You travel for work 3-4 times a month, sometimes by flight and sometimes by train. You value comfort but hate the high fees of travel cards. This card gives you 4 railway lounge visits per quarter and robust insurance covers like Cancellation For Any Reason (CFAR). If your flight is cancelled, having that ₹10,000 cover provides peace of mind that most other "free" cards don't offer.

The Movie Enthusiast: You and your partner go to the cinema at least twice a month. By using the BOGO offer on Paytm, you save ₹250 every month. That is ₹3,000 saved every year just for watching movies. Since the card is free, this is pure profit in your pocket.

You might want to skip this card if:

• You spend heavily on fuel or government utilities, as these are excluded from the rewards program.
• You want a card for international lounge access, as this card focuses primarily on domestic travel.
• Your monthly income is below ₹1,00,000, as the eligibility criteria are strictly enforced.

BankKaro Expert Review

Based on the card's features, the IDFC FIRST Select excels at providing a premium lifestyle for free. It is rare to find a Life Time Free card that offers both domestic airport lounge access and railway lounge access. Most banks reserve these for their paid tiers. The addition of the "Cancellation For Any Reason" insurance is a standout feature that I rarely see in this segment; it shows that the bank understands the modern traveler's pain points.

The biggest limitation is the spend requirement for airport lounge access. While the card is free, you cannot enjoy the lounge unless you have spent ₹20,000 in the previous month. This might be a hurdle for those who use multiple cards and don't consolidate their spending. Additionally, the income requirement of ₹12 LPA is quite high compared to other cards that offer similar reward rates.

Our verdict: Choose this card if you want a reliable, zero fee secondary or primary card that offers high end perks like BOGO movies and lounge access. It is a perfect "set it and forget it" card because you never have to worry about tracking renewal dates or waiver targets. It is a solid, honest product for high earners who appreciate straightforward value.

Terms and Conditions

The use of the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is subject to the following terms:

• The welcome voucher of ₹500 is only applicable on spends made within the first 30 days of card generation.
• Domestic airport lounge access is contingent on a minimum spend of ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month.
• Reward points have a value of ₹0.25 and can be redeemed through the bank's rewards portal.
• Exclusions for reward points include ATM cash withdrawals, fuel spends, EMI transactions, and government payments.
• The 1% fuel surcharge waiver is capped at ₹300 per month and is valid for transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000.
• Insurance claims are subject to the terms of the insurance provider. CFAR cover is limited to 2 claims up to ₹10,000.
• All card usage is governed by the Most Important Terms and Conditions (MITC) document provided in your welcome kit and on the IDFC FIRST Bank portal.