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IDFC First Bank · Visa

IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Up to 10x reward points on high spends, on a lifetime-free card

2.6/5
Best for a no-fee card with a low forex markup
At a glance
Joining fee
Nil
Annual fee
Lifetime free
Effective return
1.8%
Forex markup
1.99%
Lounge access
4 domestic · 0 international
Min. income
₹3,60,000/yr
Min. credit score
730+
Check your eligibility

On IDFC First Bank’s secure site. Checking eligibility is a soft enquiry.

Our verdict

The best zero-fee card for occasional international spending. A 1.99% markup versus the usual 3.5% saves ₹1,500 on every ₹1 lakh spent abroad, and the card costs nothing to keep in the drawer between trips.

How we scored it

Credsir rating
2.6/5
Rewards
1.8
Fees
5.0
Perks
1.3
Accessibility
4.0

Rewards carry 40% of the weight, perks 25%, fees 20% and accessibility 15%. The score is computed from the fields above, not assigned. See the full method on our methodology page.

What works, what does not

What works
  • Lifetime free with a 1.99% forex markup — the lowest on any free card
  • Reward points never expire
  • Includes quarterly lounge access
What does not
  • 10x rate applies only above a monthly spend threshold
  • Base reward rate is modest

The full cost

ChargeAmount
Joining feeNil
Annual feeNil
GST on annual fee (18%)Nil
Total annual costNil
Fee waiver thresholdNo waiver offered
Forex markup1.99% + GST on the markup
Fuel surcharge waiverYes, 1% (capped)
Finance charge if you revolveTypically 3.5%/month — about 42% a year

Data as of 15 Aug 2026Source: idfcfirstbank.comPending issuer verification

Worth knowing.The 18% GST on the annual fee is the number most comparisons quietly omit. A ₹2,500 card actually costs ₹2,950 a year. Factor that in before deciding whether the rewards clear the bar.

Is the fee worth it for you?

Put in your actual spending. The calculator works out the net value after the fee and its GST — the number that decides whether this card pays you or costs you.

₹1,000₹50,000₹50 L
01.5%15
₹0₹2,500₹1 L
₹0₹2,500₹5 L
₹0₹0₹2 L
Net value per year (ongoing)
₹6,050
  • Rewards + perks75%
  • Fee25%
Annual spend
₹6,00,000
Rewards earned
₹9,000
Annual fee incl. 18% GST
₹2,950
Net value in year 1
₹8,550
Effective return on spend
1.01%
Monthly spend to break even
₹16,389

What this means.A genuine 1.01% return. Remember the GST on the annual fee — most comparisons forget it, and it is 18% on top of the sticker fee.

Compare with

Worth knowing.Effective reward rate is our own blended estimate for a typical spend mix — not the accelerated rate an issuer advertises on one category. Annual fees are shown before the 18% GST that is charged on top. Verify current terms on the issuer’s site before applying; card terms change without notice.