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If your recent search revolves around finding the best ICICI low fees credit card, it is a sign that you are looking for financial efficiency and reduced costs in international transactions.
When comparing the available options for those looking for an ICICI low fees credit card, you need to look at a competitor that is rewriting the rules of the game: IDFC FIRST Bank.
In this article, we will take a look beyond the standard search for an ICICI low fees credit card. Today, you will learn about all its costs and also the benefits offered with each card.
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Analysis of ICICI low fees credit card Options
1. IDFC FIRST Private (Credit Card ICICI Low Fees)
At the top of the pyramid, competing directly with elite products, is the IDFC FIRST Private.
This is a card you can only get by invitation. After all, it is made for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (Ultra-HNIs).
The cost structure reflects its exclusivity, with an entry and annual fee of ₹ 50,000 plus taxes.
As a rule, its differential that justifies this cost and places it on a superior level to many ICICI low fees credit card options is the total exemption from Forex Mark-up.
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Furthermore, for an executive who spends 50 thousand dollars annually abroad, the direct savings are approximately 1,750 dollars compared to standard cards.
In addition, it offers unlimited access to domestic and international lounges for the cardholder and additional users, plus four visits for guests.
Another interesting point is the possibility of making withdrawals at ATMs abroad without interest and transaction fees, transforming the credit card into a viable substitute for global debit.
2. IDFC FIRST Club Vistara Credit Card
For frequent flyers, the Club Vistara co-branded card represents the monetization of air loyalty.
Firstly, its joining fee is ₹ 4,999, which may seem high initially. However, it is immediately offset by the complimentary Club Vistara Silver membership and a Premium Economy ticket as an activation bonus.
The rewards structure allows you to accumulate up to five additional tickets based on annual spending milestones.
As a rule, the exchange rate is 2.99%, lower than the industry average of 3.5%, offering marginal savings. A highlight feature is the “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) insurance, which covers up to ₹ 10,000 in hotel and flight cancellations.
3. IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card
The Mayura emerges as a bridge between the Wealth and Private segments, integrating the bank’s new metal series.
With an annual fee of ₹ 5,999, which can be waived with annual spending of ₹ 15 Lakhs, it democratizes access to the zero Forex Mark-up benefit.
This makes it the ideal card for foreign currency purchases, being a robust alternative for those seeking the advantages of an ICICI low fees credit card but wanting a product with superior finish and benefits.
The card offers 16 annual visits to international and domestic lounges, with the distinct advantage of allowing a courtesy guest on domestic visits.
4. IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card
The Ashva focuses on accessible luxury. With an annual fee of ₹ 2,999, it charges only 1% on international transactions. Although it is not zero, it is lower than the market’s 3.5%, generating savings for upper-middle-income professionals.
You should also know that the card offers access to international and domestic lounges, in addition to four visits to railway lounges per quarter.
Travel protection includes reimbursement of up to ₹ 25,000 for cancellations, a valuable security for non-refundable fares.
Recently, point accumulation on international spending was recalibrated from 10X to 5X, but the fixed rate of 1% maintains the product’s competitiveness compared to traditional ICICI low fees credit card options.
5. IDFC FIRST Wealth (Credit Card ICICI Low Fees)
The Wealth sets the standard for premium no-annual-fee cards in India.
With no joining or maintenance fee, it offers a reduced forex rate of 1.5%, positioning itself far above free competitors that charge the standard rate.
The insurance coverage is interesting, with USD 1,200 protection for travel and ₹ 1 Crore for air accidents.
Attention! Free access to domestic and international lounges now requires a minimum monthly spend of ₹20,000 in the previous billing cycle to unlock this benefit.
6. IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card
As the intermediate variant, the Select offers many of the Wealth’s benefits with more accessible eligibility criteria.
Completely exempt from annual fees, it applies a forex rate of 1.99%, excellent for online purchases on international websites.
The card includes free roadside assistance, essential for car travel, and frequent offers with travel partners.
Furthermore, access to domestic and railway lounges is also subject to the new monthly spending requirement.
7. IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card
This is perhaps the most disruptive product in the portfolio. It is a credit card guaranteed by a Fixed Deposit (FD). Designed for international students, digital nomads, and credit beginners.
The biggest advantage is the 0% Forex Mark-up rate. The user only pays the day’s Visa rate, without bank spread.
In addition to being Lifetime Free, the guarantee deposit continues to earn interest while the user enjoys revolving credit.
You should also know that the card allows cash withdrawals of up to 100% of the credit limit at ATMs and is issued on the Visa Infinite platform, with eligibility depending on the deposit amount.
8. IDFC FIRST Millennia, Power+, and SWYP
The Millennia focuses on the millennial generation with zero annual fee and access to railway lounges, although its forex rate is the standard 3.5%.
The Power+, in partnership with HPCL, focuses on fuel economy and the road ecosystem, with a low annual fee of ₹ 499 and technical assistance benefits.
The SWYP, aimed at Generation Z, offers travel discounts via EaseMyTrip and an accessible fee structure.
Comparative Table of ICICI low fees credit cards
| Card | Forex Mark-up | Domestic Lounge (Visits/Year) | Int. Lounge (Visits/Year) | Annual Fee | Spending Requirement for Lounge |
| First Private | 0% | Unlimited | Unlimited | ₹ 50,000 | None |
| First Mayura | 0% | 16 (+ Guest) | 16 | ₹ 5,999 | None |
| First WOW! | 0% | N/A | N/A | Zero | N/A |
| Club Vistara | 2.99% | 8 | 4 | ₹ 4,999 | ₹ 20,000 / month |
| First Ashva | 1% | 16 | 8 | ₹ 2,999 | ₹ 20,000 / month |
| First Wealth | 1.5% | 16 | 8 | Zero | ₹ 20,000 / month |
| First Select | 1.99% | 16 | N/A | Zero | ₹ 20,000 / month |
Conclusion
When searching for an ICICI low-fee credit card, it becomes clear that the analysis must go beyond the annual fee or the bank’s brand alone.
While ICICI still maintains high exchange spreads in most of its portfolio, IDFC FIRST has built a clear proposal for reducing or completely eliminating these fees, even on cards with no annual fee or with fee waivers based on spending.
In short, those looking for real efficiency in fees will find in IDFC FIRST a more modern, transparent, and financially rational alternative than the traditional low-cost ICICI credit cards.
Another interesting option for those looking for a card with low fees is to check out the credit cards no annual fee in India.