Find the Right IDFC FIRST Travel Credit Card

When defining the financial strategy for your next global journeys, the choice of an IDFC FIRST travel credit card must be the pillar of your planning.

The complexity of exchange rates and fluctuating VIP lounge access criteria require you to understand each variant of the IDFC FIRST travel credit card before applying.

In this report, you will see the main alternatives for the IDFC FIRST travel credit card, offering a technical analysis that goes beyond the superficial information of the cards. Thus, you will choose the right option. Keep reading.

Objective Analysis of IDFC FIRST Credit Cards

1. IDFC FIRST Club Vistara Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST Club Vistara Credit Card in travel co-branding, designed to monetize airline loyalty.

With a joining fee of ₹ 4,999 plus taxes, the cost is immediately mitigated by benefits such as a Club Vistara Silver membership and a complimentary Premium Economy ticket.

Furthermore, the differential lies in the competitive Forex rate of 2.99%, lower than the industry average, and the “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) insurance, which covers up to ₹ 10,000 in cancellations.

The accumulation of up to 6 CV Points for every ₹ 200 spent makes this card a powerful tool for those seeking cabin upgrades. Although recent devaluations have imposed caps on accumulation for utilities.

2. IDFC FIRST Private

The Private card is only available by invitation to the corporate elite and high-net-worth individuals.

With an entry fee of ₹ 50,000, it completely eliminates the cost of international transactions with a 0% Forex Mark-up.

In addition, it offers overseas ATM withdrawals with no interest charged and unlimited access to global lounges for the cardholder and add-ons.

The structure of 10X points on monthly spending and air accident coverage of ₹ 1 Crore position this product as a viable substitute for global debit cards.

3. IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card

Positioned between the Wealth and Private, the Mayura aims to serve aspirational luxury travelers with an annual fee of ₹ 5,999.

Like its older sibling, it offers a 0% currency exchange fee, making it essential for foreign currency purchases.

Moreover, the card guarantees 4 international lounge visits and 4 domestic visits per quarter, with the unique advantage of allowing a guest on domestic visits.

You should also know that the possibility of annual fee waiver upon spending ₹ 15 Lakhs and renewal bonuses make the Mayura an “accessible Private” option for those who spend above USD 2,000 annually abroad.

4. IDFC FIRST Ashva

Focused on accessible luxury with a metal aesthetic, the Ashva charges a fee of ₹ 2,999 and applies a reduced Forex Mark-up of just 1%. Although not zero, this rate is drastically lower than the market’s 3.5%.

The card offers 2 international lounge visits and 4 domestic visits per quarter. In addition to differentiated access to railway lounges.

Recently, point accumulation on international spending was adjusted from 10X to 5X. However, trip cancellation protection of up to ₹ 25,000 maintains its value for mid-to-high-income professionals who travel internationally a few times a year.

5. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card

Historically the flagship of the “Lifetime Free” category, the Wealth sets the standard for premium cards with no annual fee.

It offers a Forex rate of 1.5%, much superior to free competitors.

Furthermore, access to domestic and international lounges is guaranteed, however, starting in 2024, the bank implemented a minimum spending rule of ₹ 20,000 in the previous cycle to unlock this benefit.

With travel insurance coverage of USD 1,200 and points that never expire, the Wealth remains the “king” of free cards, ideal for those seeking maximum value without fixed costs.

6. IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

The intermediate Select variant serves as a gateway to the upper-middle class, being completely free of an annual fee.

With a Forex of 1.99%, almost half the market average, it is excellent for international online purchases.

Moreover, the card offers 4 domestic and railway lounge visits per quarter, subject to the new monthly spending criterion.

In addition, the inclusion of free roadside assistance and discounts with travel partners (OTA) reinforces its position as an excellent secondary or backup card for families and occasional travelers.

7. IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST WOW! Credit Card is a unique card, guaranteed by Fixed Deposit (FD), designed to democratize access to premium benefits.

It does not require a credit history or proof of income and offers the greatest possible advantage: 0% currency exchange fee. The user only pays the Visa rate of the day, with no bank spread.

In addition to being free of an annual fee, the guarantee deposit continues to accrue interest while the user enjoys 4X rewards on international spending.

8. IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card

Although focused on fuel with the HPCL flag, the Power+ surprises in the road travel ecosystem.

With an annual fee of ₹ 499, it offers up to 6.5% return on spending at the HPCL network and 5% savings on FASTag recharges.

Surprisingly, it includes domestic lounge access, something rare in this segment. Free roadside assistance and personal accident insurance make it the best companion for road trips within India. Covering everything from tolls to mechanical emergencies.

9. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card

The Millennia is the entry card focused on the millennial generation and online purchases.

Being lifelong free, its great travel asset lies in the 4 free visits to train station VIP lounges per quarter, an accessible luxury for the vast Indian railway network.

Although its Forex rate is the standard 3.5%, which advises against using it abroad, the included roadside assistance and cinema discounts make it an excellent first card for building a credit history.

10. IDFC FIRST SWYP Credit Card

Focused on Generation Z, the SWYP adopts an accessible annual fee structure of ₹ 499 and rewards based on monthly milestones.

The partnership with EaseMyTrip offers direct discounts on flights and hotels, focusing on the young audience. Railway lounge access maintains the bank’s consistency in supporting train travel.

With a gamified referral program and Times Prime subscription, it is a solid digital lifestyle option, although the 3.5% Forex rate limits its international appeal.

Technical Comparison of Benefits and Costs

Card (Name)	Forex Mark-up	Domestic Lounge (Visits/Year)	International Lounge (Visits/Year)	Railway Lounge (Visits/Year)	Annual Fee	Spending Requirement for Lounge*
First Private	0%	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	₹ 50,000	None
First Mayura	0%	16 (+ Guest)	16	N/A	₹ 5,999	None
First WOW!	0%	N/A**	N/A**	N/A	Zero	N/A
Club Vistara	2.99%	8	4	N/A	₹ 4,999	₹ 20,000 / month
First Ashva	1%	16	8	16	₹ 2,999	₹ 20,000 / month
First Wealth	1.5%	16	8	16	Zero	₹ 20,000 / month
First Select	1.99%	16	N/A	16	Zero	₹ 20,000 / month
First Power+	3.5%	4	N/A	N/A	₹ 499	₹ 20,000 / month
First Millennia	3.5%	N/A	N/A	16	Zero	N/A
First SWYP	3.5%	N/A	N/A	16	₹ 499	N/A

Conclusion

The reputation analysis reveals a bank praised for its fee transparency and highly usable application. But, which faces challenges in customer support and preventive security blocks when traveling.

IDFC FIRST Bank has consolidated itself as a vital force in the Indian travel ecosystem by betting on the simplicity of fees instead of overly complex brand partnerships.

If you seek to optimize your global finances, start your application process today.

Evaluate your spending profile, choose the variant that eliminates your biggest fees, and ensure your next trip is defined by experiences.

Another bank that offers excellent options designed for travelers is best credit cards HDFC Bank’s. This bank delivers exclusive benefits designed for frequent travelers.