IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card Review
The IDFC FIRST Ashva is a mid-premium metal card with zero forex markup, accelerated points on monthly spend above ₹20,000 and big in-app travel bonuses. It sits below the Mayura in IDFC’s metal range.
Its lounge, golf and movie benefits all depend on spending at least ₹20,000 in the previous month, and international spends earn less from 26 October 2026.
- 0% forex markup
- 10X on monthly spend above ₹20,000
- 30X hotels and 15X flights via the app
- Points never expire
- 7,500 joining points
- ₹2,999 fee with no waiver (7,500 points back on ₹8 lakh)
- Lounges, golf and movie offers need ₹20,000 previous-month spend
- International earn cut to 2X from 26 Oct 2026
- Points worth only ₹0.25 outside travel bookings
- Earn limited to your credit limit each cycle
Fees and charges
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Joining / annual fee | ₹2,999 + GST (no waiver; 7,500 points on ₹8 lakh annual spend) |
| Forex markup | 0% (ATM abroad: 1% + GST) |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | 1%, up to ₹300 |
Rewards: how the card earns
| Feature | Ashva | Mayura |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | ₹2,999 | ₹5,999 |
| Spends up to ₹20,000 a cycle | 5X | 5X |
| Above ₹20,000 | 10X | 10X (also 10X on birthday) |
| International | 5X, falling to 2X from 26 Oct 2026 | 5X |
| App hotels / flights | 30X / 15X | 30X / 15X (bonus cap 25,000 a month) |
| Point value on travel | ₹0.40 | ₹0.50 |
| Lounges a year | 16 domestic + 8 international | 16 domestic (incl. guest) + 16 international |
| Joining points | 7,500 | 12,000 |
1X = 1 point per ₹150. Rent, education, government and wallet loads earn 3X; insurance, utilities, railways and FASTag 1X; fuel, EMI and cash nothing.
IDFC FIRST changes in 2026: from 18 June 2026 points accrue only on spends up to your credit limit in each cycle, and IDFC FIRST has removed the forex markup on its credit cards (ATM withdrawals abroad still carry 1% + GST).
What earns nothing
Fuel, EMI and cash earn no points; rent, education, government and wallet loads earn 3X; insurance, utilities, railways and FASTag 1X.
Other benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lounges | 4 domestic and 2 international a quarter, plus 4 railway a quarter — each after ₹20,000 spend in the previous month |
| Golf | 1–2 rounds a month, with ₹20,000/₹40,000 spend |
| Movies | Buy-one-get-one, with ₹20,000 spend (from 18 Jun 2026) |
| Insurance | Trip cancellation up to ₹25,000 |
Eligibility
Issuer
IDFC FIRST Bank
Type
Metal card
Sibling
IDFC FIRST Mayura (premium)
Who this card is for
- Good fit: people spending ₹40,000+ a month who travel abroad and book hotels through the IDFC app.
- Skip if: you spend under ₹20,000 a month — the perks will not unlock.
Alternatives worth comparing
Final verdict
A strong mid-premium travel card with zero forex and a generous 10X tier above ₹20,000 a month. The October 2026 international cut makes it slightly less attractive for overseas spending points, but the 0% markup still saves money abroad.
Frequently asked questions
What is the IDFC FIRST Ashva fee?
₹2,999 + GST with no waiver; you get 7,500 points back if you spend ₹8 lakh in the previous year.
How does the 10X tier work?
Spends up to ₹20,000 in a cycle earn 5X; spends above that earn 10X (1X = 1 point per ₹150).
Is there a forex markup?
No, 0%. ATM withdrawals abroad cost 1% + GST.
What changes on 26 October 2026?
International spends earn 2X instead of 5X.
How do lounges work?
4 domestic and 2 international visits a quarter, after ₹20,000 spend in the previous month.
Last verified: October 2026, against IDFC FIRST Bank’s Ashva product page. Card terms change often; confirm the current fees and reward rules on the issuer’s website before you apply. All fees are plus 18% GST.