IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card Review
The IDFC FIRST Classic is a lifetime-free entry card. Since 18 June 2026 it earns 10X points on dining, travel and birthday spends (international spends earn no points from 26 Oct 2026), and IDFC FIRST has removed the forex markup on its credit cards.
The earlier structure (10X only on spends above ₹20,000 a month) no longer applies, which makes the card more useful for everyday diners and travellers.
- No joining or annual fee
- 10X points on dining and travel spends (international spends earn no points from 26 Oct 2026)
- 0% forex markup
- ₹500 welcome voucher on ₹5,000 spend in 30 days
- ₹2 lakh personal accident and roadside assistance
- Points only on spends up to your credit limit each cycle
- UPI earns 1X on transactions up to ₹2,000
- No points on fuel, EMI or cash
- Railway lounges need ₹20,000 spend the previous month
- Points now expire 24 months after credit
Fees and charges
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Joining / annual fee | Nil (lifetime free) |
| Forex markup | 0% |
| FASTag | 1% fee above ₹10,000 a cycle |
| Railways | 1% fee above ₹25,000 a cycle |
| Redemption fee | ₹99 + GST |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | 1% on ₹200–₹5,000 |
Rewards: how the card earns
| Spend (per ₹200) | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Dining, travel, birthday | 10X |
| International (from 26 Oct 2026) | No points |
| Other spends | 3X |
| Insurance, utilities, railways, FASTag | 1X |
| UPI | 1X up to ₹2,000 per transaction; 3X above |
Points are worth about ₹0.25. In-app hotel bookings earn 20% bonus points and flights 10%. From 26 October 2026, international spends earn no reward points, per IDFC FIRST’s cardmember notice.
What earns nothing
Fuel, EMI and cash withdrawals earn no points. Points accrue only on spends up to your credit limit in each cycle.
Other benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Welcome | ₹500 voucher on ₹5,000 spend within 30 days |
| Railway lounges | 4 a quarter, after ₹20,000 spend in the previous month |
| Movies | 25% off up to ₹100, once a month, if the card was used the previous month |
| Insurance | ₹2 lakh personal accident; ₹25,000 lost-card cover; roadside assistance |
Eligibility
Issuer
IDFC FIRST Bank
Income
₹3 lakh a year
Fee
Lifetime free
Who this card is for
- Good fit: people who want a free card for dining, travel and spending abroad.
- Skip if: most of your spending is on fuel, bills or UPI.
Alternatives worth comparing
Final verdict
One of the better lifetime-free cards after the June 2026 changes, especially with zero forex. Check IDFC’s latest notice on international earning before using it heavily abroad for points.
Frequently asked questions
Is the IDFC FIRST Classic lifetime free?
Yes, there is no joining or annual fee.
What earns 10X points?
Dining, travel and birthday spends, since 18 June 2026. International spends earned 10X until 25 October 2026 and earn no points from 26 October 2026.
Is there a forex markup?
No. IDFC FIRST has removed the forex markup on its credit cards.
How do railway lounges work?
4 visits a quarter, if you spent ₹20,000 in the previous month.
Do points expire?
Points expire 24 months after they are credited; balances earned before July 2026 last until July 2028.
Last verified: October 2026, against IDFC FIRST Bank’s Classic card page and 2026 update notices. 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.