IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback Credit Card Review
The IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback is a secured RuPay card issued against a fixed deposit, which makes it easy to get without a credit score. Unusually for a secured card, it pays real cashback: 3% on the first ₹10,000 of online spend in a cycle and 5% above that.
It also has zero forex markup and works on UPI through the IDFC FIRST app.
- High online cashback for a secured card
- Zero forex markup
- No credit score needed — backed by an FD from ₹10,000
- UPI cashback via the IDFC FIRST app
- Insurance covers and roadside assistance
- Online cashback capped at ₹1,000 a cycle; total ₹1,500
- UPI via other apps (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm) earns nothing
- ₹1,000 annual fee unless you spend ₹2 lakh (half refund at ₹1–2 lakh)
- Cashback only if the minimum due is paid on time
- No lounge access
Fees and charges
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Joining fee | ₹1,000 + GST, waived as a limited-time offer until 31 Oct 2026 |
| Annual fee | ₹1,000 + GST; fully refunded on ₹2 lakh annual spend, 50% on ₹1–2 lakh |
| Forex markup | 0% |
| Fuel surcharge waiver | 1% on ₹200–₹5,000, up to ₹100 a cycle |
Rewards: how the card earns
| Spend | Cashback |
|---|---|
| Online (first ₹10,000 a cycle) | 3% |
| Online (above ₹10,000) | 5% |
| Flights and hotels in the IDFC FIRST app | Extra 1% |
| In-store, UPI via IDFC FIRST app, essentials (rent, utilities, insurance and more) | 1% |
| Caps | Online ₹1,000 a cycle; total ₹1,500 a cycle |
What earns nothing
Fuel, cash withdrawals, EMIs and UPI through other apps earn no cashback.
Other benefits
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| Security | Fixed deposit from ₹10,000; credit limit 100% of the FD |
| Insurance | ₹2 lakh personal accident, ₹25,000 lost card, ₹50,000 credit shield, ₹25,000 purchase protection |
| Roadside assistance | 4 times a year |
| Lounge access | None |
Eligibility
Issuer
IDFC FIRST Bank
Network
RuPay
Age
18–80
Credit score
Not required (FD-backed)
Who this card is for
- Good fit: people building credit who also shop online and want real cashback.
- Skip if: you mainly pay by UPI through GPay or PhonePe.
Alternatives worth comparing
Final verdict
The best secured card we have reviewed for rewards: up to 5% online cashback and zero forex, with no credit history needed. Spend ₹2 lakh a year to get the fee refunded.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a credit score for Hello Cashback?
No. It is issued against a fixed deposit of at least ₹10,000.
How much cashback does it give?
3% on the first ₹10,000 of online spend each cycle and 5% above, capped at ₹1,000; 1% on other eligible spends; total cap ₹1,500 a cycle.
Is there a fee?
₹1,000 + GST a year, fully refunded on ₹2 lakh spend. The joining fee is waived until 31 October 2026.
Does UPI earn cashback?
Only UPI through the IDFC FIRST app.
What is the forex markup?
0%.
Last verified: October 2026, against IDFC FIRST Bank’s Hello Cashback card 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.