IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card Review (2026)
The best lifetime free credit card in India. 2x on everything, 4x online, and 4 lounge visits — all with zero annual fee. Ever.
Last updated: 2026-04-18· By PointsWallah Editorial
Fee Details
| Annual Fee | Lifetime Free |
| Joining Fee | Free |
| Fee Waiver | Lifetime free |
| Income Required | ₹2.5L/year |
| Network | Visa |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes |
Reward Rates
Currency: IDFC FIRST Reward Points
Lounge Access
Our Review
If someone asks me 'which credit card should I get first?', the IDFC FIRST Classic is often my answer. Lifetime free means you never pay a fee — ever. The 2x base rate matches paid cards like the Axis ACE. The 4 lounge visits are a genuine perk you won't find on other free cards (Amazon Pay ICICI, for example, has zero lounge access). It's the perfect starter card: zero risk, decent rewards, and it starts building your credit history for when you're ready to upgrade to premium cards. The only downside is IDFC's reward redemption catalog is limited — but for a free card, you can't really complain.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Lifetime free — genuinely zero annual fee forever
- + 2x on all spends is strong for a free card
- + 4x on online spends
- + 4 domestic lounge visits — rare for a free card
- + Easy approval for first-time credit card applicants
Cons
- - IDFC FIRST reward point redemption options are limited
- - No international lounge access
- - Point value is lower than HDFC/Axis points
- - IDFC FIRST Bank's app and customer service are improving but not best-in-class
Best For
Compare IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card worth it in 2026?
Yes — the IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is lifetime free, so there's zero risk. Lifetime free — genuinely zero annual fee forever
What is the IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card annual fee?
The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is lifetime free — no joining fee and no annual fee, ever.
What is the minimum salary required for IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card?
The minimum annual income required for the IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is ₹2.5L. However, if you have an existing banking relationship with IDFC FIRST Bank, you may get approved at a lower income level.
Disclaimer: This review is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Card features, fees, and reward structures may change without notice. Please verify all details on IDFC FIRST Bank's website before applying. We may earn a commission if you apply through our links — this does not affect our editorial assessment.