IDFC First Bank has recently made headlines for several notable changes, including the revamping of its Ashva and Mayura Credit Cards and the launch of bonus accelerated reward earnings for the Travel & Shop portal on the IDFC First Mobile Banking app. Among these updates, one of the most premium offerings from the bank, the IDFC First Private Credit Card, has undergone significant positive changes. This card, which has a high annual fee of ₹50,000, previously did not provide much value to users. However, with the latest revaluation, high-net-worth individuals are now showing great interest in applying for the IDFC First Private Credit Card.
While the card already offered generous benefits like unlimited airport lounge access, complimentary spa visits, railway lounge access, and zero forex markup, the recent changes to its reward structure have made it the talk of the town.
6.67% Base Reward Rate for Monthly Spends
The IDFC First Private Credit Card offers an attractive reward rate of 10 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent on all eligible purchases. That’s 6.67% returns on eligible monthly spends. This competitive reward structure now makes the card worthwhile, and some may even find the joining and annual fees justifiable.
Additionally, cardholders can earn 3 Reward Points for every ₹150 spent on rent and education, which are typically excluded from reward earning by most credit card offerings.
40% Value Back for Travel Spends with Private Credit Card
The most important and latest introduction for IDFC Bank Credit Cards is the accelerated Reward Points for travel bookings made via the Travel & Shop portal on the IDFC First Banking app.
IDFC First Private Credit Card now offers up to 50 Reward Points/₹150 spent on travel bookings. That is not even the best part; these bonus points will be awarded in addition to the base points earned on monthly spending. Meaning cardholders shall earn the usual 10 Reward Points and earn 50 Bonus Reward Points for hotels and 20 Bonus Reward Points for flights.
| Travel Bookings | Bonus Reward Points | Reward Rate (Excluding Base Points) | Reward Rate (Including Base Points) |
| Hotels | 50 Reward Points/₹150 Spent | 33.33% | 40% |
| Flights | 20 Reward Points/₹150 Spent | 13.33 | 20% |
Assuming 1 Reward Point = 1 RP = ₹1 (Redemption for Travel)
Capping on Accelerated Reward Points Earning
Although the introduction of the new bonus reward rate is impressive, the IDFC FIRST Private Credit Card still falls short in one key area that premium users expect: reward capping. Since IDFC offers never-expiring Credit Card Reward Points, users would look to accumulate points for high-value redemptions (such as luxury travel), but will find themselves restricted. The card allows a maximum redemption of 3,00,000 Reward Points per year and 1,50,000 points per month.
While this may sound generous, it can feel limiting for cardholders willing to pay a ₹50,000 annual fee, who typically expect more flexibility and fewer restrictions. Another drawback regarding reward redemption is that Reward Points can only be used to cover up to 70% of the total booking value (including tax). The remaining balance must be paid with the FIRST Private Credit Card from which the Reward Points are being used for the transaction.
| Monthly Cap on Reward Points Earning | 25,000 |
| Monthly Cap on Reward Points Redemption | 1,50,000 |
| Annual Cap on Reward Points Redemption | 3,00,000 |
Get 1 RP = ₹1 Value for Travel Bookings
Starting from June 1, 2025, the IDFC First Private Credit Card offers a significantly higher and enhanced reward point redemption value of 1 Reward Point = ₹1 when redeemed through the IDFC First Bank Travel and Shop portal via the mobile banking application. This represents a major improvement, as the previous redemption value was 1 Reward Point = ₹0.25.
While this lower value is still applicable for vouchers, statement cash, and other options, cardholders can enjoy a much greater value of 1 Reward Point = ₹1 by redeeming their points for flight and hotel bookings through IDFC First Travel and Shop.
| Value | Redemption |
| ₹1 | Travel Bookings (Flights/Hotels) |
| ₹0.25 | Everywhere Else |
How to Apply for IDFC First Private Credit Card?
The IDFC First Private Credit Card is an invite-only offering and cannot be applied for online. The specific eligibility criteria for this card are not publicly known; however, it is understood that having a good relationship with IDFC First Bank (Private Banking) is essential. It is speculated that individuals with a total relationship value (TRV) of ₹1 crore or more with IDFC are offered this card as a lifetime free option.
Bottom Line
IDFC First Bank has made several positive changes and introductions recently, including the launch of new premium metal cards, a redesign of its previous offerings, and the addition of travel cancellation insurance coverage to several of its offerings.
Although the IDFC First Private Credit Card comes with an annual fee of ₹50,000, which previously seemed unjustifiable due to its limited benefits, the recent enhancements, especially the introduction of higher reward point values, make the card more appealing. With a base reward rate of 6.67%, applicable to utility spending as well, this card can be particularly useful for individuals with high expenditures.
Despite the revaluation of the IDFC First Private Credit Card, many users would still prefer other premium offerings such as Infinia, Emeralde Private, or Olympus. One major drawback of the IDFC Private Credit Card is the absence of transfer partners like Air India and Marriott. If IDFC introduces these partnerships, the IDFC Private Credit Card would truly become a luxurious offering.
Read Also-IDFC Bank Ashva and Mayura Credit Cards Revalued – Reward Point Value Got a Boost!