Synopsis: This article highlights the new changes announced by IDFC First Bank to its benefits, perks, and rewards for the upcoming year. Take a look at all the updates below to see what’s changed.
IDFC FIRST Bank credit cards have been popular because of simple rewards and comfortable lounge access. Over the years, many users depended on these benefits for daily spending and travel. You swipe, earn points, and use lounge access without thinking much about it.
But when the rules change, it becomes important to pause and understand what is different. IDFC FIRST Bank has now revised how rewards and travel benefits work on its credit cards. The cards remain active, but the way benefits are earned has been adjusted.
These changes matter because they decide how much value you get from your everyday spending. Most reward-related changes apply from January 18, 2026, while lounge access changes apply from April 2026.
IDFC Bank Revised Reward Structure for 2026
Changes in Premium Credit Cards: Ashva and Mayura
If you hold a premium card like Ashva or Mayura, the biggest change is in international spending rewards.
Earlier, when you spent internationally, you earned 10X reward points without any condition. From January 2026, international spends will earn 5X reward points by default. To earn the higher reward rate, you now need to spend at least ₹20,000 in a billing cycle.
There is also an important rule related to payments. If you fail to pay the minimum amount due on time, you will not earn any reward points for that month, even if your spending is high. This means your rewards now depend not just on how much you spend but also on how you pay your bills.
What Has Changed for Lifetime-Free Cards (Classic, Select, Wealth)
If you use a lifetime-free card like Select, Wealth, or Classic, the card will continue to be free, but reward points will now add up a little slower than before. Earlier, you earned one reward point for every ₹150 spent. But now the spending required has changed to ₹200.
If your monthly spending is below ₹20,000, the reward points you earn will be lower. To earn higher reward points, your now need to spend above ₹20,000 per month. The cards remain lifetime-free, but rewards now depend more on how regularly you use them.
Also Read: Lost Luggage or Medical Emergency? These 5 Credit Cards Protect You With Free Travel Insurance!
How Airport Lounge Access Will Work Now
According to Moneycontrol, you still get airport lounge access, but the number of free visits has been reduced on some cards. In short, lounge access is now based on how much you spend. Here’s how lounge access will work after April 2026:
- If you use the Select Credit Card, you will get 1 free domestic lounge visit per quarter, instead of 2 earlier. You must also spend ₹20,000 in a month to unlock lounge access for the next month.
- If you use the Wealth Credit Card, you will get 1 domestic and 1 international lounge visit per quarter, reduced from 2 of each earlier.
Changes in FASTag and Railway Spending
If you use your credit card often for FASTag recharges or railway ticket bookings, there are changes here too. These spends will now earn only basic reward points. In addition:
- FASTag recharges above ₹10,000 in a billing cycle will attract a 1% charge
- Railway ticket bookings above ₹25,000 in a billing cycle will also attract a 1% charge
Travel Bookings Through the Bank App
For travel bookings made through the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app, the reward structure has more benefits for the users as compared to earlier.
You can earn 33% extra reward points on hotel bookings and 20% extra reward points on flights booking. If you often book travel, especially on premium cards, this feature can still help you get good value from your reward points.
How These Changes Affect You Overall
If you spend regularly and above ₹20,000 a month, you can still earn decent rewards. In case your spending is lower or irregular, reward points will add up more slowly.
Lounge access is still available, but you need to meet the criteria of minimum spending. Paying your credit card bill on time is now more important than ever for earning rewards.
In Conclusion
These updates change how you earn rewards and use travel benefits on IDFC FIRST Bank credit cards. Nothing has been removed completely, but benefits are now more structured and linked to your spending and payment habits. It becomes easier to use your card and still earn decent rewards if you understand these new terms and conditions properly.
Written by Supriya
