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IDFC First FIRST WOW! Credit Card Review

Rewards card

The IDFC First FIRST WOW! is lifetime free (no joining or annual fee). It earns 0.12% back on regular spends. Best for: international spenders and credit builders wanting zero forex markup — our verdict: recommended.

Vyaya Team · Aug 2026
5 min read
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Value Score
9.0 / 10
Annual Fee
₹0
Best For
International Spender, Credit Builder
Network
Visa
Expert Verdict

The IDFC First FIRST WOW! is a free, FD-backed card whose headline draw is 0% forex markup on all international spends. With a weak 1 point per Rs 200 base, no lounge access and a credit limit tied to the deposit, it is best used as a forex-friendly travel card or credit builder rather than a primary rewards card.

IDFC First FIRST WOW! credit card by IDFC First Bank - Visa network
REWARD SUMMARY
0.12% Base Rewards
Rewards card
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The Bottom Line

The IDFC First FIRST WOW! is built for international spender and credit builder. With no annual fee, it offers 0.5% rewards on other and zero forex markup. It makes the most sense if your spending matches international spender and credit builder.

It earns a base reward rate of 0.12% and stacks best when your spending lines up with International Spender, Credit Builder.

What we like
+0% foreign currency markup on all international transactions, a rare benefit on a no-fee card
+Zero joining and zero annual fee with accelerated earning of 4 points per Rs 200 (4x the base)
+Secured against a fixed deposit, making it accessible to those without a strong credit history
+1% fuel surcharge waiver with savings of up to Rs 200 per month (about Rs 2,400 a year)
+Interest-free period of up to 45 days on ATM cash withdrawals
What we don't
–Reward points are worth only Rs 0.25, and the base rate is a low 1 point per Rs 200
–No airport lounge access (0 domestic, 0 international)
–A flat Rs 250 cash advance fee applies per ATM withdrawal, and a Rs 99 redemption fee may apply
–Being FD-backed, the credit limit is tied to the deposit amount

Who Should Get This Card

Use this as a quick filter before comparing rewards or fees in detail.

Best fit for

Ideal
+
International Spender

Travellers and overseas shoppers who want a free card with 0% forex markup on all international transactions

+
Credit Builder

Those without a credit history who can secure the card against a fixed deposit

Probably not for

Skip
–
Domestic Rewards Seeker

Everyday domestic spenders, given the low 1 point per Rs 200 base and Rs 0.25 point value

–
Lounge User

Travellers who need airport lounge access, which this card does not offer

Is It Worth It For You?

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Dining
0₹5,000Max ₹50k
Est. Returns
Travel
0₹10,000Max ₹1L
Est. Returns
Online & Shopping
0₹8,000Max ₹80k
Est. Returns
Groceries
0₹6,000Max ₹40k
Est. Returns
Annual rewards₹0
Annual feeFREE
Net Value (Year 1)+₹0
Net Value (Year 2+)+₹0

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Reward Rates

IDFC First FIRST WOW! offers 0.12% basic reward rate.

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Other
0.5%

Welcome Offer

Welcome Benefit

Fees & Charges

Joining fee₹0
Annual fee₹0
Fee waiverN/A

Eligibility

  • FD-backed secured card; requires min ₹20,000 fixed deposit; no income proof or credit score needed; Visa Infinite; lifetime free.

Exclusions & Terms

Forex markup

  • Foreign currency markup

EMI Transactions

  • No reward points earned on EMI transactions.

Cash Withdrawals

  • No reward points earned on cash withdrawals / cash advances. A cash advance fee of Rs. 250 applies per withdrawal.

Frequently Asked Questions

5 data-backed answers from our card database

What is the annual fee of the IDFC First FIRST WOW! credit card?+

None — the IDFC First FIRST WOW! is lifetime free (no joining or annual fee).

What rewards does the IDFC First FIRST WOW! credit card give?+

It earns 1 Reward Points per ₹200 spent (about 0.12% back).

Does the IDFC First FIRST WOW! credit card offer airport lounge access?+

No, the IDFC First FIRST WOW! does not include complimentary airport lounge access.

What is the forex markup on the IDFC First FIRST WOW!?+

3.5% + GST on international transactions.

Is the IDFC First FIRST WOW! credit card worth it?+

The IDFC First FIRST WOW! is lifetime free (no joining or annual fee). It earns 0.12% back on regular spends. Best for: international spenders and credit builders wanting zero forex markup — our verdict: recommended.

Ready to apply?

No annual fee. Apply on the IDFC First Bank website.

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