IDFC FIRST Bank has updated its credit card benefits and reward structures for 2026. Here’s a clear, easy-to-read breakdown of every change you should know before you spend, travel, or redeem rewards this year.
1. New Reward Earning Rules
Same Base Earning, But Some Category Tweaks
• You will continue to earn reward points on all retail transactions (excluding routine exclusions such as taxes, fees, finance charges — standard across banks).
• However, bonus points structures on certain spends may shift based on card variant — particularly on travel/dining/online spending — so check your card’s latest reward table in the app or statement.
2. Airport Lounge Access Changes
Revised Lounge Benefits
IDFC FIRST Bank is updating airport lounge access benefits for some of its cards in 2026:
• Lounge access may now be based on a quarterly minimum spend criterion for certain cards.
• Pre-registered vouchers instead of automatic swipe generations may be required in some cases.
• Check your card’s individual terms — some premium cards retain automatic domestic lounge visits, but others no longer do.
This aligns with broader industry moves where banks are tightening “free lounge” perks or adding spend conditions.
3. Forex Markup & Travel Fees
Foreign Transaction Fees Revised
• Some IDFC FIRST Bank cards continue to offer zero forex markup on international spends (e.g., select travel/digital cards).
• Other variants may carry a low but non-zero forex markup (e.g., ~0.99% on some travel-oriented cards).
If international travel or shopping abroad is part of your spend pattern, check your specific card’s forex terms — the variance can save you several percentage points in fees.
4. Add-On & Renewal Fees
Fee Waiver & Spend Thresholds
• Annual fees and renewal fees may now be tied more actively to annual spending thresholds on certain cards — hit the target spend and the fee is waived, otherwise it applies.
• Add-on cards (for family members) may now attract a nominal one-time fee on select premium variants (especially metal / high-tier cards).
These changes help align card benefits with actual usage rather than blanket perk structures.
4. Add-On & Renewal Fees
Fee Waiver & Spend Thresholds
• Annual fees and renewal fees may now be tied more actively to annual spending thresholds on certain cards — hit the target spend and the fee is waived, otherwise it applies.
• Add-on cards (for family members) may now attract a nominal one-time fee on select premium variants (especially metal / high-tier cards).
These changes help align card benefits with actual usage rather than blanket perk structures.