IDFC First Bank Ashva Metal Credit Card – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Ashva Metal Credit Card

Introduction

The Ashva Metal Credit Card from IDFC FIRST Bank is an innovative and visually striking offering, drawing inspiration from Indian heritage with its unique design and robust 12-gram metal body. This card is positioned as a blend of tradition and modern luxury, offering a range of exclusive privileges and decent rewards. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who maintain consistent monthly spends of ₹20,000 or more, as this threshold unlocks enhanced reward points and access to premium benefits such as domestic and international airport lounges, and golf lessons or rounds. Designed to cater to global travelers, the card boasts a low foreign currency markup of just 1% and comprehensive travel insurance, making international transactions seamless and cost-effective, all while maintaining an affordable joining and annual fee.

Welcome Benefits

• For cards generated on or after September 1, 2025:
  • Earn 7,500 Reward Points in total, worth up to ₹3,000.
  • 2,500 Reward Points on successful payment of the joining fee.
  • 2,500 Reward Points on net spends of ₹20,000 or more in your second statement cycle.
  • 2,500 Reward Points on net spends of ₹20,000 or more in your third statement cycle.
  • This benefit is offered once per customer on the Ashva Credit Card.
• For cards generated till August 31, 2025:
  • Get up to ₹2,000 as cashback.
  • Receive ₹500 cashback for every transaction above ₹500, up to a maximum of four times.
  • This offer is valid for the first 60 days after the virtual credit card is generated.
  • Upon payment of the joining fee, the cashback is credited within 7 days of completing eligible transactions.
• Excluded transactions for welcome benefits: Cash withdrawals, fees, charges, and GST are not eligible.

Fees

• Primary Credit Card:
  • Joining Fee: ₹2,999 + GST
  • Annual Fee: ₹2,999 + GST (applicable from the second card anniversary year)
  • Upfront payment of Joining Fee + GST is required for dispatch of the metal credit card; the fee is non-refundable.
• Add-on Credit Card:
  • Joining Fee (Metal Variant): ₹2,000 + GST
  • Joining Fee (Plastic Variant): ₹1,500 + GST
  • Annual Fee (Both Variants): ₹1,000 + GST (charged for every add-on credit card)
• Rewards Redemption Fee: ₹99 + GST
• Foreign Currency Markup: 1% (+GST) on international transactions, including those done in Indian currency. This is one of the lowest in the industry.
• Interest Rates: Up to 46.2% Annually. All ATM cash withdrawals are interest-free for up to 45 days.
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% waiver on fuel surcharges for transactions between ₹200 and ₹5,000.
  • Maximum waiver up to ₹400 in a statement cycle.
  • Effective February 20, 2025, the maximum waiver will be revised to ₹300.
• Cash Advance Charges: ₹199 + GST per transaction, regardless of location or amount. The maximum cash withdrawal limit per transaction is ₹10,000.
• Spend-Based Waiver: No spend-based annual fee waiver is offered.

Rewards

• Higher Tier of Rewards & Bonus Points:
  • Earn up to 60X Reward Points (1X = 1 Reward Point per ₹150 spent).
  • 50X Bonus Reward Points on Hotel Bookings via "Travel and Shop" Section on IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App.
  • 30X Bonus Reward Points on Flight Bookings via "Travel and Shop" Section on IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App.
  • A maximum of 15,000 bonus reward points can be earned every month through these accelerated earns.
• General Spends Reward Points:
  • 10X Reward Points on incremental spends above ₹20,000 in a statement cycle and on your birthday.
  • 5X Reward Points on spends up to ₹20,000 in a statement cycle.
  • 3X Reward Points on Rent, Education, Government, and Wallet Load transactions.
  • 1X Reward Points on Insurance and Utility transactions.
• Reward Point Exclusions:
  • Reward points are not given on spends converted to EMI, Cash Withdrawal, Fuel, Fees, and Charges.
  • Spends on Rent, Education, Government, Wallet Load, Utilities, and Insurance categories are not counted towards the 10X monthly milestone.
  • Only transactions settled by the merchant before the statement generation will be considered for 10X rewards.
• Reward Point Validity: Your reward points never expire and remain valid as long as the credit card is active.
• Annual Milestone Benefit:
  • Spend a minimum of ₹8 Lakhs in the previous card anniversary year and get 7,500 Reward Points.
  • These reward points are worth up to ₹3,000 (when redeemed for hotel/flight bookings via the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App) or ₹1,875 (for other redemptions).
  • The reward points will be credited on payment of the annual fee for the next year.
  • Transactions on primary, add-on, and associated FIRST Digital (UPI) Credit Cards will be considered towards the milestone, including EMI transactions.
  • Cash withdrawal, fee charges, and EMI amortization are excluded from this benefit.
• Movies:
  • Enjoy a "Buy One Get One Free" offer on movie tickets with up to ₹400 off on the second ticket, twice a month. This can save up to ₹800 per month, totaling ₹9,600 annually.
  • Starting July 1, 2025, the benefit can be availed via the District App by Zomato.
  • Till June 30, 2025, you can use BookMyShow to book tickets.
• Dining:
  • Enjoy up to 20% off the total bill when paying with your card at participating restaurants via VISA Infinite Privileges (reserve through dinewithvisa.in).
• Travel:
  • Airport Lounge Access:
    • 4 complimentary visits per quarter to airport lounges and spas at airport terminals in India.
    • 2 complimentary visits per quarter to global airport lounges (requires Dreamfolks card, advance online bookings recommended).
    • To avail this benefit in the next calendar month, a spend of ₹20,000 or more in the current calendar month is required.
    • Both primary and add-on cardholders can access this benefit.
  • Railway Lounge Access:
    • 4 complimentary visits per quarter to lounges at select Indian Railway Terminals.
    • Requires a spend of ₹20,000 or more in the previous month (effective February 20, 2025).
    • Facilities include up to two hours of comfortable lounge stay, one buffet meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner), unlimited tea/coffee, newspapers, magazines, and free Wi-Fi.
    • Eligible railway lounges include Chennai Central, Old Delhi, Jaipur, Sealdah, Madurai, New Delhi, and Varanasi Cantt Railway Stations.
  • Free Trip Cancellation Protection:
    • Get reimbursed for non-refundable flight and hotel cancellations by up to ₹25,000, twice a year, with a "Cancel for Any Reason" cover.
    • Cancellation must be done at least 24 hours before the scheduled travel date.
  • The Postcard Hotels & Resorts:
    • Enjoy a flat discount of ₹5,000 on a minimum booking of ₹25,000.
    • Benefit can be availed once every calendar quarter using promo code: IDFCVIP.
    • Valid till February 10, 2027.
  • ITC Hotels (VISA Infinite Privilege):
    • Stay for 3, Pay for 2 (complimentary 3rd night for every 2 consecutive paid nights). Use promocode ITCVIS.
    • Get 50% off your 2nd night (stay for 2 nights, 2nd night at 50% off). Use promocode ITCV50.
  • Elivaas (VISA Infinite Privilege):
    • Stay for 3, Pay for 2 (complimentary 3rd night for every 2 consecutive paid nights).
    • Get 50% off your 2nd night (stay for 2 nights, 2nd night at 50% off).
  • Airport Transfer Discounts (VISA Infinite Privilege):
    • Exclusive discounts on limousine services across over 3000 cities in 83 countries.
  • Luxury Hotel Benefits (VISA Infinite Privilege):
    • Access to over 900 luxury hotels worldwide with premium benefits such as automatic room upgrade upon arrival, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi, complimentary continental breakfast, VIP Guest status, and 3 PM check-out upon request.
  • Airport Meet and Greet Service (VISA Infinite Privilege):
    • Offer 1: Complimentary Service: Once a year at major Indian airports by spending USD 1000 (approx. INR 85,000) on international point-of-sale transactions in the past 12 months before booking date.
    • Offer 2: Flat 10% Discount: For all other instances or more than one guest, enjoy a 10% discount on meet & greet service at major Indian airports.
    • Offer 3: Discounted Fast-track Immigration: Enjoy discounts on Airport Fast-track immigration service at over 450 destinations worldwide.
• Golf:
  • 2 complimentary golf rounds/lessons every month.
  • One round/lesson is unlocked for every ₹20,000 spent in the previous statement cycle (meaning, spend ₹20,000 for one, ₹40,000 for two).
  • This benefit is available only for primary Ashva Credit Cardholders.
• Insurance:
  • Accident and Lost Card Liability Cover:
    • Air Accident Cover of ₹1 Crore.
    • Personal Accident Cover of ₹10,00,000.
    • Lost Card Liability Cover of ₹50,000.
    • Valid on doing at least one transaction on the Ashva Credit Card in the last 30 days.
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance Cover (up to USD 1200):
    • Loss of Checked-in Baggage: USD 500
    • Delay of Checked-In Baggage: USD 100
    • Loss of Passport and other documents: USD 300
    • Delay in Flight: USD 300
  • Roadside Assistance:
    • Complimentary 24/7 Roadside Assistance (RSA) worth ₹1,399, available up to four times a year across India.
• Lifestyle:
  • Offers available on 300+ brands.

Rewards Redemption Guide

• Maximizing Reward Point Value:
  • Each reward point is worth ₹0.40 when redeemed for hotel and flight bookings via the "Travel and Shop" section on the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App.
• Other Redemption Options:
  • For purchasing gift vouchers, products on the "Travel and Shop" section, and "Pay using reward points" on online transactions, the value of each reward point is ₹0.25.

Card Eligibility Criteria

• An annual income of ₹12 lakh or more is typically required to apply for this card.

Card Review

The Ashva Metal Credit Card is a visually appealing and feature-rich card that positions itself as a premium offering in the mid-range segment. Its metal construction and distinctive design are significant draws, making it a desirable item for many.

Who Should Apply:

• Individuals with consistent monthly spending patterns of ₹20,000 or more will gain the most value, as many key benefits like 10X reward points, airport lounge access, and golf privileges are spend-based.
• Frequent domestic and international travelers will find its low 1% forex markup, complimentary lounge access (domestic and international), free trip cancellation protection, and comprehensive travel insurance highly beneficial.
• Movie enthusiasts can enjoy substantial savings with the "Buy One Get One Free" movie ticket offer.
• Those who appreciate luxury perks and personalized services will benefit from the extensive Visa Infinite privileges, including hotel upgrades, concierge services, and dining discounts.

Pros:

• Offers complimentary lounge access across domestic and international airports, as well as railway lounges in India.
• Comes with extensive Visa Infinite privileges, enhancing travel, dining, and lifestyle experiences.
• Available at an affordable annual fee of ₹2,999, which is competitive for a metal card with such benefits.
• Provides a very low foreign currency markup of 1%, ideal for international transactions.
• Reward points never expire.
• Interest-free cash withdrawals for up to 45 days.

Cons:

• A significant portion of the card's premium benefits, including 10X reward points, airport lounge access, and golf privileges, are contingent on a minimum monthly spend of ₹20,000. Cardholders who cannot consistently meet this threshold may not fully realize the card's value.
• There is no spend-based annual fee waiver. The annual fee of ₹2,999 + GST must be paid each year.
• The annual milestone benefit of 7,500 reward points (worth up to ₹3,000 or ₹1,875 depending on redemption) for spending ₹8 lakh in a year is considered modest compared to benefits offered by other cards for similar high spending.

Important Product Details

• Premium metal credit card with a distinctive design.
• Joining Fee: ₹2,999 + GST (upfront and non-refundable).
• Annual Fee: ₹2,999 + GST (from the second year).
• Low Forex Markup: 1% (+GST) on all international transactions.
• Welcome Benefit: Up to 7,500 Reward Points (worth up to ₹3,000) for cards generated on or after Sept 1, 2025, upon meeting spend criteria.
• Reward Earning: Up to 60X Reward Points on travel via IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App; 10X Reward Points on incremental spends over ₹20,000/month; 5X on spends up to ₹20,000/month.
• Reward Point Value: ₹0.40 per point for hotel/flight bookings via IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App; ₹0.25 per point for other redemptions.
• Reward Point Expiration: Never expire.
• Movie Benefit: Buy One Get One Free movie tickets (up to ₹400 off), twice a month.
• Lounge Access: 4 complimentary domestic airport/spa visits per quarter, 2 complimentary international airport lounge visits per quarter.
• Railway Lounge Access: 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter.
• Spend-based Benefits: Airport/railway lounge access and golf privileges require ₹20,000 spend in the previous calendar month. Golf benefits require ₹20,000 or ₹40,000 monthly spend for 1 or 2 rounds/lessons respectively.
• Trip Cancellation Cover: Reimbursement up to ₹25,000 twice a year for non-refundable flight and hotel bookings.
• Comprehensive Insurance: Includes ₹1 Crore Air Accident Cover, ₹10 Lakh Personal Accident Cover, ₹50,000 Lost Card Liability Cover, and travel insurance up to USD 1200.
• Roadside Assistance: Complimentary 24/7 service worth ₹1,399, up to four times a year.
• Visa Infinite Privileges: Access to luxury hotel benefits, airport meet and greet services, limousine transfer discounts, dining offers, and a personalized concierge.
• Annual Milestone: 7,500 Reward Points for spending ₹8 Lakh in an anniversary year.
• No annual fee waiver based on spending.
• UPI enabled.

Other Details

• The Ashva Metal Credit Card weighs 12 grams.
• Credit card application approval requires upfront Joining Fee payment to activate the digital card and dispatch the metal card.
• Digital card use for online purchases is enabled after Joining Fee payment and ensuring online (Ecom) transactions are enabled in the mobile app.
• Metal credit card dispatch typically takes 5 working days after joining fee payment.
• For existing IDFC FIRST Bank unsecured credit cardholders, the new Ashva card will have the same credit limit, which will be shared across all unsecured credit cards.
• For first-time applicants for an IDFC FIRST Bank unsecured credit card, the credit limit will be as per internal bank policies.
• International Helpline: +91 22 6248 5152 for queries while abroad.
• PIN is required for POS transactions in India. Outside India, PIN is required only if the POS terminal is PIN-enabled.