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Federal Bank Imperio Credit Card VS IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 30 September 2026

Both Federal Bank Imperio Credit Card and IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card suit shopping-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. Federal Bank Imperio Credit Card is lifetime-free and earns bespoke 3-2-1 rewards structure on healthcare, groceries, and utility bill payments. IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is lifetime-free and earns up to 10X Reward Points on spends above ₹20,000 per month. Federal Bank Imperio Credit Card also brings complimentary domestic airport lounge access, while IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card counters with 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter. If utilities spending matters more, go with Federal Bank Imperio Credit Card; if travel is the priority, IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card fits better.

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CheQ AU Credit Card

Zero Fees. More Rewards

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CheQ AU Credit Card
Federal Bank Imperio Credit Card
Federal Bank Imperio Credit Card
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining FeeLifetime Free
Joining FeeLifetime Free
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Spend Based Waiver
Spend Based Waiver
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% of the transacted amount.
Foreign Transaction Fees1.99% + GST (approx. 2.35% effective).
Interest Rate (APR)Dynamic rates from 1.99% per month (23.88% p.a.) to 3.75% per month (45% p.a.), linked to AMB.
Interest Rate (APR)8.5% to 46.2% p.a. based on credit score & usage.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusReceive an Amazon Pay e-Voucher worth ₹400 upon spending ₹5,000 within the first 30 days.
Welcome Bonus₹500 gift voucher on ₹5k spend & 5% cashback up to ₹1k on first EMI, both within 30 days.
Rewards Rate3 Reward Points for every ₹150 on groceries/healthcare, 2 points on utilities, 1 point on others.
Rewards Rate10X on Dining, Travel, Intl & Birthday; 3X on others; 1X on Insurance, Utilities, Railways, FASTag.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points, Cashback, Other Benefits
Reward Redemption Fee₹99 per redemption request (minimum). Actual fee displayed at redemption.
Reward Redemption Fee₹99 + GST per redemption.

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge AccessEnjoy 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses every quarter, totaling 8 per year.
Domestic Lounge Access1 domestic airport lounge & 4 railway lounge accesses per quarter (₹20k spend/month).
International Lounge Access
International Lounge Access
Travel Benefits
Travel Benefits10X rewards on travel, bonus points on flights/hotels via app, 300+ merchant offers.
Movie BenefitsBuy 1 Get 1 Free offer on movie tickets with INOX (and BookMyShow) once every quarter, up to ₹100.
Movie BenefitsBuy 1 Get 1 movie ticket offer up to ₹125, twice monthly (spend ₹20k/month).
Dining BenefitsAccess fabulous dining offers at partner hotels through the FedDelights program, up to 15% discounts.
Dining Benefits10X rewards on dining & 300+ merchant offers.
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on ₹200-₹5,000 transactions, max ₹300/cycle.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Insurance Benefits₹1 Cr Air Accident, ₹5 L Personal Accident, ₹50k Lost Card, ₹10k Trip Cancellation, USD 300 Travel.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of the amount withdrawn or ₹500, whichever is higher.
Cash Advance Charges₹199 + GST per transaction; interest-free for up to 45 days.
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

Federal Bank Imperio Credit Card

IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Who is it for?

The Federal Bank Imperio Credit Card is a lifetime free offering designed for family-oriented individuals, available on both Visa and Mastercard networks. It provides significant value with accelerated rewards on essential categories like groceries and healthcare. Cardholders also enjoy complimentary domestic airport lounge access, Buy 1 Get 1 Free movie tickets, and milestone benefits. This card is a strong contender in the entry-to-mid-range segment for those prioritizing household expenses and lifestyle perks.

Who is it for?

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is a lifetime free offering from IDFC FIRST Bank, providing premium privileges without annual fees. It features a low 1.99% foreign currency markup and accelerated 10X reward points on dining, travel, and international transactions. Cardholders also enjoy complimentary domestic airport and railway lounge access. This card is ideal for those seeking comprehensive travel and lifestyle benefits without recurring costs.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

The card is a lifetime free credit card with zero joining and annual charges.

Strong reward earning potential on essential family spending categories like groceries and healthcare.

Includes valuable entertainment benefits like B1G1 movie tickets and milestone vouchers.

Offers 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses every quarter, enhancing travel comfort.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Enjoy the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card with no joining or annual fees.

Benefit from a competitive low foreign currency markup of just 1.99%.

Access complimentary domestic airport and railway lounges quarterly with this card.

Comprehensive insurance covers like air accident, personal accident, and lost card liability.

Earn reward points on unique categories like rent, education, and wallet loads, often excluded elsewhere.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Does not provide complimentary international airport lounge access, limiting global travel perks.

Foreign currency markup of 3.5% is relatively high for international transactions.

Reward redemption incurs a fee of ₹99, which can reduce the overall value of points.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The reward earning rate on general spending categories is considered average.

Many key benefits, including lounge access and movie offers, are now spend-based (₹20k/month).

Reward points will now expire after 24 months, a change from the previous no-expiry policy.

This card does not provide complimentary international airport lounge access.

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.
Apply for Federal Bank Imperio Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card(opens in new tab)