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Federal Bank Visa Celesta 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.

Features

Federal Bank Visa Celesta Credit Card
Federal Bank Visa Celesta Credit Card
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee
Nil
Nil
Renewal Fee
Nil
Nil
Spend Based Waiver
Foreign Transaction Fees
A low foreign currency markup of 2% applies to all international transactions.
1.99% + GST.
Interest Rate (APR)
Dynamic APR from 0.69% to 3.75% per month (8.28% to 45% p.a.) based on AMB.
From 8.5% - 46.2% per annum.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome Bonus
Receive an Amazon Pay e-Voucher worth ₹600 on a minimum spend of ₹10,000 within the first 30 days.
Rewards Rate
Earn 3x points on Travel & International, 2x on Dining, and 1x on all other spends.
Up to 10X Reward Points on spends above ₹20,000 per month.
Reward Type
Reward Points
Reward Points
Reward Redemption Fee
A nominal convenience fee of ₹99 + GST will be charged per redemption request.
₹99 + GST per redemption.

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access
2 complimentary domestic lounge accesses per quarter on ₹60,000 spend in previous quarter.
4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per quarter.
International Lounge Access
2 complimentary international lounge accesses per year without any specific spend criteria.
Travel Benefits
Enjoy 3x Reward Points on travel spends and complimentary domestic & international lounge access.
Comprehensive travel benefits including low forex markup, roadside assistance, and railway lounge access.
Movie Benefits
Buy One Get One (BOGO) offer on INOX movie tickets, once a month.
4 complimentary movie tickets per month (up to ₹250 each) on BookMyShow.
Dining Benefits
Earn 2x Reward Points on every ₹100 spent on dining categories.
Up to 20% discount on dining at 1500+ restaurants across India.
Golf Benefits
4 complimentary golf rounds or lessons per month.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations across India.
1% waiver up to ₹300 per statement cycle on transactions between ₹200 & ₹5,000.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits
Comprehensive insurance cover including Air Accident, Personal Accident, and Lost Card Liability.
Cash Advance Charges
Charges are 2.5% of amount withdrawn or ₹500, whichever is higher.
₹199 + GST per transaction, interest-free for up to 45 days.
Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

Federal Bank Visa Celesta Credit Card

IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Who is it for?

The Federal Bank Celesta Credit Card is a premium, lifetime-free offering designed for individuals who enjoy a luxurious lifestyle, especially those with significant spending on travel, international transactions, and dining. It features a unique 3-2-1 rewards structure, providing accelerated points in these key categories. Cardholders benefit from complimentary domestic and international lounge access, a low 2% foreign currency markup, and a monthly Buy One Get One offer on INOX movie tickets. This card offers substantial value for its target audience, combining premium perks with zero annual fees.

Who is it for?

The FIRST Select Credit Card from IDFC FIRST Bank is a premium, lifetime-free offering designed for discerning individuals. It provides up to 10X never-expiring reward points, a low 1.99% forex markup, and extensive travel and lifestyle benefits. Ideal for frequent domestic travelers and shoppers, this card also includes comprehensive insurance coverage and complimentary lounge access, making it a well-rounded choice for everyday and premium spends.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

This Federal Bank Celesta card is lifetime free with no joining or annual fees.

Benefit from a low foreign currency markup fee of just 2% on international transactions.

Enjoy complimentary international lounge access twice a year without any spend conditions.

Earn accelerated reward points on your travel, international, and dining expenditures.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Enjoy the benefits of a premium credit card without any joining or annual fees.

Earn up to 10X never-expiring reward points on your spends, offering great value.

Benefit from a competitive 1.99% foreign currency markup for international transactions.

Receive 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits every quarter for comfortable travel.

Extensive insurance benefits provide peace of mind for travel and card security.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The overall reward rate offered by the Celesta card might be lower than some premium alternatives.

Beyond movie tickets, the card offers limited lifestyle benefits or exclusive deals.

Domestic lounge access is conditional, requiring a minimum spend in the prior quarter.

High interest rates apply if your average monthly bank balance is not substantial.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

A redemption fee of ₹99 + GST is charged for each reward point redemption.

Lacks explicit mention of complimentary international airport lounge access benefits.

The card does not appear to offer any specific welcome benefits upon joining.

Interest rates can be high, ranging from 8.5% to 46.2% per annum.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.