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How to Apply for the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card in 2026

Piyush Rathod's profile photo Piyush Rathod
3 min read
Reviewed by Gautam Chauhan Last reviewed 5 September 2026 Data verified 5 September 2026

The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is a lifetime-free premium card with 5X reward points on every spend (no category restriction), 3X on EMI purchases, 1% fuel surcharge waiver, 4 free ATM cash withdrawals per month, and railway surcharge waiver on IRCTC bookings. The card is targeted at high spenders who want a no-fee card with premium benefits.

Why this matters

IDFC FIRST Select is the highest-reward lifetime-free card in India. The 5X on all categories with no restriction is unmatched in the no-fee segment. If you spend ₹50,000/month, the 5X gives you 2,500 points/month, redeemable for ₹2,500 in cashback. The 4 free ATM withdrawals and railway surcharge waiver are unique secondary benefits.

How to Apply for the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card in 2026

How to apply Total time: 10 min · You’ll need: PAN, Aadhaar, mobile, salary slips (if required)

Apply for the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card with 5X reward points on every spend. Income thresholds, eligibility, and full application walkthrough.

  1. Check Select eligibility — You must be 18–70 years old, a resident Indian, with a minimum monthly income of ₹25,000. CIBIL score of 720+ is preferred.
  2. Apply online via IDFC FIRST website — Visit idfcfirstbank.com → Cards → Credit Cards → Select. Click Apply Now. The form is pre-filled if you are an existing IDFC FIRST customer.
  3. Complete the application — Provide your name (as on PAN), PAN, Aadhaar, mobile, email, address, employment details, and monthly income.
  4. Complete Aadhaar eKYC — Authorize Aadhaar OTP eKYC. Verification completes within 60 seconds.
  5. Submit and track — Submit the form. The 12-digit application reference is shown. Track status in the IDFC FIRST app. Approval takes 5–7 working days.
  6. Receive the card and activate — Once approved, the card is delivered within 5 working days. Activate via IVR, IDFC FIRST app, or at any IDFC FIRST ATM by setting a 4-digit PIN.
  7. Use the card for all spends to earn 5X — Use the card for all retail spends to earn 5X reward points. The 5X is uncapped — no monthly cap. Track points in the IDFC FIRST app.
  8. Use the railway surcharge waiver on IRCTC — Use the card on irctc.co.in to book train tickets. The 1.8% IRCTC transaction fee is waived, and you earn 3X reward points on the transaction value.

Common mistakes to avoid

The 5X is uncapped but excluded from fuel and cash advances. The 4 free ATM withdrawals are subject to a limit of ₹10,000 per withdrawal. The railway surcharge waiver is only on IRCTC direct bookings, not on third-party apps.

Pro tips

  • Use Select as your default card for all retail spends to maximise 5X
  • Use the card on IRCTC to save the 1.8% transaction fee
  • Track the 4 free ATM withdrawals per month
  • Pair with IDFC FIRST Wealth for premium benefits

Frequently asked questions

Is IDFC FIRST Select lifetime free?

Yes. The card has no joining or annual fee. There is no fee waiver target.

What is the 5X cap?

5X on all retail is uncapped. There is no monthly cap.

Does the 5X apply to fuel?

No. The 5X is excluded from fuel, EMI, and cash advances.

Disclosure: FinWiz24 may earn a commission when you apply through links on this page. This does not influence our editorial independence — every card is scored against the same rubric.

Sources

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