The IDFC FIRST Earn Credit Card is a secured, FD-backed card. You open a fixed deposit of ₹5,000 or more, and you get a credit card with a limit equal to 100% of the FD. It is one of the simplest ways for students, first-time earners or anyone with a thin credit file to get a card, and it still pays up to 1% cashback on UPI and charges 0% forex markup.
How it works
| Minimum FD | ₹5,000 |
|---|---|
| Credit limit | 100% of your FD value |
| FD interest | Up to 6.30% a year |
| Credit history needed | No, new-to-credit applicants are allowed |
Because the card is backed by your deposit, approval is much easier than for a regular card. Your FD keeps earning interest, and every on-time bill payment is reported to the credit bureaus, helping you build a score that later qualifies you for unsecured cards.
Cashback and rewards
| Spend | Cashback |
|---|---|
| UPI via the IDFC FIRST Bank app | 1% |
| Other UPI apps, online spends, utility bills, insurance, wallet loads | 0.5% |
| Monthly cap | ₹500 per statement cycle |
| First UPI transaction within 15 days of activation | 10% cashback, up to ₹250 |
What you would actually earn
Say you spend ₹10,000 a month on UPI through the IDFC FIRST app and ₹5,000 on online bills. That earns ₹100 + ₹25 = ₹125 a month, or ₹1,500 a year. On a small FD-backed limit, that is a solid return, and the ₹500 monthly cap is far above what most users will reach.
Other benefits
- Zero forex markup on all international transactions, handy for foreign websites and trips.
- Travel: up to 8.5% cashback on travel bookings, as per the bank’s offer terms.
- Movies: 25% off, up to ₹100, on tickets booked on District by Zomato.
- Roadside assistance worth ₹1,399, complimentary.
Using it to build your credit score
- Pay the full bill on time, every time. Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score.
- Keep usage low. Try to use less than about 30% of your limit each month, even though it is backed by your FD.
- Grow the FD over time. A larger FD means a larger limit, which makes it easier to keep usage low.
- Give it 6–12 months. After a steady record, you are in a much better position to apply for an unsecured card.
Fees and charges
| Joining fee | Free (limited-time offer) |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹499 + GST from the second year |
| Annual fee waiver | Spend ₹1,00,000 in the preceding year |
| Forex markup | 0% |
Eligibility
| Credit history | Not required; new-to-credit allowed |
|---|---|
| Minimum funding | FD of ₹5,000 or more |
Documents you will need
The offer lists no income proof requirement, since the card is backed by your FD. Keep your PAN and Aadhaar ready for KYC.
How to apply
- Tap Apply on IDFC FIRST Bank site on this page to open the official application.
- Complete the form in one session with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- Open your FD of ₹5,000 or more and complete video KYC from your current address.
- Activate the card with a first transaction within 30 days; make your first UPI payment within 15 days for the 10% welcome cashback.
Who should get it, and who shouldn’t
Get it if you are new to credit, were rejected for a regular card, or want a zero-forex card for foreign spends while keeping your savings in an FD.
Skip it if you already qualify for an unsecured card and spend a lot each month. A limit tied to your FD can be restrictive, and the ₹500 cashback cap limits big spenders.
