Maximize Your Benefits: Understanding IDFC First Bank Credit Card Reward Points Update for 2026

IDFC First Bank Credit Card: Reward Points & Lounge Benefits Update (2026)

Effective from 18 January 2026, IDFC First Bank has announced important changes in its credit card reward points structure, fair usage policy, and lounge access benefits. These updates will impact how cardholders earn and use reward points, especially on select categories like FASTag and railway spends.

Below is a simple and detailed explanation of the latest updates.

🔔 What’s Changing in Reward Points Eligibility

Starting 18 January 2026, cardholders must pay at least the Minimum Amount Due (MAD) by the payment due date to earn reward points.

• If the minimum due amount is not paid on time, reward points will not be credited for that billing cycle.

• If reward points were already credited, they may be reversed.

👉 This change encourages timely bill payments to remain eligible for rewards.

🎯 Change in Reward Points Base (Major Update)

IDFC First Bank continues to offer powerful online redeemable reward points, but the reward earning base has been revised.

🔄 Revised Reward Earning Structure:

• Earlier: ₹150 spent = 1 Reward Point

• Now: ₹200 spent = 1 Reward Point

🔢 Examples:

• 10X Reward Points → 10 points per ₹200 spent

• 3X Reward Points → 3 points per ₹200 spent

✅ Rewards That Continue Unchanged

You will still continue to earn:

• 10X Reward Points on:

  • Incremental monthly spends above ₹20,000

  • Birthday month spends

• 3X Reward Points on:

  • Monthly spends up to ₹20,000

⚠️ Fair Usage Policy on Select Categories

To keep the rewards program fair and prevent misuse, IDFC First Bank has introduced new fair usage rules, effective 18 January 2026.

🚆 Railway & FASTag Spends Update

• FASTag recharges (MCC 4784)

• Railway spends (MCC 4111, 4112)

👉 These categories will now earn 1X Reward Points only.

❌ They will not be counted towards the 10X accelerated reward threshold.

💳 High Usage Charges (Important)

• If FASTag spends exceed ₹10,000 in a billing cycle:

  • A 1% fee will be charged on the total FASTag recharge amount.

• If Railway spends exceed ₹25,000 in a billing cycle:

  • A 1% fee will be charged on the total railway spend amount.

🧾 GST Applicability

• GST @18% (as notified by the Government of India) will apply on:

  • Fees

  • Interest

  • Charges

MCC stands for Merchant Category Code.

🛋️ Lounge Access Update (Effective 1 April 2026)

IDFC First Bank has also revised its lounge access benefit.

✈️ Complimentary Lounge Access

• 1 complimentary domestic airport lounge access per quarter

• To unlock this benefit:

  • Spend ₹20,000 in the current month

  • Lounge access will be available in the following month

📌 Impact Summary

• Regular day-to-day spends for most customers remain unaffected

• Changes mainly impact:

  • High or unusual usage

  • FASTag & railway heavy spends

• Online reward redemption remains a strong benefit

🔍 Final Verdict – Should You Be Concerned?

If you:✔ Pay bills on time✔ Use credit cards for regular shopping & lifestyle spends✔ Avoid very high FASTag / railway usage

👉 These changes will not significantly impact you.

However, users who rely heavily on FASTag or railway spends should plan their usage carefully to avoid extra charges.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Final reward structure, charges, and benefits are subject to IDFC First Bank’s official terms and conditions. Users are advised to verify details directly with the bank before making financial decisions.