AU Bank Zenith vs IDFC FIRST Wow
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IDFC FIRST Wow wins 5-4. Secured card backed by FD — accessible to thin-credit-file applicants. AU Bank Zenith is still the right call if underrated mid-premium — punches above its fee tier..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | AU Bank Zenith | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹7,500 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹7,500 | None |
| Top reward rate | 10% (travel) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 2% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | · 2% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 7,500 reward points + Vistara Premium Economy ticket | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹800,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹1,200,000 | — |
| Min credit score | · 780 | 600 |
| Editorial rating | 4.4/5 | · 4/5 |
Benefits compared
AU Bank Zenith
- 10 ZenPoints per ₹100 on travel + dining
- 2 ZenPoints per ₹100 on general spend
- 8 complimentary international lounge visits per quarter
- 12 complimentary domestic lounge visits / year
- Annual milestone: free domestic flight at ₹6L spend
- 4 free golf rounds/quarter at 250+ courses
IDFC FIRST Wow
- 1 reward point per ₹100 (no rate change cliff)
- Lifetime free, no annual fee
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits/quarter
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Backed by FD: easy approval
FAQ
›AU Bank Zenith vs IDFC FIRST Wow: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Wow wins on more dimensions (5 vs 4). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use AU Bank Zenith for its best categories, IDFC FIRST Wow for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
AU Bank Zenith: 7,500 reward points + Vistara Premium Economy ticket. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.