Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
ICICI Coral vs IDFC FIRST Wow
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
ICICI Bank
ICICI Coral
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
IN
IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Wow
VISA
Wins 5 of 10
Verdict
IDFC FIRST Wow wins 5-2. Secured card backed by FD — accessible to thin-credit-file applicants. ICICI Coral is still the right call if entry-tier card — easy approval, decent base earning, low fee..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI Coral | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹500 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹500 | None |
| Top reward rate | = 1% (general) | = 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 2,000 PAYBACK points on first 60-day spend | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹150,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹240,000 | — |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 600 |
| Editorial rating | 4.2/5 | · 4/5 |
Benefits compared
ICICI Coral
- 2 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge visits per year
- 15% off at 2,500+ partner restaurants (Culinary Treats)
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Free movie tickets via BookMyShow (buy-1-get-1)
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
›ICICI Coral vs IDFC FIRST Wow: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Wow wins on more dimensions (5 vs 2). 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 ICICI Coral 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?
ICICI Coral: 2,000 PAYBACK points on first 60-day spend. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.