Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
ICICI Sapphiro vs IDFC FIRST Wow
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
Premium
ICICI Bank
ICICI Sapphiro
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 Sapphiro is still the right call if mid-premium with strong dining + travel mix..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | ICICI Sapphiro | IDFC FIRST Wow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹3,500 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹6,500 | None |
| Top reward rate | = 1% (general) | = 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | · 3.5% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500 | = Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹600,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹1,000,000 | — |
| Min credit score | · 780 | 600 |
| Editorial rating | 4.3/5 | · 4/5 |
Benefits compared
ICICI Sapphiro
- 4 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 2 complimentary international + 4 domestic lounge visits/year
- 15% off at 800+ restaurants (Culinary Treats)
- 25% off BookMyShow tickets
- Comprehensive travel insurance
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 Sapphiro 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 Sapphiro 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 Sapphiro: 10,000 reward points worth ₹2,500. IDFC FIRST Wow: Lifetime free + 600 points on first transaction.