Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
IDFC FIRST Select vs ICICI Platinum Chip
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Select
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
IN
ICICI Bank
ICICI Platinum Chip
VISA
Wins 2 of 10
Verdict
IDFC FIRST Select wins 4-2. Lifetime-free with surprisingly strong reward earn rates. ICICI Platinum Chip is still the right call if lifetime free entry-tier icici card..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | IDFC FIRST Select | ICICI Platinum Chip |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = No annual fee | = No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 10% (shopping) | · 0.5% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 3% | · 0.5% |
| Forex markup | 1.99% | · 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 600 reward points on ₹15K spend in first 90 days | = No welcome bonus — fee-free for life |
| Fee waiver threshold | = N/A (no fee) | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹600,000 | ₹200,000 |
| Min credit score | · 750 | 700 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 3.6/5 |
Benefits compared
IDFC FIRST Select
- 10x reward points on ₹20K+ monthly spend
- 6x reward points on ₹20K below threshold
- 3x reward points on offline spend
- Lifetime free — no annual fee, ever
- 4 complimentary domestic + 2 international lounge visits per quarter
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
ICICI Platinum Chip
- 2 PAYBACK points per ₹100
- 15% off at 800+ restaurants
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Lifetime free, no annual fee ever
FAQ
›IDFC FIRST Select vs ICICI Platinum Chip: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Select wins on more dimensions (4 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 IDFC FIRST Select for its best categories, ICICI Platinum Chip for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
IDFC FIRST Select: 600 reward points on ₹15K spend in first 90 days. ICICI Platinum Chip: No welcome bonus — fee-free for life.