Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
IDFC FIRST Select vs ICICI Rubyx
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Select
VISA
Wins 7 of 10
IN
ICICI Bank
ICICI Rubyx
VISA
Wins 1 of 10
Verdict
IDFC FIRST Select wins 7-1. Lifetime-free with surprisingly strong reward earn rates. ICICI Rubyx is still the right call if step up from coral — adds dual-network and milestone rewards..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | IDFC FIRST Select | ICICI Rubyx |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · ₹2,000 |
| Joining fee | None | · ₹3,000 |
| Top reward rate | 10% (shopping) | · 1% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 3% | · 1% |
| Forex markup | 1.99% | · 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 600 reward points on ₹15K spend in first 90 days | = 5,000 PAYBACK points + Tata CLiQ voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | · N/A (no fee) | ₹350,000 / yr |
| Min income | = ₹600,000 | = ₹600,000 |
| Min credit score | 750 | · 760 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4/5 |
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 Rubyx
- Dual-network (Visa + Amex one card)
- 4 international + 6 domestic lounge visits/year
- 15% off Culinary Treats
- 25% off movie tickets
- Comprehensive insurance
FAQ
›IDFC FIRST Select vs ICICI Rubyx: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Select wins on more dimensions (7 vs 1). 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 Rubyx 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 Rubyx: 5,000 PAYBACK points + Tata CLiQ voucher.