IDFC FIRST Select vs IndusInd Iconia Amex
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
EXPRESS
IDFC FIRST Select wins 6-1. Lifetime-free with surprisingly strong reward earn rates. IndusInd Iconia Amex is still the right call if mid-premium amex with annual-fee waiver from year 2..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | IDFC FIRST Select | IndusInd Iconia Amex |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | = No annual fee | = No annual fee |
| Joining fee | None | · ₹3,500 |
| Top reward rate | 10% (shopping) | · 5% (shopping) |
| Base reward rate | 3% | · 1.5% |
| Forex markup | 1.99% | · 3.5% |
| Welcome bonus | = 600 reward points on ₹15K spend in first 90 days | = 4,000 reward points + Yatra voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | · N/A (no fee) | N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = ₹600,000 | = ₹600,000 |
| Min credit score | 750 | · 770 |
| Editorial rating | 4.5/5 | · 4.2/5 |
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
IndusInd Iconia Amex
- 10 reward points per ₹100 on weekend dining + grocery
- 4 international + 8 domestic lounge visits/year
- Annual fee waived from year 2 (lifetime)
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Buy-1-get-1 BookMyShow
FAQ
›IDFC FIRST Select vs IndusInd Iconia Amex: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Select wins on more dimensions (6 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, IndusInd Iconia Amex 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. IndusInd Iconia Amex: 4,000 reward points + Yatra voucher.