Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card vs IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
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In short: IDFC First Select has the lower annual fee (none vs ₹1,000); both include 2 airport lounge visits a quarter; IDFC First Select has the lower forex markup (0% vs 3.5%).
| Key facts | Axis Rewards | IDFC First Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹1,000 | None |
| Joining fee | ₹1,000 | None |
| Annual fee waived | On ₹2 lakh annual spend | Not listed |
| Lounge access | 2 airport lounge visits a quarter | 2 airport lounge visits a quarter |
| Forex markup | 3.5% | 0% |
From issuer benefit data, checked 22 Oct 2026. Rewards, milestones and welcome benefits are in the full table below.
The Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card and the IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card both offer rewarding benefits tailored to different spending habits. Axis Bank's card focuses on accelerated points for apparel and departmental store purchases, while IDFC First Select emphasizes versatile reward points across categories with no joining or renewal fees. Both provide complimentary domestic lounge access but differ notably in forex charges and fee structures.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
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| Feature | Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card | Idfc First Select Visa Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | Axis Bank | IDFC First Bank |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
| Joining fee | Joining Fee of Rs.1000 | No Joining Fees |
| Annual / renewal fee | Second Year Onwards Annual Fee of Rs.1000 | No Annual Fee |
| Annual fee waiver | Spend Rs.2 Lakhs For Annual Fee Waiver | — |
| Reward rate (headline) | Earn 2 EDGE Reward Point on Rs.125. | 3X Reward Points Upto Spends Rs.20000 |
| Lounge — domestic | 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter | 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter |
| Welcome benefit | Welcome Benefit - Enjoy 5000 EDGE Reward Points | 5% Cashback on EMI |
| Milestone benefit | Earn 1500 EDGE Reward Points on Spends of Rs.30000 | — |
| Foreign currency markup | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions | 0% - Zero Forex Markup |
Which is better for rewards?
Both cards offer competitive rewards but cater to different spending preferences. The Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card provides 2 EDGE Reward Points per Rs.125 spent and 10X points on apparel and departmental stores, with milestone rewards adding value. In contrast, the IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card offers 3X reward points up to Rs.20,000 spends, 10X points on birthday spends, and additional multipliers on rentals and utilities, with a slightly better redemption rate of Rs.0.25 per point versus Rs.0.20 on Axis Bank's card. Overall, rewards value depends on your spending category and redemption preferences.
Which is better for travel?
Both cards offer 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter, making them comparable for frequent domestic travelers. However, neither card includes international lounge access. The IDFC First Select card includes 24x7 Visa concierge services, which can enhance travel convenience. On forex transactions, IDFC First Select has a clear advantage with zero forex markup, while Axis Bank charges a 3.5% markup, which could significantly impact international spenders.
Which has lower effective cost?
The IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card has no joining or annual fees, making it more cost-effective for users who prefer fee-free credit cards. The Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card charges Rs.1000 as joining and renewal fees, but offers an annual fee waiver on spending Rs.2 lakhs. Additionally, Axis Bank offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs.400 and Rs.4000, while IDFC First Select provides a 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps. Considering these factors, IDFC First Select is better suited for users seeking a no-fee card with broad fuel surcharge benefits.
Forex Charges and International Use
IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card offers zero forex markup, making it more economical for international transactions. In contrast, Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card charges a 3.5% forex markup, which can add significant costs for frequent travelers abroad.
Reward Redemption Value
IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card provides a higher reward redemption rate of Rs.0.25 per point compared to Rs.0.20 per point on the Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card. This difference can enhance the effective value of points earned, especially for users who redeem frequently.
Fee Waiver Complexity
Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card requires an annual spend of Rs.2 lakhs to waive the Rs.1000 annual fee, which may be challenging for some users. The IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card has no joining or renewal fees, simplifying cost considerations for cardholders.
Who should pick Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card?
Consider Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card if you frequently shop at apparel and departmental stores and want accelerated reward points in these categories. It is also suitable if you can meet the Rs.2 lakh annual spend to waive the fee and want milestone rewards and a welcome bonus of 5000 EDGE points. This card is ideal for users who prioritize reward points accumulation on specific retail spends.
Who should pick Idfc First Select Visa Credit Card?
Consider Idfc First Select Visa Credit Card if you prefer a no-joining and no-annual-fee card with versatile reward points across categories such as rentals, utilities, and birthday spends. It is also a better choice if you travel internationally or make forex transactions due to zero forex markup and value a 24x7 concierge service. This card suits beginners and cost-conscious users looking for a low-fee, flexible rewards program.
Frequently Asked Questions
IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card has no joining or annual fees, whereas the Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card charges Rs.1000 for joining and renewal, with a fee waiver on spending Rs.2 lakhs annually.
Yes, both cards provide 2 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter, but neither offers international lounge access.
IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card is better for international travel due to zero forex markup and 24x7 Visa concierge services, while Axis Bank charges 3.5% forex markup and does not offer concierge.
Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card offers 5000 EDGE Reward Points as a welcome benefit, while IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card provides 5% cashback on the first EMI and a Rs.500 voucher on spending Rs.5000.
Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card offers a milestone reward of 1500 EDGE Reward Points on spending Rs.30,000, whereas IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card does not have milestone benefits.
Yes, Axis Bank Rewards Visa Credit Card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs.400 and Rs.4000, while IDFC First Select Visa Credit Card provides a 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all petrol pumps.