IDFC First Classic Credit Card vs Kotak Royale Visa Signature Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?
vs
In short: IDFC First Classic has the lower annual fee (none vs ₹999); IDFC First Classic includes 4 railway lounge visits a quarter, Kotak Royale 2 airport lounge visits a quarter; IDFC First Classic has the lower forex markup (0% vs 3.5%).
| Key facts | IDFC First Classic | Kotak Royale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None | ₹999 |
| Joining fee | None | None |
| Annual fee waived | Not listed | On ₹1 lakh annual spend |
| Lounge access | 4 railway lounge visits a quarter | 2 airport lounge visits a quarter |
| Forex markup | 0% | 3.5% |
From issuer benefit data, checked 22 Oct 2026. Rewards, milestones and welcome benefits are in the full table below.
The Idfc First Classic Credit Card offers zero joining and annual fees with a strong rewards program focused on accelerated points and cashback on EMI payments. In contrast, the Kotak Royale Visa Signature Credit Card charges an annual fee with a waiver option and emphasizes travel-related rewards and milestone bonuses. Both cards provide domestic lounge access but differ in forex charges and reward structures.
Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.
Last updated:
| Feature | Idfc First Classic Credit Card | Kotak Royale Visa Signature Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | IDFC First Bank | Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| Network | Visa | Visa |
| Joining fee | No Joining Fees | Joining Fees - Nil |
| Annual / renewal fee | No Annual Fee | Annual Fee of Rs.999 |
| Annual fee waiver | — | Second Year Fee Waived Upon Spending Rs.1 Lakhs |
| Reward rate (headline) | 3X Reward Points Upto Spends Rs.20000 | Earn 2 Reward Points on Every Rs.150 |
| Lounge — domestic | 4 Complimentary Railway Lounge Visits Per Quarter | Enjoy 2 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Quarter |
| Welcome benefit | 5% Cashback on EMI | — |
| Milestone benefit | — | Earn 10000 Rewards Points on Spend of Rs.4 Lakhs; Earn 30000 Rewards Points on Spend of Rs.8 Lakhs |
| Foreign currency markup | 0% - Zero Forex Markup | 3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions |
Which is better for rewards?
The Idfc First Classic Credit Card provides higher reward point multipliers, such as 3X points up to Rs. 20,000 spend and 10X points on birthdays and spending beyond Rs. 20,000, making it attractive for general spending and special occasions. Kotak Royale Visa Signature offers 2 points per Rs. 150 spent, with 4 points on travel, dining, and hotel spends, plus milestone rewards for high spenders. For users seeking straightforward high rewards on everyday expenses, Idfc First Classic is better, while Kotak Royale suits those prioritizing travel and milestone incentives.
Which is better for travel?
Kotak Royale Visa Signature Credit Card is more travel-focused, offering 2 complimentary airport lounge visits per quarter and enhanced rewards on airlines, hotels, and travel spends. The Idfc First Classic provides 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter but lacks airport lounge benefits. However, Kotak’s card charges a 3.5% forex markup, unlike Idfc First Classic’s zero forex markup, which benefits international travelers. Overall, Kotak Royale is better for domestic air travel rewards and lounge access, while Idfc First Classic is more cost-effective for forex transactions.
Which has lower effective cost?
Idfc First Classic Credit Card has no joining or annual fees, making it cost-effective for users who want to avoid recurring charges. Kotak Royale Visa Signature has a Rs. 999 annual fee, waived in the second year upon spending Rs. 1 lakh. Additionally, Kotak charges a 3.5% forex markup, whereas Idfc First Classic has zero forex markup. For fee-sensitive users or those who transact frequently in foreign currency, Idfc First Classic offers better value. Kotak’s fee waiver requires moderate spending, which may suit more active cardholders.
Forex Charges
Idfc First Classic Credit Card offers zero forex markup, making it suitable for international travelers or online foreign currency transactions. Kotak Royale Visa Signature charges a 3.5% forex markup, which can increase costs for overseas spending.
Reward Milestones
Kotak Royale Visa Signature provides milestone rewards of 10,000 points on Rs. 4 lakh spend and 30,000 points on Rs. 8 lakh spend annually, rewarding high spenders. Idfc First Classic does not offer milestone benefits.
Who should pick Idfc First Classic Credit Card?
Consider Idfc First Classic Credit Card if you prefer a no-fee credit card with strong reward point multipliers on general spends and birthdays, zero forex markup for international transactions, and multiple complimentary railway lounge visits. It is ideal for users looking for cost-effective rewards and cashback on EMI payments without worrying about annual fees.
Who should pick Kotak Royale Visa Signature Credit Card?
Consider Kotak Royale Visa Signature Credit Card if you prioritize travel-related rewards, including higher points on airlines, hotels, and dining, plus milestone bonuses for higher spends. It suits those who value airport lounge access and can justify the annual fee through travel benefits and milestone rewards, especially if domestic air travel is frequent.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Idfc First Classic Credit Card has no joining or annual fees.
Kotak Royale Visa Signature Credit Card charges a 3.5% forex markup on foreign currency transactions.
Idfc First Classic offers 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter, while Kotak Royale Visa Signature provides 2 complimentary airport lounge visits per quarter.
Kotak Royale Visa Signature offers milestone rewards of 10,000 points on Rs. 4 lakh spend and 30,000 points on Rs. 8 lakh spend annually. Idfc First Classic does not have milestone benefits.
Yes, it offers 5% cashback on the first EMI transaction with a maximum cap of Rs. 1000.
Yes, the annual fee of Rs. 999 is waived in the second year upon spending Rs. 1 lakh.