IDFC First Classic Credit Card vs Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?

Idfc First Classic Credit Card vs Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card

In short: IDFC First Classic has the lower annual fee (none vs ₹4,999); IDFC First Classic includes 4 railway lounge visits a quarter, Yes Marquee unlimited international lounge access; IDFC First Classic has the lower forex markup (0% vs 1%).

Key factsIDFC First ClassicYes Marquee
Annual feeNone₹4,999
Joining feeNone₹9,999
Annual fee waivedNot listedOn ₹10 lakh annual spend
Top reward rate3X Reward Points Up to Spends ₹2000036 Reward Points on Every ₹200 For Online Shopping
Base rewards3X Reward Points Up to Spends ₹2000010 Reward Points on Every ₹200
Lounge access4 railway lounge visits a quarterUnlimited international lounge access
Forex markup0%1%

From issuer benefit data, checked 7 Nov 2026. Milestones, welcome benefits and caps are in the full table below.

The Idfc First Classic Credit Card offers zero joining and annual fees along with a zero forex markup and rewarding points on spends up to Rs.20,000. In contrast, the Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card comes with a high joining fee and renewal fee but offers extensive lounge access including unlimited international lounges and a tiered reward points system focused on retail shopping. Both cards provide a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, but their rewards and travel benefits cater to different user profiles.

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:

Best for rewards → Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card
Best for travel → Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card
Best for low fee → Idfc First Classic Credit Card
Best for beginners → Idfc First Classic Credit Card
Feature Idfc First Classic Credit Card Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card
BankIDFC First BankYes Bank
NetworkVisaMasterCard
Joining feeNo Joining FeesJoining Fee of Rs.9999
Annual / renewal feeNo Annual FeeRenewal Fee of Rs.4999
Annual fee waiver—Spend Rs.1000000 For Renewal Fee Waiver
Top reward rate3X Reward Points Upto Spends Rs.2000036 Reward Points on Every Rs.200 For Online Shopping
Base rate (other spends)—10 Reward Points on Every Rs.200
Lounge — domestic4 Complimentary Railway Lounge Visits Per Quarter6 Complimentary Lounge Access in India
Lounge — international—Enjoy Unlimited Complimentary International Lounge Visits
Fuel surcharge waiver1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Welcome benefit5% Cashback on EMIEarn 40000 YES Rewardz Points On Payment of Joining Fees
Milestone benefit—Earn 20000 Bonus YES Rewardz Points On Payment of Renewal Fees
Foreign currency markup0% - Zero Forex Markup1% - Foreign Currency Transactions

Which is better for rewards?

When it comes to rewards, the Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card stands out with its tiered points system offering 10 to 36 reward points per Rs.200 spent, especially rewarding online shopping with 36 points per Rs.200. The Idfc First Classic Credit Card offers 3X reward points up to Rs.20,000 in spends and 10X points on crossing that threshold and on birthdays, with a redemption value of Rs.0.25 per point. The Marquee card's higher points rates on retail and online shopping may benefit heavy spenders in those categories despite its fees.

Which is better for travel?

For travel benefits, the Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card is superior, providing 6 complimentary domestic lounge visits and unlimited international lounge access, which is ideal for frequent travelers. The Idfc First Classic Credit Card offers 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter but does not list international lounge access in our data. Both cards include a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, but the Marquee card's broader lounge access and additional golf benefits add to its travel appeal.

Which has lower effective cost?

The Idfc First Classic Credit Card is much more cost-effective with no joining or annual fees and zero forex markup, making it attractive for budget-conscious users or beginners. The Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card has a substantial joining fee of Rs.9,999 and a renewal fee of Rs.4,999, which can be waived only after spending Rs.10 lakh annually. Additionally, it charges a 1% forex markup. Therefore, the Idfc First Classic is better suited for those who prefer low-cost credit cards with decent rewards.

Forex Markup and Fees

The Idfc First Classic Credit Card offers a 0% forex markup, making it cost-effective for international transactions. On the other hand, the Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card charges a 1% forex markup and has significant joining and renewal fees, which can be waived only after a high annual spend, indicating it targets premium users.

Reward Structure Focus

Idfc First Classic Credit Card rewards are straightforward with 3X points on spends up to Rs.20,000 and accelerated 10X points on higher spends and birthdays. Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card has a more complex tiered system with 10 to 36 points per Rs.200 spent, focusing on offline and online retail shopping, which benefits heavy shoppers.

Who should pick Idfc First Classic Credit Card?

Consider Idfc First Classic Credit Card if you want a no-fee credit card with zero forex markup and good reward points on everyday spends up to Rs.20,000. It's a practical choice for users seeking cost-effective rewards and occasional railway lounge access without the burden of high fees.

Who should pick Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card?

Consider Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card if you are a frequent traveler who values extensive lounge access including international lounges, and if you spend heavily on retail and online shopping to maximize the tiered reward points. Despite its high fees, the card offers premium benefits like golf lessons and milestone bonus points that can justify the cost for affluent users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Idfc First Classic Credit Card have any joining or annual fees?

No, the Idfc First Classic Credit Card has no joining fees and no annual fees.

What is the forex markup fee for both cards?

The Idfc First Classic Credit Card has a 0% forex markup fee, while the Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card charges a 1% forex markup on foreign currency transactions.

Which card offers better lounge access benefits?

The Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card offers 6 complimentary domestic lounge visits and unlimited international lounge access, whereas the Idfc First Classic Credit Card provides 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter and does not list international lounge access.

Are there any milestone benefits on these cards?

The Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card offers 20,000 bonus YES Rewardz points on payment of renewal fees. The Idfc First Classic Credit Card does not list any milestone benefits in our data.

What are the reward points rates for these cards?

Idfc First Classic Credit Card offers 3X reward points up to Rs.20,000 in spends and 10X points on crossing Rs.20,000 and on birthdays. Yes Bank Marquee Credit Card offers 10 points per Rs.200 spent generally, 18 points for offline shopping, and 36 points for online shopping.

Is the fuel surcharge waiver available on both cards?

Yes, both cards provide a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel purchases.