IDFC FIRST Gaj caps rewards at credit limit — a 100% earn cut past limit

IDFC FIRST Bank has changed the reward structure of its Gaj credit card. As of 18 June 2026, cardholders will only earn reward points on spends up to their credit limit per billing cycle. Previously, points were earned on every eligible spend in a billing cycle, regardless of the credit limit. This change may not significantly impact private-banking clients with high credit limits, but it will affect those who take advantage of the card’s 33% back on app hotel bookings by paying down their balance mid-cycle and re-spending. These cardholders will no longer be able to earn points on the second lap of spending. Our take: this closes exactly one loophole — pay down mid-cycle, spend again, earn twice. If your credit limit comfortably covers a month’s spend, nothing about your Gaj changes. If you were running two laps a cycle to farm 33% back on app hotel bookings, the second lap now earns zero and no amount of planning brings it back. IDFC’s notice is unambiguous: rewards accrue only on spend up to the credit limit per billing cycle.