IDFC FIRST Select cuts rewards — high spenders lose ~39%
IDFC FIRST Select's reward structure has changed, with 10X now limited to specific categories and a reduced app travel bonus, resulting in a roughly 39% drop in rewards for high spenders (~0.9% blended down to ~0.55%). The new structure pays 10X on dining, travel, international, and birthday spends, and 3X on everything else.
IDFC FIRST Bank has revamped the reward engine for its free Select card, effective 18 June 2026. The old construct paid 10X on incremental spend above ₹20,000 a statement cycle, while the new one pays 10X on dining, travel, international, and birthday spends, and 3X on the rest. For a spender of ₹50,000 a month, this change results in a straight cut — roughly 0.9% blended down to 0.55%. However, a ₹15,000-a-month diner may come out ahead. The travel portal bonus has also been cut, with app hotel bookings dropping from 33% to 20% and flights from 13% to 10%. Our take: if you’re a high spender on the IDFC FIRST Select, review your spending habits to maximize the new 10X categories. For others, the reduced app travel bonus may not significantly impact their rewards earnings. Consider adjusting your spending strategy to optimize the new reward structure.