IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card

2025 had certainly brought a revamp and fresh energy to the co-branded credit cards of the popular IndiGo airline. From overhauling its loyalty rewards program to launching bold new credit cards, the airline has made it clear that it is in it for the long haul.

The IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card presents a great opportunity to earn BluChips, the currency of IndiGo’s loyalty program. These BluChips, earned at an accelerated rate on IndiGo spends, can be redeemed for flight bookings with the airline.

This card offers the potential to earn over 22 BluChips per ₹100 spent on the IndiGo website and app. What sets it apart is its dual nature; upon approval, applicants receive two cards: one on the Mastercard variant and the other on RuPay, offering both global and local acceptance. While the Mastercard variant includes attractive features such as complimentary golf rounds and lessons, the RuPay variant allows seamless connectivity with UPI apps, making it ideal for everyday spending.

However, despite its appealing reward structure, a closer analysis reveals some notable drawbacks. Most significantly, the lack of airport lounge access, especially for an airline co-branded credit card, is a surprising omission and a first in the industry. In this comprehensive review, we’ll compare it to other IndiGo co-branded credit cards and detail all its features and rewards, helping you make an informed choice.

Product Details

• This is an airline co-branded credit card.
• Those who often fly with IndiGo, India’s largest airline, would benefit the most from this card.
• The IndiGo IDFC First Credit Card offers up to 22 BluChips/₹100 spent on the IndiGo website and app.
• This card offers zero Forex charges, making it ideal for those who travel internationally.

Welcome and Annual Benefits

Since there are two ways to get this card, the welcome benefits offered also differ.

The fixed deposit option doesn’t seem feasible, as one would first need to make a minimum fixed deposit of ₹50,000 to get the card without any charges, then spend another ₹1 lakh to get a bonus of 3,000 IndiGo BluChips. All of this without getting any welcome benefits.

As far as renewal or annual benefits are concerned, both the paid and the secured credit cards shall be charged an annual fee of ₹4,999 + GST from the second year. After the realization of this annual charge, cardholders shall be eligible for a 5,000 BluChip voucher and a complimentary IndiGo meal voucher as a renewal benefit.

Earn Up to 22 BluChips on IndiGo Flight Bookings

Cardholders can earn up to 22 BluChips/₹100 spent on IndiGo flight bookings made via the official website or app. Here is the complete breakdown of the reward-earning structure. Do note that the IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card itself offers only 6 BluChips/₹100 spent on IndiGo transactions; the remaining earnings are part of the BluChip loyalty program.

• 6 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 spent when using the IndiGo IDFC First Credit Card for flight bookings via the official IndiGo website and app.
• 8 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 spent by all IndiGo BluChip members.
• 4 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 spent when booking through the IndiGo website or mobile app.
• Up to 4 additional bonus IndiGo BluChips/₹100 spent, depending on your IndiGo BluChip Tier status.

All in all, cardholders can earn 22 BluChips/₹100 spent with this card on the official IndiGo website and app.

Rewards on Other Spends

• 0.5 BluChips/₹100 spent on UPI.
• 0.5 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 spent on Insurance, Rent, Utilities, and Wallet transactions.
• 3 IndiGo BluChips/₹100 spent on other categories.

No BluChips are earned on EMI transactions.

Bonus 25,000 IndiGo BluChips

The IndiGo IDFC First Credit Card offers up to 25,000 BluChips on attaining milestone spends.

These vouchers will be credited to the IndiGo BluChip account five days after the statement generation date of the month in which the respective milestone was achieved.

Free Trip Cancellation Cover and Other Insurances

With the IndiGo IDFC First Credit Card, one can cancel non-refundable flights and hotel reservations twice a year for a maximum of ₹25,000 each time. This cover will benefit a lot during any emergencies and is available to both primary and add-on cardholders.

Some of the other insurance covers are mentioned below.

IndiGo IDFC Vs IndiGo Kotak XL Credit Card – Detailed Comparison

Before IDFC, IndiGo launched two co-branded credit cards with Kotak Mahindra Bank as well. In the table given below, we shall compare the features and fees of the IndiGo IDFC and the premium Kotak XL Credit Card.

The Kotak IndiGo XL Credit Card clearly appears to be the better choice if we consider two key factors: the reward rate for flight bookings and airport lounge access, which is one of the most important aspects of an airline credit card.

The reward rate of both cards is nearly identical, with the IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card offering just one additional BluChip per ₹100 spent, a marginal difference. This becomes even less significant when you factor in the difference in joining and annual fees between the two cards.

Although the Kotak IndiGo XL Credit Card is not highly rewarding on its own, it still seems to be a better overall option compared to the IndiGo IDFC Card. It even offers domestic airport lounge access, something missing from the IDFC IndiGo offering.

That said, neither of these cards matches up to the value offered by the previous Vistara co-branded credit cards.

Final Thoughts

With a lot to offer, the IndiGo IDFC FIRST Credit Card can initially seem confusing for many.

There are two ways to avail this card: either by paying a joining fee of ₹4,999 + GST or by making a minimum fixed deposit of ₹50,000 to get it as a secured credit card, free for the first year. While the secured option might sound appealing, it comes with a major drawback: no welcome benefit. The 5,000 BluChips welcome voucher is only available with the paid variant.

Once an applicant figures out which option to choose, they can earn up to 22 BluChips/₹100 spent on IndiGo flight bookings. While this may sound attractive at first glance, it’s important to note that BluChips do not have a fixed value. Their value is dynamic, ranging from ₹0.40 to ₹0.50 per BluChip, which makes the 22 BluChips/₹100 spent less rewarding than it initially appears.

One of the major drawbacks of this card is the lack of airport lounge access. For a card that comes with a hefty ₹4,999 annual fee, this is quite disappointing, especially considering it’s an airline co-branded credit card. Time and again, we’ve seen how much Indian consumers value airport lounge access, and yet, this card conveniently omits it from the list of benefits.

When compared to other travel credit cards, such as the well-established Axis Horizon, which has a lower fee, this card simply doesn’t compare.

There are many better alternatives available for consumers than choosing this card. However, for those who still wish to apply for it, it’s important to take advantage of the benefits, such as the milestone rewards.