Redeeming credit card points smartly: Your passport to bigger savings

Ever looked at your credit card statement and wondered what to do with all those accumulated reward points? For many cardholders, points pile up month after month, yet they often go unused or redeemed for low-value items that barely make a dent in expenses.

The truth is, redeeming credit card points the wrong way could mean missing out on significant savings, especially when it comes to travel. Imagine paying for flights or hotel stays not with cash, but with points you’ve already earned, and getting far greater value in return. With IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards, learning how to redeem credit card points wisely can transform everyday spending into real travel opportunities.

Here’s how to use credit card reward points smartly for maximum benefit.

Understanding the value of your credit card points
 

Not all reward points are equal in value, and knowing how to use credit card reward points can make all the difference in your savings. For most IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards, the standard rate is ₹0.25 per reward point, which is what you’ll usually get when redeeming credit card points for vouchers, merchandise, or general spends.

But with premium metal cards like the Ashva Credit Card and Mayura Credit Card, the value goes up significantly when you book travel through the ‘Travel & Shop’ section of the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App. Ashva cardholders enjoy ₹0.40 per point, while Mayura cardholders unlock as much as ₹0.50 per point on flights and hotels.

That means if you’re wondering how to use credit card points for travel, these premium cards can stretch your points much further. For example, 10,000 points redeemed for a flight could be worth ₹4,000 with Ashva or a rewarding ₹5,000 with Mayura.

Why travel is the smartest way to redeem points
 

If you hold IDFC FIRST Bank’s premium metal credit cards, Ashva or Mayura, you’re sitting on a goldmine of value when it comes to redeeming credit card points. Instead of spending your hard-earned points on merchandise or vouchers (which usually give you just ₹0.25 per point), travel bookings can take your rewards much further.

Here’s how it works through the ‘Travel & Shop’ section of the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App:

• With the Ashva Credit Card, each reward point redeemed for flights or hotels is worth ₹0.40

• Similarly, with the Mayura Credit Card, you unlock an even higher value of ₹0.50 per point

That’s nearly double what you’d get with other redemption options, simply by knowing how to use credit card points for travel strategically.

And it doesn’t stop there. You also earn:

• 30 bonus reward points on flights booked via the app

• 50 bonus reward points on hotels booked the same way

So, every time you redeem, you also earn back a chunk of points for future trips. With Ashva and Mayura, your reward points don’t just save you money, they create a cycle of smarter, more rewarding travel.

Comparing your redemption options: Travel vs other options
 

When it comes to redeeming credit card points, you have multiple choices. From merchandise to vouchers to travel bookings, every option has its place depending on your needs. The key is to know where your points stretch the farthest.

Here’s how different redemption options stack up with IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards:

• Merchandise and vouchers

Redeem points for shopping vouchers, gadgets, or lifestyle products at a value of ₹0.25 per point. A practical way to use points for everyday needs.

• Travel bookings with Ashva

Book hotels and flights via the ‘Travel & Shop’ section of the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App and enjoy ₹0.40 per point. This gives your points almost 60% more value compared to standard redemptions.

• Travel bookings with Mayura

Redeem points for flights or hotels at a premium rate of ₹0.50 per point, the highest available. This means every point is worth double compared to other redemption categories.

For example: 10,000 reward points could translate into ₹2,500 worth of vouchers, ₹4,000 in travel with Ashva, or ₹5,000 in travel with Mayura.

So, while all redemption choices are useful, knowing how to redeem credit card points smartly, especially for travel, ensures you unlock maximum value and make your points work harder for you.

How to start redeeming your points for travel
 

Redeeming your IDFC FIRST Bank reward points is quick and effortless. If you’ve ever wondered how to travel using credit card points, the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App makes it seamless:

1. Login to the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App with your credentials
2. Tap on the dedicated ‘Travel & Shop’ section that brings together flights, hotels, and lifestyle partners in one place
3. Choose ‘Flights’ or ‘Hotels’, select your destination or stay, and opt to pay with reward points (either fully or partially)

The ‘Travel & Shop’ portal is powered by Tripstacc, giving you access to exclusive partner deals, while IDFC FIRST Bank ensures a smooth and secure payment process. It’s the most rewarding way of redeeming credit card points, turning your everyday spends into memorable travel experiences.

Common mistakes to avoid when redeeming points
 

Knowing how to redeem credit card points effectively also means avoiding small errors that reduce their value. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Redeeming points only for low-value vouchers or merchandise instead of exploring how to travel using credit card points for higher value

• Forgetting to check the conversion rate before redeeming credit card points, which can impact the value you receive

• Not planning big-ticket redemptions (like family holidays) and instead using points for smaller, less rewarding purchases

• Missing out on bonus reward points like the 30 on flights and 50 on hotels by not booking through the ‘Travel & Shop’ section

• Missing seasonal or partner offers on the ‘Travel & Shop’ section that could stretch your points further

Make your credit card points work smarter
 

At the end of the day, the real difference lies in knowing how to redeem credit card points in a way that delivers the most value. By booking flights and hotels through the ‘Travel & Shop’ section, especially with premium cards like Ashva and Mayura, you unlock higher conversion rates and bonus rewards that turn everyday spending into unforgettable journeys.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to travel using credit card points, now is the time to start. Make every trip more rewarding with IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards.