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Travel, Shop, Earn: How to grow your credit card reward points

Key Takeaways

Real us ers across professions maximise credit card rewards on everything from fuel to foreign trips.
IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards offer never-expiring reward points, making long-term redemption more valuable.
Spend categories like UPI, EMIs, travel and dining offer accelerated earnings, especially on select travel cards.
Smart habits like tracking, planning redemptions and using the app can help you unlock benefits like lounge access and cashback.

05 Oct 2026 by Team FinFIRST

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Have you ever wondered where your credit card rewards are actually going? You use your credit card for groceries, bills, even the odd weekend splurge, yet your reward balance always feels underwhelming.

Maybe you're missing out on smarter ways to spend. Or perhaps you think these rewards are only worth it if you travel often or spend big. The truth? With the right habits, anyone, from a first-time user to a seasoned spender, can turn everyday purchases into real, lasting value.

Whether it’s reward points on your morning coffee or lounge access during holiday travel, making the most of your card just takes a little know-how. Here’s how real users are doing it with IDFC FIRST Bank.

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How can IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card rewards help you?

Making your card work harder for you is all about spending smarter. IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards are designed to reward your lifestyle, whether you’re a first-time cardholder or a frequent flyer.

Here’s how users across different walks of life unlock the full power of credit card rewards.

FIRST WOW! Credit Card: Perfect for everyday essentials, even without a credit history

Aayushi, a new employee, didn’t qualify for most traditional credit cards. But with her ₹20,000 fixed deposit, she got the FIRST WOW! Credit Card, her first card. She now earns credit card rewards, with a validity of 24 months, on groceries, mobile bills and even her morning commute, all without worrying about credit checks.Moreover, since FIRST WOW! Credit Card is a secured card; Aayushi can safely build her credit history over time while earning reward points at the same time.

FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card: Premium benefits even without any credit history

Shraddha wants a premium credit card that offers travel and lifestyle benefits. Unfortunately, she is unable to get a traditional credit card as she lacks a credit history. So, she opts for an FD backed credit card like FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card instead. With this card, she gets up to 50X reward points on travel bookings, zero forex markup, domestic airport lounge access, and UPI availability from day one. All she had to do to get this card was open a minimum Fixed Deposit (FD) of ₹20,000 with IDFC FIRST Bank.

FIRST Select Credit Card: Ideal for professionals who spend on lifestyle and fuel

Rajiv, a sales executive, took a weekend road trip and paid for fuel using his FIRST Select Credit Card. Not only did he earn up to 10X credit card rewards from 1st transaction on Dining, Travel & International, and Fuel Spends, but he also enjoyed a monthly fuel surcharge waiver.. Dining stops along the way also helped him earn accelerated points for a free movie night.

FIRST Wealth Credit Card: Designed for high-value travel, with premium perks

Priya, a business consultant, travels frequently for work. On a recent trip, her FIRST Wealth Credit Card gave her complimentary lounge access, letting her relax between flights. Her spends on international hotel bookings also fetched her accelerated reward points, helping her plan her next personal holiday. Plus, since Priya’s points have a validity of 24 months, she can comfortably pool all the reward points earned from her work-trips to fund her future vacation!

Ashva Credit Card: Travel protection for the modern explorer

Vikram had to cancel a pre-booked trekking tour due to a family emergency. Thanks to the Ashva Credit Card from IDFC FIRST Bank, his trip cancellation cover kicked in, and he was reimbursed. His passion for travel feels more secure with every swipe.

Mayura Credit Card: Designed for globetrotters who value seamless international spending

Mehak, a content creator, used her Mayura Credit Card while filming abroad. With zero forex markup, she spent in multiple currencies without any hidden charges. Plus, her travel and dining transactions abroad earned premium credit card rewards, which she later redeemed for gift vouchers.

Why come to IDFC FIRST Bank for unmatched credit card rewards

If you’re looking to get more from every rupee you spend, IDFC FIRST Bank is the go-to destination for credit card rewards that truly deliver. From everyday spends to global adventures, here’s why these cards stand out:

Credit card rewards

Unlike most cards, your IDFC FIRST Bank credit card rewards have a 24-month validity. This means you can save up points over months and redeem them when it matters most, whether it’s festive shopping or a long-planned vacation.

Zero forex markup

Planning an international trip? IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards come with zero forex markup, including FIRST WOW!, FIRST WOW! Black, Diamond Reserve, Mayura, Ashva and FIRST Wealth. Ideal for business owners, remote workers or professionals making frequent overseas purchases.

Railway and airport lounge access

Whether it’s a quick domestic train journey or a cross-country flight, cards like Ashva, Mayura, FIRST Select, FIRST WOW! Black, and FIRST Wealth Credit Cards offer complimentary railway and airport lounge access to make your travel experience more comfortable.

Movie offers

Make your weekends more rewarding with Buy-One-Get-One movie ticket offers on select cards like the FIRST Select Credit Card. Earn credit card rewards on ticket bookings and enjoy big-screen entertainment without spending extra.

Fuel surcharge waiver

IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards also offer a monthly surcharge waiver at fuel stations across the country. Combine this with regular reward points to turn your daily commutes or road trips into smart savings.

How to use your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card reward points?

Maximizing your credit card rewards isn’t just about spending more; it’s about using your card smartly across everyday and big-ticket expenses. Here are a few simple ways to make your rewards work harder for you:

Use the mobile app for bonus travel rewards

Make payments and book hotels or flights via the “FIRST Rewards Gallery” section in the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App on select cards to earn extra credit card rewards effortlessly.

Link your card to UPI for daily rewards

With the FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card, available at just ₹199 + GST, you can pay via UPI and earn up to 3X credit card rewards even on your daily chai or utility bill payments.

Convert bigger spends to EMI

Bought something big? Convert it to EMI directly through the app to manage cash flow and earn bonus points on your EMIs, turning expenses into manageable, rewarding payments.

Redeem reward points smartly

Instead of rushing to redeem small amounts, save and convert your reward points into high-value gift cards or travel vouchers for maximum benefit. Your reward points are as good as cash, and you can safely accrue points within 24 months.

Make every spend count with smarter rewards

Your credit card rewards shouldn’t just sit unused, they should work for you. Whether you’re travelling the world, managing household bills, or making one-time big purchases, IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards help you earn valuable points every step of the way. With rewards having a 24-month validity, premium benefits, and smarter ways to spend, there’s always something to gain. Ready to unlock real value from your everyday spend?

Explore IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards and find one that fits your lifestyle today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my credit card rewards balance?

To check your credit card rewards balance, follow these steps:

Log in to your IDFC FIRST Mobile Banking App or Internet Banking account
Click on Credit Cards, and then select your credit card from the list of cards
On the credit card summary page, click “See more about rewards“

Do I get credit card rewards on cash withdrawals?

No, credit card rewards are not awarded on cash withdrawals. These transactions also incur interest and should be used only for emergencies.

Will I earn credit card rewards on international spends?

Yes, IDFC FIRST Bank offers credit card rewards on eligible international transactions, especially with cards like Mayura, Ashva, and FIRST Wealth.

Can I use credit card rewards for EMI payments?

While you cannot directly use credit card rewards to pay EMIs, you can redeem them for cashback or vouchers, helping reduce other expenses.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirst.bank.in for latest updates.