12:20 PM IST – IDFC FIRST Bank has launched a New Premium Credit Card on December 29 and has given it the Name: THE GAJ. It is an invitation-only metal credit card designed for its Private Banking customers.
IDFC did a press release and launched it. The launch comes at the end of 2025, a time when Indian banks, including PSU banks (Govt-owned Banks), have sharply increased their focus on premium and luxury credit cards for HNIs.
This is not just another card launch. It reflects a larger change happening quietly in India’s banking space.
What the Gaj Credit Card Stands For
The word Gaj comes from Sanskrit and means elephant. In Indian tradition, the elephant represents wisdom, balance, strength, and calm power. IDFC FIRST Bank says the card takes inspiration from these values. Gaj also refers to the god Ganesh. However, IDFC does not talk about that.
The card is made of metal and features a twin-elephant design. Instead of copying global luxury styles and the AURA feel, the bank has chosen an Indian identity. That shows something that feels rooted, confident, and understated. It feels like Indian-Rajasthani Luxury.
Key Benefits Explained Simply
Gaj Credit Card focuses more on real-world use, especially for travellers:
- 0% forex markup: No extra charges on international spending
- Global ATM cash withdrawal: Interest-free for up to 45 days, with a flat ₹199 fee per withdrawal
- Reward Points:
- 5 points per ₹150 on domestic spends
- 3 points per ₹150 on international spends
- Up to 50X rewards on hotels and 25X on flights booked via the IDFC FIRST Bank app
- Airport lounge access: Domestic and international lounges every quarter, including one guest
- Trip cancellation cover: Up to ₹50,000
Reward points never expire, and while travel gives the best value, points can also be used for shopping and lifestyle spends.
Complimentary Digital RuPay Credit Card for UPI
Along with Gaj, customers also get a FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card:
- Zero joining fee
- Zero annual fee
- Fully enabled for UPI payments, you can connect it with any favourite UPI apps, such as PAYTM, AMAZON PAY, and GOOGLE PAY.
- Earn 1 Reward Point per ₹150 spent via UPI
This makes Gaj useful not just for luxury travel, but also for daily digital payments.
Pricing and Fee Structure
Gaj Credit Card is not available for direct online application. It is launched with an invitation-only tag.
- Joining Fee: ₹12,500 + GST, IDFC says Upfront payment of Joining Fee + GST required for dispatch of metal credit card. The fee is non-refundable.
- Annual Fee: ₹12,500 + GST (Not applied, but terms apply)
- Annual Fee Waiver: On spending ₹10 lakh in a year
At the time of joining, customers receive 12,500 Reward Points, which can be used for travel bookings at 1 Reward Point = ₹1 via the IDFC FIRST Bank app. This effectively offsets the joining fee for most users. It means it is almost free for the first year.
What Does “Invitation-Only” Really Mean?
Let’s talk in simple to simple, invitation-only means there is no public application link for the Gaj Credit Card. IDFC FIRST Bank selects customers internally based on their overall banking profile, credit scores, and Financial data history, not just one factor.
While the bank does not officially publish eligibility numbers, industry practice and similar private banking cards suggest the following profile usually qualifies:
- Annual income: ₹30 lakh to ₹50 lakh+ (salary or business income)
- Banking relationship: Strong savings balance, fixed deposits, or investments with IDFC FIRST Bank
- Credit profile: High credit score with clean repayment history
- Spending pattern: Consistent high-value card or account usage
In most cases, customers already tagged under Private Banking or Wealth are the first to receive such invitations. If you are looking for this card, improve your relationship and eligibility factors. Again, in simple words, improving eligibility means maintaining higher balances, clean credit behaviour, and long-term banking relations.
Why OCT, NOV, DEC 2025 Is Important
The timing of this launch matters. The end of 2025 has seen a clear rush of premium credit cards in India, including from public sector banks.
| Bank | Card | Type | Launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDFC FIRST Bank | Gaj | Invitation-only metal card | Dec 29, 2025 |
| Punjab National Bank | LUXURA | RuPay metal premium card with Complimentary airport lounges | Dec 2025 |
| Union Bank of India | NEXTERIA | Family lounge access card | Early Dec 2025 |
| RBL Bank | LUMIÈRE and NOVA | Ultra-premium, ₹50,000 fee | Nov 17, 2025 |
Unlike very high-fee cards, Gaj is positioned as premium but practical, especially for frequent travellers who want low forex costs and simple rewards; however, it comes with a few additional hidden fees, such as Add-on Credit Card Fees: Joining Fee ₹4,000 + GST and Annual Fee ₹2,000 + GST on each card.
The end of 2025 clearly shows a major shift around luxury. Premium credit cards in India are no longer limited to a few elite private banks. PSU banks have entered the space, RuPay metal cards are gaining acceptance, and invitation-only access is becoming common.
