MUMBAI 11:00 AM IST – IDFC FIRST Bank has launched a new FD-backed credit card named FIRST WOW! Black. As per the card Press release IDFC, Bank positioned as a premium upgrade for users who want lounge access, UPI rewards and zero forex markup without needing a high income. It comes as a step above the original FIRST WOW! secured card, which had more basic benefits and no annual fee.
This time, the bank wants young users, freelancers and first-time credit card customers to feel like they also deserve a “premium card” experience, even without a big salary slip. The pitch is simple: park money in an FD, unlock premium-like features, even if this is your first card.
What does FIRST WOW! Black offer?
- Zero forex markup on all international spends (0% on all foreign spends)
- Two networks on one credit limit –
- Physical Mastercard for offline/online
- RuPay virtual card for UPI credit payments
- 4 Free Airport lounge visits per year (only in india)
- Every day, rewards for online, offline and UPI payments
- Bonus travel rewards – Extra value on flights & hotels booked via IDFC FIRST app
- Rewards ~1%–1.3% value back on general spending
- Trip cancellation and accident protection
- Cash withdrawals: 0% interest till bill due date (₹199 fee per withdrawal)
- Additional benefits: cardholder will get, like – Dining, movies & lifestyle discounts
This package targets new credit customers who still want a taste of premium travel and lifestyle perks. Good news? No confusing reward rules.
Slight caution? The best benefits come only if you book travel via the bank’s app.
Eligibility – who can apply?
This is where WOW! Black becomes attractive:
- Age: 18 years & above
- Income proof: Not always necessary
- Credit history: Not compulsory
- FD requirement: Minimum ₹20,000 Fixed Deposit with the bank
Almost anyone starting their credit journey can get it — even students, gig workers or homemakers — as long as they can create the FD.
Fees & Charges
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹750 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹750 + GST |
| Waiver Condition | Spend ₹1.5 lakh in a year |
Not lifetime-free — you pay a moderate fee for better perks.
Bottom Line: Is It Really Premium in Dec 2025?
Let’s compare it with two cards that people often consider:
| Feature / Card | IDFC WOW! Black | Kotak 811 Dream Different (FD) | Scapia Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex Markup | 0% | Up to 3.5% | 0% |
| Lounge Access | Yes (4/year) | No | Yes — but flight-linked |
| UPI Rewards | Yes | Limited | No direct UPI perks |
| Annual Fees | ₹750 + GST | Generally free | Zero joining but travel-linked charges apply |
| Who It Fits | Credit beginners wanting travel benefits | Pure credit-builders | Frequent domestic travelers |
WOW! Black clearly provides more travel and everyday lifestyle benefits than traditional FD-backed cards like Kotak 811 DD. In fact, combining zero forex + UPI rewards + lounge access in one secured card gives it a unique position as of December 2025. No forex markup is a rare feature in this category.
But to be clear — this is entry-level premium, not luxury. If someone already holds a higher-tier travel card with international lounges, golf and concierge, WOW! Black will feel modest. For users with low income or no credit history, this is probably one of the premium cards entering the market. However, always compare and read the terms and conditions.
Read more premium cards launched in 2025 end –
