{"id":719,"date":"2026-09-15T10:02:45","date_gmt":"2026-09-15T10:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/?p=719"},"modified":"2026-09-15T10:02:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T10:02:46","slug":"idfc-first-cards-0-forex-rewards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/idfc-first-cards-0-forex-rewards\/719","title":{"rendered":"IDFC FIRST Cards: 0% Forex + Rewards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IDFC FIRST Bank has made its credit cards even more attractive for international spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After announcing <strong>0% forex markup<\/strong> on its credit cards, the bank had initially planned to stop reward points on international transactions. However, the bank has now reversed that decision, meaning eligible IDFC FIRST cards can offer <strong>0% forex markup while continuing to earn reward points on international spends<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">TL;DR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>0% forex markup<\/strong> on IDFC FIRST credit cards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reward points on international transactions are <strong>being retained<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The applicable reward rate depends on the card.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This makes IDFC FIRST cards more attractive for <strong>international travel and overseas spending<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always pay in the <strong>local currency<\/strong>, not INR, to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">What Changed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IDFC FIRST Bank recently announced <strong>0% forex markup<\/strong> across its credit card portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, there was initially a catch: from <strong>26 October 2026<\/strong>, most cards were supposed to stop earning reward points on international transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bank has now reversed this change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">International transactions will continue to earn reward points according to the applicable rewards structure of the card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This effectively gives cardholders:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>0% Forex Markup + Reward Points<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Why This Is Important<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A typical credit card can charge around <strong>3% to 3.5% forex markup<\/strong> on international transactions, with GST also applicable on the markup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a 0% forex card, this additional cost is eliminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the card also earns rewards on those transactions, you get additional value on top of the forex savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, on \u20b92 lakh worth of international spending:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><\/th><th>Regular 3.5% Forex Card<\/th><th>IDFC FIRST 0% Forex Card<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Forex markup<\/td><td>\u20b97,000<\/td><td>\u20b90<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>GST on forex markup<\/td><td>Applicable<\/td><td>\u20b90 on markup<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reward points<\/td><td>Depends on card<\/td><td><strong>Earned as per card<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Overall value<\/td><td>Lower<\/td><td><strong>Higher<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>The actual savings depend on the exchange rate, card terms and applicable charges.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Compare IDFC FIRST Credit Cards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With 0% forex markup and rewards now available on international spends, IDFC FIRST has several cards worth considering. But the right card depends on your spending pattern, rewards and other benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can <strong>compare IDFC FIRST credit cards on <a href=\"https:\/\/great.cards\/credit-card-store?bank_ids=2\">Great.Cards<\/a><\/strong> to see their rewards, fees, benefits and eligibility in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you are looking for a card for international spending, travel, everyday rewards or premium benefits, comparing the cards side by side can help you find the one that fits your spending better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">What About Other Zero-Forex Cards?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IDFC FIRST&#8217;s combination of <strong>zero forex markup and rewards<\/strong> makes its cards worth comparing with other popular zero-forex cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Feature<\/th><th>IDFC FIRST Cards<\/th><th>Other Zero-Forex Cards<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Forex markup<\/td><td><strong>0%<\/strong><\/td><td>Usually 0%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>International rewards<\/td><td><strong>Yes, as per card<\/strong><\/td><td>Depends on card<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Travel benefits<\/td><td>Depends on card<\/td><td>Depends on card<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reward rate<\/td><td>Card-specific<\/td><td>Card-specific<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Best suited for<\/td><td>Forex + rewards<\/td><td>Depends on card<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Don&#8217;t Accept INR Abroad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even with a 0% forex card, you should generally avoid paying in INR when a foreign merchant or ATM gives you the option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose the <strong>local currency<\/strong> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paying in INR can trigger <strong>Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)<\/strong>, where the merchant or ATM performs the currency conversion. The exchange rate can be significantly worse than the rate obtained through your card network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also remember that <strong>ATM withdrawals are different from regular purchases<\/strong> and may attract separate fees and interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">What This Means for Cardholders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latest change makes IDFC FIRST&#8217;s 0% forex proposition significantly stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Previously, cardholders would have had to choose between:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>0% forex markup<\/strong><br>or<br><strong>earning rewards<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, eligible cards can potentially provide both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For frequent international travellers, people paying for overseas services, and customers making regular foreign-currency purchases, this can make an IDFC FIRST card a compelling option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IDFC FIRST Bank&#8217;s decision to offer <strong>0% forex markup<\/strong> was already a significant move in the Indian credit card market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Restoring reward points on international transactions makes the proposition even better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For eligible cards, the combination is simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>0% forex markup + reward points on international spends.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That could make IDFC FIRST cards a strong choice for international spending, especially for existing cardholders who don&#8217;t want to maintain a separate card solely for avoiding forex charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As always, check the latest card-specific terms before making a large international transaction, as reward rates, exclusions and other charges can vary between cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789381831691\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do IDFC FIRST cards have 0% forex markup?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. IDFC FIRST Bank has announced 0% forex markup across its entire credit card portfolio.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789381850443\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do IDFC FIRST cards earn rewards on international spends?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. Following the latest change, eligible international transactions continue to earn reward points according to the applicable card&#8217;s rewards structure.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789381867561\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Was IDFC FIRST removing rewards on forex spends?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The bank had initially announced that most cards would stop earning reward points on international transactions from 26 October 2026. It has now reversed that decision.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789381878295\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is 0% forex markup the same as free international transactions?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. Other charges can still apply depending on the transaction. Merchant charges, DCC and ATM fees, for example, are separate from the forex markup.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1789381885054\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Should I pay in INR or local currency abroad?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Generally, choose the <strong>local currency<\/strong>. This helps avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion and lets the card network handle the currency conversion.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>IDFC FIRST Bank has made its credit cards even more attractive for international spending. After announcing 0% forex markup on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":720,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/719","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=719"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":722,"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/719\/revisions\/722"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/720"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/great.cards\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}