IDFC FIRST Bank has announced another major round of changes across several of its popular credit cards, including the IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card, IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card, IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card, Millennia, Power, and more.
The changes, effective from 18 June 2026, introduce new spending conditions, reduced travel rewards, expiry on reward points, and restrictions on reward earning. While a few positive changes have also been introduced, the overall update clearly indicates tighter controls on reward structures and premium benefits.
Common Changes Across IDFC FIRST Credit Cards
Several new rules will now apply across multiple IDFC FIRST credit cards.
Movie Ticket Benefit Becomes Spend-Based
One of the biggest changes is that users will now need to spend ₹20,000 in the previous calendar month to unlock the Buy One Get One movie ticket benefit.
This update will affect cards like:
- IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card
- IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card
- IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card
Earlier, the movie benefit was available without any major spending condition.
This comes after the bank had already introduced spend-based lounge access conditions earlier.
Reward Points Limited to Credit Limit
Another important update is that reward points will now be earned only up to the assigned credit limit in a billing cycle.
Any spending beyond the credit limit will no longer earn reward points.
This change will apply across several IDFC FIRST cards.
Lifetime Reward Points Removed
One of the most disappointing updates is the removal of lifetime-valid reward points on select cards.
IDFC First Bank had heavily marketed lifetime-valid points as a major USP for years. However, reward points on several cards will now expire after a fixed validity period.
Changes to IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card has seen some of the biggest changes.
Reward Points Now Valid for Only 24 Months
Reward points earned from the July 2026 statement cycle onwards will expire after 24 months.
This marks the end of lifetime-valid points on the card.
Movie Benefit Now Spend-Based
Users must now spend ₹20,000 in the previous month to unlock the monthly movie ticket benefit.
Positive Change: 10X Rewards Without Minimum Spend
Not all changes are negative.
From 18 June 2026:
- 10X reward points on dining, travel, and international spends will start from the very first transaction
- No ₹20,000 monthly spend threshold required anymore
Earlier, users needed to spend ₹20,000 in a billing cycle before accelerated rewards became active.
Eligible Categories for 10X Rewards
Dining MCCs
Travel MCCs
- 3000–3350
- 3501–3853
- 7011
- 4511
- 4722
- 4723
International transactions made at overseas merchants will also qualify.
Other Reward Categories
- Most other categories will now earn 3X Reward Points
- Insurance, utilities, railways, and FASTag recharges will continue earning 1X rewards
UPI Reward Structure Unchanged
For FIRST DIGITAL users:
- 1X rewards on UPI spends up to ₹2,000
- 3X rewards above ₹2,000
No Rewards On
- Fuel spends
- EMI transactions
- Cash withdrawals
Changes to IDFC FIRST Mayura & Ashva Credit Cards
The premium metal cards — IDFC FIRST Mayura Credit Card and IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card — have also been devalued.
Movie Ticket Benefit Now Conditional
Cardholders will now need:
- ₹20,000 spending in the previous month
to unlock the Buy One Get One movie ticket offer.
Considering the premium annual fee on these cards, many users may find this disappointing.
Changes to IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card has also seen multiple updates.
Reward Points Validity Introduced
Reward points earned from July 2026 onwards will expire after 24 months.
Movie Benefits Slightly Modified
Unlike other cards, the Millennia card does not require ₹20,000 spending.
Instead:
- Users only need at least one transaction in the previous month
- Benefit remains 25% off up to ₹100 on movie tickets monthly
Travel Rewards Reduced
New bonus structure:
- 20% bonus points on hotel bookings
- 10% bonus points on flight bookings
Earlier Structure:
- 33% bonus on hotels
- 13% bonus on flights
This is a noticeable reduction for frequent travelers.
Changes to IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card has also been affected.
Reward Points Limited
Reward points will now only be earned up to the assigned credit limit.
Travel Bonus Rewards Reduced
New structure:
- 26.67% bonus on hotel bookings
- 13.33% bonus on flight bookings
over applicable base rewards.
Why These Changes Matter
The overall direction clearly shows that banks are becoming stricter with:
- Reward point liabilities
- Free benefits
- Accelerated rewards
- Unlimited feature usage
Even premium cards are now seeing:
- Spending-based conditions
- Expiring reward points
- Lower reward rates
- Reduced flexibility
This trend has already been visible across multiple issuers in recent months.
Are There Any Positive Changes?
Yes, there are a few improvements:
Positive Updates
- 10X rewards now start from the first eligible transaction
- No ₹20,000 unlock threshold for accelerated rewards
- Reward structure simplified on some categories
However, these positives may not fully offset the loss of lifetime-valid points and additional spending conditions.
Bottom Line
IDFC First Bank has announced another major devaluation across several of its popular credit cards, including Wealth, Mayura, Ashva, Millennia, and Power cards.
The biggest changes include:
- Movie benefits becoming spend-based
- Reward points no longer lifetime valid
- Reduced travel booking bonuses
- Reward earning capped at credit limit
While a few reward improvements have also been introduced, the overall value proposition of several IDFC FIRST cards has reduced noticeably.
For many long-time users, the removal of lifetime-valid reward points may turn out to be the most disappointing update.