IDFC FIRST WOW Black vs Hello Cashback Credit Card

Choosing a credit card depends on how you spend, save, and manage your finances. IDFC FIRST Bank offers two popular options designed for different user needs: the IDFC FIRST WOW Black Credit Card and the IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback Credit Card.

The WOW Black Credit Card is designed for users who prefer reward points, travel perks, and premium benefits. The Hello Cashback Credit Card focuses on straightforward cashback, especially for online and UPI spends, and is ideal for users looking for a simple, secured credit card option.

This comparison will help you understand which card fits your spending habits, lifestyle, and financial goals better.

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Fee Structure

The first thing most users check before applying for a credit card is the joining and renewal fee. Both cards differ significantly in this area.

Fee Type IDFC FIRST WOW Black IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback

Joining Fee

₹750 + GST

₹1000 (Nil under offer till 31 March 2026)

Renewal Fee

₹750 + GST

₹1000

Renewal Fee Waiver

Spend ₹1.5 lakh annually

Full waiver on ₹2 lakh spend, 50% waiver on ₹1–2 lakh

From a fee perspective, the WOW Black Credit Card is more affordable and easier to maintain, as the spend requirement for a fee waiver is much lower.

Welcome Benefits

The difference between the two cards becomes very clear when comparing welcome benefits.

Welcome Benefits IDFC FIRST WOW Black IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback

EMI Cashback

5% cashback up to ₹1,000 on first EMI transaction

Not available

Travel Voucher

₹500 instant voucher on first travel booking via IDFC app

Not available

Travel Discounts

Up to ₹1,500 on MakeMyTrip bookings

Not available

Lifestyle Benefits

Mokobara discount, EazyDiner Prime, Lenskart Gold Max

Not available

The WOW Black Credit Card offers strong welcome value, while the Hello Cashback Card only provides a joining fee waiver during the introductory period.

Reward Structure

The reward mechanism of both cards is completely different, making them suitable for different types of users.

Feature IDFC FIRST WOW Black IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback

Reward Type

Reward Points

Cashback

Base Rewards

4 RPs per ₹150 on regular spends

3% cashback on online spends up to ₹10,000 per cycle

Utility and Insurance

1 RP per ₹150

Included in cashback structure

UPI Spends

Up to 3 RP per ₹150

1% cashback on UPI spends

Higher Online Spends

Bonus reward points

5% cashback above ₹10,000 per cycle

Reward Value

Up to ₹0.50 per RP

Cashback credited directly

If you prefer tracking and redeeming reward points, WOW Black works well. If you want instant, easy-to-understand savings, Hello Cashback is simpler.

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Travel Benefits

Travel perks are where the WOW Black Credit Card clearly has an edge.

Travel Feature IDFC FIRST WOW Black IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback

Airport Lounge Access

4 domestic visits per year

Not available

Forex Markup

Zero

Standard charges apply

Travel Insurance

Trip cancellation cover up to ₹10,000

Not available

Flight Booking Rewards

Bonus reward points via IDFC app

1% extra cashback via IDFC app

Frequent travellers will find significantly more value in the WOW Black Credit Card.

Additional Benefits

Both cards offer protection and lifestyle benefits, but their focus areas differ.

Benefit IDFC FIRST WOW Black IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback

Personal Accident Cover

Up to ₹2 lakh

Up to ₹2 lakh

Lost Card Liability

Up to ₹25,000

Up to ₹25,000

Roadside Assistance

Included

Included

Fuel Surcharge Waiver

1% up to ₹200 per month

1% up to ₹100 per cycle

Movie Benefits

25% off via District app

Not available

WOW Black focuses more on travel and lifestyle privileges, while Hello Cashback prioritizes basic protection and daily usability.

Bottom Line

The IDFC FIRST WOW Black Credit Card is the better choice for users who travel, shop frequently, or want premium benefits such as lounge access, zero forex markup, and high-value welcome offers. Despite having a joining and renewal fee, the waiver conditions are easy to meet, making it cost-effective in the long run.

The IDFC FIRST Hello Cashback Credit Card is best suited for beginners or users looking to build or rebuild their credit score. Being a secured card backed by a fixed deposit, it offers simple cashback benefits and lower risk for new credit users.

If you are looking for maximum value and long-term benefits, the WOW Black Credit Card stands out. If simplicity and credit-building are your priorities, the Hello Cashback Credit Card is a practical choice.