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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.