HDFC Infinia (Metal) vs IDFC FIRST Select
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IDFC FIRST Select wins 5-4. Lifetime-free with surprisingly strong reward earn rates. HDFC Infinia (Metal) is still the right call if top-tier travelers, invitation-only, the apex of hdfc reward redemption..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | HDFC Infinia (Metal) | IDFC FIRST Select |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · ₹12,500 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | · ₹12,500 | None |
| Top reward rate | 3.3% (general) | · 3% (general) |
| Base reward rate | 3.3% | · 3% |
| Forex markup | · 2% | No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 12,500 reward points (offsets joining fee 1:1) | = ₹500 gift voucher on ₹5,000 spend within 30 days of card generation |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹1,000,000 / yr | · N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | · ₹4,000,000 | ₹1,200,000 |
| Min credit score | · 800 | 750 |
| Editorial rating | 4.9/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
HDFC Infinia (Metal)
- Unlimited international + domestic lounge access (self + guest)
- 10x reward points on SmartBuy partners
- Free annual Club Marriott membership
- Concierge 24x7
- 2% forex markup
IDFC FIRST Select
- 10X reward points on dining and travel
- 3X reward points on other eligible spends
- Lifetime free, no annual fee, ever
- 1 domestic airport lounge visit per quarter, unlocked by ₹20,000 spend in the previous calendar month (no international lounge access)
- Zero forex markup on international transactions
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
FAQ
›HDFC Infinia (Metal) vs IDFC FIRST Select: which is better?
IDFC FIRST Select wins on more dimensions (5 vs 4). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern. Run your own monthly spend through the maximizer to see which one pays you more.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use HDFC Infinia (Metal) for its best categories, IDFC FIRST Select for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
HDFC Infinia (Metal): 12,500 reward points (offsets joining fee 1:1). IDFC FIRST Select: ₹500 gift voucher on ₹5,000 spend within 30 days of card generation.