Head-to-head · 🇮🇳 India
IDFC FIRST Select vs SBI Aurum
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IN
IDFC FIRST Bank
IDFC FIRST Select
VISA
Wins 4 of 10
IN
Premium
SBI Card
SBI Aurum
Wins 4 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie, neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | IDFC FIRST Select | SBI Aurum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee | · ₹9,999 |
| Joining fee | None | · ₹9,999 |
| Top reward rate | · 3% (general) | 4% (general) |
| Base reward rate | · 3% | 4% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = N/A |
| Welcome bonus | = ₹500 gift voucher on ₹5,000 spend within 30 days of card generation | = 10,000 reward points + ₹10,000 brand voucher |
| Fee waiver threshold | · N/A (no fee) | ₹1,500,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹1,200,000 | · ₹3,500,000 |
| Min credit score | 750 | · 800 |
| Editorial rating | · 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
Benefits compared
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
SBI Aurum
- 4 reward points per ₹100 (~4% value)
- Unlimited domestic + 6 international lounge visits/quarter
- Concierge 24x7
- Taj Inner Circle membership
- 2 free golf rounds/month
FAQ
›IDFC FIRST Select vs SBI Aurum: which is better?
It's a true tie, pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. IDFC FIRST Select wins on 4 criteria, SBI Aurum on 4.
›Can I get both?
Yes, if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use IDFC FIRST Select for its best categories, SBI Aurum for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
IDFC FIRST Select: ₹500 gift voucher on ₹5,000 spend within 30 days of card generation. SBI Aurum: 10,000 reward points + ₹10,000 brand voucher.