How to apply IDFC First credit card is one of the most searched credit card application queries in India — and for good reason. IDFC First offers five lifetime free credit cards with interest rates starting from 8.5% per annum — among the lowest in the industry.
If you are ready to apply right now:
👉 Apply for IDFC First Credit Card
If you want the complete how to apply IDFC First credit card walkthrough first — this guide covers every field every decision and every screen in the exact order you will encounter them.
How to Apply IDFC First Credit Card — Eligibility Check First
Before starting the how to apply IDFC First credit card process — confirm you meet these requirements:
For regular IDFC First Credit Card:
→ Age: 25 to 55 years
→ Minimum salary: ₹25,000 per month
→ Employment: Salaried — CAT A or CAT B company
→ CIBIL score: 800 and above
→ Mobile number must be linked to Aadhaar
For IDFC First WOW Card (secured — for lower CIBIL):
→ Age: 25 years and above
→ Available if CIBIL is below 800
→ Issued against a Fixed Deposit
→ Builds credit score with responsible use
What You Need Before Starting
Keep these ready:
→ Aadhaar card (Name and mobile number must match exactly)
→ Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (OTP sent to this number)
→ Date of birth
→ PAN card
→ Employment details
→ 10-15 minutes
How to Apply IDFC First Credit Card — Step by Step
Step 1 — Open the Application Page
Click the link below. The IDFC First Credit Card application page opens directly in your browser.
👉 Apply for IDFC First Credit Card
The page that opens shows:
“Activate UPI + Earn Rewards”
With key benefits displayed:
→ Lifetime free
→ Interest from 8.5% per annum
→ Up to 10X rewards
→ Interest-free ATM cash withdrawal for up to 45 days
This confirms you are on the correct IDFC First Credit Card application page.
Step 2 — Enter Name as per Aadhaar
The first field on the form:
“Name as per Aadhaar”
The page specifically states:
“Please provide full name exactly as mentioned on your Aadhaar Card for KYC”
→ Enter your complete name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar
→ No nicknames or shortened versions
→ Include initials if they appear on your Aadhaar
→ Capital letters or lowercase both acceptable
This is critical. Any mismatch between your name here and your Aadhaar record causes KYC failure and application rejection.
Step 3 — Enter Date of Birth
→ Enter in DD/MM/YYYY format
→ As per your Aadhaar and PAN records
Step 4 — Enter Mobile Number as per Aadhaar
“Mobile Number as per Aadhaar”
The page specifically notes:
“If you are an IDFC FIRST Bank Credit cardholder, enter mobile number registered with the bank”
Important distinction:
If you are a new applicant:
→ Enter mobile number linked to your Aadhaar
→ This number receives the OTP
If you already have an IDFC First card:
→ Enter mobile number registered with IDFC First Bank
The OTP verification uses this number — ensure the number is active and accessible when you apply.
Step 5 — Get OTP
→ Tap “Get OTP”
→ OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
→ Enter OTP in the field that appears
→ OTP is typically valid for 10 minutes
Step 6 — Fill Remaining Application Details
After OTP verification — the full application form opens. Fields typically include:
Personal details:
→ PAN number
→ Email address
→ Current address
→ PIN code
Professional details:
→ Company name
→ Designation
→ Monthly income
Financial details:
→ Existing credit cards if any
→ Existing loan EMIs if any
Fill all fields accurately and completely.
Step 7 — Credit Limit Assessment
After work details are submitted:
→ IDFC First system assesses your profile
→ Credit limit is generated
→ You see the credit limit offered to you
→ Review and accept or decline
Step 8 — Complete KYC
→ Aadhaar-based KYC verification
→ Video KYC may be required
→ If Video KYC — ensure you are within 50km of your Aadhaar or communication address
Critical note:
Video KYC done more than 50km from your Aadhaar address results in application rejection and loss of commission tracking. Complete Video KYC from your home or office address only.
Step 9 — Application Submitted
→ Application submitted successfully
→ Reference number generated
→ SMS and email confirmation sent
→ Save your reference number
What Happens After You Apply
Day 1-3:
→ IDFC First verifies basic details
→ CIBIL check initiated
→ May call for additional details
Day 3-10:
→ Card issuance decision
→ Approval communicated via SMS and email
After approval:
→ Card dispatched
→ Delivery typically 7-10 working days
→ Activate card on receipt
Apply Right Now
The how to apply IDFC First credit card process takes 10-15 minutes. Name as per Aadhaar. Date of birth. Aadhaar-linked mobile number. OTP. Then complete the full form.
👉 Apply for IDFC First Credit Card
Common Reasons for Rejection
Name mismatch with Aadhaar:
Even a single character difference causes KYC failure. Double check before submitting.
Mobile number not linked to Aadhaar:
The OTP goes to your Aadhaar-linked number. If that number is inactive or changed — update your Aadhaar mobile number first.
Video KYC location issue:
Completing Video KYC from a location more than 50km from your Aadhaar address causes rejection.
👉 Apply for IDFC First Credit Card
Which IDFC First Card Will You Get?
IDFC First assigns the card variant based on your income and CIBIL score automatically. You do not choose the variant during application.
CIBIL 800+ + Salary ₹25,000+:
→ Regular IDFC First card
→ Millennia or Classic or Select based on income profile
CIBIL below 800:
→ IDFC First WOW card
→ Secured against FD
→ Still lifetime free!
→ Builds credit score
If you want, you can check your CIBIL Score by reading my blog — What Is a Credit Score in India
And if you want the complete framework for building wealth as an Indian — download the free guide 7 Money Moves to Make Before You Turn 30 free when you subscribe to the Building Dhan newsletter at buildingdhan.in.
Disclosure: This is not financial advice. This post contains affiliate links.
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