IDFC FIRST Bank announced the launch of the Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card on January 6, expanding its premium credit card portfolio with a product specifically designed for international travel and lifestyle spending. The new offering positions the bank to compete in the growing premium credit card segment by targeting customers with frequent overseas travel requirements.

Key Features and Benefits

The Diamond Reserve Credit Card's primary attraction is its zero foreign exchange markup on international transactions, eliminating additional costs for overseas spending. The card provides enhanced reward points on both travel and regular purchases, with higher earning rates specifically for hotel and flight bookings made through the bank's dedicated platform.

Travel and Lifestyle Benefits

Cardholders gain access to comprehensive travel-related privileges designed to enhance their international and domestic travel experience. The card includes access to airport lounges both in India and overseas, providing comfort and convenience during travel.

Additional lifestyle benefits encompass:

• Complimentary golf sessions at selected venues
• Exclusive hotel stay offers and discounts
• Entertainment-related discounts and privileges
• Flexible reward point redemption across online purchases

Insurance and Protection Coverage

The Diamond Reserve Credit Card includes extensive travel insurance coverage to protect cardholders during their journeys. The comprehensive protection package covers various travel-related contingencies and personal safety aspects.

Market Positioning and Availability

Shirish Bhandari, Head – Credit Cards, FASTag & Loyalty at IDFC FIRST Bank, emphasized that the product specifically targets customers with frequent international travel needs, combining zero forex charges with travel-linked rewards and comprehensive benefits. The card is available through digital channels for eligible customers, streamlining the application and approval process.

The launch reflects the intensifying competition in the premium credit card segment, as banks increasingly focus on attracting higher-spending customers through travel-focused propositions and bundled lifestyle benefits. The Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card represents IDFC FIRST Bank's strategic approach to capturing market share in this lucrative segment by offering specialized features for internationally mobile customers.

IDFC FIRST Bank has unveiled its latest premium offering with the launch of the 'Gaj' credit card, an invitation-only metal credit card exclusively available to select private banking customers. This new addition represents the culmination of the bank's premium metal credit card series, following the successful introduction of its Ashva and Mayura editions.

Card Features and Pricing Structure

The 'Gaj' credit card targets high-net-worth individuals who maintain established relationships with the bank. The card's pricing and fee structure reflects its premium positioning:

International Transaction Benefits

The card offers significant advantages for international users, particularly frequent travelers and those conducting overseas transactions. Key international benefits include:

• Zero foreign exchange markup on all international transactions
• Interest-free ATM cash access globally (subject to a flat fee per withdrawal)

Rewards and Digital Integration

The 'Gaj' credit card provides reward points on both domestic and international spending. The bank has enhanced the rewards experience by offering accelerated rewards specifically for bookings made through the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile application, encouraging digital engagement and platform loyalty.

Travel and Lifestyle Privileges

The card comes with comprehensive travel and lifestyle benefits designed for affluent customers:

• Airport lounge access
• Trip cancellation coverage up to ₹50,000
• Golf privileges
• Exclusive hotel offers and partnerships
• Travel insurance
• Purchase insurance

Strategic Positioning

Shirish Bhandari, Head of Credit Cards, FASTag & Loyalty at IDFC FIRST Bank, emphasized that the card "combines feature depth with an Indian-inspired design" and represents the final stage of the bank's Ashva–Mayura–Gaj trilogy. This strategic approach demonstrates the bank's commitment to serving different segments within the premium banking market through specialized product offerings.

The 'Gaj' credit card maintains its exclusivity as a premium offering designed specifically for private banking clients and remains unavailable for general public issuance, reinforcing its positioning as an elite financial product.