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American Express SmartEarn Credit Card vs IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Honest side-by-side comparison of American Express SmartEarn Credit Card, IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card — annual fees, reward rates, income eligibility, and estimated net annual value on the same spend profile.

At a glance (moderate spend)

Quick verdict: On moderate spend, IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card leads American Express SmartEarn Credit Card by about ₹420/yr in estimated net value.

American Express SmartEarn Credit Card vs IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card comparison table
FeatureAmerican Express SmartEarn Credit Card

American Express

IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

IDFC FIRST Bank

Fees & eligibility
Annual fee₹495Lifetime free
Fee waiver thresholdWaived at ₹40,000/yr spendLifetime free
Min income₹25,000/mo₹30,000/mo
Secured / FD-backedStandardStandard
Rewards
Net annual value (moderate)₹1,650/yr₹2,070/yr
Online shopping5 pts per ₹25 spend → ₹25/mo (₹300/yr) (cap hit)
Top reward rate10X Membership Rewards3X reward points
Primary reward cap₹500 eligible spend/moNo monthly cap published
Perks & restrictions
Lounge accessNone2 domestic visits/quarter + railway lounges · ₹20,000 spend in previous calendar month per visit block (issuer T&Cs)
UPI rewardsNot supported (Visa/MC)Not supported (Visa/MC)
Key exclusionsFuel · Insurance · Utilities · EMI · RentEMI · Rent
Bonuses
Signup bonus

Frequently asked questions

Which card has the lower annual fee?
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card has a ₹0 annual fee (lifetime free or zero-fee tier).
Which card earns more on moderate spend?
IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card leads with an estimated ₹2,070/yr net annual value on moderate spend.
Which card has the lower income requirement?
American Express SmartEarn Credit Card lists a minimum monthly income of ₹25,000.
Does this comparison pull my credit score?
No. CardHungry estimates net value from public fee and reward rules only — no bureau check.

Customize your spend

Change spend profile or swap cards — results update live below.

American Express SmartEarn Credit Card

American Express

IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

IDFC FIRST Bank

Your adjusted comparison

Feature
American ExpressGold

American Express SmartEarn Credit Card

•••• •••• •••• 4242

Quick facts

American Express SmartEarn Credit Card

Top reward10X Membership Rewards
Annual fee₹495
Min income₹25,000/mo

Tap to flip back

American Express SmartEarn Credit Card

American Express

IDFC FIRST BankPlatinum

IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

•••• •••• •••• 4242

Quick facts

IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

Top reward3X reward points
Annual feeLifetime Free
Min income₹30,000/mo

Tap to flip back

IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card

IDFC FIRST Bank

Fees & eligibility
Annual fee₹495Lifetime free
Fee waiver thresholdWaived at ₹40,000/yr spendLifetime free
Min income₹25,000/mo₹30,000/mo
Secured / FD-backedStandardStandard
Rewards
Net annual value (moderate)₹1,650/yr₹2,070/yr
Online shopping5 pts per ₹25 spend → ₹25/mo (₹300/yr) (cap hit)
Top reward rate10X Membership Rewards3X reward points
Primary reward cap₹500 eligible spend/moNo monthly cap published
Perks & restrictions
Lounge accessNone2 domestic visits/quarter + railway lounges · ₹20,000 spend in previous calendar month per visit block (issuer T&Cs)
UPI rewardsNot supported (Visa/MC)Not supported (Visa/MC)
Key exclusionsFuel · Insurance · Utilities · EMI · RentEMI · Rent
Bonuses
Signup bonus

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