The IDFC Wow Credit Card is a new offering aimed at millennials with its trendy design and youthful benefits. Does this card live up to its name and truly ‘wow’ young Indian consumers?
This article provides an in-depth review of the IDFC Wow Credit Card, analyzing its key features, fees, interest rates, rewards program, deals and promotions. It evaluates the pros and cons of the card in detail to determine if it provides strong value for money to its target demographic based on spending habits and lifestyle.
By benchmarking it against competing cards, the review aims to provide a holistic perspective on whether the IDFC Wow Credit Card delivers an exceptional experience that resonates with youthful, tech-savvy customers across India.
Eligibility and Fees
The IDFC Wow Card has relatively accessible eligibility criteria and fees:
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum age is 21 years
- Minimum annual income of ₹3 lakhs
Fees
- Joining fee – ₹499
- Annual fee – ₹499
- Add-on card fee – ₹199 per card
The eligibility requirements and fees are quite reasonable compared to premium cards, fitting the profile of younger professionals.
Interest Rates
The interest rates are relatively high.
- Purchases – 3.5% per month (42% annualized)
- Cash advances – 3.5% per month
- Balance transfers – 2% per month
The high interest rates mean this card is best suited only for full repayment of dues every month. Carrying forward balances can get expensive.
Credit Limit
The credit limits start from ₹25,000 and go up to ₹5 lakhs based on eligibility and income profile. The higher end meets the aspirations of youth comfortable with using credit.
Rewards Program
The rewards program is the biggest highlight of the Wow Card tailored for young sensibilities.
Category-based Earnings
- Online spends – 8 rewards pts per ₹100
- Dining – 6 pts per ₹100
- International travel – 6 pts per ₹100
Redemption Options
Reward points can be redeemed for online vouchers, flight tickets, hotel bookings, merchandise and statement credit. The instant redemptions and e-voucher options provide maximum flexibility aimed at digital-first consumers.
Other Rewards Benefits
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Buy 1 Get 1 movie ticket using points
- Exclusive food and travel vouchers
The category-based rewards earnings, multiple redemption options and lifestyle-focused benefits add appeal for young cardholders.
Deals and Promotions
The Wow Card offers attractive deals and promotions with well-known brands like Swiggy, BookMyShow, UrbanClap, Oyo, MakeMyTrip and more. These are relevant for the spending preferences of millennials.
Insurance Cover
- Air accident cover of ₹25 lakhs
- Lost card liability cover of ₹1 lakh
While useful, the insurance offering is not very extensive compared to premium cards.
Add-on Cards
Up to 3 free add-on cards can be issued with each account. Each add-on cardholder also earns rewards points individually. This facilitates issuing cards to family members.
Mobile App and Customer Service
The Wow Card mobile app and online account management portal offer convenience to digitally-native customers for tracking rewards, payments, spends and more.
Customer service channels like email, chat and call centre are available but limited compared to premium cards.
Is it good to have IDFC credit card?
The IDFC credit card can be a decent option for certain customer segments. The rewards program offers accelerated earnings on categories like online purchases and dining which appeal to digitally-savvy consumers. IDFC also has promotions with popular brands that resonate with younger users.
However, IDFC credit cards levy high interest rates and have average customer service compared to premium cards. For those comfortable paying bills in full every month and prioritizing flexible rewards redemption options, the IDFC credit card provides good value.
But customers wanting extensive privileges, premium services or low interest rates may be better off with credit cards from more established banks.
Is IDFC bank credit card safe?
IDFC bank credit cards can be considered safe for making transactions. As an RBI licensed bank, IDFC adheres to regulated security protocols for payments processing and customer data protection.
The cards come equipped with EMV chip and PIN technology as added security layers against counterfeiting and data theft. Further, IDFC provides facilities to instantly block lost cards and supports zero liability fraud protection in case of unauthorized transactions.
However, users should still adopt precautions like not sharing card details, using secure websites and setting transaction alerts.
Overall, IDFC bank credit cards have adequate security features and technology to provide a safe payment experience if used responsibly.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the IDFC Wow Credit Card annual fee?
The annual fee for the IDFC Wow Credit Card is ₹499 plus taxes. There is also a one-time joining fee of ₹499.
Q. Does the IDFC Wow Card offer lounge access?
No, the IDFC Wow Credit Card does not offer airport lounge access as a benefit.
Q. What is the IDFC Wow Card rewards program?
The rewards program offers 8 points per ₹100 spent on online purchases, 6 points per ₹100 on dining and international travel. Points can be redeemed for vouchers, travel bookings, fuel surcharge waiver etc.
Q. What is the credit limit on the Wow Card?
The credit limit ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹5 lakhs based on eligibility criteria like income, credit score, existing obligations etc.
Q. Does the IDFC Wow Card have an annual fee waiver?
No, there is no annual fee waiver on the card. The fees have to be paid annually to keep the card active.
Conclusion
The IDFC Wow Credit Card makes a compelling value proposition for digitally-savvy millennials with its rewarding points structure on online and dining spends and integration with popular brands.
However, high interest rates and average insurance coverage and customer service prevent it from matching premium card offerings. The Wow Card is a mixed bag – it innovates with youthful appeal but compromises on key benefits.
For young consumers who spend mainly via online channels and eating out, maximize rewards redemptions and pay bills on time, the card delivers a contemporary experience. But it falls short as an all-encompassing premium card solution.
The IDFC Wow Card nails the basics but does not go far beyond as a lifestyle-centric credit card for youth.