Quick Verdict

  • For everyday spending, both the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ and the IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ deliver the same base reward rate of 0.5 percent, equating to Rs 50 back on Rs 10,000 spent.
  • When it comes to travel rewards and domestic lounge access, the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ has a clear advantage with a 5 percent reward rate on travel spend and a quarterly lounge visit cap.
  • Both cards have no joining or annual fees, but the Ixigo card demands a higher fee waiver spend of Rs 1.00 lakh annually (about Rs 8,333 monthly), whereas the IDFC Millennia card has no fee waiver but is lifetime free.
  • Choose the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ if you are a frequent traveller looking for travel rewards and domestic lounge access. Opt for the IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ if you want a simple, no-fee card with cashback welcome benefits suited for general shopping and first-time cardholders.

Side by Side

DetailIxigo AU Credit CardⓘIDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakhNone
Reward rate0.5% base; 5% travel; 1% UPI0.5% base
Reward typepointspoints
Domestic lounge4 per year (Rs 30,000 quarterly spend gate)4 per year (Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate)
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%3.5%
Best suited fortravel, UPI-RuPay, loungelifetime-free, first-card, shopping

Rewards Compared

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ offers a base reward rate of 0.5 percent, equivalent to Rs 50 earned on Rs 10,000 spent generally. However, it shines on travel spend, delivering a substantial 5 percent return, Rs 500 on Rs 10,000. Additionally, it rewards UPI transactions at a 1 percent rate, adding Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 of such spend. This tiered reward structure makes it appealing for users who prioritize travel and digital payments.

In contrast, the IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ provides a flat base reward rate of 0.5 percent across all categories, also resulting in Rs 50 on Rs 10,000 spend. It does not offer elevated category bonuses like travel or UPI, making it a straightforward cashback card without specialized rewards. This simplicity suits users seeking consistent returns without tracking category spend.

Fees Compared

Both cards impose no joining or annual fees, maintaining a lifetime free status, which is attractive for long-term cost-conscious users. However, the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ requires an annual spend of Rs 1.00 lakh to waive any potential fees, which breaks down to approximately Rs 8,333 per month. Although fees are stated as nil, this spend requirement acts as a threshold for unlocking full benefits like lounge access. The IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ does not require any spend for fee waiver since it is entirely free for life. This difference means that while the Ixigo card incentivizes higher spenders, the IDFC card is more accessible to low-to-moderate spenders.

Which One Should You Pick

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is best suited for frequent travellers and users who regularly spend on travel-related services and UPI payments. Its high travel reward rate and quarterly lounge access, subject to quarterly Rs 30,000 spend, make it a valuable companion for those seeking enhanced travel perks without annual fees. However, if you do not meet the Rs 1.00 lakh annual spend threshold, some benefits may be limited.

The IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ caters to first-time cardholders and users who prefer a simple, no-fee card without complex reward structures. It offers consistent rewards on all spend types and monthly Rs 20,000 spend gates for lounge access, making it suitable for moderate spenders who want occasional lounge visits without worrying about fee waivers.

In conclusion, choose the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ if you prioritize travel rewards and can meet the higher spend criteria. Opt for the IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ if you want a straightforward, lifetime free card with consistent rewards and simpler fee conditions. Those who rarely travel or prefer low-maintenance cards should skip the Ixigo card, while high travel spenders might find the IDFC card’s flat rewards less attractive.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly Rs 30,000 spend gate for domestic lounges on the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ to ensure you can meet it.
  • Understand that reward points are the reward type for both cards, and redemption value may vary; check the latest conversion options.
  • Verify the monthly spend requirement of Rs 8,333 for the Ixigo card’s fee waiver to avoid unexpected charges.
  • Both cards charge a 3.5 percent forex markup on foreign transactions; factor this in if you travel abroad frequently.
  • Check which airports and lounges accept these cards domestically as both offer four lounge visits annually but have different spend gates.

FAQ

What is the forex markup on these cards when spending abroad?+
Both the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ and the IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ apply a 3.5 percent markup on foreign currency transactions, which means Rs 3,500 fee on Rs 1,00,000 spent internationally.
Do these cards offer international lounge access?+
No, neither the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ nor the IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ provide international lounge access. Lounge benefits are limited to four domestic visits annually.
Are there any joining or annual fees for these cards?+
Both cards have no joining fee and no annual fee, making them lifetime free cards. However, the Ixigo card requires an annual spend of Rs 1.00 lakh to maintain fee waiver benefits.
How does the lounge access spend gate differ between the two cards?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ requires Rs 30,000 spend quarterly to avail domestic lounge access, while the IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ requires a Rs 20,000 monthly spend gate for the same.
What welcome benefits do these cards offer?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ offers 1000 reward points and a Rs 1,000 ixigo Money Voucher on the first transaction within 30 days. The IDFC First Millennia Cardⓘ provides 5 percent cashback on the first EMI spend up to Rs 1,000 and welcome vouchers worth Rs 500 after spending Rs 5,000 within 30 days.