Quick Verdict

  • The IDFC First Wow Credit Cardⓘ offers a better base reward rate, making it more rewarding for everyday spenders.
  • For travel and domestic lounge access, the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ clearly wins with its high travel reward rate and complimentary domestic lounge visits.
  • Both cards have no joining or annual fees, but the Ixigo card requires Rs 1 lakh annual spend for fee waiver benefits related to lounges.
  • Pick the Ixigo card if you prioritize travel rewards and lounges; choose the IDFC First Wow card if you want a simple, no-fee lifetime card with superior base rewards and zero forex markup.

Side by Side

DetailIxigo AU Credit CardⓘIDFC First Wow Credit Cardⓘ
Annual feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Joining feeNil (lifetime free)Nil (lifetime free)
Fee waiver on spendRs 1.00 lakh (Rs 8,333 per month)None
Reward rate0.5% base; 5% travel; 1% UPI1% base; 1% online
Reward typePointsPoints
Domestic lounge4 per year (Rs 30,000 quarterly spend gate)None
International loungeNoneNone
Forex markup3.5%0%
Best suited forTravel, UPI-RuPay, LoungeLifetime-free, First-card, Student, Forex, Dining, Shopping

Rewards Compared

Spending Rs 10,000 on the Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ yields a base reward of Rs 50. However, if the spend is categorized under travel, the card offers a robust 5% return, translating to Rs 500 per Rs 10,000 spent. UPI transactions earn a 1% return, or Rs 100 on the same spend. This tiered reward system strongly favors travel-related expenditures but provides minimal returns on general spends.

In contrast, the IDFC First Wow Credit Cardⓘ offers a straightforward 1% base reward rate, yielding Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 spent. For online spends, it maintains the same 1% rate. While it does not offer elevated rewards for specific categories like travel, its consistent returns across all spends make it attractive for users who prefer simplicity and steady rewards without tracking categories.

Fees Compared

Neither card charges a joining or annual fee, which is excellent for cost-conscious users. The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ requires an annual spend of Rs 1 lakh to unlock full benefits like the complimentary domestic lounge access and to maintain fee waivers related to those perks. This translates to roughly Rs 8,333 per month. Failure to meet this spend might limit access to lounges or other benefits, although no direct annual fee applies.

The IDFC First Wow Credit Cardⓘ has no fee waiver conditions since it does not charge any annual or joining fees. This makes it a low-maintenance option with no spend pressure to retain benefits.

Which One Should You Pick

The Ixigo AU Credit Cardⓘ is ideal for travelers who frequently spend on travel bookings and want domestic lounge access. The lucrative 5% travel reward rate and the four complimentary domestic lounges annually, subject to spending Rs 30,000 quarterly, provide tangible value for travel enthusiasts. However, its 3.5% forex markup is a downside for international travelers.

The IDFC First Wow Credit Cardⓘ suits first-time cardholders, students, and frequent forex users given its zero forex markup. The steady 1% reward on all spends and no fees make it a great pick for those who want a hassle-free, lifetime-free card without spend-based conditions.

Overall, if travel and lounges are your priority and you can meet the spend thresholds, go for the Ixigo card. If you prefer a straightforward, no-fee card with better base rewards and superior forex benefits, choose IDFC First Wow. Users who rarely travel or do not spend Rs 1 lakh annually should skip the Ixigo and opt for IDFC First Wow instead.

What to Check Before You Apply

  • Confirm the quarterly Rs 30,000 spend gate for accessing domestic lounges on the Ixigo AU Credit Card.
  • Understand the redemption process and value of points for both cards, especially the Ixigo card’s points and ixigo Money vouchers.
  • Calculate the monthly spend needed to maintain benefits on the Ixigo card (Rs 8,333 per month) and whether it fits your budget.
  • Consider forex markup costs if you travel abroad frequently; the Ixigo card charges 3.5%, whereas the IDFC First Wow card has zero forex markup.
  • Verify the availability and locations of the domestic lounges accessible with the Ixigo card to ensure convenience.

FAQ

What rewards do these cards offer on general spends?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Card offers a 0.5% base reward rate, translating to Rs 50 per Rs 10,000 spent, while the IDFC First Wow Credit Card provides a higher 1% base rate, which means Rs 100 per Rs 10,000 spent.
Do either of these cards have a joining or annual fee?+
No, both cards have no joining or annual fees, making them cost-effective options for users who want fee-free credit cards.
Which card is better for international travel?+
The IDFC First Wow Credit Card is superior for international use due to its zero forex markup, whereas the Ixigo AU Credit Card imposes a 3.5% forex markup fee.
Are there any lounge benefits with these cards?+
Only the Ixigo AU Credit Card offers domestic lounge access, with four complimentary visits per year, subject to a quarterly spend of Rs 30,000. The IDFC First Wow Credit Card does not provide any lounge access.
Is there any welcome benefit with these cards?+
The Ixigo AU Credit Card gives 1000 reward points and a Rs 1000 ixigo Money voucher on the first transaction within 30 days. The IDFC First Wow Credit Card does not provide any welcome benefit.