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IDFC FIRST Select vs Scapia Federal Bank: Which Card Is Better?

A side-by-side comparison of IDFC FIRST Select and Scapia Federal Bank credit cards: fees, reward rates by category, caps, forex markup, lounge access, and which one earns more for different kinds of spenders.

Verdict

Scapia Federal Bank earns more in 7 of the 7 spending profiles we tested. Choose IDFC FIRST Select for salaried professionals who want a free card with zero forex. Choose Scapia Federal for international travellers who want zero forex markup.

Spending profileIDFC FIRST SelectScapia FederalWinner
Balanced spender₹1,995₹7,200Scapia Federal (+₹5,205)
Online shopper₹2,505₹7,560Scapia Federal (+₹5,055)
Frequent traveller₹5,745₹20,880Scapia Federal (+₹15,135)
Family & groceries₹3,690₹9,600Scapia Federal (+₹5,910)
Foodie₹2,730₹8,160Scapia Federal (+₹5,430)
Daily commuter₹878₹4,680Scapia Federal (+₹3,803)
High spender₹17,520₹44,400Scapia Federal (+₹26,880)

Estimated yearly value after caps, fees (with GST) and forex costs. Try your own spends →

IDFC FIRST Select vs Scapia Federal: full comparison

FeatureIDFC FIRST SelectScapia Federal Bank
Card
IDFC FIRST SelectIDFC FIRST Bank
Scapia Federal BankFederal Bank
Annual feeFreeFree
Joining feeFreeFree
Fee waiverNo fee to waiveNo fee to waive
NetworkVisaVisa
Amazon rewards0.38%2%
Flipkart rewards0.38%2%
Other online shopping rewards0.38%2%
Food delivery rewards0.38%2%
Dining out rewards0.38%2%
Groceries rewards0.38%2%
Flights & hotels rewards0.38%4%
Fuel rewards0%0%
Bills & recharges rewards0.13%0%
Everything else rewards0.38%2%
Forex markup0%0%
Lounge access1 domestic visit a quarter with ₹20,000 monthly spend, plus railway loungesDomestic lounge access with ₹20,000 monthly spend
Reward caps10X points (1.25%) on monthly spends above ₹20,000No major caps
Est. yearly value: balanced spender₹1,995₹7,200
Est. yearly value: online shopper₹2,505₹7,560
Est. yearly value: frequent traveller₹5,745₹20,880
Est. yearly value: family & groceries₹3,690₹9,600
Best forSalaried professionals who want a free card with zero forexInternational travellers who want zero forex markup
Pros
  • Lifetime free
  • Zero forex markup (from September 2026)
  • 10X points on spends above ₹20,000 a month
  • Zero forex markup on international spends
  • 10% back in Scapia Coins on all eligible spends
  • 20% back on travel booked through the Scapia app
  • Lifetime free
Cons
  • High reported income requirement (₹12 lakh a year)
  • International spends stop earning points from October 2026
  • Low base reward rate
  • Rewards redeemable only for travel on Scapia
  • No rewards on fuel, rent, utilities or insurance
  • Lounge access now needs ₹20,000 monthly spend (doubled in 2026)
Visit IDFC FIRST BankVisit Federal Bank

FAQs

Which is better, IDFC FIRST Select or Scapia Federal?

Scapia Federal Bank comes out ahead in 7 of 7 spending profiles we tested. Choose IDFC FIRST Select if you want a card for salaried professionals who want a free card with zero forex. Choose Scapia Federal Bank if you want a card for international travellers who want zero forex markup.

What is the difference in annual fee between IDFC FIRST Select and Scapia Federal?

IDFC FIRST Select: Lifetime free (no fee to waive). Scapia Federal Bank: Lifetime free (no fee to waive).

Which card has a lower forex markup?

Both cards charge 0%.

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