These two get pitted against each other constantly because they target the same person — someone who wants a strong everyday card without overthinking it. But they win differently: IDFC FIRST Select is lifetime-free with lounge access; SBI Cashback earns a richer 5% online but charges a fee. Here's the honest call.
Head-to-head (2026)
| Feature | IDFC FIRST Select | SBI Cashback |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | Lifetime-free (₹0) | ₹999 (waived at ₹2L spend) |
| Top reward | Up to 25 RP / ₹125 (RP = ₹0.25) | 5% on ALL online spends |
| Reward cap | Tiered by spend | ₹2,000/month on 5% (Apr 2026) |
| Lounge | 2 domestic/quarter (downgraded 2026) | None |
| Best for | Keep-forever LTF card + lounge | Online-shopping reward maximisers |
Rewards: SBI earns more, IDFC costs nothing
For pure earning, SBI Cashback wins — a flat 5% on every online spend (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, food, recharges) under a ₹2,000/month cap is hard to beat. IDFC FIRST Select's reward points (~₹0.25 each, up to 25 per ₹125) are decent but don't match SBI's flat 5% for an online-heavy shopper. The trade-off: SBI charges ₹999 (waived at ₹2L spend); IDFC is genuinely lifetime-free.
Lounge + lifetime-free: IDFC's edge
IDFC FIRST Select gives 2 domestic lounge visits per quarter (though lounge benefits were trimmed in 2026 — see our lounge access guide) and never charges a fee. For someone who wants a no-cost card they can hold forever — with occasional lounge access — Select is the safer long-term keep. SBI Cashback has no lounge and a fee that only disappears with ₹2L of annual spend.
Who should pick which
- SBI Cashback: you shop online heavily and will cross ₹2L/year (so the fee waives). Best pure-rewards pick.
- IDFC FIRST Select: you want a lifetime-free card with lounge access and steady all-round rewards, without worrying about a fee waiver. A great first or keep-forever card — see our beginner card guide.
- Best move for many: hold both — IDFC Select as the no-fee base + lounge, SBI Cashback for online spends.
FAQ
Which is truly lifetime-free?
IDFC FIRST Select (₹0 annual fee). SBI Cashback's ₹999 fee waives only at ₹2L annual spend.
Which earns more on online shopping?
SBI Cashback — flat 5% on all online spends beats IDFC Select's reward-point rate for online-heavy users.
Does IDFC FIRST Select still give lounge access?
Yes — 2 domestic visits/quarter, though lounge benefits were downgraded in 2026. Verify current terms.
Can I hold both?
Yes, and it's a smart combo — IDFC Select (no fee + lounge) as your base, SBI Cashback for online rewards.
Verify current rewards, fees and lounge terms with the issuer. Compare SBI Cashback and IDFC FIRST Select. See our methodology.
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