Federal Bank Celesta vs IDFC FIRST Ashva
Full side-by-side comparison based on verified card data. Updated April 2026.
Quick Verdict
Federal Bank Celesta Credit Card wins 3 of 8 dimensions with a CardTrail Score of 8.1/10 vs 8.5/10.
| Feature | Federal Bank Celesta | IDFC FIRST Ashva |
|---|---|---|
| CardTrail Score | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Annual Fee | Free | ₹2,999 |
| Base Reward Rate | 1% | 0.83% |
| Max Reward Rate | 5% | 5% |
| Forex Markup | Zero | 1% |
| Domestic Lounges | 2 | 16 |
| International Lounges | 2 | 8 |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes | Yes |
| Network | Visa Signature | Visa Signature |
When to Choose Federal Bank Celesta
- You want a lifetime free card with zero annual cost
- You travel internationally — saves ₹1,000/year on ₹1L forex spend
- Your primary spend is: forex, travel, value
When to Choose IDFC FIRST Ashva
- Airport lounge access matters — 16 domestic visits
- Your primary spend is: travel, lounge, forex
Forex Cost Comparison
On ₹1,00,000 annual international spending: Federal Bank Celesta costs ₹0 in forex fees vs IDFC FIRST Ashva at ₹1,180. You save ₹1,180/year with Federal Bank Celesta.
Annual Fee Value Analysis
To break even on IDFC FIRST Ashva's ₹2,999 fee at 0.83% rewards, spend ₹30,110/month.
Federal Bank Celesta is lifetime free — no break-even needed.