IDFC FIRST Wealth vs SBI Card ELITE
Full side-by-side comparison based on verified card data. Updated April 2026.
Quick Verdict
IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card wins 5 of 8 dimensions with a CardTrail Score of 8.7/10 vs 8.5/10.
| Feature | IDFC FIRST Wealth | SBI Card ELITE |
|---|---|---|
| CardTrail Score | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Annual Fee | Free | ₹4,999 |
| Base Reward Rate | 0.75% | 0.5% |
| Max Reward Rate | 6% | 5% |
| Forex Markup | 1.5% | 1.99% |
| Domestic Lounges | 8 | 8 |
| International Lounges | 4 | 6 |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Yes | Yes |
| Network | Visa Signature | Visa Infinite |
When to Choose IDFC FIRST Wealth
- You want a lifetime free card with zero annual cost
- You travel internationally — saves ₹490/year on ₹1L forex spend
- You want higher rewards — up to 6% vs 5%
- Your primary spend is: forex, travel, value
When to Choose SBI Card ELITE
- You can meet the fee waiver condition: Spend ₹10L/year
- Your primary spend is: travel, dining, entertainment
Forex Cost Comparison
On ₹1,00,000 annual international spending: IDFC FIRST Wealth costs ₹1,770 in forex fees vs SBI Card ELITE at ₹2,348. You save ₹578/year with IDFC FIRST Wealth.
Annual Fee Value Analysis
To break even on SBI Card ELITE's ₹4,999 fee at 0.5% rewards, spend ₹83,317/month.
IDFC FIRST Wealth is lifetime free — no break-even needed.