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faayda.com › compare › SBI Unnati vs IDFC FIRST WOW
Comparison · हिन्दी

SBI Unnati vs IDFC FIRST WOW

Both cards compared on real rupee returns for best secured credit card for beginners India build credit. We ran the numbers so you can make the right call.

Last updated: · Based on current card terms
SBI
CARD UNNATI
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
IDFC FIRST
WOW
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card wins for most people
IDFC FIRST WOW wins with ₹480 annual benefit versus SBI Unnati's ₹270, delivering 78% more value. Its lifetime free status and higher rewards rate make it the superior choice for this spend profile.
Side-by-side comparison
SBI Card UNNATI IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card ✓
Annual benefit ₹270 ₹480
Annual feeThe yearly fee a bank charges for holding the card, often waived if you spend enough in a year.Full definition → Free for first 4 years; ₹499 + taxes from Year 5 (requires ₹25,000 Fixed Deposit with SBI) Lifetime free (requires ₹20,000 Fixed Deposit with IDFC FIRST Bank)
Reward rateCashback pays you directly in rupees; reward points need converting first, and their real value depends on the redemption ratio.Full definition → 1 reward point per ₹100 on all eligible spends (0.25%); ₹500 annual cashback on ₹50,000/year spend 4 reward points per ₹200 on all eligible spends (0.5%); zero forex markup on all international transactions
Lounge accessFree entry to airport lounges, usually limited to a set number of visits per quarter or year.Full definition → None None
Forex markupThe extra fee your bank adds on top of the real exchange rate for any spend in a foreign currency.Full definition → 3.5% 0%
Best for Beginners and those with no credit history wanting to build CIBIL score safely First credit card for anyone with no credit history, FD-secured with zero forex
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → None required (FD-secured) None required (FD-secured)
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → No credit history required No credit history required
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When each card wins
SBI Card UNNATI
SBI Unnati suits those prioritizing absolute simplicity and already banking with SBI for the FD requirement. However, its lower rewards rate and eventual annual fee make it less attractive long-term for regular spenders.
IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card
IDFC FIRST WOW excels for anyone planning frequent international transactions due to zero forex markup. Its lifetime free status and double rewards rate justify the ₹20,000 FD requirement, delivering consistent value year after year.
Who should get which card
Get SBI Card UNNATI if you…
· Building credit history with minimal complexity
· Prefer SBI's ecosystem and existing SBI banking relationship
· Short-term credit card use (first 4 years only)
Get IDFC FIRST WOW if you…
· Want lifetime free card without future fee surprises
· Plan occasional or regular international travel
· Prefer higher rewards earning on all spends
· Value long-term savings over low upfront requirements
Partner offer
Roarbank RuPay Credit Card
New-to-credit users who want a lifetime-free RuPay UPI card with a built-in savings account, and who will actively pick and track their monthly cashback categories
Apply now →
UNITY
ASHOK KUMAR

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Frequently asked questions
Based on our analysis, IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card offers better annual returns for most spend profiles.
SBI Card UNNATI has an annual fee of Free for first 4 years; ₹499 + taxes from Year 5 (requires ₹25,000 Fixed Deposit with SBI). IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card has an annual fee of Lifetime free (requires ₹20,000 Fixed Deposit with IDFC FIRST Bank).
SBI Card UNNATI offers 1 reward point per ₹100 on all eligible spends (0.25%); ₹500 annual cashback on ₹50,000/year spend. IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card offers 4 reward points per ₹200 on all eligible spends (0.5%); zero forex markup on all international transactions.
SBI Card UNNATI lounge access: None. IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card lounge access: None.
SBI Card UNNATI charges 3.5% forex markup. IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card charges 0% forex markup.