Important Update: IDFC FIRST Bank Halts Debit Card Rewards Next Year

[anuragmukherjee28]

Just a heads-up for everyone, IDFC FIRST Bank has announced that their debit card reward program will be discontinued starting 1st January 2026.

That means:

• No more reward points on debit card transactions after that date.
• Existing reward points can still be redeemed as per current timelines (details should be on their official communication or website).
• No change to credit card rewards — this update applies only to debit cards.

This is quite a shift, especially since IDFC was one of the few banks offering decent rewards on debit card spends.

Anyone here planning to switch to another bank or looking for a replacement debit card with good benefits?

 

[arjungoyal12]

Honestly, none of us are surprised.

From the beginning, it was pretty clear that a high-reward debit card program like this wouldn’t last forever. It’s a familiar pattern with Indian banks, launch a product packed with irresistible perks to attract users, and once it gains popularity, start trimming the benefits bit by bit.

We’ve seen it before, take Axis Bank’s Magnus card, for example. The gradual cuts to bonuses and privileges tell the same story.

It would be great if banks focused on sustainable reward programs from the start, instead of rolling out flashy, short-term schemes that eventually leave loyal customers disappointed.