We are in the midst of the busy travel season. Credit cards with good travel benefits can enhance your travel experience. Keeping a customer’s travel preferences in mind, IDFC FIRST Bank has launched the FRIST WOW! Black Credit Card. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of this card, including its fees, and discuss whether you should take it.Rewards structureThe FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card has the following rewards structure:4 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent online, offline and ...

Core Viewpoint - Nomura initiated coverage on IDFC First Bank with a Buy rating, projecting a target price of Rs 105, indicating a potential upside of 23.5% from current levels [9]. Growth Projections - Strong growth visibility is anticipated, with loans and deposits expected to achieve CAGRs of 20% and 22%, respectively, over FY26-28F [9]. - The bank's fee income profile is noted to be superior to peers, exceeding 2% of average assets [9]. Profitability Improvement - A decline of 35 basis points in credit costs is expected to enhance profitability, with RoA and RoE projected to rise to 1.2% and 1.8% by FY28, up from 0.6% and 5.4% in FY26 [2][9]. - This earnings acceleration is forecasted to result in a sector-leading EPS CAGR of 67% over FY26-28F [2]. Operating Efficiency - Operating expenses have remained high during FY19-25 due to investments in branches, manpower, technology, and new businesses [3]. - As growth normalizes, cost efficiency is expected to improve, with cost-to-assets and cost-to-income ratios projected to decline to 5.1% and 64% by FY28F, from 5.6% and 71% in FY26F, respectively [3]. Net Interest Margin (NIM) Outlook - NIM pressure experienced over FY25-H1FY26 is largely absorbed, with expectations for NIMs to bottom out in FY26 and gradually recover through FY27 [6]. - Potential cuts in savings account rates could add 17-33 basis points to margins and 12-23 basis points to RoAs [6]. Asset Quality and Credit Costs - Asset quality stress is primarily confined to the microfinance portfolio, with corrective measures already taken [7]. - Credit costs are expected to moderate, with projections of 1.9% in FY27 and 1.8% in FY28, compared to 2.6% in FY25 and 2.1% in FY26F [7]. Earnings Inflection - Sustained loan growth, improving operating leverage, and moderating credit costs are anticipated to drive a significant earnings inflection over FY26-28F, alongside a material improvement in profitability [8].

IDFC FIRST Bank has launched a “Zero-Forex Diamond Reserve Credit Card” for affluent global travellers. Some of the features of the card include zero forex markup on all international spending, reward points on hotel and flight bookings, travel lounges, among others. The Bank, in a statement, said the credit card, which is priced at ₹3,000 + GST, has an annual fee waiver proposition at ₹6 lakh annual spends, making it effectively free from the second year onwards. Published on January 6, 2026 ...

Core Insights - The rise of digital savings accounts in India is attributed to their convenience, safety, and efficiency, particularly with offerings from banks like IDFC FIRST Bank [1][10] Features of Digital Savings Accounts - Digital savings accounts operate entirely online, allowing users to open accounts, verify identity, and manage funds without visiting a branch [2] - IDFC FIRST Bank offers a paperless onboarding process with video KYC verification, providing full access to mobile and internet banking [2] - Fund transfers are hassle-free with multiple options such as NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, and UPI, enabling instant transactions without paperwork [3] Interest Rates and Financial Benefits - IDFC FIRST Bank provides a competitive interest rate structure: 3.00% for balances up to ₹5 lakh, 7.00% for ₹5 lakh to ₹10 crore, 6.00% for ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore, 5.00% for ₹25 crore to ₹100 crore, and 4.00% for balances above ₹100 crore [4][5] - This progressive interest rate system allows customers to earn better returns based on their account balance, offering an advantage over traditional savings accounts [5] Accessibility and Cost Efficiency - Digital savings accounts offer convenient withdrawal options, allowing users to access funds easily from any ATM in India without extra charges [6] - IDFC FIRST Bank waives several standard charges for services like IMPS, NEFT, RTGS transfers, cheque books, and SMS alerts, promoting steady savings growth without unnecessary deductions [6] Growing Popularity and Lifestyle Integration - The increasing popularity of digital savings accounts is driven by their simplicity, transparency, and accessibility, balancing security with ease of investment [7][10] - Each digital account includes a debit card for quick access to funds, enhancing lifestyle benefits such as increased transaction limits and access to airport lounges [7] - Digital savings accounts are viewed as a lifestyle upgrade, combining convenience, transparency, and better returns, making them suitable for both professionals and individuals looking to grow savings [8][10]

HAMILTON, N.J., Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Bank (Nasdaq Global Market: FRBA) invites participation in a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial and operating performance during its fourth quarter ending on December 31, 2025. Event:Earnings Conference Call – Fourth Quarter 2025When:Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time The direct dial number for the call is 1-800-715-9871, toll free, using the access code 2389718. For those unable to participate in the conference call, ...

Core Viewpoint - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to maintain the core components of the flexible inflation targeting (FIT) framework, as most economists believe that targeting headline inflation against core inflation with a 2-6 percent retail inflation target has been beneficial for the economy [1] Inflation Tolerance Band - The 2-6 percent inflation tolerance band, introduced in 2016, was already considered low, and it may be reassessed in the next 5-10 years as inflation forecasts improve [2] Policy Clarity - Economists recommend continuing with headline CPI inflation, emphasizing that food inflation, despite being supply-side driven, cannot be ignored due to its correlation with inflation expectations. A 4 percent inflation target is deemed optimal, and narrowing the 2-6 percent band could lead to unnecessarily restrictive monetary policy [3] - The headline target should be retained as it reflects the combined impact of food and core inflation on consumers, particularly for low and middle-income households, where food spending constitutes a significant portion of expenses [4] Continuation of Existing FIT - Continuing with the existing FIT is seen as a logical choice, as it has helped anchor inflation expectations, stabilize core inflation, and guide the policy rate trajectory towards its lower bound [5] Focus on Headline Inflation - The RBI should focus on the headline inflation number rather than sub-components, as controlling overall inflation is essential for central banks. The concept of core inflation should primarily serve to understand inflation dynamics [6] - The current FIT has effectively served India, with inflation generally conforming to the target band and reduced volatility historically. Inflation expectations have remained anchored to the 4 percent target, contributing to lower capital costs in the economy [6]

Developments in Venezuela are unlikely to immediately impact India's oil supplies or prices, as Venezuelan crude has been largely absent from global markets due to US sanctions. While bilateral engagement has weakened, experts suggest India could diversify its sources if Venezuelan oil re-enters the market, potentially offering a sentimental impact on emerging market currencies.To begin with, the US-led sanctions on Venezuela have meant that oil flowing into the global markets, including India, has come dow ...

Pricing and Discounts - The iPhone 17 Pro Max is currently priced at Rs 1,38,490, reduced from the launch price of Rs 1,49,900, offering a discount of Rs 11,410 [1][9] - An additional Rs 4,000 instant discount is available for buyers using select bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs 1,34,490 [1][9] Display and Design - The device features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 2868x1320 pixels and a pixel density of 460ppi [4][9] - It supports ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and a peak outdoor brightness of 3,000 nits, protected by Apple's Ceramic Shield 2 for durability [5][9] Performance - The iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by Apple's 3nm six-core A19 Pro chip, featuring a 6-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine [6][9] - It offers storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, and operates on iOS 26 for enhanced performance [6][9] Camera Capabilities - The device includes a triple 48MP rear camera setup with a Fusion wide-angle lens, an Ultra Wide lens with macro capability, and a Fusion Telephoto lens with 8x optical zoom and up to 40x digital zoom [7][9] - Video recording capabilities include 4K Dolby Vision at 120 fps, and the front camera is an 18MP Centre Stage camera with autofocus and Retina Flash [7][9] Battery and Charging - The built-in lithium-ion battery supports up to 37 hours of video playback and fast charging capabilities, achieving 50% charge in 20 minutes with a 40W adapter [8][9] - It also supports 25W MagSafe wireless charging [8][9] Additional Features - Key features include a customizable Action Button, dedicated Camera Controls, IP68 water and dust resistance, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity [9]

Group 1 - Nifty Bank index opened at 59,675, showing a gap-up from the previous close of 59,582, and is currently trading at 59,700, up 0.2% [1] - The advance/decline ratio is 10/4, indicating a bullish sentiment in the market [1] - Bank of Baroda and IndusInd Bank are among the top gainers, with increases of 1.8% and 0.9% respectively, while IDFC First Bank and Yes Bank are the top losers, down 0.6% and nearly 0.5% [1] Group 2 - Nifty PSU Bank has increased by 0.7%, outperforming the Nifty Private Bank, which is trading flat [2] - The January expiry Nifty Bank futures opened higher at 59,920 compared to the previous close of 59,884, currently trading at 59,950, up 0.1% [3] - The Nifty Bank index has rebounded from strong support, suggesting a resumption of the rally after a brief correction [3] Group 3 - Expectations are for Nifty Bank futures to surpass 60,000 and reach 60,400 in the coming sessions, with support levels identified at 59,800 and 59,500 [4] - A trade strategy is proposed to buy Nifty Bank futures at 59,950, with an initial stop loss at 59,750, and to book profits at 60,400 [5] - Supports and resistances are outlined, with supports at 59,800 and 59,500, and resistances at 60,400 and 60,650 [5]

Brief Resume of the Appointed Member Mr. Ahmed Al-Rashed has over 22 years of professional experience in the fields of governance, risk management, compliance, and cybersecurity. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions at several prominent organizations across the banking, telecommunications, and financial sectors, including SAB First Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, Zain Telecommunications, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and Etihad Atheeb Telecommunications Company. He also has ...