IDFC First Bank is planning to expand its credit card business with 2 unique offerings. It is offering interest-free cash advances for 48 days and dynamic interest rates on revolving credit to customers. The interest-free cash scheme is an industry-first and is a feature that the bank is testing. Existing interest rates on cash advances on credit cards are very high. As such, the share of cash advances is just a fraction of overall credit card transactions. Banks typically charge ₹250-450 for every cash withdrawal on credit cards, along with an interest of 2.5-3.5% per month, applicable from the day of withdrawal till the full amount is repaid. Interest is also levied on non-cash spends, but customers enjoy an interest-free period unlike cash transactions. The bank is in the credit card business offering cards to its customers on an invitation basis.
