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LoansJagat Team

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24 Sep 2025

Federal Bank Credit Card: Complete Guide to Features & Benefits

credit-card

 

  • A Federal Credit Card helps you pay online and take out cash from ATMs.
     
  • Federal Bank Credit Cards offer many useful benefits for everyday spending.
     
  • There are three main types of Federal Bank Credit Cards, and each has more options to choose from.

 

BONUS: FEDERAL BANK CREDIT CARD HAS EMV CHIP TECHNOLOGY, WHICH PREVENTS CARD DUPLICATION AT ATMS AND STORES.

The Federal Bank Credit Card is a versatile payment tool. It is available in physical or virtual form. It offers a pre-approved revolving credit limit. It allows cardholders to make payments at stores, online platforms, and ATMs effortlessly.

For instance, Dev used his Federal Bank credit card for shopping, movies, dining, and groceries. On a total spend of ₹25,000, he saved ₹3,750 through a 15% discount on each expense, reducing his actual outlay to ₹21,250.

This blog explores how using a Federal Bank Credit Card can help you with so many things. You can maximise savings, earn rewards, and manage everyday expenses efficiently.

Key Highlights of Federal Bank Credit Cards:

Federal Bank offers three credit card variants: Signet, Imperio, and Celesta. Each one has different features. The table below will help you clearly understand what each card offers.
 

Feature

Signet

Imperio

Celesta

Joining Fee

₹0

₹0

₹0

Annual Fee

Lifetime Free

Lifetime Free

Lifetime Free

Reward Structure

3X on electronics & apparel, 2X on entertainment, 1X on others

3X on health & groceries, 2X on utilities, 1X on others

3X on travel & international spends, 2X on dining, 1X on others

Fuel Surcharge Waiver

1% waiver on fuel spends between ₹400–₹5,000

Same as Signet

Same as Signet

Onboarding Benefits

Amazon Pay or food vouchers, dining offers (limited-time)

Shopping vouchers, movie offers, and an Amazon Pay welcome gift

Travel vouchers, BOGO movie, premium brand vouchers

Lounge Access

1 domestic lounge/quarter with ₹20,000+ spend in the previous quarter

2 domestic lounges/quarter with ₹40,000+ spend

2 domestic + 2 international lounges/year with ₹60,000+ spend


Each card comes with its own set of features. Signet is good for everyday use, Imperio offers better perks for families and professionals, and Celesta suits people who travel frequently or prefer premium rewards.

Important Things to Know About Each Card

Not all features are the same across cards. Below are extra points you should know before choosing a card.

  • Annual Spend Requirement for Lifetime Free: The "lifetime free" benefit usually applies if you spend a certain amount every year. For example, Signet may require ₹75,000 yearly spend, Imperio ₹1.5 lakh, and Celesta ₹3 lakh.
     
  • Cash Advance Limit: Signet allows lower ATM cash withdrawals (approx. 10% of the credit limit), while Celesta allows higher (up to 30%).
     
  • Welcome Vouchers May Change: Welcome gifts like Amazon Pay or BigBasket vouchers depend on when you apply and which card you choose.
     
  • Lounge Access Has Conditions: Lounge visits are not automatic. You must meet the minimum spend in the previous quarter to unlock access.

Before applying, it’s important to match your spending habits with the right card. Choose Signet if you want a simple, low-maintenance card. Go for Imperio if you want better lifestyle offers. Pick Celesta if you travel often and want lounge access and premium rewards.

Federal Bank Credit Card Cashback & Rewards

The main reason Dev uses his Federal Bank Credit Card for every purchase is the cashback and reward points. These rewards are simple, automatic, and truly valuable. You don’t need to chase confusing rules or hidden terms.

Here’s a breakdown of how Dev earned cashback and rewards last month through different spending categories:
 

Category

Spend (₹)

Cashback/Points

Value Earned (₹)

Groceries

5,000

5% cashback

250

Movies

2,000

15% discount

300

Online Shopping

10,000

10X reward points

1,000 (in points)

Fuel

2,500

Surcharge waiver

25

Total

19,500

Combined Savings

₹625 + 1,000 pts


Without extra effort, Dev earned over ₹1,600 in combined value from cashback and rewards in a single month.

Federal Bank Credit Card Fees & Other Charges

When choosing a credit card, Dev was very careful about hidden charges. Some banks add unexpected costs that reduce your savings. But the Federal Bank was clear and honest from the beginning.

Here’s a table that lists the common charges related to the Federal Bank Credit Card, along with what Dev actually experienced:
 

Type of Charge

Amount

Dev’s Experience

Annual Fee (Signet Card)

₹0 (Lifetime Free)

No yearly fee paid

Forex Markup

3.5%

Not charged as Dev shops mostly in INR

Late Payment Fee (≤ ₹5,000 bill)

₹250

Avoided by paying full amount on time

Over-limit Fee

2.5% of over-limit amount

Not charged; Dev stays within the limit

Card Replacement Fee

₹200

Paid once when he lost his card


With minimal charges and no surprises, Dev finds the Federal Bank Credit Card truly pocket-friendly.

Late Payment Fee Applicable on Federal Bank Credit Card:

Dev always makes sure to pay his credit card bill before the due date. But he also wanted to know what would happen if he missed a payment. Federal Bank clearly explains late fees based on the total bill amount. This helped Dev plan better and avoid unnecessary charges.

Here’s how Federal Bank applies late payment fees, based on the size of your outstanding bill:
 

Outstanding Balance (₹)

Late Payment Fee (₹)

Less than ₹500

NIL

₹501 to ₹5,000

₹250

₹5,001 to ₹10,000

₹500

Above ₹10,000

₹750


Dev avoids these fees by paying his bill in full every month. It’s a simple way to save ₹250–750.

Federal Bank Credit Card Pros & Cons:

Every credit card has both advantages and limitations. Dev chose the Federal Bank Credit Card because its pros far outweighed the cons. Still, being aware of both sides helped him use the card wisely and avoid any surprises.

This table explains what Dev likes most about the card and what he thinks can be improved:
 

Pros

Cons

Lifetime free card (no annual fees)

Reward points may expire if not used in time

Instant cashback and generous rewards

Lounge access not available on all card types

EMI conversion on big purchases

Forex markup applies on international usage

Contactless payments and quick delivery

Offers may vary across locations

Transparent fee structure

EMI facility depends on merchant eligibility


Dev believes the pros are perfect for everyday users. The cons are minor and manageable if you read the terms.

Required Documents to Apply for Federal Bank Credit Card:

Dev appreciated how easy the documentation was. He didn’t have to carry papers to a branch. Everything was uploaded online through the website and app. The bank only asked for basic KYC and income proof.

Here’s a complete list of the documents Dev used, and what others might need depending on the card type:
 

Document Type

For Regular Credit Card

For FD-Backed Credit Card

Identity Proof

PAN Card + Aadhaar

PAN Card + Aadhaar

Address Proof

Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Utility Bill

Aadhaar or Utility Bill

Income Proof

Latest Salary Slip or ITR

Not needed

Bank Statement

Last 3 months

Only if applying for unsecured card

Fixed Deposit Receipt

Not required

Required


Dev completed the entire process in under 20 minutes using just his phone. It was stress-free and completely online.

Key Features & Benefits

 

Dev values the Federal Bank Credit Card highly, as it enables him to both save and accrue rewards on his everyday expenditures. Let us examine the advantages he derives from these benefits: 

 

Feature

How does Dev benefit?

Example from Dev's Life

Cashback Offers

Gets money back on spending

Saved ₹500 on grocery shopping

Discounts

Extra savings on dining and movies

Got 15% off at his favourite restaurant

Reward Points

Earns points for free vouchers

Collected 2,000 points for an Amazon voucher

Fuel Surcharge Waiver

No extra charge on fuel payments

Collected 2,000 points for an Amazon voucher

Easy EMI

Breaks big purchases into small payments

Bought a laptop with a 6-month no-cost EMI

Contactless Payments

Fast and secure tap-to-pay

Pays quickly at supermarkets

Travel Benefits

Free lounge access and travel discounts

Enjoyed a free airport lounge visit


As shown in the table above, Dev gains value from multiple everyday transactions. From grocery shopping to travel, his Federal Bank Credit Card helps him save money, earn rewards, and enjoy convenience, all at the same time.

Dev considers his card highly advantageous because:

  • It enables him to economise on routine expenditures.
     
  • It renders substantial purchases more manageable through the EMI facility.
     
  • It awards him complimentary rewards simply for his ordinary spending.

The Federal Bank Credit Card allows Dev to handle his day-to-day finances with ease and efficiency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a Federal Bank Credit Card:

Federal Bank offers a simple process to apply for its credit cards. You can choose to apply online from home or offline by visiting a branch.

A. How to Apply for a Federal Bank Credit Card Online?

Let’s see the online process:

1. Visit the Federal Bank Website

  • Go to the official Federal Bank website.
     
  • Click on the “Credit Cards” section.
     
  • Choose the card that suits you (Signet, Imperio, or Celesta).
     
  • Click on “Apply Now”.

2. Check Your Eligibility

  • Enter your mobile number and PAN.
     
  • Enter the OTP sent to your mobile.
     
  • The system will check if you're eligible based on basic details.

3. Fill the Online Application Form

  • Provide your personal, employment, and income details carefully.
     
  • Double-check to make sure everything matches your documents.

Documents Required:

  • PAN card
     
  • Aadhaar card
     
  • Latest salary slip or ITR (if self-employed)

4. Upload Documents

  • Upload clear scanned copies or photos of your documents:
     
    • PAN card
       
    • Aadhaar card
       
    • Last 3 months’ bank statements
       
    • Salary slip or income proof

5. Get Approval

  • After document verification anda credit check, the bank will review your application.
     
  • If approved, you will receive an SMS or email confirmation.

6. Card Delivery

  • Your credit card will be delivered to your address.
     
  • Show valid ID proof to the delivery person if required.

7. Activate the Card

  • Once you receive the card, activate it by setting a PIN.
     
  • You can activate the card via:
     
    • Mobile banking app
       
    • Internet banking
       
    • ATM
       
    • Customer care phone service

Applying online for a Federal Bank Credit Card is quick, paperless, and can be done from the comfort of your home in just a few steps.

B. How to Apply for a Federal Bank Credit Card Offline?

Here is a process for applying offline:

1. Visit Your Nearest Federal Bank Branch

  • Go to any Federal Bank branch during working hours.
     
  • Ask for the credit card application form.

2. Fill the Application Form

  • Complete the form with correct personal and financial details.

3. Submit the Form with Documents

  • Submit the form along with photocopies of:
     
    • PAN card
       
    • Aadhaar card
       
    • 3-month bank statement
       
    • Salary slip or income documents

4. Wait for Processing

  • The bank will verify your documents and check your credit profile.
     
  • You will receive a call or SMS once your card is approved.

5. Card Delivery and Activation

  • The credit card will be sent to your registered address.
     
  • Activate it by setting a PIN through mobile banking, ATM, or customer care.

If you prefer face-to-face assistance, the offline process lets you apply easily by visiting your nearest Federal Bank branch and getting personal guidance.

How did Dev apply for his Federal Bank Credit Card?

Dev was eager to obtain a credit card that combined attractive rewards with valuable discounts. He ultimately opted for Federal Bank, appreciating the clarity and simplicity of the process. The application he proceeded to submit was as follows:
 

Step

What Dev Did

Documents Needed

Time Taken

1. Check Eligibility

Confirmed that he satisfied the minimum salary criterion of ₹15,000 per month and met the age requirement of 21 years or above.

None

5 minutes

2. Choose Card Type

Opted for the Federal Signet card to maximise cashback on fuel and grocery expenditures.

None

10 minutes

3. Apply Online

Completed the application form on the Federal Bank website with accurate personal and financial details.

PAN, Aadhaar, Salary Slip

15 minutes

4. Submit Documents

Uploaded scanned copies

Bank Statement (3 months)

2 days

5. Get Approval

Received SMS confirmation

None

3 working days

6. Card Delivery

Got the card at home

ID Proof for verification

2 more days


Key Features Dev Appreciated:

  • The entire application procedure could be completed from the comfort of his home.
     

  • Visiting a branch was entirely unnecessary.
     

  • He received the card within just five working days.
     

  • The documentation requirements were straightforward and minimal.

Dev was genuinely pleased to navigate the entire process online without any stress or inconvenience. His new card was delivered swiftly, allowing him to start availing its benefits immediately and seamlessly.

 

How Dev Maximises Rewards with His Federal Bank Credit Card?

 

Dev is well aware of how to utilise his credit card optimally to maximise its benefits. He offers the following guidance to ensure others achieve similar success:

 

Tip

How Dev Does It

Rewards Gained

Use for Daily Expenses

Pays for groceries, fuel, and bills.

Earns 5% cashback every month.

Shop with Partners

Uses a card at tied-up stores and websites.

Gets an extra 10% discount.

 

Pay Full Bill On Time

Clears the total due before the deadline.

Avoids interest charges.

Convert to EMI

Splits big purchases like electronics.

Pays in easy instalments.

 

Track Offers

Check the bank app for new deals weekly.

Uses limited-time promotions.

 

By following these simple tips, Dev makes the most of his Federal Bank Credit Card every month, earning savings, avoiding charges, and enjoying extra discounts with no extra effort.

Dev's Monthly Reward Illustration:

  • Expended ₹20,000 on groceries, fuel, and retail purchases.
     
  • Realised savings of ₹1,000 through cashback and promotional discounts.
     
  • Accumulated 1,500 reward points, equivalent to a monetary value of ₹750.
     
  • Avoided ₹300 in interest charges by ensuring the timely settlement of his balance.

By adhering to these prudent spending habits, Dev consistently retains additional funds each month without compromising his lifestyle. The efficacy of his credit card is markedly enhanced due to his disciplined management of expenditures.

Bonus tip: He can further augment his rewards by referring friends. By extending the benefits to three acquaintances, he stands to earn up to 500 points per referral, thereby maximising the utility of his card.

How Dev Stays Safe with His Federal Bank Credit Card?

 

Dev knows his Federal Bank Credit Card is safe because of all these protection details:

 

  • Instant SMS alerts for every transaction, so Dev immediately knows if his card is used.
     
  • 24/7 card blocking through the mobile app if he misplaces his card.
     
  • Zero fraud liability protects Dev from unauthorised transactions.
     
  • Secure online payments with mandatory OTP verification.

 

When Dev found out last month that his card was missing, he promptly blocked it through Federal Bank customer care. A new card was sent to him right away, allowing him to keep his money secure. Because Federal Bank is secure, Dev feels comfortable using his card every day.

Conclusion

 

Dev uses his Federal Bank Credit Card every day. It helps him save money on groceries, food, and travel. He also earns reward points and can pay big bills in small parts using EMIs. If he ever loses the card, he gets instant SMS alerts and can block it quickly. The card makes shopping, bill payments, and travel easy and safe and helps him spend less.

FAQs

1. Can I convert international transactions into EMI on my Federal Bank Credit Card?

Yes, Federal Bank allows you to convert high-value international transactions into EMIs, based on the merchant type and your card variant. You can check eligibility by logging into the Federal Bank app or by calling customer care within 30 days of the transaction.

2. Can I use my Federal Bank Credit Card to pay rent or education fees?

Yes, rent and education fees can be paid through platforms like CRED, Paytm, or NoBroker. 

3. How do I temporarily freeze or unfreeze my Federal Bank Credit Card without calling customer care?

You can freeze or unfreeze your Federal Bank Credit Card directly through the mobile banking app. 

 

 

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About the Author

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LoansJagat Team

‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.

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