logo
Going digital? Secure your online transactions with a virtual credit card

Going digital? Secure your online transactions with a virtual credit card

Mint02-05-2025

Online transactions have become an integral part of our daily lives, and ensuring secure and seamless payment is essential in this digital shift. Virtual credit cards offer a safe environment for online spending by protecting sensitive card information. If you are considering virtual cards, the IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST EA ₹ N Credit Card provides security, convenience, and cashback offers through its FD-backed virtual credit card.
A virtual credit card is a digital version of a physical credit card, offering a credit card number virtually that you can use for online transactions. Unlike some virtual cards that generate new card numbers for every transaction, fixed-number virtual cards are stable and convenient for recurring payments. The FIRST EA ₹ N Credit Card by IDFC FIRST Bank is an example of this.
Backed by a fixed deposit (FD), this card can be obtained without the need for a salary cheque or credit history verification. By opening an FD with as little as ₹ 5,000, you can obtain a credit limit of a minimum 100% of the FD value. This can be an option, especially if you are a first-time credit card user looking to build your credit profile.
Virtual credit cards like the FIRST EA ₹ N card offer a range of benefits for shopping and payments: Enhanced security: Virtual cards can reduce the risk of fraud by keeping your physical card details hidden, potentially avoiding card cloning or data breaches. Cardholders may also benefit from lost card liability coverage up to ₹ 25,000 and personal accident cover worth ₹ 2,00,000 in case of mishaps. Convenient digital payments: The FIRST EA ₹ N Credit Card allows for making purchases using your smartphone, reducing the need to carry a physical card. Cashback offers: Cardholders can earn cashback on spends made via the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app (capped at ₹ 500 per statement cycle). Cashback is also available on UPI transactions through other apps and on utility payments, insurance premiums, and wallet loads done via the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app. There is also cashback on the first UPI transaction with FIRST EA ₹ N. Discounts and perks: Cardholders may enjoy discount of 25% on movie tickets booked through Zomato and can avail complimentary roadside assistance. Financial backing and protection: While you have uninterrupted access to funds, you also earn 7.25% p.a. interest on your fixed deposit while using the credit limit.
For those new to credit cards, the FIRST EA ₹ N Credit Card offers a combination of accessibility, security, and potential reward. Here's why it's notable for first-time users: No credit history required: This card can be obtained without prior credit experience or income proof by opening a fixed deposit with IDFC FIRST Bank.
This card can be obtained without prior credit experience or income proof by opening a fixed deposit with IDFC FIRST Bank. FD-backed security: The FD secures the credit limit, which may help users build credit responsibly.
The FD secures the credit limit, which may help users build credit responsibly. Easy UPI integration: FIRST EA ₹ N is a virtual RuPay credit card, allowing for UPI integration and shopping across merchants by scanning a QR code.
FIRST EA N is a virtual RuPay credit card, allowing for UPI integration and shopping across merchants by scanning a QR code. Fees: With a joining and annual fee of ₹ 499 + GST, you gain access to premium features without a heavy price tag.
With a joining and annual fee of 499 + GST, you gain access to premium features without a heavy price tag. Virtual access: Cardholders can apply, complete KYC, and potentially start using the virtual card quickly.
Cardholders can apply, complete KYC, and potentially start using the virtual card quickly. Rewards: Cashback deals may be available on various spends like shopping online, paying bills, or dining out.
The IDFC FIRST Bank FIRST EA ₹ N Credit Card offers online payment security and potential value through rewards, discounts, UPI integration, and security features. Securing the card against an FD allows for credit access without needing a credit history, which can make it an option for first-time users.
Those considering digital transactions may explore the FIRST EA ₹ N Virtual Credit Card for a potentially seamless and secure online spending experience.
First Published: 2 May 2025, 05:17 PM IST

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From AI to UPI: How tech is redefining travel for Indians in 2025
From AI to UPI: How tech is redefining travel for Indians in 2025

Time of India

time8 hours ago

  • Time of India

From AI to UPI: How tech is redefining travel for Indians in 2025

Remember when booking a vacation meant standing in line at a travel agency, flipping through glossy brochures, and hoping your hotel looked something like the pictures? Fast forward to 2025, and Indian travel planning is less 'bargain at the counter' and more chatting with AI bots any time of the year. Whether you're craving a sunrise trek in the Sahyadris or a last-minute beach escape to Bali, all it takes is a swipe, tap, or even a voice note. The new trend of turning to the AI for everything under the sun, to UPI payments that zap money across time zones in seconds, tech has turned travel from task to treat. No more overpacking printed tickets or arguing over directions, you have got your smartphone and you are covered. In this digital travel renaissance, Indians are no longer willing to just travel; they're tech-powered explorers charting the globe one algorithm at a time. Bon voyage, but make it digital. Therefore, in 2025, technical breakthroughs, shifting traveler preferences, and a boom in digital adoption have all contributed to a dramatic shift in India's online travel scene. With the online travel market expected to reach USD 124.10 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%, internet travel platforms are significantly changing the way Indians book, plan, and enjoy their travels. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New York: Gov Will Cover Your Cost To Install Solar If You Live In These Zips SunValue Learn More Undo Read more: 5 day trips from Noida that are super fun AI-powered personalisation: Crafting tailored travel experiences Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of revolutionising the travel industry. In terms of online platforms, there are ample choices, which have also introduced AI-driven tools, such as the Vacation Planner, which leverages advanced models to curate personalised itineraries based on user preferences . Similarly, the platforms also offer customised hotel and homestay recommendations by analysing your past searches and booking patterns . These innovations cater to the growing demand for hyper-personalized travel experiences, ensuring that travelers receive suggestions that align with their unique interests and budgets. Mobile-first approach: Empowering travelers on the go We now need mobile phones for almost everything. Right from booking vacations to making payments, mobile phones are the answer. Well, we can't ignore the proliferation of smartphones and the affordable internet has positioned mobile platforms as the primary interface for travel bookings. User convenience features such as real-time updates, rapid payments, and discounts available only on mobile devices, are some things that we get in our finger tips. To reach a wider audience, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, travel agencies are optimising their apps with voice search, support for vernacular languages, and AI chatbots. This mobile-first strategy ensures that travelers can plan and manage their journeys seamlessly, anytime and anywhere. Digital payments and blockchain The premium features of digital payment systems that have been incorporated to enhance the booking process and offer speedy and secure transactions are e-wallets and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). We are now so used to using these systems that most of us rarely have cash in hand. Reports add that in October 2024, UPI processed 16.58 billion transactions, worth INR 23.49 lakh crores, a 45% rise over the previous year. Blockchain technology also increases transparency and reduces fraud risk, particularly when making reservations for a hotel, transportation, or ticket. These advancements boost the efficacy of the travel sector while simultaneously boosting user confidence. Read more: 3-year citizenship no more? Germany's new migration, visa freeze rules explained AI assistants and chatbots AI-powered travel assistants are transforming customer service by offering real-time support, personalized itinerary suggestions, and seamless booking experiences. These assistants analyze traveler preferences, offer predictive recommendations, and assist with dynamic pricing, ensuring a more efficient and tailored travel planning process. Mindful and sustainable travel Meanwhile, reports also indicate that Indian travelers, as well as global travellers, are increasingly prioritising eco-conscious and wellness-focused journeys. Like for example, a report revealed that around 70% of Indian respondents aim to be more mindful of their health and well-being while traveling . This shift is evident in the rising interest in wellness itineraries that not only offer them the freedom of travel but also offer long-term benefits. Seeing this tend, travel platforms are actively responding to their needs by incorporating sustainable options, such as carbon-neutral travel and community-based tourism initiatives, into their offerings . Social media and pop culture In today's age and culture, social media platforms and pop culture are significant influencers in travel planning. It has been found put that as many as 68% of Indian travelers turn to social media for travel ideas, whereas as many as 57% rely on online media, including newspapers and magazines . Further, films and television also serve as an inspiration for their travel, which makes up to 52%. This trend shows how much the digital content is responsible in shaping travel preferences and decisions. Dynamic booking tools To cater to these much evolved travellers, online travel platforms are going on full throttle to serve them by introducing tools to address challenges like fluctuating booking patterns and limited ticket availability. Now, features such as Seat Availability Forecast and Sold-out Alerts are available to help travellers to anticipate the chances of securing a confirmed seat and notify them when tickets become available for fully booked trains . These features empower travelers with real-time information, enabling quicker and more informed booking decisions. The demographics and habits of travellers are becoming more diverse in the Indian tourism market. Around 60.7% of tourists are under 35, demonstrating Gen Z and millennials' predominance. This group shows a predilection for immersive and unusual activities, such as wellness retreats, adventure travel, and cultural excursions. Furthermore, a 34% rise in international solo travel shows that people are becoming more interested in independent and customised travel experiences. In 2025, online travel platforms in India are not just facilitators of bookings but are integral to the entire travel experience. Through AI-driven personalisation, mobile-first strategies, secure digital transactions, and a focus on sustainability and wellness, these platforms are reshaping how Indian travelers explore the world. As technology continues to evolve and traveler preferences shift, the role of online travel platforms will only become more central in crafting memorable and meaningful journeys. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change

From Detroit to Delhi: Little Caesars Expands Global Footprint with Launch in India
From Detroit to Delhi: Little Caesars Expands Global Footprint with Launch in India

Business Standard

time9 hours ago

  • Business Standard

From Detroit to Delhi: Little Caesars Expands Global Footprint with Launch in India

NewsVoir New Delhi [India], June 7: Little Caesars, the world's largest family-owned pizza chain is officially expanding to India, marking its 30th country of operation. With its first location set to open in a premium location in Delhi NCR in the month of June, 2025, Indian pizza lovers will now get to experience the brand's iconic HOT-N-READY® pizza, known for its high quality, affordability, and convenience. Little Caesars entry into India reflects the brand's ongoing commitment to global growth, bringing its signature menu and exceptional value to a new market of pizza enthusiasts. The brand's first restaurant in Delhi NCR is just the beginning, with plans for additional locations to follow. "Launching in India marks an exciting milestone for Little Caesars as we expand into our 30th country. With our delicious pizzas and unbeatable value, we're eagerly anticipating introducing a unique menu that we believe will captivate India," said Paula Vissing, President, Global Retail, Little Caesars Pizza. "Our mission has always been to offer delicious, high-quality food at exceptional prices, and we can't wait to introduce Little Caesars to families, students, and busy professionals throughout India." Little Caesars is bringing their iconic pizza to India, offering an exciting new take on high-quality, affordable pizza. The brand has created an entirely new and unique menu exclusively for guests in India, blending its signature quality and value with bold, local flavors. With this innovative menu, affordable pricing, and a focus on convenience, Little Caesars is ready to become a go-to dining destination for pizza lovers across the country. By embracing the rich culinary heritage of India while staying true to its commitment to great taste and incredible value, Little Caesars is set to make a lasting impact in this dynamic market. Little Caesars expansion into India is led by Harnessing Harvest-- a franchisee powered by nearly nine decades of legacy in the Indian food and hospitality industry. Backed by a highly valued and respected parent enterprise with a valuation exceeding $10 billion, and generations of consumer trust, Harnessing Harvest brings unmatched understanding of the Indian market, evolving palates, and local consumer behavior. With deep industry roots and a proven track record, Harnessing Harvest ensures that Little Caesars global promise of quality, value, speed, and family orientation is thoughtfully adapted to India's dynamic culinary landscape. As rising incomes and global tastes reshape dining habits, consumers seek out international brands. This relationship marks the beginning of a consumer experience that is both iconic and locally irresistible. Little Caesars arrival in India continues the brand's impressive international growth, with recent launches in markets such as Cambodia and Kuwait. As it establishes itself in India, Little Caesars aims to become an integral part of the community, offering a delicious and affordable dining option for all. Little Caesars, the Best Value in Pizza* in the United States, was founded by Mike and Marian Ilitch as a single, family-owned restaurant in 1959 and is headquartered in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It is the third-largest pizza chain in the world, with restaurants in each of the 50 U.S. states and 30 countries and territories. Known for its HOT-N-READY® pizza, Crazy Puffs®, and famed Crazy Bread®, Little Caesars uses quality ingredients, like fresh, never-frozen mozzarella and Muenster cheese and sauce made from fresh-packed, vine-ripened California crushed tomatoes. The brand is known for innovation and is home to the exclusive Pizza Portal® pickup, a heated, self-service mobile order pickup station. A high-growth company with over 65 years in the $150 billion worldwide pizza industry, Little Caesars continually looks for franchisee candidates to join the team in markets worldwide. In addition to providing the opportunity for entrepreneurial independence in a franchise system, Little Caesars offers a simple operating system, a reputation for taste and value, and strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized characters in the country, Little Caesar. Little Caesars is proud to be part of the Ilitch Companies family of businesses.

What more to expect from Paraguayan President's visit
What more to expect from Paraguayan President's visit

Hindustan Times

time12 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

What more to expect from Paraguayan President's visit

A lot can happen over a maiden visit of a State leader. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña's three day long maiden visit to India from June 2- 4 presents a momentum in turning point in the ties of New Delhi and Asuncion, the capital of the landlocked, riverine nation. An economist by degree and occupation, President Peña brings a data-driven perspective to governance, viewing society through analytical metrics not just by his political ideology and preconceived principles, drawing from office. Prior to assuming the presidency, President Pena was the finance minister and once led the Central Bank of Paraguay. President Peña's maiden visit after a brief gap of any leader's visit to India occurs at an time when China has almost no naysayers in Latin America. Paraguay is the only country in South America that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Strategically, India and Paraguay share a common outlook on supporting Taiwan's autonomy. In December, Paraguay expelled Chinese envoy Xu Wei for alleged interference in its internal affairs. During his visit to New Delhi, President Peña held comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a wide range of issues. He emphasized that Paraguay produces enough food to feed ten times its own population. The nation possesses an intimate knowledge of the soil, yet remains bereft of technological acumen. Agritech and high-tech collaboration are essential between two aspiring nations. India is a perfect match in advancing its ambition for global food security through such partnerships. Interestingly, Paraguay also produces stevia, a natural sweetener permitted in India; however, Indian importers currently rely mostly on China and the US. There is clear scope for Indian players to tap into Paraguay as a new and reliable source. Paraguay's export portfolio is traditionally reserved to the periphery, with most of its trade directed to China, Brazil, and Argentina. However, it is now actively seeking to diversify its partners. As a landlocked nation with no coastline to secure, Paraguay benefits from a relatively low defence burden. It borders Argentina to the south and southwest, Brazil to the east and northeast, and Bolivia to the northwest—all trade partners, not threats. Given its strategic central location in South America, Paraguay could serve as a valuable regional hub for India to access broader Latin American markets. Both countries are eager to strengthen and expand their existing trade links under the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement. However, consensus among all five MERCOSUR member states is required to expand any talks between India and MERCOSUR. Paraguay's trade with China is about $5 billion plus whereas with India time to time differs from $130 million to $470 million. India wouldn't be in a position to reach anything near that China's export but it should rapidly increase the trade volume. India's advances in IT, digitalisation, innovation, and platforms like UPI and UIDAI have drawn interest from many South American countries, including Paraguay. Paraguay has historically maintained modest defence expenditures, but recent years have seen a shift in strategy. As India begins producing AK-203 assault rifles in Uttar Pradesh in collaboration with Russia, there is growing interest in expanding defence cooperation. Paraguay may consider imports of defence and surveillance items for traditional as well as cyber threats, including Indian-manufactured small arms and police equipment. Paraguay has overcome its traumatic past marked by two wars - the War of the Triple Alliance (1864–1870) against Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, which resulted in the loss of a large part of its territory and left the nation devastated for decades. And the other, Chaco War against Bolivia (1932–1935). Despite being landlocked, Paraguay is crisscrossed by large rivers and generates nearly all its electricity from hydroelectric sources. The Itaipu Dam, a joint operation with Brazil, supplies about 90% of Paraguay's electricity. India's capabilities in riverine and flood data management, as well as weather prediction, could be of immense value to Paraguay's hydro-focused energy sector. Given Paraguay's extensive river systems, there may also be opportunities for India and Paraguay to exchange knowledge or develop initiatives related to riverine connectivity - benefiting from each other's experience as major riverine nations. A member of the Lima Group, Paraguay is a vocal supporter of reforming the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral institutions, including global financial systems. India, with its rich civilizational heritage and growing global influence, is well-positioned to build a deep and enduring relationship with Paraguay—one that spans not just trade, but also for a defiant advocate of multipolarity. For an economist or a social scientist, society is the largest laboratory. During his visit, President Peña has already engaged with numerous leaders and heads of institutions. He showed particular interest in the Vande Bharat trains and connectivity projects, signalling plans to explore and possibly collaborate in these areas. Paraguay, a nation of around seven million people is a vast agrarian country, with approximately 40% of its territory covered in forest. It also possesses rich mineral resources, including critical minerals such as uranium and lithium which are in demand in India. Paraguay has had its share of challenges despite being a high performer in the agriculture sector. India should come forward identifying and helping to eradicate them. With its brigade of travel influencers, India must promote the nation's civilisation-based tourism and Spanish speaking youtubers bring more visitors to India. Paraguay is dire need of applied technology especially IT. Business ties between India and Paraguay could expand beyond meat and soybean exports. Major Indian automobile companies are already present in Paraguay, but there is scope for exporting superior tech-driven mobility equipment such as two-wheelers, lifts, elevators, and goods transporters. This article is authored by Ayanangsha Maitra, journalist, Center of Geoeconomics for the Global South, UAE.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store