Lifetime Free Credit Cards In India 2024

Lifetime Free Credit Cards In India 2024
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Written By
Utsah Sharma
Utsah Sharma
Utsah Sharma is a seasoned financial expert with a Master’s Degree in Commerce specialising in Financial Services, Investments, Loan Assessments, Mutual Funds, Banking & Loan products. Drawing on her experience, she has established herself as a trusted voice, providing invaluable insights and guidance to seasoned investors and beginners. She is committed to breaking down the complexities of everything finance.
Reviewed By
Amit Prakash Singh
Amit Prakash Singh
Co-Founder, Square Yards & Chief Business Officer, Urban Money
Amit Prakash Singh is the Chief Business Officer at Urban Money. With over nine years of experience at Square Capital, he has played a crucial role in establishing it as one of India's premier loan advisory services. Amit's deep financial insights and extensive knowledge have driven significant business growth and strategic advancements. He has successfully built and managed large sales teams, optimised costs, and created leaders within the industry. Amit's financial expertise and strategic vision are key to the ongoing success and expansion of Square Yards and Urban Money.

A credit card that is free for life has no initiation or yearly fees. Beginners or first-time card users who have recently started their professional path or have never taken any type of credit in the past are best suited for these free credit cards. Those who don’t want to pay a price for the card can also benefit from lifetime free cards. There are a few credit cards in this category that offer decent value despite the fact that the majority of them only offer little benefits and typically have low rewards rates.

15 No Annual Fee , Lifetime Free Credit Cards In India 

The top lifetime free credit cards in India are presented here. To aid you in making a decision and selecting the finest credit card for your needs, we have included a list of recommended recipients for each card.

Credit Cards Best Suited For
Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card Online Shopping at Amazon
IDFC First Select Credit Card Rewards and Travel
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card Reward Points
IDFC First Millennia Credit Card Rewards and Travel
ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card Reward Points
IndusInd Bank Platinum Credit Card Travel, Golf, Entertainment, Fuel
YES Prosperity Edge Online and International Spends
Kotak Fortune Gold Credit Card High Cash Limit, Fuel, Movie Tickets
YES Prosperity Reward Plus Credit Card Online Shopping, International Usage
Axis Insta Easy Credit Card Shopping, Dining
YES First Preferred  Travel, Entertainment, Shopping, Dining
Axis MY Zone Easy Credit Card Travel, Entertainment, Dining, Rewards
YES Premia Credit Card Travel, Entertainment, Shopping, Dining
Bank of Baroda Prime Credit Card Cashback on Daily Spending
RBL Insignia Preferred Banking World Credit Card Rewards on Shopping

Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

Key Highlights: The Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card may be the best card in the field of lifetime free. Since they receive the largest reward, Amazon Prime subscribers might benefit the most from the card. Amazon Pay Balance is credited as cashback and can be used to fund more purchases.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • Welcome Bonus of Amazon Pay Balance (Rs. 300- Rs. 600)
  • For Prime members, Amazon offers 5% back on purchases.
  • Amazon offers non-prime customers 3% cashback.
  • 100+ Amazon Pay partner merchants provide 2% cashback.
  • 1% rebate on all other purchases
  • 15% discounts and promotions at a few partner restaurants in India
  • 1% of gasoline surcharges at Indian gas stations have been waived.

Suitable for: 

If you frequently shop on Amazon and want a credit card that provides respectable cashback on your purchases, this is a good option.

IDFC First Select Credit Card

For those seeking a high rewards rate, the IDFC First Select Credit Card is a lifetime free card. This card operates on an incremental spend reward points mechanism, whereby the earning grows after you hit a specific spending milestone. As a result, the more you spend, the more you earn.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and Benefits

  • Voucher worth Rs. 500
  • Get 10x more reward points for purchases over Rs. 20,000 each billing cycle.
  • 10x bonus points when you purchase on your birthday
  • Get 6x bonus points for online purchases.
  • Get three times the reward points for offline purchases.
  • Spend Rs. 15,000 within the first 90 days to receive a gift voucher worth Rs. 500.
  • Gain access to up to 4 domestic airport lounges each quarter.
  • Access the railway lounge up to 4 times every quarter.
  • 1.99% is a minimal foreign currency markup fee.

Suitable For:

Frequent and ardent travelers and shoppers.

HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Joining Offers: 

  • Receive an Amazon gift card worth Rs. 5000
  • Gain access to up to 3 airport lounges for free, both domestically and internationally.
  • Get a 50% discount (up to Rs. 100) on your first Google Pay purchase.
  • Within the first 60 days of card issuance, receive 10% cashback up to Rs. 2,000 on 5 transactions totaling Rs. 10,000.

Features and benefits:

  • Earn 2 points for each Rs. 150 you spend using the card.
  • After spending more than the annual ceiling of Rs. 4 lakh (5X reward points),
  • For transactions between Rs. 400 and Rs. 4000, the fuel cost is removed (up to Rs. 250 per transaction).
  • coupon for a 500 rupee movie ticket after spending more than Rs. 50,000 every month.
  • In large cities, more than 1,000 eateries provide discounts of up to 15% on food costs.

Suitable for:

It is appropriate for consumers who often use their credit card for daily costs like eating out, shopping, and other little purchases.

IDFC First Millennia Credit Card

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Joining Offer:

Cashback of 5% of the payment of the first EMI and a voucher worth Rs. 500.

Features and benefits:

  • Up to Rs. 20,000 in monthly offline spending can earn 3X rewards.
  • 6X benefits on monthly online spending of up to Rs. 20,000
  • Get 10-times greater rewards on purchases after attaining the Rs. 20,000 milestone across all categories.
  • Spend 50,000 rupees within 90 days of card activation to receive a welcome incentive of 500 rupees.
  • 5% cashback on EMI transactions made within 90 days (max. cashback Rs. 1,000)
  • 25% off movie tickets purchased with the Paytm mobile app (up to Rs. 100)

Suitable for:

It has a good reward rate and is most suitable for heavy spenders. On specific transactions made with this card, you can earn up to 10X the usual reward points. Additionally, if you do a lot of online shopping, you can increase your reward points. When compared to other credit cards with no annual charge, this credit card’s overall rewards rate of 3% is excellent.

ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card

For those who are unfamiliar with credit and require a straightforward card simply to improve their credit score, the ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card is ideal. One of the best credit cards without an annual fee is this one.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • 100 rupees spent on utilities and insurance equals one reward point.
  • 2 reward points for every 100 rupees spent on everything else besides fuel.
  • Redeem your rewards for ICICI Rewards catalogue gift cards or merchandise.
  • 1% of the fuel levy is waived at HPCL gas stations for purchases under Rs. 4,000.
  • Dine at any of our 2,500 partner restaurants for up to a 15% discount.

Suitable for:

It provides better benefits in the aforementioned category as it is more suited for retail purchases. Along with incentives, this credit card also provides other fundamental advantages including eating discounts, waivers of fuel surcharges, vouchers, and more.

IndusInd Bank Platinum Credit Card

The IndusInd Bank Platinum Card gives advantages in many areas, including travel, leisure, entertainment, etc. Pay the membership fee and benefit from the card’s lifetime perks at no further cost.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • Free golf instruction from certified instructors is available at several golf clubs in India.
  • Pre-trip assistance, special bookings, hotel reservations, and other concierge services are among the travel perks.
  • Membership in Priority Pass, which is free and grants access to more than 700 airport lounges worldwide.
  • Purchase insurance to protect yourself from fraudulent transactions and unlawful purchases.
  • Auto Assist offers 24-hour roadside assistance.
  • Enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all gas stations nationwide.

Suitable For:

those seeking a single card with a premium set of lifestyle benefits that requires minimal upkeep.

YES Prosperity Edge

Apply for a YES Bank credit card right away to start taking advantage of its free lifetime benefits.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • When spending Rs. 100 or more on birthday, online, or overseas purchases, you can earn up to 6 reward points.
  • 12 free golf lessons per year at specific Indian golf courses
  • Free enrollment in the airport priority pass programme and two free visits to domestic airport lounges each quarter.
  • Up to Rs. 65 lakh in insurance coverage for the primary cardholder.
  • lowered loan rates and a more favourable foreign exchange markup charge.

Suitable for:

This card is suitable for those who shop online, particularly on foreign websites or locales. Golf, travel, and other perks are all complementary.

Kotak Fortune Gold Credit Card

The Kotak Fortune Gold Credit Card is only available to businesspeople and offers standard credit card perks on things like purchasing tickets and gas.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits: 

  • Spend Rs. 1,50,000 over the course of a year and receive four complimentary PVR tickets OR a cash refund of Rs. 750.
  • Extra cash available up to 50% of the credit limit
  • There will be no 1.8% and 1% fuel surcharges for ordering train tickets.
  • An Rs. 50,000 credit shield insurance policy for lost credit cards

Suitable for:

It is suitable for people who are in need of a basic credit card.

YES Prosperity Reward Plus Credit Card

With the expedited rewards provided by the YES Prosperity Reward Plus Card, you may earn while you spend. Spending on the internet and abroad would have particular benefits.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • Select YESCART transactions will continue to offer accelerated rewards points.
  • For every 200 INR spent on categories other than “Select categories,” you receive 8 reward points.
  • 200 INR will earn 4 reward points when spent on select categories.
  • 5X Reward Points on the biller’s initial three YES PayNow transactions
  • Insurance protection in the event of the principal cardholder’s accidental death.
  • lowered loan rates and a more favourable foreign exchange markup charge.
  • Free 1% fuel surcharge is available at all Indian gas stations.

Suitable for:

This credit card is suitable for those who shop online, particularly on foreign websites or locales.

Axis Insta Easy Credit Card

The Axis Insta Easy Credit Card, which may be issued against a fixed deposit of up to Rs. 25 lakh, is best suited for those without a credit history.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • Create credit ceilings that are variable, up to 80% of the fixed deposit.
  • The maximum credit amount that can be withdrawn in cash is 100%.
  • Waiver of 1% fuel fee
  • 15% off the total tab at certain eateries.

Suitable for:

It is suitable for candidates who are using the credit card for the first time and have no prior credit history.

YES First Preferred

Travel, entertainment, insurance, shopping, and dining are all expenses that can be reduced by using the card. To take advantage of the free privileges for life, apply now for the YES First Preferred Credit Card.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • Free Priority Pass membership with four visits to airport lounges each year.
  • Up to 20,000 reward points in spend-based bonuses.
  • At specific Indian golf courses, one free golf lesson is offered each month.
  • 25% off all BookMyShow movie ticket purchases.
  • One crore rupees’ worth of life insurance coverage for the main cardholder.
  • Concierge services are available around-the-clock to help with things like car rental reservations, hotel bookings, restaurant recommendations, and gift deliveries.

Suitable for:

It is suitable for people who want the highest lifestyle advantages available on their credit cards.

Axis MY Zone Easy Credit Card

The Axis MY Zone Easy Credit Card has no annual fee and offers perks in a number of categories, including rewards, eating, entertainment, and travel.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • Movie tickets are offered at a discount.
  • Get a 100% discount on a second movie ticket when you use your My Zone credit card at Paytm cinemas.
  • Get a 30-day SonyLiv premium subscription when you swipe the card for the first time.
  • Get 40% off food ordered with Swiggy.

Suitable for:

It is suitable for people who love to spend time shopping, going out to eat, and seeing movies.

YES Premia Credit Card

The card offers discounts on all of these spending categories, including travel, entertainment, insurance, shopping, and dining. Apply now to receive the benefits of the YES Premia Credit Card for free forever.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • Rewards points have no expiration date.
  • Complimentary Priority Pass membership, which grants access to airport lounges.
  • Low interest rates and enticing currency conversion markup fees.
  • 2.5 lakh rupees in insurance coverage in the event of an accidental death.
  • At particular Indian golf courses, one complimentary lesson is provided each month.
  • Get four green fees waived at selected Indian golf courses.
  • For purchases between INR 400 and INR 5,000, petrol outlets across India will waive the 1% fuel levy.

Suitable for:

This credit card is issued to the YES Premia Banking customers only.

Bank of Baroda Prime Credit Card

The greatest candidates for this Bank of Baroda Prime Credit Card are those seeking cashback on regular purchases.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • Allows you to exchange prizes for cash or credit.
  • Enables you to convert purchases over Rs. 2,500 into convenient EMIs
  • A monthly fuel surcharge waiver of up to Rs. 250

Suitable for:

This credit card is suitable for those seeking rewards in the form of cashback.

RBL Insignia Preferred Banking World Credit Card

The greatest candidates for this RBL Insignia Preferred Banking World Credit Card are those seeking benefits for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)

Features and benefits:

  • 5x reward points for domestic purchases and 10x reward points for foreign purchases
  • With a membership to the priority pass, you can visit more than 1,000 international airport lounges.
  • Get a Rs. 500 discount on BookMyShow each month.
  • Discount rates when eating at particular partner restaurants.
  • complimentary games of golf with a 50% discount on green fees.

Suitable for:

This card is suitable for dining, entertainment, shopping, and golf experiences.

Lifetime Free Credit Cards  – Features & Benefits

Lifetime free credit cards have their own benefits, just like every other kind of credit card. Some general advantages of having a credit card with no annual fee include the following:

Extremely Affordable

The lifetime free credit cards can be termed wallet-friendly because there is no joining fee or yearly fee, so anyone can get one without worrying about the costs.

Instant Approval

The no annual fee credit cards are easier to get approved for than the other premium cards. It’s because the income requirements for lifetime free credit cards are typically lower than those for premium cards with large annual fees, which are incredibly high. Additionally, some of these cards are available to applicants with average credit scores, whereas premium cards do not allow this.

Joining Offer

Some of the finest lifetime free credit cards provide you with a sign-up bonus when you become a card member; however, not all of them do. These welcome perks could be more reward points, cashback deals, cost-free premium platform subscriptions, or anything else.

Cashback/ Reward Points

On practically all of your purchases and transactions done with your credit card, you will undoubtedly receive reward points or cashback of some kind. You should pick a credit card that offers the highest benefits in a category where you spend the most because these rewards can be higher in some categories and lower in others.

Waiver on Fuel Surcharge

For all of their fuel transactions, the best lifetime free credit cards waive 1% of the gasoline surcharge for their customers. You might think that this perk offered by credit cards is particularly fantastic because gas prices are rising daily. But be aware that you can only take advantage of the benefits up to that amount every month, as the fuel cost waiver is typically capped at a particular price.

Protection from Zero Liability

No matter if your card is a premium credit card or a lifetime free card, all the main card issuers offer zero liability protection against lost cards. In accordance with this, if your credit card is lost or stolen and you have reported the loss to the bank within the required time, you will not be held responsible for any loss on the card.

Access to the Airport Lounge

The majority of credit cards with annual fees offer this perk, but there are a few great lifetime free credit cards that also offer free admission to airport lounges.

Other Benefits

Your free annual charge credit card may also offer perks such as insurance benefits, dining and movie benefits, milestone benefits, and more, in addition to the things already stated.

Eligibility Criteria and Documentation for a Lifetime Free Credit Card

You must meet certain eligibility criteria in order for your credit card application to be approved. The specifications may vary depending on the bank or card. Your application can be turned down if you don’t meet the bank’s conditions.

Some common eligibility requirements for credit cards across all the banks are: 

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Minimum income must range from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh.
  • The applicant must either work for a salary or be self-employed.

The supporting documentation you must submit with your application will vary from bank to bank. However, the following is a list of some of the fundamental papers you must submit:

  • Filled out application
  • Passport photo
  • Evidence of identity (copy of PAN, Aadhaar, passport, etc.)
  • Evidence of residence (utility bills, Driving licence, PAN, Aadhaar, etc.)
  • Latest Salary Slips
  • Form 16
  • Banking records

If you work for yourself, you must submit:

  • Income evidence
  • Accounts Statement
  • Evidence of business

You must provide your student ID card with your application if you’re applying for a student credit card.

How Do I Apply for No Annual Fee Credit Cards Online?

Applying for a credit card follows a similar procedure as applying for other credit cards. All of the main card issuers provide their consumers with a variety of ways, including online and offline methods, to apply for credit cards. The only thing you will need to do to apply for a credit card online is go to the bank’s or card issuer’s official website. The credit card application option is conveniently located in the personal banking area of their official website. To make it simple and convenient for users, the option is occasionally provided on the main page itself. 

On the official website, you can also find the customer service phone numbers, which you can use to get in touch with them if you need any help. Have the necessary paperwork on hand, including identification, income, and residence evidence.

However, some people prefer offline methods over internet ones and would rather do their tasks that way if at all possible. In light of this, banks also allow you to apply for a credit card offline by going to the branch of your chosen bank that is closest to you.

Lifetime Free Credit Cards Without Income Proof

When you apply for a credit card, almost all card issuers need documentation of your income. They do this because they want to ensure that you have a means of paying back your credit card debt. Additionally, it could be quite challenging for you to be authorised for a credit card if you don’t have a steady source of income. However, several lifelong free credit cards are available in India that you can apply for even without a credit history and proof of income, such as the SBI Unnati Credit Card. Due to secured credit cards that are offered in exchange for a predetermined deposit, these cards can be granted without requiring proof of income. You must open an FD with the bank, which the bank will use as security in the event that you don’t pay your credit card bills on time.

No Annual Fee Credit Cards Reward Points/Cashback Benefit

A common misconception is that lifetime free credit cards offer no perks whatsoever, not even reward points. But that is untrue. There are several credit cards available that have no annual charge and a reward rate of about 2.5%, which is not bad. For more information on the reward percentages of some of the most well-known lifetime-free credit cards in the nation, please see the chart below.

Lifetime Free Credit Cards Reward Redemption

It’s as simple to earn points for rewards as using your credit card to make a purchase. However, if you know how to use your earned reward points, you might benefit from using a reward credit card. All card issuers offer the option to use net banking or their own rewards system to redeem reward points. Additionally, every card issuer has the option to maintain a range of reward point values.

Lifetime Free Credit Cards With Lounge Access

One of the most unique perks offered by credit cards is lounge access, which is typically only available with premium cards. However, some of the best credit cards with no annual fee also give their customers access to airport and train lounges.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a lifetime free credit card really free?

A credit card that never charges the customary annual fee is known as a lifetime free credit card. Although there isn’t technically an annual or joining fee, they might charge some money for extra services like providing a printed copy of the itemised statement or for meeting other requirements to acquire the card.

Is it worth it to pay an annual fee for a credit card?

Yes, since you receive certain benefits and features, paying an annual fee for a credit card can benefit you

Who should apply for a no annual fee credit card?

People who are new to credit cards, who need to build their credit background, and even occasional users should apply for a no annual fee credit card.

Can I use my no annual fee credit card for foreign transactions?

Yes, just like a regular credit card, your no annual charge credit card can be used for international purchases.

How can you improve your credit score by using a credit card?

One can improve their credit score by paying off debt on time and maintaining a good payment history.

Which banks offer lifetime-free credit cards?

There are a lot of banks that offer lifetime-free credit cards, like Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, YES Bank, HSBC Bank, IndusInd Bank, and many others.

Which are some of the best ‘no fee’ travel credit cards?

There are many ‘no fee’ travel credit cards that are available for everyone to explore.

Which are the best cashback credit cards with no annual fee?

Some of the best cashback credit cards with no annual fee are IDFC First Classic Credit Card, Bank of Baroda Easy Credit Card, Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card, and many more.

Can free credit cards be used overseas?

Yes, for most purchases, one can use a credit card overseas.

Are there any other hidden charges if I use a lifetime free credit card?

No, there are no other hidden charges if you use a lifetime free credit card.

What will happen if I utilise a lifetime free credit card and don't clear the bill on time?

You will probably incur a late fee, forfeit your grace period, and be required to pay interest at a penalty rate if you don’t pay your credit card account at all. If you are at least 30 days late on a credit card payment, your credit score will also suffer.

How might I find lifetime free credit cards?

One can find lifetime free credit cards on a bank’s website or by physically visiting their branch.

One can find lifetime free credit cards on a bank’s website or by physically visiting their branch. How do I waive the annual cost of my credit card?

One can have a discussion with the issuer of the card in order to get the cost of the card waived.

Urban Money