Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India
A lifetime free credit card is a type of credit card that does not charge any annual or renewal fees for the entire period that you hold the card. Some credit cards may initially have a yearly fee, but this fee can be waived if you meet certain criteria, such as spending a minimum amount annually. Once these conditions are met, the card is effectively considered a lifetime-free credit card, providing you the benefits of credit usage without the recurring cost of fees.
Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India 2024
| Card Name | Best Suitable For | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card | Shopping & Rewards | Nil |
| HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card | Cashback & Rewards | Nil (Waived off on spending 50,000 and above) |
| HDFC Freedom Credit Card | Travel & Entertainment | Nil (Waived off on spending 50,000 and above) |
| SBI Cashback Credit Card | Online Shopping | Nil (Waived off on spends of Rs.2 Lakh) |
| SBI Unnati Credit Card | Beginners & Low Income | Nil (Waived off for first 4 years) |
| Axis ACE Credit Card | Bill Payments & Cashback | Nil (Waived off on spends of Rs.2 Lakh) |
| Axis NEO Credit Card | Lifestyle & Dining | Nil (For Selected Channels) |
| IDFC Millennia Credit Card | Millennials & Gen Z | Nil |
| IndusInd Legend Credit Card | Premium Lifestyle Benefits | Nil |
| Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card | Rewards & Fuel | Nil (Waived off on spending Rs. 60,000) |
| YES ACE Credit Card | General Benefits | Nil (Waived off on spend of 50,000 in the previous year) |
Top 10 Lifetime Free Credit Card: Features & Benefits
1# HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
- Key Features & Benefits:
- Earn rewards points on all purchases.
- Enjoy additional benefits on dining and fuel.
- Complimentary airport lounge access.
- Excellent for everyday shopping and travel expenses.
- Joining Fees: Nil
- Annual Fees: Nil
Why Use This Card: This card is ideal for individuals seeking a comprehensive rewards program and travel benefits.
2# HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card
- Key Features & Benefits:
- Get cashback on online spending.
- Earn reward points on every transaction.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
- This is for frequent online shoppers looking to earn cashback.
- Joining Fees: Rs. 500
- Annual Fees: Rs. 500
Why Use This Card: Perfect for those who prefer cashback, especially on online transactions.
3# HDFC Freedom Credit Card
- Key Features & Benefits:
- Earn rewards points on all spends.
- Exclusive travel and entertainment offers.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
- For frequent travelers and moviegoers.
- Joining Fees: Rs. 500
- Annual Fees: Rs. 500
Why Use This Card: Great for travelers and entertainment seekers.
4# SBI Cashback Credit Card
- Key Features & Benefits:
- 5% cashback on online purchases.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
- Exclusive e-commerce offers.
- Maximizes benefits on e-commerce purchases.
- Joining Fees: Rs. 900
- Annual Fees: Rs. 900
Why Use This Card: Best for avid online shoppers seeking extra cashback.
5# SBI Unnati Credit Card
- Key Features & Benefits:
- Simplified application process without income proof.
- Earn reward points on all purchases.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
- Joining Fees: Nil
- Annual Fees: Rs. 499 (5th year onwards)
Why Use This Card: Ideal for beginners and low-income individuals looking to build their credit.
6# Axis ACE Credit Card
- Key Features & Benefits:
- 2% cashback on all transactions.
- Higher cashback on bill payments.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
- Joining Fees: Rs. 499
- Annual Fees: Rs. 499
Why Use This Card: Perfect for those who want high cashback on everyday expenses and bill payments.
7# Axis NEO Credit Card
- Key Features & Benefits:
- Discounts on dining and entertainment.
- Earn reward points on every transaction.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
- Joining Fees: Rs. 250
- Annual Fees: Rs. 250
Why Use This Card: Ideal for lifestyle and dining enthusiasts.
8# IDFC Millennia Credit Card
- Key Features & Benefits:
- Earn rewards points on all purchases.
- Higher rewards on online spending.
- Complimentary lounge access.
- Joining Fees: Nil
- Annual Fees: Nil
Why Use This Card: Best for millennials and Gen Z looking for high rewards and travel benefits.
9# Standard Chartered Platinum Rewards Credit Card
- Key Features & Benefits:
- High rewards on dining and fuel.
- Exclusive offers on shopping and travel.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
- Beneficial for frequent drivers
- Joining Fees: Rs. 250
- Annual Fees: Rs. 250
Why Use This Card: Excellent for those who want to earn rewards on everyday fuel and dining expenses.
10# YES ACE Credit Card
- Key Features & Benefits:
- Earn rewards points on all transactions.
- Exclusive offers on dining and travel.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
- Joining Fees: Rs. 399
- Annual Fees: Rs. 399
Why Use This Card: Great for those seeking a versatile card with general benefits.
Lifetime Free vs No Annual Fee Credit Card
| Feature | Lifetime Free Credit Card | No Annual Fee Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Nil | May have a joining fee |
| Annual Fee | Nil | No annual fee for the first year or if certain criteria are met later |
| Fee Waiver | Not applicable | Annual fee waived upon meeting conditions |
Lifetime free credit cards do not charge an annual fee ever, while no annual fee credit cards may waive the fee only for the first year or upon meeting certain criteria. Choose a lifetime free credit card for perpetual savings on annual fees. Opt for a no annual fee card if you can meet the spending requirements to waive off the fee.
Lifetime Free Credit Card Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 21-60 years
- Income: Varies by bank
- Credit Score: Good to excellent
How to Apply for a Zero Annual Fee Credit Card?
- Click on “Credit Card” in the header section
- Fill up your details on the credit card document form that opens.
- Submit the form to get a list of available offers.
- Choose the one that suits you best and click on ‘Apply’
- Submit the online application form and you will hear from our representatives if you are eligible.
- Alternatively, you can also connect with the credit card customer care of the provider to take things forward.
- Also check CIBIL score for credit card before applying.
FAQs
Yes, certain banks offer lifetime free credit cards without income proof, typically secured against a fixed deposit.
Yes, some banks offer zero annual fee credit cards to individuals with low credit scores, usually secured cards.
There are no hidden annual or renewal fees, but other charges like late payment fees and foreign transaction fees may apply.
Research online, compare offers from different banks and look for promotional deals.
Yes, but it may incur cash advance fees and interest charges.
The best card depends on individual needs; ICICI, HDFC, and SBI offer popular options.
The Yes Bank Prosperity Edge (Select) Credit Card offers complimentary lounge access.
You may incur late payment fees, increased interest rates, and a negative impact on your credit score.