A lifetime free credit card is a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee. This means you won’t have to pay yearly for using the Credit card. Many people start their credit journey with these cards because they are cost-effective and have minimal risk.
When you are using a lifetime free card, you might get deals like buy-one-get-one-free movie tickets or access to airport lounges. Most major credit card issuers in India offer lifetime free cards as a part of their portfolio. However, these cards often come with fewer features than super premium credit cards that have an annual fee.
In this blog, we’ve put together a list of the best lifetime free credit cards in India. These cards either don’t have an annual fee or let you avoid it with a yearly spend of up to Rs. 1.5 lakh. You can apply for them easily and they don’t come with any hidden charges.
Top 10 Lifetime Free Credit Card
| Credit Card | Welcome Benefits | Cashback Features & Rewards |
| Jupiter Edge RuPay Credit Card | ₹250 welcome voucher from popular brands like Amazon or Flipkart | 2% cashback on shopping, travel, and dining; 0.4% cashback on UPI and other transactions |
| IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card | ₹500 bonus on spending ₹15,000 within the first three months; 5% rebate on the first EMI payment (up to ₹1,000) | 6X loyalty points on online shopping (up to ₹20,000/month); 3X points for in-store purchases (up to ₹20,000/month); 4 free railway lounge entries per quarter |
| AU Bank LIT Credit Card | Custom benefits based on card selection; 3-month OTT membership | 1% fuel surcharge waiver (INR 400-5000); Up to 10X rewards on spending; Premium OTT and Cult.fit memberships |
| Axis Bank Neo Credit Card | 100% cashback up to ₹300 on the first utility bill payment within 30 days | 10% discount (up to ₹250) on Blinkit with a minimum spend of ₹750; 10% discount on Myntra with a minimum spend of ₹500 |
| IndusInd Legend Credit Card | N/A | 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent on weekdays; 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on weekends; Movie offers and complimentary domestic lounge access |
| Bank of Baroda Easy Credit Card | N/A | 5 reward points per ₹100 spent on movies, groceries, and departmental stores; 0.5% cashback on card bill payment; Zero liability protection for card loss |
| Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card | Up to ₹2,000 cashback and 3-month free Prime membership | Prime members get up to 5% cashback on Amazon; Non-prime members get up to 3% cashback |
| SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card | ₹500 Amazon gift card | 10X reward points at partner online merchants (e.g., Amazon, Cleartrip); 5X points on other online spends; Waive joining fee with ₹1 lakh spend |
| HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card | 1,000 CashPoints as a welcome gift | Accelerated rewards on online spends; Annual fee of ₹1,000 waived with ₹1 lakh spend |
| HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card | 3 complimentary airport lounge accesses or 3 AirDine vouchers | Cashback and movie vouchers on reaching spending milestones; Higher rewards after ₹4 lakh spend |
Features and Benefits of Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards
1. Jupiter Edge CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card
The Edge CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card by Jupiter is a lifetime-free credit card, meaning you won’t have to worry about recurring annual fees eating into your savings. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who are just starting their financial journey or those who prefer to keep their expenses low. But don’t let the ‘free’ tag fool you; this card is packed with features that can significantly enhance your spending power while helping you save more with cashback.
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders are greeted with a ₹250 welcome voucher from popular brands, adding extra value to your card.
- Lifetime Free: The most exciting feature is undoubtedly the lifetime free status. No hidden charges, no surprises. You enjoy all the benefits without worrying about annual fees.
- Easy Eligibility: Designed with beginners in mind, the eligibility criteria for this card is relatively relaxed. This means a higher chance of approval for individuals building their credit history.
- Flexible Cashback: The card introduces a unique feature allowing you to choose between three categories for maximum cashback: Shopping, Travel, or Dining. You earn a flat 2% cashback on all spends within your selected category. This flexibility ensures you’re rewarded for your most frequent expenses.
- All-Round Rewards: Even outside your chosen category, you still earn a respectable 0.4% cashback on all other purchases.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Enjoy savings on every fuel purchase with the fuel surcharge waiver. This benefit, while seemingly small, can add up over time and help you save money on your daily commute.
- Contactless Payments: Stay safe and secure with the contactless payment feature. Simply tap your card to make quick and convenient payments.
- UPI Integration: The card seamlessly integrates with UPI payments, offering the convenience of digital transactions while earning credit card rewards.
- Strong Security: Backed by both Jupiter and CSB Bank, your financial data is protected with robust security measures.
Enjoy lifelong rewards without any Joining or Annual fees.
Get the Edge CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card on Jupiter
2. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card
- Accelerated Rewards: Enjoy a whopping 10X reward points on every rupee spent beyond Rs. 20,000 per month. This means your big-ticket purchases earn you significantly more rewards.
- Consistent Earnings: For spends up to Rs. 20,000 per month, you still earn a respectable 3X reward points on every rupee spent.
- Welcome Bonus: Kickstart your rewards journey with a 500 INR voucher as welcome benefit on spending Rs. 5,000 within 30 days of card activation.
- EMI Cashback: Convert your purchases into easy EMIs and earn a 5% cashback on the transaction value (up to Rs. 1,000).
- Entertainment Perks: Catch your favourite movies at a discounted price with a 25% discount on movie tickets booked through the Paytm mobile app (up to Rs. 100).
- Lounge Access: Relax and unwind in railway lounges with 4 complimentary visits per quarter.
Essentially, the more you spend, the more you earn with the IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card. It’s a great choice for frequent shoppers, online buyers, and those who value reward points and additional perks like movie discounts and lounge access.
3. AU Bank LIT Credit Card
The AU Bank LIT Credit Card is a unique offering in the Indian credit card market. It’s designed to adapt to your lifestyle, allowing you to choose the benefits and rewards that matter most to you. This level of customisation makes it an attractive option for a wide range of cardholders, from young professionals to established spenders.
The LIT card is ideal for individuals who value flexibility and want to maximise their spending rewards. Whether you’re a frequent traveller, an online shopping enthusiast, or someone who prefers to indulge in dining experiences, the LIT card can be tailored to suit your preferences.
- Lifetime Free: No annual fees, ever.
- Customisable Benefits: Choose from a variety of benefits based on your spending patterns.
- Accelerated Rewards: Earn more reward points on specific categories.
- Cashback Offers: Get cashback on eligible purchases.
- Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy benefits like airport lounge access, offers on movie tickets, and more.
- Easy-to-Use App: Manage your card and benefits seamlessly through the AU 0101 app.
- Easy Application Process: Quick and hassle-free application process.
- Contactless Payments: Enjoy the convenience of tap-and-go transactions.
4. Axis Bank Neo Credit Card
Designed specifically for the young and tech-savvy, the Axis Bank Neo Credit Card is a fantastic option for those just starting their credit journey. This card offers a perfect blend of rewards, benefits, and ease of use, making it a popular choice among students and young professionals.
The Neo Credit Card’s primary advantage lies in its focus on lifestyle benefits. It offers a plethora of discounts and rewards on online shopping, food delivery, entertainment, and more. From cashback on utility bill payments to exciting offers on popular platforms like Amazon, Zomato, and Myntra, the card caters to the spending habits of the modern youth.
- Lifestyle Benefits: Enjoy discounts on online shopping, food delivery, movies, and more.
- Reward Points: Earn EDGE Reward Points on every spend, which can be redeemed for various rewards.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Get a waiver on fuel surcharge for transactions above a certain amount.
- Contactless Payments: Make quick and secure payments with the card’s contactless feature.
- Add-on Cards: Share the benefits with family and friends through add-on cards.
- Easy Application Process: A hassle-free application process makes it convenient to get started.
5. IndusInd Legend Credit Card
The IndusInd Legend Credit Card is designed for high-spending individuals who value exclusive perks and rewards. It offers a comprehensive suite of benefits catering to the lifestyle of affluent cardholders.
Ideal for frequent travellers, shopaholics, and those seeking premium lifestyle experiences, this card stands out for its generous rewards program, airport lounge access, and a range of complimentary services. Its features include:
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on every spend, with accelerated earnings on weekends. These points can be redeemed for cash credit merchandise or gift vouchers.
- Travel Benefits: Enjoy complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and discounted foreign exchange markup.
- Lifestyle Perks: Take advantage of offers like buy-one-get-one-free movie tickets, golf benefits, and concierge services.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Save on fuel expenses with a waiver on fuel surcharges.
6. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card
The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card is a lifetime-free credit card designed specifically for avid Amazon shoppers. It’s a strategic partnership between Amazon and ICICI Bank, offering cardholders exclusive perks and rewards within the Amazon ecosystem.
This card is ideal for individuals who are regular Amazon customers and prefer to consolidate their spending on a single platform. If you’re someone who frequently purchases electronics, fashion, groceries, or other items from Amazon, this card can be a valuable addition to your wallet.
- Lifetime Free: No annual fees, ever.
- Unlimited Cashback: Earn up to 5% cashback on all Amazon purchases, credited as Amazon Pay balance. You can also earn 1% cashback on your offline spending and other merchants.
- Welcome Benefit: Enjoy a welcome bonus in the form of Amazon Pay balance upon card activation. If this isn’t available, you may get a 3-month Amazon Prime membership without any extra costs.
- Amazon Prime Benefits: Cardholders can avail exclusive offers and discounts on Amazon Prime memberships.
- EMI Options: Convert your purchases into easy EMIs for flexible repayment.
- Contactless Payments: Enjoy the convenience of tap-and-go transactions.
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on every spend, which can be redeemed for various rewards.
7. SBI Simply CLICK Credit Card
The SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card is a popular choice among online shoppers in India. While it does come with a joining and renewal fee, you can easily waive the annual fee by spending a total of ₹1.5 lakhs in a year.
This card is designed to reward your online shopping habits. You earn 10x reward points on purchases made at partner stores like Cleartrip, BookMyShow, Dominos, Yatra, Myntra, Netmeds, and Apollo 24/7. If you shop online frequently but outside of these partner stores, you still enjoy 5x reward points on all other online spends. These reward points can be redeemed for a variety of exciting rewards, making your online shopping even more rewarding.
Beyond the attractive rewards program, the SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card offers several other benefits:
- Contactless Payments: Enjoy the convenience of contactless payments with this card.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Save on fuel expenses with a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000.
- Balance Transfer on EMI: Manage your finances efficiently by transferring outstanding balances from other credit cards to your SimplyCLICK card and paying them back in easy EMIs.
- Milestone Rewards: Earn additional rewards based on your annual spending.
8. HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
The HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card is designed with the modern spender in mind. It’s a lifestyle card that rewards you for your everyday spending habits. While it does come with a joining and renewal fee of ₹1,000 + taxes, you can easily waive off this annual fee by spending ₹1.5 lakhs in a year.
This card offers a host of benefits and features to make your life easier and more rewarding. Let’s dive into what it offers:
- Cashback on Every Spend: Enjoy 5% cashback on popular platforms like Amazon, BookMyShow, Cult.fit, Flipkart, Myntra, Sony LIV, Swiggy, Tata CLiQ, Uber, and Zomato. You also earn 1% cashback on all other spends including your offline transactions.
- Milestone Benefits: Spend ₹1 lakh in a quarter and enjoy a ₹1,000 voucher from your favourite brand.
- Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Save money on fuel with a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all transactions.
- Lounge Access: Enjoy complimentary domestic lounge access (up to 8 times a year).
- Contactless Payments: Make quick and secure payments with the card’s contactless feature.
- Zero Liability on Lost Card: Rest assured knowing you have zero liability in case your card is lost or stolen.
- Smart EMI: Convert your purchases into easy EMIs.
- Exclusive Dining Privileges: Enjoy discounts at partner restaurants through the Good Food Trail program.
- Reward Points: Earn reward points on every spend and redeem them for exciting rewards.
9. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card is ideal for those seeking shopping and travel perks without an annual fee. Enjoy cashback and movie vouchers upon reaching specific spending milestones, with increased rewards after spending Rs. 4 lakhs annually.
- Receive Amazon vouchers worth Rs. 500 and Swiggy vouchers worth Rs. 250 with the introductory offer.
- Enjoy 3 complimentary airport lounge accesses at domestic and international lounges or 3 AirDine vouchers as a welcome benefit.
- Get 10% cashback (up to Rs. 2,000) when you make at least 5 eligible transactions totalling Rs. 10,000 or more in the first 90 days of card activation.
- Earn 5X rewards on all purchases after spending Rs. 4 lakhs in a year.
- Take advantage of the Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer on BookMyShow tickets booked on Saturdays.
10. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card
The Federal Scapia Credit Card is a lifetime-free, co-branded card designed for travel benefits. Cardholders earn Scapia Coins on all purchases, which can be redeemed for travel bookings through the Scapia app. Please note that this card has a waitlist, so approval may not be immediate.
Key Highlights
- 20% Scapia Coins on travel bookings made through the Scapia app
- 10% Scapia Coins on all other online and offline purchases
- No forex markup fee
- Get access to domestic airport lounges with a monthly spend of at least Rs. 5,000
Eligibility Criteria for Lifetime Free Credit Cards
To qualify for a lifetime free credit card, you’ll need to meet specific requirements set by the card issuer. While the exact criteria vary, common factors include age, income, employment status, and credit score.
General Eligibility Requirements:
- Age: Typically, 18 years or older
- Employment: Salaried or self-employed individuals are usually eligible.
- Income: A minimum income level is required, which differs based on the card and issuer.
- Residence: Indian citizens or Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can apply.
- Credit Score: A good credit history is often a major factor that increases the chances of your approval.
How to Apply for a Lifetime Free Credit Card?
To apply for a lifetime free credit card online, first make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. These usually include your monthly income, age, job type, and credit score.
Once you meet the criteria, scroll up, pick the card that suits you best, and click the “Apply Now” button. On the next page, fill in the required details and upload the necessary documents. A bank representative will contact you within 2 to 5 working days to complete the process.
How to Choose the Best Lifetime Free Credit Card for You
To find the best lifetime free credit card in India, consider these questions:’
-
Rewards
Does the card offer rewards that match your spending habits? Look at cashback percentages, how points are earned, and any extra bonuses for specific spending categories.
-
Redemption Options
Can you easily use your rewards? Check if you can convert points into cash, travel points, or gift cards.
-
Extra Benefits
Does the card offer additional perks like airport lounge access or purchase protection?
-
Fees and Charges
Even without an annual fee, understand the interest rates and other charges. Pay close attention to foreign transaction fees, late payment penalties, and cash advance charges. Weigh these costs against the potential rewards and benefits.
Maximize your savings without any cost.
Apply for a lifetime free Edge CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card on Jupiter
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I being charged an annual fee on my “free” credit card?
Many credit cards offer a “free” first year, but subsequent years often involve an annual fee. Some cards also require meeting specific spending criteria to waive the annual fee permanently. It’s essential to carefully read the terms and conditions of any “free” credit card offer to understand all associated costs.
What happens if I miss my credit card payment?
If you don’t pay your credit card bill on time, you’ll likely incur late payment fees and interest charges. These fees vary by card issuer. Additionally, missing a payment can affect your credit score and may result in the loss of your interest-free period on future purchases.
Can I withdraw cash using my lifetime free credit card?
Yes, you can withdraw cash using a no annual fee credit card. However, cash advances typically come with a fee and a higher interest rate compared to regular purchases.
Are there hidden fees with no annual fee credit cards?
While lifetime-free credit cards eliminate one cost, other fees might apply. These can include foreign transaction fees, cash advance fees, late payment fees, and balance transfer fees. It’s important to understand all potential charges before choosing a card.
Looking for a Specific Credit Card?
-
Best
Credit Cards -
Fuel
Credit Cards -
Premium
Credit Card -
Business
Credit Card -
Students
Credit Cards -
Online Shopping Credit Cards
-
Airport Lounge Credit Cards
-
Book Flights Credit Cards
-
International Travel Credit Card
-
Movie Tickets Credit Cards
-
Rewards
Credit Cards -
Lifetime Free Credit Card
-
Utility Bill Payment Credit Card
-
Insurance Payment Credit Card