Are you tired of paying annual charges and other fees for credit cards that you barely use? You are not the only one. Many smart spenders today are switching to lifetime free credit cards. Why? It is a budget friendly and clever way with an option of zero charges on annual fees. And, it comes with plenty of perks and benefits. In this article, we have broken down the list of top 10 lifetime free credit cards in India that comes with 0 annual charges. These are smart ways to try without burning a hole in the pocket.
Lifetime Free Credit Card
A lifetime free credit card is the one that comes with no annual charges. There comes no room for any kind of renewal charges ever in your lifetime. This is unlike any other “first-year free credit cards”. This kind of lifetime free credit card doesn’t demand even a single rupee as an annual fees throughout your lifetime of usage. Lifetime Free Credit Cards best suit you if:
- You’re a first time credit card user
- You’re conscious of your budget.
- You’re aiming to build your credit score at no extra cost
Key Benefits of Lifetime Free Credit Cards
- No Annual Fee: Save ₹500–₹5,000 per year
- Earn Rewards & Cashback: Enjoy benefits just like paid cards
- Improves Credit Score: Responsible usage helps your CIBIL score
- No Usage Pressure: Use when needed, no minimum spend required
Top 10 Lifetime Free Credit Cards
1. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
- Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback on Amazon (for Prime members)
- 3% cashback for non-Prime Amazon users
- 1% cashback on other spends
- Best For: Online shoppers, especially Amazon users
- Joining Criteria: Moderate credit score (700+)
2. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
- Key Benefits:
- ₹2,000 Amazon voucher on signup
- 10% cashback on dining, groceries & telecom
- 3 complimentary airport lounge visits/year
- Best For: Lifestyle & dining
- Joining Criteria: Employed professionals with good income
Also read: Get Free Vouchers, Cashback & More – Top Kotak Mahindra Credit Cards Revealed!
3. ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card (Visa)
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
- Key Benefits:
- 2 PAYBACK points per ₹100 on retail
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- EMV chip security
- Best For: Everyday retail shopping
- Joining Criteria: Low-to-moderate income users
4. IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
- Key Benefits:
- 10x rewards on weekends
- 4 complimentary railway lounge access/year
- Zero interest for up to 48 days
- Best For: Reward seekers & frequent travellers
- Joining Criteria: Salaried/self-employed with 700+ CIBIL
5. Axis Bank Lifetime Free MyZone Credit Card (Limited Offer)
- Annual Fee: Waived on application through select partners
- Key Benefits:
- 40% off on Swiggy (T&C)
- 1-year free SonyLiv subscription
- BOGO on movie tickets (via Paytm)
- Best For: Millennials & entertainment lovers
- Joining Criteria: Good credit history
6. AU Bank LIT Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
- Key Benefits:
- Fully customizable rewards
- Cashback, travel, shopping – pick what you want
- Free credit score tracking
- Best For: Users who want to control their benefits
- Joining Criteria: Fair credit score
7. SBI Lifetime Free Credit Card (Corporate/Targeted Offers)
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (on select company partnerships)
- Key Benefits:
- 5X rewards on select categories
- Fuel surcharge waiver
- Add-on cards with no fee
- Best For: Employees of partnered companies
- Joining Criteria: Must apply via employer channel
8. Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card
- Annual Fee: ₹0 (Lifetime Free)
- Key Benefits:
- Earn 500 points on first spend
- Credit limit from ₹10,000 onwards
- No income documents needed
- Best For: Students and first-time users
- Joining Criteria: Kotak 811 savings account holders
9. YES Bank Prosperity Edge Credit Card (Lifetime Free via Select Offers)
- Annual Fee: Waived through promotional links
- Key Benefits:
- Accelerated reward points on online shopping
- 2 complimentary lounge visits/year
- Fuel surcharge waiver
- Best For: Travel and online purchases
- Joining Criteria: Salaried/self-employed with good income
10. HDFC Lifetime Free Credit Cards (On SmartPay Activation)
- Annual Fee: Waived if you activate auto bill payments
- Key Benefits:
- Cashback on bill payments & groceries
- Reward points on all spends
- EMV chip protection
- Best For: Utility bill payers & loyal HDFC customers
- Joining Criteria: Based on SmartPay enrollment
Conclusion
It is a smart financial choice to opt for lifetime free credit cards. This type of credit cards is suitable for anyone who wants to enjoy the perks of the credit card without burning their pockets on recurring fees and annual charges. Pick a card that suits your needs and your spending habits. Enjoy the rewards without worrying about the annual charges. Saving money has never been this easy.
Written by Kavitha Sugumar
