Lifetime Free Credit Cards - No Annual Fee (2024)

There are numerous luxury credit cards that come with an annual fee. However, there are also plenty of cards that offer a wide range of benefits without charging any fees. If you are seeking a credit card with basic and inclusive benefits, you can opt for a credit card with no annual fee. This will lower your annual card maintenance costs while still providing the efficient benefits of a credit card.

All Filters
Showing all credit cards
Sort By: Popularity
Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
41.88%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on INR 400-5000 spending.
  • Upto 10X reward on online and offline spending.
  • Premium membership to OTT and Cult.fit.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Customised based on the card selected
  • Movies: 3 months complimentary membership to OTT

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.49% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Zero

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
42%
Min. Credit Score
710

FEATURES

  • Accumulate 6X loyalty points on web-based shopping for expenditures not exceeding ₹20,000 per month.
  • Collect 3X loyalty points for in-store buys up to a limit of ₹20,000 every month.
  • Get up to 4 free railway lounge entries each quarter.
  • 4 complimentery golf rounds and 12 complimentery golf lessons per calender year.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Earn an initial bonus of ₹500 when you make purchases totalling ₹15,000 or more within your card's first 90 days of activation.
  • Enjoy a 5% cash rebate on the first EMI payment you make within 30 days of card activation, up to a maximum of ₹1,000.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

1.99% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Cover worth 50,000

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
42%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Earn INR 500 intro cashback.
  • 1% cashback on  spending more than INR 5 lakhs/month.
  • 0.25% to 0.50% cashback on spending less than 5 lakhs/month.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Avail INR 500 cashback when you make a transaction of INR 10,000 in a day.
  • The offer is available for transactiona made within the initial 30 days of card issuance.
  • The offer is valid on first swipe only.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

-1% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Zero card lost liability protection

Bank of Baroda Varunah Credit Card
Bank of Baroda Varunah Credit Card
Rewards
Cashback
Lifetime Free
Shopping
Fuel
4.6
Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
39%
Min. Credit Score
750

FEATURES

  • Spend INR 100 or more on groceries or at a department store and earn 5 times extra reward points.
  • When you make purchases in other categories, you can earn one reward point for every INR 100 spent.
  • Get 1% off on fuel surcharge for transactions between ₹400 - ₹5,000 at all fuel stations in India, up to ₹250 per billing cycle.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Free one-year subscriptions to Amazon Prime, Zomato Pro, and Fitpass (available with the Varunah Plus and Varunah Premium Credit Cards), as well as 1,000 additional Reward Points with the Varunah Premium Card.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Zero card lost liability protection

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
41.88%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Lifetime free credit card
  • 5X reward points on bill payments
  • Receive complimentary access to domestic lounges annually.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Upon card activation within the first 30 days of issuance, you are entitled to a complimentary 6-month FitPass Pro membership and 1,000 bonus Reward Points.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

2% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Zero card lost liability protection

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
42%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Enjoy all the benefits of this card which is available for free for first 4 years.
  • For every spend of INR 100 get 1 reward point.
  • Get 1% fuel surcharge waiver on your fuel transactions.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • N/A

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

NA

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
37.2%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Personalized Design Card: On the face of the card, you will find a distinctive, hand-crafted illustration that captures the image of the cardholder uniquely.Higher Credit Limit: The card offers a minimum limit of Rs. 10 Lakh, and it also allows for an instant credit limit increase, enabling you to make larger purchases. However, please be aware that this feature is subject to the bank's sole discretion.Movies: Complimentary Movies Tickets

WELCOME OFFERS

  • N/A

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

2% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

NA

Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Card
Standard Chartered Priority Visa Infinite Credit Card
Cashback
Travel
Lifetime Free
Shopping
Rewards
4.3
Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
45%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Enjoy 5X reward points every time you spend Rs. 150 on retail fashion or overseas.
  • Get 2X reward points for every other transaction.
  • Benefit from 4 complimentary domestic lounge access quarterly.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • N/A

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Lost Liability Cover

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
36%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Earn 5 points for each Rs. 100 spent on items like groceries, cinema tickets, and shopping at department stores
  • Receive 1 point for every Rs. 100 spent in various other categories
  • Benefit from a 1% reduction on fuel surcharges at all fuel locations across India for transactions ranging from ₹ 400 to ₹ 5,000 (up to a maximum of ₹ 250 per billing cycle

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Get the benefit of 3 months subscription to Disney+ Hotstar.
  • Enjoy all premium benefits with lifetime free credit card

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Lost Liability Cover

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
41.88%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Accumulate 5 reward points for every ₹100 spent.
  • Enjoy 12 free access passes to airport lounges (3 each quarter).
  • Lower Forex markup of 2% on international transactions.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Get the FitPass Pro membership of Rs. 15000 free for 6 months

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

2% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Zero Lost Card Liability Cover

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
42%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Enjoy up to 10 reward points on shopping INR 100 at grocery or departmental stores.
  • Get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver across all fuel stations in India.
  • Easily convert high-value transactions into EMIs of 6-36 months.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Enjoy the card with multiple benefits for a lifetime free.
  • Get a free FITPASS Pro membership for half a year, valued at ₹15,000.
  • Earn 1,000 bonus points when you activate your card within the first month.
  • Enjoy a one-year Amazon Prime membership when you spend a minimum of ₹100,000 within the first three months.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Zero Lost Card Liability Cover

Bajaj DBS Credit Card
Bajaj DBS Credit Card
Shopping
Rewards
Cashback
Lifetime Free
Lifestyle
3.6
Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
48%
Min. Credit Score
720

FEATURES

  • Earn upto 10X reward on purchases from DBS Delight.
  • Enjoy a 40% value back on the memberships.
  • Enjoy 8 complimentary lounge access at the domestic airports in a year.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Enjoy the benefit of 20000 cash points as a welcome bonus.
  • Valid on making the first transaction within 60 days of card issuance.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Lost Card Liability Cover

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
44%
Min. Credit Score
740

FEATURES

  • Lifetime free credit card
  • Enjoy air miles conversion options for InterMiles, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
  • Get 5 times rewards on subsequent purchases after crossing a spend amount of INR 400,000, with a maximum of 15,000 accelerated reward points in an anniversary year.
  • Avail up to INR 3,000 in annual savings on fuel surcharges.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Obtain an Amazon voucher worth INR 500.
  • Enjoy a Swiggy voucher worth INR 250.
  • Choose between 3 complimentary airport lounge access at domestic and international lounges or 3 meal vouchers.
  • Receive a 10% cashback when you make at least 5 eligible transactions with a total spend of Rs. 10,000 within the first 2 months of card issuance.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Lost Liability Cover

HSBC Smart Value Credit Card
HSBC Smart Value Credit Card
Rewards
Cashback
Lifestyle
Lifetime Free
Dine In
4.6
Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
44.88%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Zero joining/annual fee
  • Enjoy a 10% cashback, with a maximum limit of INR 1,000.
  • Earn 3 times rewards for online, dining, and telecom expenditures.
  • Save up to INR 3,000 annually on fuel surcharges.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Receive an Amazon gift voucher valued at Rs. 500 along with a Swiggy voucher worth Rs. 250.
  • Obtain a 10% cashback, with a maximum of Rs. 1,000, when you perform a minimum of 5 transactions totaling Rs. 5,000 or more in the initial 60 days after receiving the card.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Lost Liability Cover

HDFC Bank Equitas Elegance Credit Card
HDFC Bank Equitas Elegance Credit Card
Rewards
Lifetime Free
Travel
Shopping
4.0
Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
43.2%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Earn 2 reward points for each Rs.150 expended using your credit card.
  • Enjoy 5 times the rewards in Grocery, Supermarket & Departmental Store categories.
  • Receive boosted 5X Rewards for Utility Bills, IRCTC & Tax Payments.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • N/A

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

2.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Card Lost Liability Cover

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
42%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Earn 5X reward points per INR 150 on dining expenditures.
  • Get 5X reward points per INR 150 on fuel.
  • Enjoy 1X reward points per INR 150 on other categories.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Spend INR 500 or more within 30 days of card issuance to get the joining fee waived.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Lost Liability Cover

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
39%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • For every Rs. 100 spent in retail, earn 1 reward point.
  • Spend Rs. 100 on dining, utilities, and online purchases to earn 5 reward points.
  • Enjoy a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions between Rs. 400-500 with a maximum capping of Rs. 250.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • A lifetime free ard with multiple benefits

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Zero Lost Card Liability Cover

HDFC Equitas Excite Credit Card
HDFC Equitas Excite Credit Card
Rewards
Lifetime Free
Shopping
Fuel
4.3
Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
42%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Get 2 reward points for every INR 150 charged toward your credit card, excluding government and rental transactions.
  • 3x reward points earned for making transactions at a supermarket, grocery and departmental store. Reward points earning capped at 500 reward points every month.
  • Gain a bonus of 500 reward points for spending INR 20,000 in a month.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • N/A

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Lost Liability Cover

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
36%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Enjoy 1000 reward points on activating cards in just 30 days.
  • Get the benefit of Amazon Prime membership for a year by spending Rs. 1 lakh within 90 days of card issuance.
  • Get the benefit of 8 complimentary lounge access.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Get the FitPass Pro membership of Rs. 15000 free for 6 months

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

3.5% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Zero Lost Card Liability Cover

Joining Fee
Free
Annual Fee
Free
APR
42%
Min. Credit Score
700

FEATURES

  • Enjoy 5 reward points on spending Rs. 100 every time.
  • Get the fuel surcharge waiver.
  • Benefit from the no annual charges for the card.

WELCOME OFFERS

  • Enjoy 5 reward points on spending Rs. 100 every time.
  • Get the fuel surcharge waiver.
  • Benefit from the no annual charges for the card.

FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE

-1% *Applicable Taxes

FRAUD LIABILITY

Lost Card Liability Cover

What is a Lifetime Free Credit Card?

A Lifetime Free credit card is a distinct credit card variant that exempts the cardholder from any annual fees throughout its usage. This feature enables users to access the advantages and convenience of a credit card without the obligation of annual charges. These cards cater especially to individuals seeking enduring value and financial adaptability in a credit card, as they furnish standard benefits such as reward points, cashback, and promotional offers without the financial commitment of an annual fee. Consequently, Lifetime Free credit cards represent a preferred choice for financially cautious users who prioritize accessibility and credit-building potential instead of supplementary costs.

Features of Lifetime Free Credit Cards

Highly Affordable:A Best Lifetime Free Credit Card charges no ownership fees, providing a cost-effective way for accessing credit card benefits. This includes perks such as reward points and privileges like airport lounge access, all at no additional cost.

Easy Approval:A lifetime free credit card typically does not have an annual fee, making it easily accessible. Although there are still eligibility criteria to meet, they are not as stringent as those for credit cards with high annual fees. Therefore, this type of card is a good option for beginners to consider.

Welcome Bonuses:When a credit card offers lifetime free membership, it may still come with a welcome bonus upon activation within a specified timeframe. This bonus could be in the form of a voucher, free movie ticket, or a significant amount of reward points. However, this feature typically comes with conditions, such as making a minimum transaction using the credit card. Despite this, it's an opportunity to earn rewards simply by making necessary purchases.

Reward Points and Cashback:One of the main benefits of using a credit card is the opportunity to earn reward points and cashback. A credit card with no annual fees can offer generous rewards for online shopping, groceries, or both. Additionally, these rewards can be redeemed with a variety of merchants listed in the issuer's catalogue.

Fuel Surcharge Waiver:When paying for fuel with a credit card, a surcharge is typically applied. This can make using a card for a basic expense like fuel charge, confusing. However, many lifetime free credit cards offer a percentage waiver for fuel surcharges, helping to prevent the extra cost.

Zero Liability Protection:One of the appealing benefits of a lifetime free credit card is zero liability protection. This means that the card issuer guarantees that you won't be responsible for any costs resulting from fraudulent transactions on your credit card. If your card is lost or stolen and used without your authorization, you can promptly report it to the issuer without bearing any financial burden.

Airport Lounge Access:A credit card that doesn't have an annual fee often comes with various extra benefits for cardholders. One of the most valuable perks is access to airport lounges, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing environment before your flight. Depending on the specific card, this access may apply to domestic airports, international airports, or sometimes for both.

Eligibility Criteria for No Annual Fee Credit Cards

To be eligible for a lifetime free credit card, you need to meet specific criteria. These include age, income, employment type, and credit score. In India, the eligibility criteria for a lifetime free credit card typically include the following:

  • Minimum age: 18 years, as per the bank's requirement
  • Employment type: Salaried or self-employed
  • Minimum income: As specified by the bank
  • Residence: Indian or NRI (Non-Resident Indian)
  • Credit score: As stipulated by the bank

The eligibility criteria for zero annual fee credit cards can vary among issuers, so it's important to carefully review the conditions before applying.

Advantages and Disadvantages of No-Annual Fee Credit Cards

Opting for a lifetime free credit card can help you avoid annual charges, but it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before deciding to apply for one.

Advantages

  • Improving credit score will be simple:When you don't have to worry about additional costs, you can feel confident about your financial commitments. With no annual fees, your credit card expenses are limited to your spending, which may be minimal depending on your habits. This provides an opportunity to use your credit card for expenses that you can pay off promptly, helping you to establish a solid credit history.
  • Affordability and Benefits:A lifetime free credit card offers the benefit of earning reward points, which can help lower your annual expenses. These points are often redeemable for various categories like online shopping, travel, and electronics, reducing the need to use your credit card for these expenses. Depending on the number and value of the points earned, it can be a cost-effective option.
  • No Need to Worry About An Annual Fee:Having a lifetime free credit card means you won't have to worry about paying an annual fee, making all your spending worthwhile. You can use the card without the pressure of accumulating enough reward points to offset the annual fee, giving you more flexibility.

Disadvantages

  • Small Sign-up BonusesIf you tend to make substantial purchases, you might not find the welcome bonuses offered by a zero annual fee credit card to be very appealing. In some cases, the bonus could be as small as a Rs. 500 Amazon voucher, which you might consider to be an insignificant offer.
  • Rewards Do Not Add Any Value:If you don't spend a lot as per the requirement, zero annual fee credit card reward points may not offer as much benefit as you think. The value of each reward point might not add up to a significant advantage compared to a credit card with an annual fee. It's important to consider this when you're looking for a credit card.
  • There’s still a list of Fees and Charges:A lifetime free credit card is a card that does not have an annual fee. However, it's important to be aware of other fees and charges associated with the card. These may include APR, cash advance fees, foreign currency markup fees, and late payment fees. It's essential to understand these charges before choosing a credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a poor credit score, you may not be approved for a lifetime free credit card. However, you can consider exploring secured credit card options as an alternative.

Here are some of the best lifetime free credit cards available in India: Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card, IDFC First Select credit card, and Bank of Baroda Prime. AU Bank Lit credit card is also worth considering.

Some credit cards offer an annual fee waiver option, but you typically need to meet certain minimum annual spending requirements to qualify.

Credit card issuers often waive the annual fee if you meet certain spending requirements within the year. You can contact the issuer to inquire about this option. Another option is to apply for a lifetime free credit card without an annual fee.

In India, numerous banks provide lifetime free credit cards tailored to meet specific needs and preferences. Some of the banks offering these cards include IDFC First, HSBC, IndusInd, AU, and ICICI Bank.

Your lifetime free credit card may offer the convenience of using it for foreign transactions, but be aware of foreign currency markup fees for international transactions.

Credit card issuers often provide the opportunity to have the annual fee waived by meeting certain minimum spending requirements within the calendar year. You can contact the issuer to inquire about this option. Another alternative is to choose a lifetime free credit card that does not have an annual fee.

While lifetime free credit cards do not charge an annual fee, it's important to note that there are still other fees and charges to consider before applying for a card. These may include fees for foreign transactions, cash withdrawals, late payments, and more.

You can utilize your lifetime free credit card for cash withdrawals, but keep in mind that there is a fee for each transaction.

When searching for a credit card with no annual fees for life, it's crucial to consider your spending habits and personal preferences in relation to the rewards, benefits, fees, and charges offered by different credit cards.

It's important to keep in mind that late payments on lifetime free credit cards can result in accruing late payment fees, which can lead to unexpected costs and financial trouble.

© 2025 Buyhatke Internet Private Limited. All rights reserved.