If you already own a credit card, you might have experienced the pain of paying hefty joining and annual fees. Generally, a bank credit card imposes the typical joining fee (one time) and renewal fee, which are automatically added to your card statement. On the other hand, lifetime free credit cards remove the hassle of paying extra money as a joining/annual fee.
Lifetime free credit cards, or you can say no annual fee credit cards, are a special category of cards that never charge you annual card renewal fees. However, these are only partially zero-fee credit cards as some extra services you’re utilising might incur charges, such as interest charged on EMIs. Here we have examined the 7 best lifetime free credit cards in India that offer great benefits without the burden of an annual fee. These no annual fee credit cards are perfect for beginners or those who want to enjoy the perks of owning a credit card without any additional costs.
List of 7 Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India in 2025
| Credit Card | Joining & Annual Fees | Welcome Offer | Key Features | Reward Points |
| IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card | Nil | Rs. 500 Bonus on Total Purchase of Rs. 15000 in First 90 Days | Low Rate of Interest Low Forex Markup at 1.99%Complimentary Airport Lounge Access | 10X Reward Points |
| Axis My Zone Credit Card | Nil | Free SonyLiv Annual Membership | Buy 1 Get 1 Free Movie TicketDiscount on Swiggy & AJIO | 4 EDGE Reward Points |
| ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card | Nil | None | Upto 5% Cashback as Reward PointsNo Cost EMI of 3 & 6 Months | Upto 5% Reward Points (1 Reward point = 1 Rs) |
| IDFC First Wealth Credit Card | Nil | Rs. 500 Worth Gift Voucher; 5% Cashback Upto Rs. 1000 on 1st EMI Transaction | Complimentary Domestic & International airport lounge & SpaComplimentary Golf roundsAirport Transfer & Concierge Services | 10X Reward Points |
| Federal Scapia Credit Card | Nil | None | Unlimited lounge accessZero forex markup on international transactionsLost card liability cover | 20% Scapia Coins on Travel Bookings10% Scapia Coins on other spend |
| AU Bank InstaPay Credit Card | Nil | None | Cashback on UPI paymentsFuel surcharge of 1%48 days of interest-free period on payments | 1% cashback on UPI payments |
| SBI Unnati Credit Card | Nil | None | Cashback on achieving milestones1% waiver on fuel payments | 1 RP per Rs. 100 Spent |
1 – IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card
Positioning top on our list of 7 best lifetime free credit cards in India, the IDFC First Select Credit Card is the best choice for zero fee credit card with exciting rewards and benefits. It is a semi-premium no annual fee credit card that comes with a plethora of engrossing benefits and privileges, including high reward points, airport lounge access, railway lounge access, dining discounts and golf privileges. IDFC First Select also rewards you generously for your high-value spends. With this card, you can also enjoy a relatively low interest rate if you carry forward your balances. Overall, the IDFC First Select Credit Card is an excellent option for you to experience the luxury of a credit card without paying any annual or renewal fee.
IDFC First Select Credit Card Features & Rewards
- Lifetime free credit card.
- Earn 10 reward points on every Rs.125 spent for spends less than Rs.25,000. These reward points come with lifetime validity.
- 4 complimentary domestic lounge access per quarter.
- 4 complimentary railway lounge access per quarter.
- Dining discount of upto 20% across 1,500 restaurants.
- Buy 1 Get 1 Free movie ticket on the Paytm mobile app (max discount of Rs. 250). This offer is redeemable twice per month.
- Interest free ATM cash withdrawal for upto 48 days.
- Low Forex Markup at 1.99%.
Apply for Lifetime Free IDFC Credit Card Here
2 – Axis My Zone Credit Card
From a list of the best lifetime free credit cards in India available today, the Axis Bank offers Axis My Zone Credit Card is a fantastic option to enjoy several luxury discounts and privileges without paying any annual or renewal fees. Though Axis My Zone is an entry-level shopping credit card, it offers exciting features and benefits for shopping, food, movies and dining. On top of that, you get complimentary airport lounge access with this zero fee credit card, making it a great fit for travelling.
Axis My Zone Credit Card Features & Rewards
- Lifetime free credit card for selected channels. (Normal joining/annual fee is Rs. 499)
- Buy 1 Get 1 Free on movie tickets (max upto Rs. 200) Use Axis coupon code AXIS200 to redeem the offer.
- Instant Rs. 120 discount on food delivery from Swiggy App (min order required is Rs. 500). Offer valid twice a month.
- Complimentary SonyLiv Premium annual membership worth Rs. 999 (only for cardholders paying joining/annual fee)
- Enjoy 4 complimentary lounge access per year (1 per quarter).
- Get 4 EDGE Reward Points with every Rs. 200 spent.
- Shopping discount of Upto Rs. 1,000 at AJIO. Use Axis coupon code AJIOAXISMZ.
Apply for Lifetime Free AXIS My Zone Credit Card Here
3 – ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
If you’re an avid shopper on Amazon, the ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card is a must-have lifetime free credit card in your wallet. The major highlight of this Amazon ICICI co-branded credit card is that you get 5% cashback as Amazon Pay Balance on all your Amazon purchases as an Amazon Prime member. Non-Prime members will also get 3% cashback on shopping at Amazon online store with this ICICI Credit card. Additionally, the card offers attractive rewards on other payments and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. Overall, the ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card is an excellent no annual fee credit card choice for you if you spend extravagantly on Amazon shopping.
ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card Features and Rewards
- No joining or annual fee.
- 5% Amazon Pay cashback on shopping at Amazon website, m-site or Amazon App for Prime members.
- 3% Amazon Pay cashback on shopping at Amazon website, m-site or Amazon App for Non-prime members.
- 2% Amazon Pay cashback on spends across over 100 Amazon Pay merchant partners.
- 1% Amazon Pay cashback on all other payments.
- Zero Cost EMI facility of 3 & 6 months on Amazon.
- 1% surcharge waiver on all payments made for fuel purchase.
Apply for No Annual Free ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card Here
4 – IDFC First Wealth Credit Card
IDFC First Wealth Credit Card is a super premium lifetime free credit card that comes with a series of travel perks, evergreen rewards and exclusive lifestyle benefits. This IDFC credit card is the best lifetime free credit card in India with free access to airport lounges, complimentary golf rounds, spa visits per quarter and super high reward points on everyday spends. Complimentary roadside assistance, air accident cover of 1 crore, personal accident cover, and travel insurance cover make this zero fee credit card the best choice in this premium credit card category.
IDFC First Wealth Credit Card Features & Benefits
- No joining fee and annual fee.
- 10 Reward Points for every Rs. 100 spent on incremental spends above Rs. 30,000/month and spends done on your birthday.
- 6 Reward Points on every online purchase and 3 Reward Points on offline spends.
- 4 complimentary international lounge access per quarter.
- 4 complimentary domestic lounges and spa access per quarter.
- 2 complimentary golf rounds per month on spending every Rs. 20,000
- Buy 1 Get 1 Free movie ticket on Paytm (max upto Rs. 500).
- Air accidental cover of INR 1 crore.
- Personal accidental cover of INR 10 Lakh and Lost card liability cover of INR 50,000.
Apply for No Annual Free IDFC First Wealth Credit Card Here
5 – Federal Scapia Credit Card
The Scapia credit card, introduced in collaboration with Federal Bank, is a lifetime free credit card that offers a plethora of benefits for frequent travellers. With Federal zero fee credit card, you can enjoy unlimited lounge access within India, Scapia coins on travel bookings and everyday spending and zero forex markup on international spending. The Federal Scapia Credit Card is a great option for individuals who want to save on their travel expenses.
Federal Scapia Credit Card Features and Rewards
- Lifetime free credit card with zero joining and annual fees.
- Unlimited lounge access across airports in India (minimum Rs. 5000 required to gain this benefit).
- 20% Scapia coins on travel bookings done on the Scapia App.
- 10% Scapia coins on every eligible online and offline spend.
- Zero forex markup on all international transactions.
Apply Zero Fee Federal Scapia Credit Card Here
6 – AU Bank InstaPay Credit Card
If you’re looking to earn cashback while making UPI transactions, the AU Bank InstaPay lifetime free credit card is the perfect choice. This AU Bank zero fee credit card comes with the functionality of paying money across all UPI and QR payments effortlessly as well as allows you to earn 1% cashback on all eligible transactions. While the availability of this all-new AU InstaPay Credit Card is very limited, the potential savings on QR and UPI spends make this lifetime free credit card worth considering.
AU Bank InstaPay Credit Card Features and Rewards
- Lifetime free credit card.
- 1% cashback on UPI spends (max upto Rs. 100).
- 1% waiver on fuel surcharge (max upto Rs. 100).
- Seamless payment to any merchant QR code.
Apply Zero Fee AU Bank InstaPay Credit Card Here
7 – SBI Unnati Credit Card
Last but not least, the SBI Unnati Credit Card is another best lifetime free credit card in India option that you can get against the fixed deposit (FD) opened with SBI Bank at a minimum amount of Rs 25,000. This secured zero fee credit card is best suitable for individuals who want a credit card but don’t have any CIBIL score yet. This is only because no additional proof of income is required, as the SBI Bank issued this no annual fee credit card based on the FD deposit. SBI Unnati lifetime free credit card is an accessible card and can be applied by anyone above 18 years old. Also, the SBI Unnati credit card gives you an annual fee waiver for the first 4 years.
SBI Unnati Credit Card Features and Rewards
- Zero annual fee credit card (for first 4 years only).
- 1 Reward Point per Rs. 100 spent.
- Rs. 500 cashback on achieving a spent based milestone of Rs. 50,000.
- 1% waiver on fuel expenses.
Apply for Lifetime Free SBI Unnati Credit Card Here
How to choose the Best Lifetime Free Credit Card for yourself?
When selecting the best credit cards in India without annual fees, there are several factors you need to consider. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Joining & Annual Benefits
Look for only those zero-fee credit cards that offer exciting rewards and perks upon joining and the card anniversary.
2. Reward Points & Complimentary Benefits
Almost every credit card without an annual fee has a spend-based reward points system and complimentary benefits based on spends. Select only those lifetime free credit cards that align with your spending habits. For example, if you’re more towards online shopping, consider the rewards offered, such as cashback, reward points, and discounts on shopping. Also, check for complimentary benefits associated with each zero fee credit card, such as airport lounge access, fuel surcharge waivers, or complimentary memberships.
3. Joining and Annual Fees
Since you’re specifically looking to apply for a new credit card with zero annual fees, double-check whether the bank credit card does not have joining or renewal fees. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of a credit card without any additional costs.
4. Interest Rates
Whether you’re opting for a new lifetime free credit card or a credit card with an annual fee, pay attention to the interest rates charged on that card. This helps you especially if you tend to carry forward balances.
5. Eligibility Criteria
Check the primary eligibility criteria factors, such as age, annual income, and credit history, before applying for the best credit cards without annual fees. These may affect your chances of no annual fee credit cards. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying for a lifetime free credit card.
6. Special Benefits
Consider the best credit cards without annual fees that also offer special benefits like card insurance coverage, fuel surcharge waiver, dining discounts and reduced APR (interest rate) on extended credit. Getting these kinds of special benefits on your life time free credit card brings more advantages when spending on fuel and dining, and also provides a shield during loss or fraud.
Documents Required When Applying for Lifetime Free Credit Cards
When applying for a lifetime free credit card online, you have to submit the following documents on your online application.
- Identification proof (anyone): Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Driver’s license, Passport or any other government issued photo ID
- Address proof (anyone): Passport, Ration card, Electricity bill, Landline telephone bill, or any other government issued photo ID
- Income proof: Latest salary slips, Form 16 or IT return copy
- Photo identity: latest passport size coloured photographs
Types of Fees & Charges Applied on No Annual Fee Credit Cards
It’s important to note that while these lifetime free credit cards do not charge any joining and annual fees, they may still have some charges associated with late payments, cash advances or foreign currency transactions. Below are the types of fees & charges applied on no annual fee credit cards.
- Late payment fee/overdue charges
- Cash withdrawal fee
- Charges for cash payment fee
- Overlimit penalty
- Cheque return or dishonour fee/auto-debit reversal
- Foreign currency transaction fee
- Fuel transaction surcharge
- Rent payment fee
- Dynamic currency conversion fee
- Government taxes
Final Thoughts
Owning a credit card without any joining and annual fees is a great way to enjoy the benefits of a credit card without the extra cost. IDFC First Select Credit Card, Axis My Zone Credit Card, ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card, Federal Scapia Credit Card, AU Bank InstaPay Credit Card and SBI Unnati Credit Card are some of the best lifetime free credit cards available in India in 2025. Each card offers unique rewards, benefits and features that cater to different spending habits and preferences.
Before applying for any credit card, it’s crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions, rewards program, and eligibility criteria. By choosing the best lifetime free credit card, you can enjoy the convenience, rewards and perks of owning a credit card without the burden of joining and annual fees.
So, go ahead and explore these excellent lifetime free credit cards in India options, find the one that suits your needs and start enjoying the zero fee credit card benefits today!
Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India FAQs
Q. Do leading banks in India really offer lifetime free credit cards?
To the extent, yes! The leading banks in India offer lifetime free credit cards based on the following terms:
- Joining fee
- Annual fee
- Maintenance fee
However, these no annual fee credit cards will always charge you for late payments, cash withdrawals, foreign currency transactions, EMIs and much more. In case you’re not using any of the services and paying your monthly dues on time, then it will be considered to be a life time free credit card.
Q. What are the top lifetime credit cards in 2025?
As of 2025, the top lifetime free credit cards to consider are the IDFC First Select Credit Card, Axis My Zone Credit Card, ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card, Federal Scapia Credit Card, AU Bank InstaPay Credit Card and SBI Unnati Credit Card. Some other no annual fee credit cards in India to consider in 2025 are Axis Indian Oil Credit Card, HSBC Platinum Credit Card and Yes First Exclusive Credit Card.
Q. Is there any lifetime free credit card from SBI Bank?
Yes, the SBI Unnati Credit Card is the best lifetime free credit card that you can obtain now against the fixed deposit of Rs.25,000 only. It is also the best credit card in India for individuals who don’t have any CIBIL score yet and want to build it.
Q. Why should I apply for a no annual fee credit card?
Yes, you should apply for a no annual fee credit card to save extra money on joining and renewal fees of the credit card. Also, most lifetime free credit cards are entry-level credit cards and require low annual income, making them the best credit cards in India for first-time cardholders. You can also apply for life time free credit cards if you do not frequently use credit cards for travel, dining or any special services.