Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India 2025

Before choosing a lifetime free credit card, two major points to consider are:

Check other fees & charges: Though the annual and joining fees are waived, other fees and charges are also applicable on your credit cards. For instance, someone who frequently travels abroad should check if the card charges a low forex markup fee.

Choose the right credit card: Though a lifetime free credit card seems cost-effective, for long-run benefits, it is better to choose a card that matches the best with your lifestyle preferences and spending habits. Always, compare multiple card options, and go for a better card if you can afford to pay.

While the features and benefits of lifetime free credit cards vary basis the card variant, here are some of the common benefits that you can avail from such cards:

No Joining/Annual Fee

Since lifetime free credit cards come with no joining or annual fees, they are a cost-effective option for individuals who want the convenience of credit without the additional financial burden.

Credit Building

Lifetime free credit cards are a great tool for building your credit score. By using the card responsibly, paying bills on time, and keeping credit utilization low, you can gradually improve your credit score. This can make it easier for you to qualify for regular or premium credit cards in the future.

Relaxed Eligibility Criteria

Since most lifetime free credit cards are entry-level cards, they might come with easier eligibility terms.
These cards are usually targeted towards first-time credit card users or salaried professionals with moderate incomes. This makes it easier to qualify for the card without stringent income or credit score requirements.

Rewards or Cashback Benefits

Despite being free, lifetime free credit cards offer rewards or cashback on transactions, such as purchases on groceries, dining, or fuel. You can accumulate reward points or earn cashback, which can later be redeemed for discounts, vouchers, or statement credits. This adds extra value to your everyday spending.

Lifetime free credit cards come with relaxed eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria vary from issuer to issuer, but some common points on which eligibility is decided are as follows:

• Minimum age requirement: 18 years
• Employment: Self-employed or Salaried
• Residence: Indian Resident or Non-Indian Resident
• Credit Score: As decided by the issuer

While lifetime free credit cards have relaxed eligibility criteria, you must check the conditions or eligibility criteria required by the respective card issuer before opting for a card.

In addition to the above-mentioned criteria, certain documents are also required:

• Proof of Identity: PAN Card, Aadhaar card, Driver’s License, Passport, Voter’s ID, or any other government approved photo ID proof
• Proof of Address: Aadhaar card, Driver’s License, Passport, Utility Bill not more than 3 month’s old, Ration Card, Property Registration Document, Bank Account Statement or any other government approved address proof
• Proof of Income: Latest one or 2 salary slip (not more than 3 months old), Latest Form 16, Last 3 months’ bank statement

Individuals planning to start their credit journey and looking for a card with basic benefits can compare & apply for lifetime free credit cards by contacting the respective card issuer. The eligibility criteria for lifetime free cards usually include a reliable source of income, age, type of employment, and credit score. However, it may vary from issuer to issuer.

You can check the eligibility criteria on the official website or by contacting the customer care of the respective issuer and applying for the card accordingly. Also, you might need to submit relevant proofs along with the credit card application.

You can also check lifetime free credit card offers from Paisabzaar.

Click here to explore pre-qualified offers and choose a card that fits your needs!

Which banks offer lifetime free credit cards?
Popular card issuers in India, such as ICICI Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, HSBC Bank, etc., offer lifetime free credit cards. Some other issuers may also run no annual fee credit card offers from time to time. You must track the issuers’s website for updated details to get one such card.

Can I use a lifetime free credit card overseas?
Yes, most lifetime free credit cards come with international acceptance and can be used overseas. However, a foreign exchange markup fee of up to 3.5% may be charged on purchases made in foreign currency, depending on the card variant.

Is a ‘lifetime free’ credit card truly free, or are there hidden charges?
A life time free credit card does not charge any joining or annual fee ever. However, charges like late payment fee, cash advance fee, interest, etc., will be applicable depending on how you use the card.

Does Kotak Mahindra Bank offer a lifetime free credit card?
Yes, Kotak Mahindra Bank offers a lifetime free credit card- Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card. However, it is a secured credit card issued against a fixed deposit with the 90% of the FD amount as credit limit.

What happens if I don’t pay the bill on my no annual fee credit card?
When you don’t pay the bill by the due date, you will have to incur late payment charges as well as finance charges (interest). The rate varies from card to card. Also, when you have an unpaid balance in your credit card account, the interest-free period also stands cancelled which means all new transactions will also attract finance charges from the first day.

What are all the potential fees I need to know about before I get the card?
Lifetime free credit cards do not charge a joining fee or annual fee. However, other charges, such as late payment fees and finance charges, will apply. When getting a lifetime free credit card, consumers must confirm with the bank if this benefit comes with any additional terms and conditions, such as meeting a spend threshold.

Can I upgrade or downgrade my existing credit card to a lifetime free credit card?
If you have a credit card that charges a high annual fee and you are not able to make the most of its benefits to compensate for the fee, it would be better to upgrade/downgrade to a lifetime fee variant. You can explore the available options and speak with a customer support representative to initiate the process. However, approval or rejection will be at the issuer’s sole discretion.

Is there any lifetime free credit card for online shopping?
For those who seek benefits on online shopping with a lifetime free credit card, Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card is a great option. The card gives 5% cashback on Amazon spending for Prime members and 3% cashback for consumers who do not have a Prime Membership. On all other spends, the card gives 1% cashback. With substantial savings on Amazon and decent value-back across other spends, it is a must-have for online shoppers.

Is it okay to have multiple lifetime free credit cards?
Yes, you can have multiple credit cards, as long as you use your credit limit judiciously and make all your bill payments on time. Since lifetime free credit cards do not charge any joining or annual fee, the credit limit on these cards will benefit your credit score.

What are some lifetime free credit cards in India with airport lounge access?
While most lifetime free credit cards are entry-level cards with basic benefits, some cards may offer a limited number of free airport lounge visits. For example, IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card and IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card both offer 2 complimentary domestic lounge visits per quarter and the latter also offers 2 international lounge visits per quarter. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card also offers unlimited domestic lounge visits. Consumers should note that the free visits may be subject to certain terms and conditions such as meeting spend milestones.

Which is the best lifetime free credit card for salaried persons in India?
All lifetime free credit cards are offered to salaried individuals. The best card for you would be the one that matches your spending behavior and offers the best value on your preferred spends. For example, if you travel often, Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card could be a good fit for you whereas for online shoppers, Amazon Pay ICICI would be a better lifetime free credit card.

Which are the best lifetime free RuPay credit cards?
IDFC FIRST Bank’s Millennia, Wealth and Select credit cards are lifetime free and you can also get a Rupay variant on paying a minimal annual fee. Also, you can get virtual RuPay credit cards on your existing cards without paying any annual fee for the same. For example, HDFC UPI RuPay Credit Card is offered to HDFC Bank customers at no additional cost.

How can I be sure this card is the best fit for my specific spending habits?
In order to choose a credit card, you must first observe and  analyse your usual spending patterns, along with any other spending needs. The card whose benefits best align your spending habits would be the most suitable for you. For instance, if you mostly shop online or from specific platforms then the card with accelerated benefits on that spending category or platform would be the best fit.

What are the best lifetime free credit cards for students?
Most card issuers offer only select credit cards to students. However, students who also have a regular source of income can apply for any lifetime free credit card that they are eligible for.

Can I get a lifetime free credit card without income proof?
In general, income proof is an important document lenders ask for to confirm your repayment ability. However, in some cases, such as when you get a pre-approved offer from your existing lender, these documents are not required and you can get the chosen lifetime free credit card without income proof. Additionally, you may also apply for a secured credit card against a fixed deposit.

Which is the best lifetime free credit card?
The choice of the best credit card is subjective basis your spending needs and preferences. Some top lifetime free credit cards to consider are Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card, Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card, and IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card, among others.

Can I upgrade from a lifetime free card to a premium card later?
Card upgrade offers are extended as per the issuer’s internal policy basis, income and other eligibility parameters such as customer’s profile, relationship, credit score, among other factors. If you are seeking an upgrade, it is better to connect directly with your card issuer.

Do lifetime free cards offer fewer benefits than paid cards?
Since most lifetime-free credit cards are entry-level cards for beginners, their benefits may be limited in comparison with other higher-range or premium card offerings. However, this is not applicable on all lifetime free cards.

What is a lifetime free credit card?
A lifetime free credit card is one that comes with no joining, annual or membership fees.