Lifetime Free Credit Cards

1. Axis Neo Credit Card

Best Suited For: Online shopping, dining & movies

Key Features & Benefits

Axis Bank Neo Credit Card is a decent option for consumers who prefer to avail direct discounts on everyday brands such as Zomato, Paytm, Blinkit, Myntra, BookMyShow & more. The card covers almost all major categories with these brands, including dining, movies, shopping, grocery & more. Besides this, cardholders can also earn 1 reward point for every Rs. 200 spent and redeem them across a variety of categories through the rewards catalogue. With no joining or annual fee, this lifetime free credit card turns out to be a suitable option to save on everyday spends.

Note: This card is lifetime free on Paisabazaar.

2. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card

Best Suited For: Travel bookings via Scapia app

Key Features & Benefits:

Federal Bank Scapia Card is a co-branded travel credit card designed for frequent travellers who prefer booking via the Scapia app. Cardholders can earn 20% Scapia Coins on travel bookings made through the app and redeem them for future travel bookings, effectively maximizing savings on their travel spends. The card also offers significant savings on other online and offline spends with 10% Scapia Coins. In a market where most travel credit cards come with mid-range or premium annual fees, this card stands out as a cost-effective option. However, the primary limitation is that the value-back is offered in the form of Scapia Coins, which can only be redeemed for travel bookings through the Scapia app.

3. CheQ AU Credit Card

Best Suited For: Travel and Dining

Key Features and Benefits:

Note: 24 CheQ Points on every Rs. 200 spent in the 12% reward category and 10 CheQ Points on every Rs. 200 spent in the 5% reward category for UPI transactions made through the CheQ app using a RuPay card.

CheQ Card offers reward points on everyday spends, including up to 12% rewards (24 CheQ Points per Rs. 200) on select categories such as travel, utilities, Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, BigBasket, and Apple products. It also offers 5%, 2.5%, and 1% rewards on other eligible spends, a green LED tap feature, and a 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to Rs. 150/month). Suitable for frequent digital spenders and online shoppers.

4. Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card

Best Suited For: Cashback on food delivery & entertainment

Key Features & Benefits:

Co-branded with the lending platform Fibe, this lifetime free credit card is designed for online shoppers, especially young consumers. Fibe Axis Credit Card offers accelerated (3%) cashback on everyday categories like online food delivery, entertainment, and local commutes, making it a good fit for day-to-day expenses. While the cashback comes with a monthly capping, cardholders can still save significantly on everyday expenses. Additional benefits like complimentary lounge access, dining discount, and a fuel surcharge waiver further enhance its overall value. This card is well-suited for consumers starting their credit journey and looking for a card with decent value-back on online transactions.

5. Ixigo AU Credit Card

Best Suited For: Travel bookings via Ixigo

Key Features & Benefits:

Ixigo AU Credit Card is a co-branded travel credit card with a zero annual fee, designed for frequent travellers who prefer to make bookings via Ixigo. The card offers accelerated benefits on hotel, flight, train, and bus bookings via the Ixigo platform, making it a good option for those looking to save on travel spends. Additional benefits, such as complimentary domestic & international airport lounge access, complimentary railway lounge access , and Ixigo vouchers as a welcome benefit, further enhance its value for frequent travellers. If you're an Ixigo loyalist or a beginner looking for your first credit card, this can be a great entry-level option, offering a good reward rate on everyday spends without any annual fee.

Suggested Read: Best Credit Cards with Zero Forex Markup

6. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card

Best Suited For: Reward points across all spends

Key Features & Benefits:

IDFC FIRST Millennia is a lifetime free rewards credit card, best suited for high spenders, as it offers accelerated rewards on monthly spends above Rs. 20,000. It also offers value-back on utility, insurance, and education spends—categories that are usually excluded from most credit card rewards program. Despite being lifetime free, the card offers spend-based welcome benefits worth Rs. 1,500, which is quite decent. Cardholders can also save up to 25% on movies, enhancing the card’s overall value. This card is also available on the RuPay network, allowing cardholders to earn rewards on UPI transactions as well.

7. IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card

Best Suited For: Weekend spends, movies and international transactions

Key Features & Benefits:

• 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent on weekends
• 1 reward point for every Rs. 100 spent on weekdays
• 3,000 bonus reward points on annual spends of Rs. 5 lakh or more
• 1.8% foreign currency markup fee on international transactions
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver on eligible transactions

IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card is a suitable option for consumers looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases, particularly weekend spends. The card offers double reward points on weekend transactions compared to weekday spends, along with bonus reward points on achieving the annual spending milestone. Its discounted foreign currency markup fee can also help reduce the cost of international transactions. Additional benefits, including a fuel surcharge waiver and movie ticket offers, add to its lifestyle value. The card can be considered by consumers seeking a lifetime-free credit card with rewards and select travel and entertainment benefits.

8. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card

Best Suited For: Reward points on everyday spends

Key Features & Benefits:

HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card is an entry-level, lifetime free credit card, ideal for consumers looking to start their credit journey. While the card offers a low base reward rate, cardholders can earn 5X rewards on all spends after crossing the annual spending milestone of Rs. 4 Lakh. Though the overall value may seem limited for beginners or moderate users, heavy spenders can fetch decent returns. Cardholders can convert the accumulated reward points into Airmiles with select airlines and save on their travel spends. Overall, this card is a good choice for those seeking a zero annual fee credit card with basic benefits.

9. IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card

Best Suited For: Premium lifestyle benefits, rewards and travel

Key Features & Benefits:

• 10X reward points on Dining, Travel and International spends
• 3X reward points on other online & offline spends
• 1X reward points on insurance, utilities, railways and FASTag recharges
• 1 complimentary airport lounge visit at Indian airports per quarter
• 1 complimentary airport lounge visit at select global airport terminals per quarter
• 4 complimentary railway lounge visits at select stations per quarter
• Zero forex mark-up fee on international spends
• ‘Buy one, get one’ offer on movie tickets up to Rs. 250 on District by Zomato mobile app (valid twice per month) on spending Rs. 20,000 or more in the previous month
• 1 complimentary golf round/lesson per quarter on spending at least Rs. 20,000 in a monthly statement cycle

IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card is a lifetime-free credit card best suited for consumers seeking rewards across everyday spending and additional lifestyle benefits. Cardholders can earn accelerated reward points on eligible dining and travel transactions, while regular purchases also earn reward points. The card's zero forex markup feature can make it particularly useful for eligible international transactions. The card also offers travel & lifestyle privileges, including airport lounge access, golf benefits and travel-related insurance coverage. With no joining or annual fee, it is a suitable option for consumers looking for a decent credit card with rewards, travel benefits and lifestyle privileges.

10. IndusInd Bank Platinum Credit Card

Best Suited For: Everyday spending and reward points

Key Features & Benefits:

• 1.5 reward points for every Rs. 150 spent
• 1 RP = Re. 0.40 against cash credit redemption
• Luxe Gift Card and vouchers of top brands, including The Postcard Hotel, Montblanc, Amazon, Flipkart, Apollo Pharmacy, Uber, Ola, Pantaloons, Bata, and more after the payment of joining fee
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver, up to Rs. 100 per month, across all petrol pumps in India on transactions between Rs. 500 to Rs. 3,000

IndusInd Bank Platinum Credit Card is a suitable option for consumers seeking a straightforward rewards credit card for regular spending. Cardholders earn 1.5 reward points for every ₹150 spent, allowing them to accumulate points on eligible transactions. The card also offers a fuel surcharge waiver and insurance-related benefits, adding value beyond its basic rewards programme. With its simple reward structure and everyday spending benefits, the card can be considered by consumers looking for a credit card to manage routine purchases.

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:

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!