Not all credit cards come with hidden fees. In 2025, several Indian banks are offering lifetime-free credit cards that combine zero annual charges with rewards, fuel waivers, and even lounge access. Here’s a list of the best free cards for shopping, travel, and everyday use.
India Snapshot
- Annual Fees: ₹0 (lifetime-free).
- Eligibility: Salaried/self-employed, age 21–60, income >₹25,000/month.
- Rewards: 1–5% cashback on spends; fuel surcharge waivers; free lounge access on some cards.
- Payments: All cards support UPI (via RuPay), NetBanking, auto-debit.
- GST Invoice: GST applies only on transactions, not on annual fees.
Apply online in minutes for lifetime-free cards:
Compare Credit Cards on Paisabazaar
Check Card Offers on BankBazaar
Top Lifetime-Free Credit Cards in India (2025)
1. SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card
- 10x rewards on dining, movies, groceries.
- Fuel surcharge waiver (1%).
- Accepted across all payment networks.
Best for: Everyday expenses.
2. Axis Bank MyZone Credit Card
- Free SonyLiv subscription on activation.
- Buy 1 Get 1 free movie ticket (Paytm).
- Dining discounts across restaurants.
Best for: Entertainment lovers.
3. HDFC Millennia RuPay Credit Card
- Works with UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe).
- 5% cashback on Amazon/Flipkart/Myntra.
- Fuel surcharge waiver.
Best for: Online shoppers.
4. IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card
- Lifetime free, no conditions.
- 10x rewards on weekend spends.
- Interest rates from 9% (one of the lowest).
Best for: First-time cardholders.
5. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
- Lifetime free with unlimited cashback.
- 5% cashback for Prime users, 3% for non-Prime.
- Works as a default card for Amazon + UPI.
Best for: Heavy Amazon users.
Other Notable Mentions
- IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card – Free lounge access.
- HSBC Cashback Credit Card – 1.5% flat cashback.
- AU Bank LIT Card – Customizable features, lifetime free.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Zero annual fee, forever.
- UPI-enabled (RuPay) for easy payments.
- Wide rewards categories (dining, travel, fuel).
Cons
- Rewards % lower than premium paid cards.
- Some cards restrict lounge access.
- Eligibility may be stricter for salaried/self-employed.
Quick Checklist for Applicants
- Compare offers on Paisabazaar / BankBazaar.
- Apply online with Aadhaar + PAN (e-KYC).
- Check RuPay UPI support for ease of payments.
- Verify cashback categories before choosing.
- Use responsibly to build credit score.
Ready for a lifetime-free credit card in 2025?
Apply via Paisabazaar
See Best Cards on BankBazaar
Lifetime-free credit cards in India are no longer “basic.” In 2025, you can enjoy cashback, rewards, fuel benefits, and even lounge access without paying a rupee in annual fees. For beginners, IDFC FIRST and SBI SimplySAVE work best. For online shoppers, Amazon Pay ICICI and HDFC Millennia RuPay are unbeatable.
