Lifetime free credit cards in India: From IDFC First to ICICI and Axis bank

Credit cards are no longer an indulgence reserved for high spenders. They have become an essential financial tool, providing convenience, security, and a range of benefits that cash transactions simply cannot match. However, not all credit cards are created equal. One type of card that stands out for its long-term value and appeal is the lifetime free credit card.

The primary difference between a standard credit card and a lifetime free credit card is, of course, the fees. A standard credit card incurs annual fees for card maintenance, while a lifetime-free credit card does not charge any annual fees. This makes lifetime-free credit cards an attractive option for those looking to avoid annual charges while enjoying credit card benefits.

In this article, we’ll examine the top 10 lifetime free credit cards and what they are best suited for, including welcome benefits and their unique features.

Also Read: Top 10 credit cards for airport lounge access in India

List of Top 10 Lifetime Free Credit Cards

We’ve compiled a list of India's top lifetime-free credit cards. Consider your spending habits and specific requirements to choose the one that best suits your needs

Cards	Provider	Airport Lounge Access
IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards: Millennia, Classic, Select, Wealth and Wow	IDFC First Bank Limited	Yes
ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card	ICICI Bank	Yes (on minimum spending criteria)
Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card	ICICI Bank	No
AU Bank LIT Credit Card	AU Small Finance Bank	Yes
Fibe Axis Bank credit card	Axis Bank	Yes
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card	HSBC India	Yes
Metro Kotak Credit Card	Kotak Mahindra Bank	No
YES Prosperity Purchase Credit Card	YES Bank Ltd	Yes
Canara Bank Classic Visa Individual Credit Card	Canara Bank	No
RBL Bank BankBazaar SaveMax Credit Card	RBL Bank	No

Let’s take a closer look at each lifetime free credit card.

Also Read: Top 10 debit cards with airport lounge access in India

IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards

• Variants: FIRST Millennia Credit Card, FIRST Classic Credit Card, FIRST Select Credit Card, FIRST Wealth Credit Card, FIRST WOW! Credit Card
  
• Best suited: Online shopping and travel
• Reward rate: Up to 2.5%
• Welcome benefits: You can enjoy welcome benefits worth up to ₹1,500 when you spend ₹15,000 in the first 90 days and make an EMI transaction within the first 30 days.

IDFC FIRST Bank offers a spectrum of credit cards with benefits across various categories like lifestyle, rewards, and travel. These cards are lifetime-free, feature lower interest rates—0.75 percent to 3.65 percent—and provide incremental rewards with no expiration. Options are available for everyone—from beginners looking for a low-maintenance card with relaxed eligibility to cards offering specific travel, fuel, and shopping benefits and even an invite-only card for the premium segment.

ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card

• Best suited: Online shopping and dining out
• Reward rate: 0.5%
• Welcome benefits: N/A

The ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card stands out in the market due to its simplicity and competitiveness compared to other cards in the same segment. Another appealing aspect is the ability to earn PAYBACK points on every transaction, which can be redeemed for attractive rewards like gifts and vouchers.

Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card

• Best suited: Amazon shopping
• Rewards: 1% - 5%
• Welcome benefits: ₹750 Amazon Gift Card for Prime members and ₹600 Amazon Gift Card for non-Prime members

The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card is a co-branded credit card launched by ICICI Bank in partnership with Amazon Pay. Visa powers this card and offers a range of features and advantages, including cashback rewards, especially for Amazon Prime members. Since its introduction in October 2018, the card has seen significant adoption, with over two million customers on board.

AU Bank LIT Credit Card

• Best suited: Online shopping and entertainment
• Reward rate: 0.25%
• Welcome benefits: N/A

LIT (Live It Today) Credit Card by AU Small Finance Bank is the first customised credit card introduced in the banking sector. It is designed for Gen Z and millennials, who seek control over their financial products. The LIT Credit Card is a unique offering that caters to individuals looking for enhanced customisation and adaptability in their credit card experience.

Fibe Axis Bank credit card

• Best suited: Lounge access, shopping and dining
• Reward rate: 0.25%
• Welcome benefits: N/A

The Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card is an innovative financial product in India. It is the country's first numberless credit card linked to your UPI ID. This innovative card, a collaboration between Fintech startup Fibe and Axis Bank, offers numerous benefits and features tailored for the tech-savvy generation.

Listen: Let's Talk About...the rise and fall of Axis Bank's credit cards

HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card

• Best suited: Travel, dining and online shopping
• Reward rate: 1.3% to 3%
• Welcome benefits: Spend ₹2500 or more within 30 days of card issuance to get ₹500 Amazon gift voucher, ₹250 Swiggy gift voucher and three complimentary airport lounge accesses or three meal vouchers for airport restaurants in India

The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card is an entry-level, lifetime-free card with a unique air miles redemption program. Cardholders can convert their accumulated reward points to popular airlines such as Club Vistara, Air India's Flying Returns, Etihad Airways, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

Metro Kotak Credit Card

• Best suited: Shopping
• Reward rate: N/A
• Welcome benefits: Cardholders can acquire benefits on spending above ₹10,000 in the first-day swipe the first month

The METRO Kotak Credit Card is a co-branded business credit card launched by Kotak Mahindra Bank in partnership with METRO Wholesale. It is exclusively designed for Kirana owners, traders, hotels, restaurants, and caterers who shop at METRO Wholesale in India. This card offers a range of benefits, including cashback on transactions, a credit-free period, and contactless payments.

YES Prosperity Purchase Credit Card

• Best suited: Corporate Organisations
• Reward rate: N/A
• Welcome benefits: N/A

The YES Prosperity Purchase Credit Card, offered by Yes Bank, syncs your accounts payable cycle with a choice of customisable billing cycles, ensuring smooth integration with your current financial processes. Allows users to benefit from the convenience of a dedicated Corporate Assist Desk for assistance with queries and account management while securing their online transactions with MasterCard SecureCode or Verified by Visa. These features provide an additional layer of protection when making purchases.

Canara Bank Classic Visa Individual Credit Card

• Best suited: EMI and expense management
• Reward rate: 2%
• Welcome benefits: N/A

The Canara Bank Classic VISA Individual Credit Card is a beneficial credit card option offered by Canara Bank. This card provides users up to 50 days of interest-free credit, making it a convenient choice for managing expenses. Additionally, it offers easy EMI conversion through the Canara Saathi and Canara ai1 apps, allowing for flexible payment options.

Also Read: How credit card-linked UPI is a step toward better financial inclusion

RBL Bank BankBazaar SaveMax Credit Card

• Best suited: Grocery shopping, BookMyShow and Zomato
• Reward rate: 1%
• Welcome benefits: N/A

The RBL Bank BankBazaar SaveMax Credit Card is a lifetime-free credit card offered by RBL Bank in association with A&A Dukaan Financial Services Private Limited (BankBazaar). It is designed to enhance users' spending experience by making every spend, regardless of size or frequency, enjoyable.