Best Free Credit Cards in India

That classic worry with credit cards is hard to ignore: wanting the ease and rewards but dreading the annual fee. For many, it's the one thing that holds them back from giving credit a try. But what if you could enjoy all the benefits of a credit card without paying anything just to keep it, year after year?

This isn't just wishful thinking; it's a huge trend in India's money world. With more than 11 crore active credit cards in early 2025 and banks focusing more on what customers want, cards with no yearly fees are really taking off. Banks are now offering more of these free cards, making it simpler for millions of Indians to get credit and save money.

This guide is your straightforward path to understanding these game-changing money tools. We'll make things clear, show you the best "free" credit cards, and help you find the perfect one that truly fits your financial journey. Get ready to use your money smartly, totally free from any yearly costs.

Table of Contents

• Why Choose a "Free" Credit Card in India?
• Key Benefits of Zero Annual Fee Credit Cards
• Top Picks: Best Free Credit Cards in India – A Detailed Comparison
• How to Choose the Right Free Credit Card for You
• Other Fees to Watch Out For With Zero Annual Fee Credit Cards
• Maximising Your Free Credit Card Benefits

Why Choose a "Free" Credit Card in India?

The idea of a "free" credit card often raises an eyebrow. Is anything truly free in the financial world? Well, when we talk about free credit cards, we primarily mean cards that come with zero joining fees and zero annual fees. This means you don't pay anything just to get the card or to keep it year after year.

Here's why they're such a smart choice for many:

• Financial freedom: No annual fee means one less recurring expense to worry about. This is especially beneficial for those new to credit or who don't spend heavily enough to justify a fee-based card's benefits.
• Credit building without cost: Want to build a strong credit history (that all-important CIBIL score) without dipping into your savings? Free credit cards are an excellent, low-risk way to do just that. Regular, responsible use helps you establish a solid financial reputation.
• Experimentation: If you're unsure about committing to a specific card type or bank, a free card allows you to test the waters, understand how credit cards work, and see if the benefits align with your lifestyle, all without financial commitment.

Free credit cards make room for flexibility without adding to your expenses. For those exploring credit for the first time or looking to keep things simple, they provide a clear path to build credit and manage payments without the pressure of ongoing fees.

Key Benefits of Zero Annual Fee Credit Cards

Don't mistake "free" for "featureless." Many no-annual-fee credit cards offer a surprising array of benefits that can add real value to your daily life:

• Rewards & cashback: From earning points on every rupee you spend to getting direct cashback on specific categories like online shopping, dining, or fuel. These rewards can significantly offset your expenses.
• Dining & entertainment discounts: Partnerships with restaurants and movie ticket platforms often provide direct savings, making your outings more affordable.
• Fuel surcharge waivers: A small but impactful saving for frequent drivers, as the 1% fuel surcharge can add up over time.
• Travel perks: Some free cards even surprise you with complimentary airport lounge access or preferential forex rates, making them suitable for occasional travellers.
• Convenience & digital control: Many modern free cards come with robust mobile apps, allowing you to manage your spending, track rewards, and even block/unblock your card instantly.

These benefits show that a no-annual-fee card is not limited in what it can offer. With the right pick, you can access useful features, earn rewards, and manage your spending efficiently, all without adding to your fixed costs.

Top Picks: Best Free Credit Cards in India – A Detailed Comparison

Choosing a credit card without the burden of annual fees doesn't mean settling for less. Many zero-fee cards today offer a solid mix of rewards, savings, and convenience. In this list, we've reviewed some of the best free credit cards available in India, comparing their key features to help you find one that fits your needs without adding to your expenses.

ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card

• Issuing bank: ICICI Bank
• Best suited for: Building credit, everyday spending
• Key benefits:
  • Earn 2 Reward Points (RP) for every ₹100 on retail spends and 1 RP on utility and insurance spends. 
  • Enjoy dining discounts on Swiggy orders 
  • Get 1% waiver on fuel transactions worth ₹400 - ₹4,000 at HPCL pumps
• Eligibility highlights:
  • An Indian citizen over 21 years of age
  • A salaried individual with a monthly income of ₹20,000
  • Self-employed with a monthly income of at least ₹20,000
• Why it's "free": This card is typically Lifetime Free, meaning no annual fees to worry about.

This is a reliable partner for your daily transactions. It's a solid choice if you're looking to establish or improve your credit score without commitment. Additionally, the bank also offers an FD-backed option of this credit card, making it accessible even if you're new to credit.

Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card

• Issuing bank: ICICI Bank
• Best suited for: Online shopping (especially Amazon loyalists)
• Key benefits:
  • Prime members get a significant 5x RP on every ₹100 spent on Amazon.in purchases
  • While non-Prime members get 3x RP on every ₹100 spent. For other spends, it offers a decent 1 RP.
  •  You also get a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. 
  • Get dining discounts with the Culinary Treats Programme.
• Eligibility highlights:
  • An Indian citizen over 21 years of age
  • A salaried individual with a monthly income of ₹20,000
  • Self-employed with a monthly income of at least ₹3.6 lakh
• Why it's "free": This card is widely known and offered as Lifetime Free.

If you're regularly shopping online, this card can save you substantial amounts.

Get the full picture on Amazon Pay ICICI credit card reward mechanics—especially how Prime members can maximise cashback while enjoying a fee-free experience.

Axis Bank NEO Credit Card

• Issuing bank: Axis Bank
• Best suited for: Online shopping, movies, dining
• Key benefits:
  • You can get up to ₹120 off on Zomato orders, 5% off on utility bill payments via Paytm, and a sweet 10% off on BookMyShow and Blinkit.
  • 15% discount on partner restaurants via Dining Delights
  • 1 RP for every ₹200 spent using the NEO credit card
  • 100% cashback up to 300 on first utility bill payment within first 30 days of card issuance
• Eligibility highlights:
  •  Primary cardholders aged 18-70
  • add-on cardholders 18+
  • Indian Resident/NRI. 
  • Income criteria are generally moderate, making it accessible
• Why it's "free": The Axis Bank Neo credit card is often provided as a lifetime free card, especially through specific promotions or banking relationships.

A great pick for millennials and those who enjoy digital lifestyle benefits. 

Delve into the specifics of Axis Neo credit card discounts and how it serves young digital natives with curated lifestyle offers and minimal cost overhead.

IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card

• Issuing bank: IDFC FIRST Bank
• Best suited for: High spenders, rewards enthusiasts
• Key benefits:
  • 10x RP on incremental spends above ₹20,000 per statement cycle and spends done on your birthday.
  • 3x RP on spends till 20,000 in a statement cycle
  • 1x RP on Insurance premium payments and utility bill payments
  • Bonus RPs on booking flights and hotels via the 'Travel and Shop' section on the IDFC FIRST Bank mobile app
  • Your reward points never expire.
  • Interest-free cash withdrawals for up to 48 days and a 25% discount on movie tickets.
• Eligibility highlights: Standard criteria for age, income (annual income of ₹3 lakh or more), and credit score apply, but IDFC FIRST Bank is known for being relatively flexible for new-to-credit customers.
• Why it's "free": Is a lifetime free credit card.

A lifetime-free card with premium perks, perfect for those who spend big and want their rewards to keep up.

Uncover why high spenders and reward chasers lean towards the IDFC FIRST Millennia credit card for unmatched point multipliers and zero expiry on redemptions.

HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card

• Issuing bank: HSBC Bank
• Best suited for: Entry-level benefits, rewards
• Key benefits:
  • Earn 2 RP per ₹150 spent, with a boosted 5x RP once your annual spend crosses ₹4 lakh. 
  • It often comes with welcome cashback offers and includes a 1% fuel surcharge waiver. 
  • Reward points can even be converted into air miles.
• Eligibility highlights:
  • You must be aged between 18 to 65
  • A salaried individual with an annual income of ₹4 lakh
  • Current city of residence should be: Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi, Noida, or Pune
• Why it's "free": This card is often offered as a Lifetime Free credit card, making it a good entry point into HSBC's banking services

A solid entry-level card if you live in a metro and meet the income bar. The lifetime-free tag makes it an easy first step into HSBC’s ecosystem.

Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card

• Issuing bank: Federal Bank
• Best suited for: Travel enthusiasts
• Key benefits:
  • Get unlimited domestic lounge access, complimentary dining, shopping, or spa benefits by spending ₹10,000 (VISA) or ₹15,000 (RuPay) per month.
  • 10% reward on every eligible online and offline spend.
  • Zero forex markup on all international transactions.
  • Instant in-app repayment for hassle-free bill payments.
  • Set transaction limits and manage permissions easily via the app
• Eligibility highlights:
  • Primary cardholder Age: 21 to 65 years in case of salaried, 25 to 65 years in case of self-employed
  • Should be an Indian resident. 
• Why it's "free": This card is a Lifetime Free offering, making it incredibly attractive for its travel benefits.

A rare travel-focused card that stays truly free for life. If you want lounge access, zero forex fees, and app-first control, this one delivers.

Learn how the Scapia credit card transforms everyday and international spending with app-based control, travel perks, and seamless cashback—all in one lifetime-free package.

OneCard

• Issuing bank: OneCard (FPL Technologies)
• Best suited for: General spending, digital control, modern users
• Key benefits:
  • This sleek metal card offers 5x RP on your top two spending categories each month
  • It includes a fuel surcharge waiver and boasts an intuitive app for complete control over your card
• Eligibility highlights:
  • For One credit card the maximum age is 60 years
  • Your credit score should be 750 & more
  • Indian citizens who are residents can apply
• Why it's "free": OneCard is lifetime free, with no annual fees.

A lifetime-free metal card built for the app generation, with smart rewards and full digital control. Plus, there’s an FD-backed version for those new to credit or rebuilding their score.

AU LIT Card

• Issuing bank: AU Small Finance Bank
• Best suited for: Customisable benefits, adaptable spenders
• Key benefits:
  • You get to choose the benefits you want (like cashback, lounge access, or specific memberships), which you can change every 90 days. 
  • 10x or 5x RP on all online domestic & international retail transactions
  • 10x or 5x RP on all POS & contactless offline domestic & international transactions
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all transactions between ₹400 to ₹5,000
  • Airport lounge access (2 visits every 90 days)
• Eligibility highlights: Age 21-60, salaried Indian resident.
• Why it's "free": While the card itself has no annual fee, you pay a small fee only for the specific "features" you activate. This effectively makes the base card free.

A zero-annual-fee card that lets you tailor benefits every quarter. Add high reward potential and entertainment privileges, and you get a card that’s anything but basic.

Take a closer look at how the AU LIT credit card allows quarterly customisation of benefits—ideal for users who seek flexible control over their rewards and spending categories.

IndusInd Legend Credit Card

• Issuing bank: IndusInd Bank
• Best suited for: Weekend spends, travel, movie lovers
• Key benefits:
  • 2 RP per ₹100 on weekend spending (making your leisure activities more rewarding) and 1 RP on weekdays. 
  • 3,000 bonus reward points on spending ₹5 lakh or more in a year
  • It features a low forex markup of just 1.8% – one of the best in this segment. 
  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver
• Eligibility highlights:
  • A citizen of India, with a good credit score
  • You must be salaried or self-employed 
  • At least 21 and not more than 65 years old 
  • You must have a minimum monthly income of ₹20,000
• Why it's "free": While it has a joining fee of ₹5,000, it's very often offered as lifetime free, particularly if you have a relationship with the bank or during specific campaigns. Always confirm the LTF status when applying.

For a deeper dive into travel-friendly features and reward structures, visit the detailed IndusInd Legend credit card review and see how it fits weekend-centric lifestyles.

Each of these lifetime free credit cards offers something different, whether it's rewards, cashback, travel benefits, or better digital control. The key is to pick one that aligns with how you spend and what you value. With no annual fees involved, it's a practical way to access credit while keeping your costs in check. 

For a wider range of fee-free options and deep comparisons, check out this detailed list of lifetime free credit cards that offer long-term value without recurring charges.

How to Choose the Right Free Credit Card for You

Finding the right free credit card isn't just about skipping the annual fee. It's about choosing a card that matches your lifestyle and spending patterns. The goal is to get the most value without adding complexity or cost. With so many excellent "free" options, how do you pick? It boils down to understanding your own habits and needs.

Here's how to narrow down your options:

1. Where do you spend most?
   • Online shopping: Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card, Axis Bank NEO.
   • Everyday spends/building credit: ICICI Bank Platinum Chip credit card, OneCard.
   • Travel: Federal Bank Scapia credit card, IndusInd Legend credit card.
   • High spends/rewards: IDFC FIRST Millennia credit card.
   • Customisable: AU LIT Card.
2. What benefits matter most? Is it cashback, movie discounts, lounge access, or low forex fees? Prioritise what will genuinely save you money or enhance your lifestyle.
3. Check eligibility: While these cards are "free," they still have eligibility criteria related to age, income, and credit score. Ensure you meet the basic requirements to avoid application rejections.
4. Read the fine print: Always confirm the "lifetime free" status and any conditions for fee waivers if applicable.

With the right approach, a lifetime free credit card can offer both value and convenience. Focus on what fits your needs, check the eligibility details, and read the terms carefully. This way, you avoid surprises and make a choice that supports your financial goals.

Other Fees to Watch Out For With Zero Annual Fee Credit Cards

Remember, "free" refers to the annual fee. Other standard credit card charges still apply, and it's crucial to be aware of them to manage your finances effectively:

• Finance charges (interest rate): This is the interest levied on your outstanding balance if you don't pay your full bill by the due date. These are typically high, ranging from 3.49% to 3.95% per month (41.88% to 47.40% per annum). Always pay your full bill to avoid this.
• Cash advance fee: When you withdraw cash using your credit card from an ATM, a fee is charged, usually around 2.5% of the withdrawn amount (minimum ₹500), plus immediate interest. This is almost always a costly affair and should be avoided.
• Forex markup fee: When you use your card for international transactions (online or offline), a foreign exchange markup fee is applied. While some cards like Federal Bank Scapia offer 0% and IndusInd Legend has a low 1.8%, others can charge 3.50% (e.g., Axis Bank NEO).
• Late payment fee: If you miss your payment due date, a late payment fee is charged. This fee varies; for example, IDFC FIRST Millennia charges 15% of the due amount (min. ₹100, max. ₹1,250), while HSBC can charge upto 50% of the minimum due (min. ₹400, max. ₹750).
• Other fees: Be mindful of charges for rent/utility/education payments, feature fees, or reward redemption fees.

Understanding these charges is just as important as choosing the right card. While a zero annual fee makes a card more affordable, overlooking other costs can lead to unnecessary expenses. Make it a habit to read the terms, track your payments, and use your card with awareness. That's how you truly keep it cost-effective.

Maximising Your Free Credit Card Benefits

Getting a lifetime free credit card gives you access to credit without the added cost of annual fees. But to get real value from it, how you use the card matters just as much as which one you choose. A few simple habits can make the difference between just owning a card and using it well.

Getting a free credit card is just the first step. To truly make it work for you:

• Pay your bills in full: The golden rule of credit cards. This avoids all finance charges and helps build a strong credit score.
• Use rewards smartly: Understand how your card's reward points work and redeem them for maximum value – whether it's cashback, vouchers, or airline miles.
• Leverage partner offers: Many cards have ongoing partnerships with brands for extra discounts. Keep an eye on these to save more.
• Stay within your means: A credit card is a tool, not an extension of your income. Spend responsibly to avoid debt.

Using a free credit card effectively isn't complicated, but it does require discipline. By paying on time, tracking rewards, and spending within limits, you can build credit, save money, and keep your finances in control, all without paying a fee to do it.

Conclusion

Free credit cards in India are far from just basic options; they are smart financial tools that can offer significant value without the burden of annual fees. Whether you're a budding online shopper, a frequent traveller, or simply looking to build your credit responsibly, there's a "free" card out there tailored for you.

The best credit card isn't about what everyone else has; it's about what fits your unique spending patterns and financial goals. Take the time to compare, understand the fine print, and choose a card that truly elevates your financial journey.

Want to explore even more credit card options or compare these further based on your specific spending habits? Well, you can compare over 90 of the top credit cards on Finology Select. You can even filter them on the basis of benefits, your income and the network, so you can find the one that's actually right for you, not just popular on paper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are "free" credit cards truly free?

Yes, when we say "free", it means they typically have no joining fees and no annual (yearly) fees. However, like all credit cards, there are still other charges if you don't use them wisely, such as interest if you don't pay your full bill or fees for cash withdrawals.

Can I get a free credit card if my credit score is not very high?

It can be harder to get an unsecured free credit card with a low credit score. However, many banks offer "secured" credit cards (like those backed by a fixed deposit) that are lifetime-free and can help you build your credit score even if you're new to credit or have a lower score.

What are the common hidden charges on free credit cards?

While there are no annual fees, watch out for: 

• Interest charges: Applied if you don't pay your full bill by the due date.
• Cash advance fees: Charged when you withdraw cash using your credit card at an ATM.
• Foreign currency fees: Added when you use your card for international transactions.
• Late payment fees: Levied if you miss your payment due date.

Always read the card's specific terms and conditions.

Do free credit cards offer good rewards and benefits?

Absolutely! Many free credit cards offer excellent rewards like cashback, loyalty points, dining discounts, fuel charge waivers, and even airport lounge access. The key is to choose a card that offers benefits that match your spending habits.

How can I apply for a free credit card online?

Most banks offer online applications for their credit cards. You can visit the bank's official website, fill out the application form, upload the required documents (like ID, address proof, and income proof), and submit it. The bank will then review your application and let you know if it's approved.