Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India

Credit cards have become one of the most convenient ways to manage money in India, whether you want to shop online, earn rewards, travel comfortably, or simply build your credit score. But the concern most people have is: “Will I be charged annual fees every year?”

That’s where a lifetime free credit card comes in. These are cards with ₹0 joining fee and ₹0 annual fee - forever. You can enjoy cashback, lounge access, rewards, and offers without worrying about yearly charges.

In this guide, we will break down the best lifetime free credit cards in India, their benefits, eligibility rules, hidden terms, and a comparison table to help you choose the right one.
 

Table of Contents

1. What Is a Lifetime Free Credit Card?
2. Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India (List)
3. Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India 2025 (Comparison)
4. Benefits of Lifetime Free Credit Cards
5. Eligibility Criteria for Lifetime Free Credit Cards
6. How to Apply for the Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards
7. Other Fees & Charges of Lifetime Free Credit Cards
8. Are Lifetime Free Credit Cards Really Free? Hidden Terms to Check

What Is a Lifetime Free Credit Card?

A lifetime free credit card (LTF card) is a card that guarantees no joining fee and no annual fee for life.
You continue to enjoy all benefits without needing to meet annual spending milestones.

How it helps:

• No recurring annual maintenance cost
• Easy way to start your credit journey
• Useful for people who want rewards without long-term commitment
• Ideal for beginners, students, and frequent online shoppers

Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India 

If you are looking for the best lifetime free credit card in India, the good news is that several banks and fintech issuers now offer feature-rich, zero-annual-fee cards with rewards, cashback, and even travel benefits. Below is a curated list of the top lifetime free credit cards suitable for online shopping, travel, daily expenses, and first-time credit users.

Every card mentioned here has a ₹0 joining fee and a ₹0 annual fee, without spend-based conditions.

1. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

Why this card stands out
This is one of the most popular no-annual-fee cards in India, especially for frequent Amazon shoppers. You earn direct cashback, and the rewards auto-credit every month — no manual redemption.

Key Features

• 5% cashback on Amazon for Prime users
• 3% cashback for non-Prime Amazon users
• 2% cashback on 100+ Amazon Pay partner merchants
• 1% cashback on all other spends
• No reward redemption fee
• Fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹100/month

Best For
Amazon users, online shoppers, and beginners want instant approval and simple cashback.

Want detailed info about its benefits and rewards? Check Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card!

2. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card

Why this card stands out
IDFC offers one of the most rewarding lifetime free credit cards with zero hidden charges. With a dynamic APR starting at 9% and no annual fee ever, it’s among the strongest LTF cards in this segment.

Key Features

• 3X–10X reward points on dining, online purchases, and weekend spending
• Interest rates as low as 9% (dynamic)
• 4 complimentary railway lounge visits per quarter
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver
• Reward points never expire

Best For
Users wanting lounge access, weekend bonus rewards, and low-interest credit card options.

Want detailed info about its reward multipliers and perks? Check IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card!

3. Ixigo AU Credit Card

Why this card stands out
 A travel-centric lifetime free credit card designed for frequent flyers and travellers who want rewards on bookings and cancellations.

Key Features

• Up to 5% rewards on Ixigo bookings (flights, trains, hotels)
• Flat ₹500 off on first flight booking
• Travel cancellation protection up to ₹3,000/year
• Complimentary domestic lounge access (1 per quarter)
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver

Best For
Users looking for a lifetime free credit card with lounge access plus travel-focused benefits.

Get full insights on the travel rewards, booking benefits, cancellation coverage, and eligibility of the Ixigo AU Credit Card.

4. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card

Why this card stands out
This is one of the newest travel lifestyle LTF cards offering high rewards in Scapia Coins and strong benefits for budget travellers.

Key Features

• Up to 10% back in Scapia Coins on travel spends
• Free domestic airport lounge access (1 per quarter)
• Visa payWave + contactless
• Exclusive travel marketplace offers
• No annual fee ever

Best For
Travellers who want high rewards on bookings and free airport lounge access without paying annual charges.

Want detailed info about its benefits and rewards? Check Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card.

5. Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card

Why this card stands out
Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent is one of India’s simplest entry-level cards. It is linked to the Kotak 811 account and is completely lifetime free with no hidden charges.

Key Features

• 4 reward points per ₹100 on online spends
• 1 reward point per ₹100 on offline spends
• Up to ₹750 cashback annually on fuel via surcharge waiver
• Credit limit backed by 811 account
• ₹0 joining and ₹0 annual fees

Best For
New-to-credit individuals or users who want a simple, secure, lifetime free credit card to start building their credit score.

6. OneCard

Why this card stands out
A metal credit card available in the lifetime free category — offering complete app-based control, transparent charges, and instant issuance.

Key Features

• 100% digital onboarding
• Metal card design
• Rewards on all spends (no expiry)
• Dynamic credit limit control via the app
• Zero joining fee and zero annual fee

Best For
Users wanting a premium-looking metal LTF card with simple rewards and strong app features.

Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India 2025 (Comparison)

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the best lifetime free credit cards in India:

Credit Card	Fee	Best For	Key Benefits	Lounge Access
Amazon Pay ICICI	Free	Amazon + online shopping	Up to 5% cashback	No
Ixigo AU Credit Card	Free	Travel + flight/train booking	5% rewards, cancellation protection	Yes – 1/quarter
Federal Bank Scapia	Free	Travel rewards + lounge	Up to 10% back in Scapia Coins	Yes – 1/quarter
Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent	Free	Beginners + low-usage users	2% cashback on online spends, fuel surcharge waiver	No
OneCard	Free	Beginners + digital control	App-based card, metal design	No

Benefits of Lifetime Free Credit Cards

Lifetime free credit cards offer all core credit card benefits without the burden of annual fees. They help users build a credit score at zero cost, making them ideal for first-time applicants.

1. Zero Annual Fee:
   With a lifetime free credit card, you don’t pay any joining or annual fee. This means you save money every year while still enjoying all the features and perks of a credit card.
    
2. Cost-Effective Ownership:
   You can hold multiple cards for different purposes, such as shopping, travel, or daily expense,s without worrying about recurring charges eating into your budget.
    
3. Build Your Credit Score:
   Using the card responsibly helps improve your credit history. Since there’s no fee, you can focus on timely payments and smart spending to strengthen your credit profile.
    
4. Rewards and Cashback:
   Many lifetime free cards still offer cashback, reward points, or fuel surcharge waivers. With no annual cost, all these benefits become a direct gain for you.
    
5. Access to Premium Features:
   Some cards provide extras like airport or railway lounge access, EMI options, or virtual cards. You get to enjoy these premium features without paying a single rupee in fees.

Eligibility Criteria for Lifetime Free Credit Cards

To be eligible for a lifetime free credit card, banks generally consider a few key factors:

• Age: Applicants should be 18–60 years old, covering both young professionals and experienced earners.
• Income: Most cards require a monthly income of ₹15,000–₹25,000. Beginner-friendly cards like Kotak 811 or OneCard accept lower-income users or first-time credit applicants.
• Credit Score: A score of 700+ is usually preferred, though some cards approve new-to-credit users without prior credit history.
• Documents: Basic KYC documents such as PAN, Aadhaar, address proof, and salary slips or bank statements are required. Many cards allow full online verification.

Tip: If you're a beginner or have a low or zero credit score, you can also apply for an FD-backed credit card, a secured option that offers easy approval and helps build your credit profile.

How to Apply for the Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards

You can easily apply for a lifetime free credit card online via the bank’s website or mobile app. The entire process usually takes 5–10 minutes, and approval may occur instantly.

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the card issuer’s official application page
    
2. Fill in personal and income details
    
3. Complete video KYC or physical verification
    
4. Upload mandatory documents
    
5. Receive approval and get the virtual card instantly

Tip: Keep your PAN and Aadhaar handy to speed up verification.

Other Fees & Charges of Lifetime Free Credit Cards

Even though these cards don’t have any joining or annual fees, a few costs may still apply if you don’t manage them carefully:

• Interest on unpaid bills: About 2.5%–3.5% per month if you don’t pay your full bill. Always pay in full to avoid interest.
   
• Late payment fees: Missing your due date can cost ₹100–₹1,200. Setting reminders or auto-pay helps avoid this.
   
• Cash withdrawals: Taking cash from an ATM costs 2.5% of the amount. Credit cards are meant for payments, not cash.
   
• Foreign transactions: Using the card abroad may add 2%–3.5% extra. Some cards waive this, but most don’t.
   
• Other charges: Replacement cards, duplicate statements, or exceeding your limit can also cost extra.

Tip: Lifetime free means no annual fee, but being responsible with payments ensures you enjoy all the benefits without surprises.

Are Lifetime Free Credit Cards Really Free? Hidden Terms to Check

Not all cards labelled “free” are truly lifetime free. Some may include conditions or hidden clauses, so it’s important to know what to check:

• Annual fee: Some cards waive it only if you spend ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 per year.
   
• Lounge access: Complimentary access may require a minimum monthly spend.
   
• Cashback limits: Rewards or cashback might be capped, e.g., ₹100–₹200 per cycle.
   
• Replacement cards: Banks may charge for lost or replacement cards.

Always check the card’s Schedule of Charges before applying to ensure your lifetime free credit card remains truly cost-free.

Conclusion

A lifetime free credit card is a smart way to enjoy all the benefits of a credit card without paying annual fees. You can earn cashback, reward points, and access perks like lounge visits, fuel surcharge waivers, and online shopping rewards, all while keeping your costs at zero.

To get the most value, choose the best credit card that matches your spending habits. By doing so, you can build your credit score, save money, and enjoy long-term financial convenience. A lifetime free credit card used responsibly becomes a practical tool that helps you manage expenses and maximise rewards.

Still deciding which card fits your spending style? Browse the list of the Best Credit Cards in India to compare rewards, fees, travel benefits, and approval flexibility - all in one place.

FAQs - Lifetime Free Credit Cards

1. Which is the best lifetime free credit card in India?
The IDFC FIRST Millennia and Amazon Pay ICICI cards are among the best lifetime free credit cards due to their reward rates, fee-free structure, and ease of approval.

2. Do lifetime free credit cards come with lounge access?
Yes, some options like Federal Scapia and IDFC Millennia offer lifetime free credit cards with lounge access, either airport or railway lounges.

3. How to apply for a lifetime free credit card online?
You can apply for lifetime free credit cards through bank websites or mobile apps. The process includes digital KYC, income verification, and instant virtual card issuance.

4. Are lifetime free credit cards truly free?
Yes, as long as the card has ₹0 joining and ₹0 renewal fees, it qualifies as a lifetime free credit card. Other charges like interest, forex markup, or cash advance fees still apply.

5. Which lifetime free credit card is good for beginners?
OneCard and Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent are ideal for beginners, offering simple rewards and easy approval.