Here are India’s best lifetime free credit cards with zero annual fees. Check key details like eligibility, required documents, benefits, and credit limits to find the right card for your needs.
What is a Credit Card?
A credit card is a plastic or metal card issued by a bank or financial institution that lets you borrow money to pay for goods and services, up to a pre-approved credit limit. You repay the amount later, usually within a month, or pay in EMIs (monthly installments).
Top 10 Credit Cards in India 2025
1. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card
Eligibility: 21–45 years, stable income, credit score 700+
Required Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, salary slip or ITR
Benefits:
3X to 10X reward points on spends
25% off on movie bookings (up to ₹100)
Railway lounge access (4/year)
Fees: ₹0 lifetime
Credit Limit: ₹50,000 – ₹3 lakh
Issued By: IDFC FIRST Bank
2. ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card (Visa/RuPay)
Eligibility: ₹15,000+ monthly income
Required Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, address proof, salary slip/bank statement
Benefits:
1 reward point per ₹100 spent
1% fuel surcharge waiver
Fees: ₹0 lifetime
Credit Limit: ₹20,000 – ₹2 lakh
Issued By: ICICI Bank
3. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
Eligibility: Amazon account + good CIBIL score
Required Documents: Aadhaar, PAN (full KYC online possible)
Benefits:
5% cashback (Prime users), 3% (non-Prime on Amazon), 1% elsewhere
No-cost EMI, auto credit to Amazon Pay wallet
Fees: ₹0 lifetime
Credit Limit: ₹20,000 – ₹5 lakh
Issued By: ICICI Bank
4. Axis Bank MyZone Credit Card (Limited Period Free Offer)
Eligibility: ₹20,000+/month income
Required Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, income proof
Benefits:
Free SonyLIV subscription, 40% off on Swiggy
1% fuel surcharge waiver
Fees: ₹500/year (waived for 1st year; limited-time free variant)
Credit Limit: ₹30,000 – ₹2 lakh
Issued By: Axis Bank
5. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
Eligibility: ₹4 lakh+ annual income, good credit score
Required Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, ITR/salary slip
Benefits:
Up to 10% cashback on select purchases
5X reward points on online spending
Fees: ₹0 lifetime (on first-year usage)
Credit Limit: ₹50,000 – ₹3 lakh
Issued By: HSBC Bank
6. IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card
Eligibility: Age 21+, credit score 700+, regular income
Required Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, salary slips
Benefits:
6X reward points on online spends
Interest-free cash withdrawal for 48 days
Fees: ₹0 lifetime
Credit Limit: ₹25,000 – ₹2.5 lakh
Issued By: IDFC FIRST Bank
7. YES Bank Prosperity Edge Credit Card
Eligibility: ₹25,000+/month salary
Required Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, bank statement
Benefits:
4 reward points/₹200 spent
Fuel surcharge waiver, EMI on big purchases
Fees: ₹0 (lifetime free offer via select channels)
Credit Limit: ₹30,000 – ₹2 lakh
Issued By: YES Bank
8. Standard Chartered SC DigiSmart Credit Card
Eligibility: ₹20,000+/month income
Required Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, salary slip
Benefits:
20% off on Myntra, 10% off on Zomato, Grofers
Flat ₹49/month fee (can be ₹0 if inactive)
Fees: ₹49/month (₹0 if no spend in a month)
Credit Limit: ₹30,000 – ₹2.5 lakh
Issued By: Standard Chartered Bank
9. LIC Axis Signature Credit Card
Eligibility: LIC policyholders, good CIBIL score
Required Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, LIC policy number, income proof
Benefits:
2X points on LIC premium payments
Lounge access, dining offers
Fees: ₹0 lifetime (for LIC customers)
Credit Limit: ₹50,000 – ₹3 lakh
Issued By: Axis Bank
10. Bank of Baroda (BoB) Prime Credit Card
Eligibility: Minimum ₹15,000/month income
Required Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, salary proof
Benefits:
4 reward points/₹100 on select spends
EMI conversion available
Fees: ₹0 lifetime (limited offer)
Credit Limit: ₹25,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
Issued By: Bank of Baroda
Key Features of a Credit Card:
Credit Limit – Maximum amount you can spend using the card.
Interest-Free Period – Usually 20–50 days to repay without interest.
EMI Facility – Convert large purchases into small monthly payments.
Rewards/Cashback – Earn points or cashback on every transaction.
Security – Safe payments via chip/PIN and OTP.
Lounge & Travel Benefits – Free access to airport lounges, travel insurance.
Builds Credit Score – Helps improve your creditworthiness for loans.
Top Benefits of Using a Credit Card
1. Buy Now, Pay Later
You can purchase items immediately and pay for them later—usually within 20 to 50 days—without interest if paid on time.
2. Builds Credit Score
Responsible usage helps you build a good credit history, which is important for future loans, EMIs, and financial credibility.
3. Reward Points & Cashback
Earn reward points, cashback, or airline miles on every transaction. These can be redeemed for gifts, shopping, or bill payments.
4. EMI Conversion
You can convert large purchases into easy monthly installments, often at lower interest rates compared to personal loans.
5. Offers & Discounts
Credit cards often give exclusive deals on travel, dining, shopping, and entertainment—especially during sales and festive seasons.
6. Emergency Funds
Useful in emergencies when you don’t have enough cash or savings on hand.
7. Airport Lounge Access
Many cards offer complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
8. Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Get 1%–2.5% waiver on fuel transactions at select petrol pumps.
9. Travel & Insurance Benefits
Some cards offer free travel insurance, lost baggage cover, or accident insurance.
10. Safe & Secure Payments
Credit cards come with fraud protection, OTP verification, and zero liability for unauthorized transactions if reported on time.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Top 10 Zero-Fee Credit Cards in India 2025:
Q1. What is a zero-fee or lifetime free credit card?
A: A zero-fee or lifetime free credit card has no joining fee and no annual maintenance charges for the lifetime of the card.
❓ Q2. Are lifetime free cards really free forever?
A: Yes, if clearly mentioned by the bank. Some may waive the fee based on usage, so read the terms carefully.
❓ Q3. Can I get a zero-fee credit card with a low income?
A: Yes, several cards like ICICI Platinum and BoB Prime require minimal income (₹15,000/month) and offer lifetime free benefits.
❓ Q4. What documents are required to apply?
A: Usually:
PAN Card
Aadhaar Card
Income proof (Salary slip, bank statement, or ITR)
❓ Q5. Will a zero-fee card help build my credit score?
A: Yes. Responsible usage and timely bill payments improve your credit score, just like any other credit card.
❓ Q6. Which is the best zero-fee credit card in India right now?
A: Cards like Amazon Pay ICICI, IDFC FIRST Millennia, and ICICI Platinum Chip are top-rated in 2025 for zero fees and great benefits.
❓ Q7. Can I apply online for these cards?
A: Yes, most banks offer online applications with instant approval based on your documents and credit profile.