Looking for powerful credit card perks without paying annual fees? The best lifetime free credit cards offer excellent value with no joining or yearly charges. Perfect for first-time users and savvy spenders alike, these cards come with rewards, cashback, lounge access, and more.
This in-depth guide explores the best lifetime free credit cards in India for 2025, featuring everything from grocery and travel perks to lounge access and beginner-friendly options.
Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards
| Credit Card | Best For | Rewards Highlights | Lounge Access | Fuel Surcharge Waiver | Income Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBL Shoprite | Grocery Savings | 20 RP/₹100 on groceries | No | Up to ₹100/month | ₹15,000/month |
| HSBC Platinum | Travel & Shopping | 2 RP/₹150; 5X RP after ₹4L spends | Yes | Up to ₹3,000/year | ₹55,000/month |
| IDFC FIRST WOW | No Credit History | Rewards never expire | No | 1% up to ₹200/month | FD-based |
| IDFC FIRST (General) | Dining & Travel | Up to 10X RP | 4 airport + 4 railway lounges | 1% up to ₹200/month | ₹25,000/month |
| Axis LIC Signature | LIC Premiums | 2 RP/₹100 LIC | 8 domestic lounges | 1% up to ₹400/month | ₹5L annually |
| Federal Scapia | Travel | 20 coins/₹100 travel | Unlimited (spend-based) | 1% up to ₹500/month | ₹30,000/month |
| AU LIT | Customization | Up to 10X RP (Add-on) | Add-on based | Add-on based | ₹25,000/month |
1. RBL Bank Shoprite Credit Card
Best For: Grocery, food delivery, and everyday spending
Features:
- 20 Reward Points per ₹100 on groceries (1 RP = ₹0.25)
- 10% off on BookMyShow tickets (15 times/year)
- Exclusive discounts on TataCliq, Zomato, Zepto
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver (₹100/month cap)
Fees:
- Joining Fee: Nil
- Annual Fee: Nil
Credit Card Eligibility in India:
- Income: ₹15,000/month
- Age: 21-65 years
- Credit Score: 720+
Pros:
- Best grocery credit card in India with high rewards
- Great for daily spending and food delivery apps
Cons:
- No airport lounge access
- Charges for reward redemption (₹99 + GST)
CTA: Apply for RBL Shoprite Credit Card
2. HSBC Platinum Credit Card
Best For: Shopping, travel and premium benefits
Features:
- Lifetime Free Card
- Earn 2 RP/₹150; 5X points after ₹4L annual spend
- BookMyShow BOGO (Saturday only)
- Air Mile conversion with major airlines
- Cashback card without fees on many lifestyle platforms
Welcome Bonus:
- ₹500 Amazon Voucher on spending ₹5,000 in 30 days
Fees:
- Joining Fee: Nil
- Annual Fee: Nil
Credit Card Eligibility India:
- ₹55,000/month (Salaried only)
- CIBIL: 750+
Pros:
- High-end travel & shopping discounts
- Best travel credit card with no annual fee
- Lounge access and air mile conversion
Cons:
- Limited to major cities
- Only for salaried professionals
CTA: Apply for HSBC Platinum Credit Card
3. IDFC FIRST WOW Credit Card
Best For: First-time users and credit builders
Features:
- FD-backed secured card
- Rewards never expire
- 48-day interest-free ATM withdrawals
- Offers on 300+ partners like Flipkart, Ajio
- Zero forex markup
Fees:
- Joining Fee: Nil
- Annual Fee: Nil
Credit Card for Beginners in India:
- Age: 21-60 (Salaried), 25-60 (Self-employed)
- No credit history needed
Pros:
- Great for building credit profile
- Cashback credit card without fees and expiry limits
Cons:
- Requires fixed deposit
- No lounge access
CTA: Apply for IDFC FIRST WOW Card
4. IDFC FIRST Credit Card (General)
Best For: Well-rounded benefits: dining, travel & more
Features:
- 10X Reward Points on selected spends
- ₹500 voucher on ₹15K spend in 90 days
- 25% off movie tickets (Paytm)
- Complimentary railway and airport lounge access
Fees:
- Joining Fee: Nil
- Annual Fee: Nil
Credit Card Eligibility India:
- ₹25,000/month income
- CIBIL Score: 750+
Pros:
- Excellent for dining and lifestyle offers
- Includes credit card with airport lounge access
Cons:
- Lounge access available only on select variants
CTA: Apply for IDFC FIRST Credit Card
5. Axis LIC Signature Credit Card
Best For: LIC users and premium domestic travelers
Features:
- 2 RP/₹100 on LIC premiums and forex
- 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits/year
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
Fees:
- Joining Fee: Nil
- Annual Fee: Nil
Eligibility:
- Salaried: ₹5L+, Self-employed: ₹6L ITR
- CIBIL Score: 730+
Pros:
- Ideal for insurance premium payments
- Includes credit card with airport lounge access
Cons:
- Limited online shopping or cashback offers
CTA: Apply for Axis LIC Signature Card
6. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card
Best For: Travel enthusiasts & globetrotters
Features:
- Zero foreign transaction fee
- Earn 20 Scapia Coins/₹100 on travel bookings
- Unlimited airport lounge, spa, and dining access on ₹10K monthly spend
Fees:
- Joining Fee: Nil
- Annual Fee: Nil
Credit Card Eligibility India:
- Age: 23-40
- ₹30,000/month income
- CIBIL Score: 730+
Pros:
- Full travel redemption with Scapia coins
- Best travel credit card with no annual fee
Cons:
- Age restrictions (23-40)
- App usage is mandatory
CTA: Apply for Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card
7. AU LIT Credit Card
Best For: Fully customizable lifestyle benefits
Features:
- Lifetime free base card
- Add features like lounge access, Amazon Prime, Zee5, cashback, etc.
- Grocery, dining, travel cashback modules available (3-month plans)
Fees:
- Base Card: Free
- Add-ons: ₹49 to ₹499 for 90 days
Eligibility:
- ₹25,000/month income
- Existing credit card with ₹30K+ limit
- CIBIL Score: 700+
Pros:
- Choose only what you need
- Best grocery credit card India with 5% cashback add-on
Cons:
- Add-on charges apply
- Requires existing card history
CTA: Apply for AU LIT Credit Card
FAQs: Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards
1. Are lifetime free credit cards really free?
Yes, they charge no joining or annual fees. Some services like lounge or reward redemptions may be optional and paid.
2. Who is eligible for lifetime free credit cards in India?
Each card has different criteria. Basic eligibility includes minimum income, CIBIL score, and sometimes location-based restrictions.
3. Do these cards come with airport lounge access?
Yes. Cards like HSBC Platinum, Axis LIC Signature, IDFC FIRST (General), and Federal Scapia offer credit cards with airport lounge access.
4. Can a beginner apply for these cards?
Yes. IDFC FIRST WOW is a perfect credit card for beginners in India with no income or credit score requirement.
5. Which card is best for cashback without fees?
HSBC Platinum and IDFC FIRST WOW are excellent cashback credit cards without fees.
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Finding the best lifetime free credit cards means unlocking valuable rewards, cashback, and lifestyle perks—without the burden of annual fees. Whether you’re a frequent shopper, a first-time cardholder, or a travel enthusiast, there’s a zero-fee credit card tailored to your needs.
These cards not only help build your credit profile but also offer features like airport lounge access, never-expiring rewards, and fuel surcharge waivers—all while saving you money. From the FD-backed IDFC FIRST WOW Card to the travel-centric Federal Scapia Credit Card, each option offers unique advantages based on your spending habits and lifestyle.
Take your time to compare eligibility, benefits, and limitations. Once you choose the right fit, you’ll enjoy a seamless blend of savings and convenience—all with no joining or annual fee.
Ready to make smarter financial choices? Explore and apply for the best lifetime free credit cards today and enjoy maximum rewards at zero cost.
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Take action today and enjoy top benefits from the best lifetime free credit cards in India—with zero fees and maximum rewards!
