Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India [2025 Edition]

Best Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India [2025 Edition]

If you’re tired of paying annual or renewal fees just to keep a credit card active, a lifetime-free credit card is your best bet.

In 2025, several Indian banks offer powerful, no-fee cards that still provide cashback, reward points, and free fuel or travel benefits.
Here’s a complete guide to the best lifetime-free credit cards in India, their benefits, and how to apply.


💳 Top Lifetime Free Credit Cards in India (2025)

Credit CardKey BenefitsIdeal ForAnnual FeeApply
ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card5% back on Amazon (Prime), 3% for others, 1% elsewhereOnline shoppersLifetime FreeApply Now
Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card5% on Flipkart & Myntra, 1.5% on other spendsE-commerce usersLifetime FreeApply Now
IDFC FIRST Classic/Select Card1.5–2.5% rewards on all spends, 0 forex markup, airport lounge accessFrequent travellersLifetime FreeApply Now
HSBC Cashback Credit Card1.5% cashback on all online spendsDaily spendersLifetime Free (limited offer)Apply Now
IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Edge0.5% rewards on every ₹150, fuel surcharge waiverBasic usersLifetime FreeApply Now

(Note: Offers subject to change. Verify current terms on the respective bank websites before applying.)


🏦 1. ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card

  • Joining & Annual Fee: ₹0 – Lifetime Free
  • Cashback: 5% for Prime, 3% for non-Prime on Amazon, 1% everywhere else.
  • Eligibility: Salaried or self-employed, minimum monthly income ₹25,000.
  • Why it’s great: Direct cashback credited to your Amazon Pay balance every month.

🛍️ 2. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

  • Joining & Annual Fee: Lifetime free (by invitation or promo basis)
  • Rewards: 5% on Flipkart & Myntra, 4% on preferred merchants, 1.5% everywhere else.
  • Why it’s great: Excellent choice for Flipkart shoppers; simple flat rewards.
  • Additional Benefits: ₹500 Flipkart voucher on activation (offer may vary).

💼 3. IDFC FIRST Classic/Select Credit Card

  • Fee: Lifetime free (no joining or renewal)
  • Rewards: 1.5× on offline spends, 2.5× on online; no expiry on reward points.
  • Extra Perks:
    • Up to 25% off movie tickets on BookMyShow
    • Airport lounge access (Select variant)
    • Zero forex markup
  • Why it’s great: One of the most transparent “forever-free” cards in India.

💸 4. HSBC Cashback Credit Card

  • Fee: Free for life for new users under ongoing promo.
  • Rewards: 1.5% on online spends, 1% on others.
  • USP: Cashback credited automatically each billing cycle — no redemption hassle.
  • Note: Lifetime-free status applies to new users under limited offers; check HSBC site before applying.

5. IndusInd Platinum Aura Edge Credit Card

  • Fee: Lifetime free.
  • Rewards: 0.5% on every ₹150 spent; points redeemable for vouchers.
  • Benefits:
    • 1% fuel surcharge waiver
    • Complimentary insurance coverage
  • Why it’s great: Reliable entry-level card with minimal requirements.

🧩 What Does “Lifetime Free” Really Mean?

  • No joining or annual charges — ever.
  • Some banks may require you to spend a minimum amount within 90 days to activate lifetime-free status.
  • Always confirm before applying; terms vary by campaign or invite.

💡 Tips Before Applying

  • Keep your CIBIL score above 700 for smooth approval.
  • Apply for 2–3 cards max at a time to avoid hard inquiry spikes.
  • Read the joining offer details — some “free” cards waive the first-year fee only.
  • Prefer cards with direct cashback instead of confusing reward structures.

Our Recommendation

If you want:

  • Simple cashback: ICICI Amazon Pay
  • All-rounder + travel perks: IDFC FIRST Select
  • Shopping-heavy use: Flipkart Axis

All three are lifetime free and trusted by Indian users in 2025.