There are different types of shopping behaviour and spend habits. and it is variable to each person. Like the same way when it comes to credit card expenditure, card makers know that. Based on that sentiment they create offers that might help you with plethora of benefits.
Most newbis try to apply for an entry level credit card which are no annual fee credit cards. I personaly like to have a card which has no recurring charges.
Another one, this is also my 2nd favourite. Getting enough cash back or reward points so that it can overcome the entry price for any specific card.
Here comes the Free Credit cards that has no annual fees or zero annual fees.I have seen people who don’t even check their reward points and does not entertain their timing in calculating all these. Being very simple person and moody about cash back offers I am little different and never miss the chance to afford the best available offer in today’s date.
BIGGEST BENEFIT
Easy approval for beginners
For Beginner Credit Card Applicants
ICICI BANK Platinum Chip Credit Card
Platinum chip credit card is one of the best entry level credit card.
The persons who are newbie and want to have a credit card for increasing the credit score, it might be the best choice.
If you are a beginner and want to apply for this card, you have to be above 23 years of age.
WELCOME OFFER
No offer for the time being
ANNUAL FEE
zero
ANNUAL WAIVER
Not required now
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
NA
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
NA
- Get 1% fuel surcharge waiver of transactions upto rs. 4000 in HPCL petrol pumps
- Enjoy delicious treats with ICICI bank culinary program at minimum 15% on your dining bills
- Zero supplementary card charges
#2 ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
Get 5% cashback on amazon
No renewal fee for Lifetime
ICICI amazon Pay Credit Card is best no annual fee credit card in India specifically for amazon shoppers.
If you are a amazon prime member then you get the opportunity to save upto 5% amazon pay balance. In case of Non Prime members you can get upto 3% amazon pay balance.
WELCOME OFFER
Welcome bonus worth Rupees 200-600
ANNUAL FEE
Lifetime FREE
ANNUAL WAIVER
NA
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
0
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
- 2% cashbak on amazon partner merchants
- 1% cashback on all other spends except fuel
- get 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 15% discount on dining by Bank’s culinary treats program
- No limit on reward points and there is no expiry date.
- No maximum cap on cashback
#3 IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
Get 10X reward points on spend of Rs. 20000 that will never expire
Lifetime FREE for Beginners
The IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card is one of the entry level card that offers zero annual fees and zero sign up fees. This can be beginners choice if someone is a moderate spender in both offline and in online.
WELCOME OFFER
Gift vouchers worth rs. 500 and 5% cashback on first EMI transaction
ANNUAL FEE
Lifetime FREE
ANNUAL WAIVER
NA
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
4 Railway Lounge access
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
- get 1% fuel surcharge waiver upto Rs. 200 per statement cycle
- earn 10X reward points on all spends above Rs. 20000
- Avail 6X reward points on online transactions
- Get 3% reward points on offline transactions
- Reward points can be redeemed instantly on online and partner stores (1 reward point=Rs. 0.25)
- 10x rewards on all spends on birthday
- Point to be noted: reward points cannot be redeemed on insurance, fuel, EMI and cash withdrawals
- Get insurance cover worth Rs. 200000 in case of accidental death applicable after atleast one transaction in the previous month
- You will get coverage of Rs. 25000 for lost card liability.
- Free roadside assistance (RSA) worth Rs. 1399/-
- There is no interest on cash withdrawal from any ATM and a small amount of cash advance fee of Rs. 250/-
#4 SBI Cashback Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
Get 5% cashback with maximum cap of Rs. 10000/-
Lifetime FREE for Beginners with some easy terms
I am adding SBI Cashback Credit Card in BEST no annual fee credit cards list because of the following benefits.
SBI’s cashback credit card comes with an option to avail cashback in online and in offline transactions.
In case of online you can get flat 5% cashback.
In offline and utility bill transactions you can get 1% cashback.
This card is having onetime 999 as joining fee and also option to waive off the annual fees. Know more from here.
WELCOME OFFER
Na
ANNUAL FEE
Rs. 999/-
ANNUAL WAIVER
Spend Rs. 200000 and get your annual fee waived off
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
1 free access every quarter
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
- Rs.999 Joining Fee
- get 1% fuel surcharge waiver upto Rs. 100 per statement cycle. It is applicable for transactions in between Rs. 500-3000 across petrol pumps in India.
- Get 2 lifetime free add on cards for family members above age 18 .
- -Avail contactless payments below Rs. 5000/-
- Here is also another card by SBI that is none other than SBI Simply Save Credit Card that you can also consider as no annual fee credit cards.
#5 Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
Get 4X reward points on spend of Rs. 150 every time
Most Suitable for Lifestyle Expenses
The Kotak Royal Signature Credit Card is one of the entry level credit card offered by Kotak Mahindra bank cards.
Athough this is an entry level card but it has good benefits in case of milestones.
Let’s focus on the main key highlights of this card.
WELCOME OFFER
NA
ANNUAL FEE
Rs. 999/-
ANNUAL WAIVER
Waived off on spending Rs. 100000/-
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
2 Lounge access per quarter
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
Milestone Benefits:-
- Get 10000 reward points when you spend Rs 400000. This is worth Rs. 2500/-
- Get 3000 reward points on spending Rs. 800000. This is worth Rs. 7500/-
Other Benefits:- - Get Fuel surcharge waiver upto Rs. 3500/- annually. This is appliable on transactions in between Rs. 500-3000
- Avail Railway surcharge waiver upto Rs. 500/- annually
#6 Standard Chartered Manhattan Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
Get 5% cashback on groceries in supermarket and 5X reward points on Hotel, Dining, Airline booking and Fuel.
Suitable for Salaried Persons who want to opt for cash back on daily spends
This card gives you direct 5% cashback on your grocery shopping in the super market provided you do a minimum of 1000 INR shopping. Whereas the maximum cash back is upto 500 per month and Rs. 150/- per transaction.
Because of some good benefits this card is included in the best no annual fee credit cards list.
This card seems to be the best card for a family person living in a metro city.
WELCOME OFFER
Get 5000 reward points on payment joining fees
ANNUAL FEE
Rs. 999/-
ANNUAL WAIVER
waived off if you spend 120000 in previous year
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
0
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
- Get 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all fuel transactions
- Get upto 15% dining discount at over 850 restaurants.
Apply for Sbi SimplySave Credit Card from here.
#7 HDFC Freedom Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
Get 5X reward points on your EMI spends at merchant locations
Most Suitable for Lifestyle Expenses
If you are a beginner and want to apply for a credit card that can be easily approved, then HDFC Freedom Credit Card is your next option.
HDFC Freedom credit card offers a very reasonable annual fee waiver for common people. hence, I include this in best no annual fee credit card list.
This card is best suited for Reward Points.
Minimum eligibility for opting this card is pretty good. For salaried person it should be 12K per month.
And for Self employed it is ITR > 6 lakh per annum.
WELCOME OFFER
500 Cash Points after the payment of joining fee
ANNUAL FEE
Rs. 500/-
ANNUAL WAIVER
Waived off on spending Rs. 50000/- in a year
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
NA
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
Reward Point Benefits:-
You can avail up to 10X reward points on selected purchases. Here are the details for that
- 10X cash points on transactions via Big busket, Swiggy, Uber, OYO and BookMyShow. (Max 2500 cash points can be earned in a calendar month)
- 5X cash points on EMI Spends at Merchant locations. (Capped at 2500 cash points per month)
- Get 1 Cash point for every Rs. 150/- on other spends (Excluding wallet/prepaid card loads, voucher purchases and fuel)
Cash point Redemption:- - 1 cash point = Rs. 0.15
- Unredeemed cash points will expire after 2 years of accumulation
- A minimum of 3334 cash points or equivalent to Rs. 500 is required for redemption against the statement balance
Other Benefits:-
- Get Fuel surcharge waiver upto Rs. 3000/- annually. This is appliable on transactions in between Rs. 400-5000
- Get upto 15% off at 2000 plus premium restaurants in selected cities with dineout membership.
#8 Kotak Fortune Gold Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
No Joining and annual fees. Get 50% cash limit and interest free cash withdrawal upto 48 days
Most Suitable for shopping for business people living in metro
Kotak Fortune Gold Credit Card
If you are a beginner and looking for a no annual fee credit card, here is another option to apply for.
WELCOME OFFER
NA
ANNUAL FEE
Nil
ANNUAL WAIVER
Not needed as it is Lifetime Free credit card
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
0
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
Kotak Mahindra bank is one of the leading private sector bank. Kotak bank fortune gold credit card is yet another one entry level card with no annual fee credit card option. Also with selected best benefits.
Kotak bank fortune gold credit card Milestone Benefit:-
- On annual spend of 150000 you get 4 PVR Movie Ticket free or INR 750
Other Benefits:-
- Get 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between 500-3000
- Zero liability cover upto Rs. 50000 is provided in case of any fraudulent activity/transactions
#9 CITI Bank Rewards Domestic Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
Evergreen reward points that never expires.
10X reward points per Rs. 125 spent on apparel and departmental stores both online and offline
Most Suitable for shopping and getting reward points on every spend
CITI bank Rewards Domestic Credit Card
If you are a beginner and looking for huge reward points, here is another option to apply for.
WELCOME OFFER
Get 1000 welcome reward points on first spend within 30 days from the card issue and another 1500 points when you spend 1000 Rupees within first 60 days of the card issue.
ANNUAL FEE
Nil
ANNUAL WAIVER
Not needed as it is Lifetime Free credit card
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
0
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
CITI reward credit card Milestone Benefit:-
- On monthly spend of 30000 you get 300 bonus reward points
Other Benefits:-
- Get 10X reward points per 125 spent on apparel and departmental store
- Get 1 reward point on every other 125 spent
- 4 additional reward points per 125 spent on Flipkart, Amazon and Myntra
#10 MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
3X my cash points per Rs. 200 spent on hotel and flight bookings on MakeMyTrip
Most Suitable for shopping for frequent travelers
MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card
When you pay 500 joining fee you get 500 my cash points which makes this card absolutely free as 1my cash point is equivalent to INR 1.
WELCOME OFFER
Rs. 500 my cash and holiday voucher worth Rs. 3000
ANNUAL FEE
Nil
ANNUAL WAIVER
NA
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
1 access per quarter
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
Milestone Benefit:-
- On annual spend of 250000 you get 1000 my cash points
- Get 1000 my cash points on spending 50000 on hotel, flight, holiday bookings on makemytrip website or mobile app.
Other Benefits:-
- Get Rs. 3 my cash per 200 spent on hotel and holiday
- Get Rs. 2 my cash on flight booking
- Get 1.25 my cash on all other international bookings outside MMT
#11 IDFC First Millenia Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
No Joining and annual fees.
Most Suitable for shopping
IDFC First Millenia Credit Card
If you are a beginner and looking for a no annual fee credit card, here is another option to apply for and that is none other than IDFC first Millenia Credit Card.
This card is targeted to young individuals with plenty of benefits having interests on shopping, entertainment, dinning etc.
WELCOME OFFER
get gift voucher worth s. 500 on spending 15000 within first 90 days.
ANNUAL FEE
Nil
ANNUAL WAIVER
Not needed as it is Lifetime Free credit card
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
Get complementary Railway Lounge access 4 times in a quarter
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
With zero renewal fee and joining fee IDFC Millenia credit card is one of the best option for beginners. It has many user friendly reward point benefits both for offline and offline spends. and the good news is all the reward points come with no expiry date and can be redeemed any time in different categories. Let’s explore more here.
IDFC Millenia Credit Card Benefit:-
- Get 3 reward points on every 150 spent in offline
- Get 6 RP on every 150 spent online
- Get 10 RP on every spent 150 if you spend more than 20000 at a time
Other Benefits:-
- Get 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all fuel stations on all fuel transactions upto 200 per month
- Get a 5% cashback as a welcome offer if you do EMI within first 3 months of card issuance. (upto 1000 rupees)
#12 HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
No Joining and annual fees. Get 50% cash limit and interest free cash withdrawal upto 48 days
Most Suitable for shopping for business people living in metro
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit card
If you are a beginner and looking for a no annual fee credit card, here is another option to apply for.
WELCOME OFFER
NA
ANNUAL FEE
Nil
ANNUAL WAIVER
Not needed as it is Lifetime Free credit card
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
0
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
Kotak Mahindra bank is one of the leading private sector bank. Kotak bank fortune gold credit card is yet another one entry level card with no annual fee credit card option. Also with selected best benefits.
Kotak bank fortune gold credit card Milestone Benefit:-
- On annual spend of 150000 you get 4 PVR Movie Ticket free or INR 750
Other Benefits:-
- Get 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between 500-3000
- Zero liability cover upto Rs. 50000 is provided in case of any fraudulent activity/transactions
#13 IDFC First Millenia Credit Card
BIGGEST BENEFIT
No Joining and annual fees. Get 50% cash limit and interest free cash withdrawal upto 48 days
Most Suitable for shopping for business people living in metro
IDFC First Millenia Credit Card
If you are a beginner and looking for a no annual fee credit card, here is another option to apply for.
WELCOME OFFER
NA
ANNUAL FEE
Nil
ANNUAL WAIVER
Not needed as it is Lifetime Free credit card
DOMESTIC LOUNGE
0
INTERNATIONAL LOUNGE
0
Kotak Mahindra bank is one of the leading private sector bank. Kotak bank fortune gold credit card is yet another one entry level card with no annual fee credit card option. Also with selected best benefits.
Kotak bank fortune gold credit card Milestone Benefit:-
- On annual spend of 150000 you get 4 PVR Movie Ticket free or INR 750
Other Benefits:-
- Get 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between 500-3000
- Zero liability cover upto Rs. 50000 is provided in case of any fraudulent activity/transactions
Final Thoughts:-
I know at the beginning your first preference would definitely be no annual fee credit cards for the sake of saving more money. Based on your query I have tried to bring for you the best credit cards which are also known as zero annual fee credit cards in India.
I would suggest strongly if you are a salaried person go for the ICICI BANK Platinum Chip Credit Card. Don’t forget this is a card that offers easy approval also.
If you are looking for a back up card even with low limit but easy approval I would suggest to go with HDFC Freedom Credit Card.
If you face any difficulty in getting approval for any of the above no annual fee credit cards then also I have a good news for you. What is that?
You can try to opt for a secured credit card. What do you mean by that in respect to no annual fee credit cards?
Yes my dear friend, If you want to get a card which is not charging you on a recurring mode year after year, you can do a fixed deposit in your bank. And take a credit card with around 80% of that fixed deposit amount credit limit in your card.
That’s What I did back in 2020 when I had no job, No permanent source of income and no IT Return. So every time I applied for a credit card the request got rejected. I thought no annual fee credit cards are not for me.
But a simple online FD in the bank helped me to overcome that zone for me. Thanks to the person who guided me to overcome that zone of my life.
Apart from that if you have query in your mind feel free to put a comment in the comment section.
What is lifetime free credit card?
If you are a credit worthy customer, bank will offer you a credit card in which you don’t have to pay joining fees or recurring annual fees.
Which credit card is free of cost in India?
There are credit cards which take a nominal charge while joining the card. But they offer very good rewards and benefits. An annual fee waiver is also there to attract customers. Go through this content where you will come to know some cards with no joining and renewal fees at all plus cards with nominal charges with waiver option.
Which credit card is best and lifetime free?
There are several credit cards which offer pretty good features and benefits which we consider as no annual fee credit cards. Read the above listed cards for learning more about these best and lifetime free credit cards in India.
Which bank credit card is best with no annual fee?
Many banks offer best no annual fee credit cards. But Here in this blog post I have mentioned about my best choices that can be considered as best no annual fee credit cards. These banks are based on the kind of benefits they provide for their respected credit cards.
Why choose a no annual fee credit card?
You can be tension free when you are not spending a lot. You can use your card for a long time and this helps in maintaining your average value of account. Ultimately helps you in increasing your credit score and keep it healthy.
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