31 May, 2025 | 11:01 IST
Credit cards have become the most popular financial tools these days due to the convenience they offer and the attractive offers, as well as discounts. When it comes to getting maximum benefits, choosing the best lifetime free credit card could be helpful.
For people who want to earn rewards without paying annual fees, lifetime free credit cards are a great option. These cards come with no joining or renewal fees and still offer exciting benefits like cashback, lounge access, and discounts on food, travel and more.
A lifetime free credit card means you don't have to pay any annual or renewal fee – not even after the first year. This makes them ideal for first-time users, budget-conscious customers, or those who simply want to save on card fees. While many cards with high annual fees offer premium perks, these zero-fee cards still pack great value, especially for online shoppers, frequent diners, and OTT subscribers.
If you are looking forward to applying for a lifetime free credit card, Moneycontrol could be your go-to place. Apart from exploring multiple credit cards, you can choose the credit card with special discounts and rewards for various needs like shopping, travel and airport lounge access, among others. Moneycontrol, in partnership with top card issuers, offers access to credit cards loaded with amazing features. The application process is 100% paperless, which ensures a quick approval.
Here is a list of some of the top lifetime free credit cards in India, based on reward value, user benefits, and features.
1. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
The HSBC Visa Platinum is a solid choice for those looking to earn rewards right from the start. You get Rs 250 cashback on completing your KYC, and an additional Rs 500 cashback when you spend Rs 5,000 and install the HSBC India Mobile App within the first month. It also offers two reward points for every Rs 150 spent.
2. IDFC FIRST Bank Select Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card is tailor-made for travellers and foodies. It offers 2 complimentary airport lounge and 4 railway lounge access per quarter, a rare benefit in the lifetime free segment. It also gives dining discounts of up to 20% and Buy 1 Get 1 on movie tickets twice a month.
3. Axis Bank MY Zone Rupay Credit Card
Axis Bank offers the MY Zone Rupay Credit Card, which provides great value on food and travel. The card gives you Rs 120 off on Swiggy twice a month on orders above Rs 500. Users can also enjoy up to four complimentary domestic lounge visits annually if they have spent Rs 50,000 in the last three months. It offers 4 EDGE REWARD points on eligible spends of Rs 200. Best of all, it’s a lifetime free card, so you get these perks at no cost.
4. HPCL IDFC FIRST Bank Power+ Credit Card
If fuel and utility bills are where most of your money goes, the HPCL IDFC FIRST Bank Power+ Credit Card could be a smart pick. You get up to 6.5% savings on fuel spends, 5% rewards on IDFC FIRST FASTag, groceries, and utility expenses, along with 3X reward points on UPI retail spending. Although it has a joining fee of Rs 499 plus taxes, there is no renewal fee, so it is effectively free for long-term users after the first year.
5. IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card
The IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card offers lifetime free access to BookMyShow’s Buy 1 Get 1 movie ticket offer and allows reward points to be redeemed at top brands.
6. Axis Bank MY Zone Visa Credit Card
Axis Bank also offers a Visa variant of its MY Zone Credit Card, which mirrors the Rupay version in terms of benefits. Users get Rs 120 Swiggy discount twice a month, four complimentary domestic lounge visits annually, and 4 EDGE REWARD points on eligible spends.
7. IndusInd Bank EazyDiner Credit Card
The IndusInd Bank EazyDiner Credit Card provides up to 50% discount on dining bills through the EazyDiner app and two complimentary airport lounge visits per quarter. You also get two free movie tickets worth Rs 200 each every month via BookMyShow. While this card does have a joining and renewal fee of Rs 1,999 plus taxes, the consistent savings on dining can make it worthwhile for foodies.
8. HDFC Bank Millennia Credit Card
Online shoppers will appreciate the HDFC Millennia Credit Card. It gives 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, BookMyShow, and more. You can earn up to 1,000 CashPoints monthly, and there’s a quarterly bonus of Rs 1,000 in gift vouchers on spending Rs 1 lakh. The joining and renewal fee is Rs 1,000, but if you regularly spend online, the benefits far outweigh the cost.
9. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card
Another high-performing card for online purchases is the Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card. It provides 5% cashback on Flipkart and 4% cashback on Cleartrip, Curefit, PVR, Swiggy and Uber. Users also receive four complimentary domestic lounge visits per year. Although it has an annual fee of Rs 500, the rewards on daily use platforms make it one of the most popular co-branded cards in the country.
10. Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card
The Swiggy HDFC Bank Credit Card is a strong contender. You get 10% cashback on Swiggy Food, Instamart, Dineout, and Genie, along with 5% cashback on other online expenses. It has a joining and renewal fee of Rs 500.
Moneycontrol offers multiple lifetime free credit cards in partnership with top card issuers. You can apply for a feature-packed credit card with no joining or annual fee in an entirely digital process through the Moneycontrol app and website.
For the latest features and eligibility details, visit the card issuer’s website or explore options on the Moneycontrol platform.
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