If used wisely, credit cards can be a godsend for financial emergencies and large-ticket purchases. It is a premier financial tool that opens a short-term line of credit and increases the cardholder’s purchasing power. Because they are a solution provider, you can pay for anything with your credit card.
With the alluring benefits available on credit cards, obtaining the first credit card is a significant milestone for many young people who are tempted to obtain their first credit card as soon as they begin working. The first time you use a credit card can be intimidating due to the numerous technicalities that arise from the search for a suitable card.
As a result, if you are looking for your first credit card, it makes sense to get a basic credit card that has no joining or annual fees. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the 5 best lifetime free credit cards.
What is a lifetime credit card?
Read more: Credit card guide: Know about these 8 types of credit cards before applying
A lifetime free credit card, as the name implies, is a completely free credit card that does not require you to pay any joining or annual fees for the card’s maintenance.
Almost all of the major banks and credit card companies offer at least one lifetime free credit card to attract young workers at the start of their economic lives.
While most lifetime free credit cards offered by banks are basic cards, many banks offer high-end cards with no annual fees to existing and new customers who meet certain criteria, such as opening a specific type of bank account, maintaining a high balance in a savings account, investing a certain amount in the bank, and so on.
5 best lifetime free credit cards
Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card:
If you prefer to shop on Amazon, the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card is the best option for you. It is possibly India’s best lifetime free co-branded credit card. The card offers significant cashback on all Amazon purchases made with this credit card.
The following are the main benefits of the Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card:
- There are no joining or annual maintenance fees.
- Prime members receive 5% cash back on Amazon purchases.
- Non-prime customers will receive a 3% cashback on Amazon purchases.
- 2% cashback at over 100 Amazon Pay merchants.
- 2% cashback on bill payments, recharges, and money transfers to an Amazon Pay account.
- 1% cashback on all other purchases (except fuel and gold).
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card:
The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card provides unrivalled offers and rewards, as well as instant recognition and exclusive benefits.
The following are the highlights of the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card:
- There are no joining or annual maintenance fees.
- Up to Rs 6,350 in introductory benefits, including three complimentary airport lounge visits at domestic and international lounges or three AirDine (meal) vouchers.
- 5X rewards on subsequent purchases after spending Rs 4 lakhs, with a maximum of 15,000 accelerated reward points in an anniversary year.
- Annual fuel surcharge savings of up to Rs 3,000.
- On Saturdays, you can get two movie tickets for the price of one (Up to Rs 250).
- Tata CLiQ is offering a 15% instant discount on select products in the Lifestyle, Electronics, and Luxury categories.
- Emergency cash at over 22,000 outlets globally.
Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card:
Kotak’s Aqua Gold Credit Card has been renamed the Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card.
If you have a low credit score, your credit card application will most likely be denied. However, with the Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card, you can get a credit card without having to provide any credit or income information. Without any additional documents, all you need to do is link a new or existing Kotak Bank Fixed Deposit. You can set your own credit limit against a Fixed Deposit, with a minimum credit limit of Rs 10,000 for non-811 savings account customers and Rs 5,000 for 811 savings account customers.
The following are the highlights of the Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card:
- There are no joining or annual maintenance fees.
- 1 point for every Rs 100 spent offline and 2 points for every Rs 100 spent online (1 point = Rs 0.25)
- A credit limit of up to 90% of the Fixed Deposit amount is available.
- 500 bonus reward points upon card activation and Rs 5,000 spent within the first 45 days
- On annual spending of Rs 75,000, you will receive Rs 750 cashback or 4 PVR movie tickets.
- Interest-free cash withdrawals of up to 90% of the FD amount are permitted.
- Stolen card liability coverage of Rs 50,000 for fraudulent usage up to 7 days prior to reporting
- Fuel surcharges of 1% are waived at all petrol pumps for transactions ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 3000. (max. Rs. 3,500 per year)
IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card:
If you enjoy food, travel, and earning reward points, the IDFC First Wealth Credit Card is a must-have. It is possibly the first premium card with no application or annual fees. The more money you spend, the more reward points you receive. Furthermore, the reward points are yours to keep indefinitely.
The following are the main benefits of the IDFC FIRST Wealth Credit Card:
- There are no joining or annual maintenance fees.
- 1 reward point equals Rs 0.25 for every Rs 100 spent.
- 6X and 3X reward points on online and offline purchases up to Rs 30,000 per month, respectively.
- 10X reward points on monthly incremental spends above Rs 30,000
- 10X reward points on purchases made on your birthday.
- There are no expiration dates for reward points.
- On spending of Rs 15,000 or more within the first 90 days, you will receive a Rs 500 welcome voucher.
- ‘Buy one, get one free’ deal on movie tickets up to Rs 500 (valid twice a month).
- 300+ merchant offers, up to 20% off at 1500+ restaurants, and up to 15% off at 3000+ stores.
- Outlets for health and wellness per quarter, four complimentary domestic and international airport lounge and spa visits.
- Airport Fast Track immigration service discounts at over 450 destinations worldwide.
- Access to over 900+ luxury hotels worldwide.
- 2 complimentary golf rounds per month for every Rs 20,000 spent on your monthly statement.
- Rs 1 crore in air accident insurance.
- Personal insurance worth Rs 10 lakhs
- 1200 USD comprehensive travel insurance
- Rs 50,000 in card liability insurance
- A 1% fuel surcharge is waived across India up to Rs 400.
- Cash withdrawal with no interest
If you are interested in this card but are not looking for exclusive travel benefits, you should also consider the IDFC FIRST Select Credit Card, which provides similar benefits.
Bank of Baroda Prime Credit Card:
The Bank of Baroda Prime Credit Card, like the Kotak 811 #DreamDifferent Credit Card, is available against a Fixed Deposit. As a result, it may be a good option for people who are not eligible for a traditional credit card that requires proof of income.
The following are the main benefits of the Bank of Baroda Prime Credit Card:
- There are no joining or annual maintenance fees.
- The card is available in exchange for a fixed deposit of Rs.15,000 or more, and no proof of income is required.
- Every time you use your credit card, you will receive 1% cash back.
- Waiver of 1% fuel surcharge on purchases between Rs 400 and Rs 5,000, with a maximum discount of Rs 250.
- On every Rs.100 spent, you will receive 4 reward points (1 reward point = Rs 0.25).
- Multiple options to redeem the reward points.
- Lost card liability cover.
- Personal accident cover.