4 Credit Cards in India with No Annual Fees

Some people hesitate to borrow a credit card because of the annual fee. But several banks offer lifetime free credit cards or cards with easy fee waivers — and they’re not just barebones. These cards come with cashback, lounge access, reward points, and lifestyle perks that rival premium cards.

Here are 4 credit cards with zero annual fees that give you more than just plastic.

1. IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card

Annual Fee: ₹0 for life

Best for: Smart everyday spenders

Benefits of Using IDFC First Classic Card

• Get 10x reward points for purchases over ₹20,000 monthly and on your birthday.
• No reward redemption fee — what you earn is fully yours
• Enjoy up to 48 days of free ATM cash withdrawals.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver (up to ₹200/month)
• Free roadside assistance worth ₹1,399/year
• Free railway lounge access (4 times/quarter)
• Zero over-limit or add-on card charges
• Personal accident cover up to ₹2 lakh

Also Read: Top 5 Credit Cards for Amazon Shopping

2. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

Annual Fee: ₹0 (no conditions)

Best for: Online shoppers and Amazon Prime users

Benefits of Using Amazon Pay ICICI Card

• 5% cashback on Amazon purchases (for Prime members)
• 3% cashback on Amazon (non-Prime users)
• Earn 2% cashback on your purchases at over 100 Amazon Pay partner brands such as Swiggy and BookMyShow.
• 1% cashback on all other spends
• Fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations (up to ₹100/month)
• No redemption hassle — cashback is auto-credited, no tracking points
• Accepted worldwide as it’s powered by Visa

3. Axis MyZone Credit Card

Annual Fee: ₹0 (when offered as Lifetime Free during promotions)

Best for: Movie lovers and Swiggy users

Benefits of Using Axis MyZone Credit Card

• Buy One Get One Free on movie tickets via Paytm (1 ticket/month, worth ₹200)
• Free SonyLiv annual subscription (worth ₹999)
• 40% off on Swiggy once per month (up to ₹120)
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all stations
• Free airport lounge access (1 per quarter)
• 15%+ discounts at partner restaurants via Axis Dining Delights

Also Read: SBI Miles Elite Credit Card

4. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card

Annual Fee: ₹0 (1st year free; waived on ₹1L spend from year 2)

Best for: Beginners looking for a premium feel

Benefits of Using HSBC Visa Platinum Card

• Welcome benefits worth ₹2,500+
  • 10% cashback (up to ₹1,000) on spends within 90 days
  • ₹500 Amazon voucher on ₹10,000 spend
• 3X reward points on dining, telecom, and hotels
• No reward redemption charges
• Free domestic airport lounge access (1 per quarter)
• Fuel surcharge waiver of 1% (up to ₹250/month)
• Global acceptance & contactless payments

Benefits of Zero Annual Fee Credit Cards

Zero annual fee credit cards are ideal for users who want to enjoy the benefits of credit without paying just to keep the card active. Here’s what makes them worth considering:

Perfect for First-Time Users

These cards are low-risk and easy to get, making them great for students, young professionals, or anyone new to credit. You build a credit score without worrying about recurring fees.

Welcome Benefits

Enjoy Spark and welcome benefits like reward points, cashback & more. Unlock features when you join as a new cardholder.

No Pressure to Spend Just to Waive Fees

Paid cards often require you to hit a spending threshold to avoid next year’s fee. The pressure disappears with the free cards.

Improves Credit Utilization Ratio

Having an extra credit line increases your total available credit, which can lower your credit utilization ratio — a key factor in maintaining a healthy credit score.

Easy to Maintain Long-Term

You can easily maintain these cards as they come with zero annual fees. This helps lengthen your credit history, which improves your creditworthiness over time, without costing you anything.

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