The concept of lifetime free credit cards with zero annual and joining fees has become increasingly popular in 2023, especially in India. These credit cards offer various benefits without the burden of annual or joining fees.
- Canara Rupay Select Credit Card: Provided by Canara Bank, this card is available to the bank’s customers with no joining or annual fees. It offers lounge access but no welcome benefits.
- IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card: Aimed at entry-level users, this card from IDFC Bank has no joining or annual fees. It provides a voucher of INR 500 on spending INR 15,000 within 90 days of activating the card.
- HDFC Regalia Credit Card: While this HDFC Bank card has an annual fee of INR 2,500 plus 18% GST, it can be waived if more than INR 3 lakh is spent in the first year. It offers significant lounge access and rewards points but has a joining fee.
- Yes Premia Credit Card: Provided by Yes Bank, this card’s annual fee of INR 1,500 plus 18% GST is waived off on spending more than INR 3 lakh in the first year. It includes lounge access and reward points but also has a joining fee.
- Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card: This card, ideal for shopping at Flipkart, has a joining fee of INR 500 plus 18% GST and an annual fee which is waived on spending INR 2,00,000 in a year. It offers unlimited 5% cashback on Flipkart purchases and a welcome benefit of INR 500 worth Flipkart vouchers.
- Axis Bank ACE Credit Card: Suitable for cashback on bill payments, it has a joining fee of INR 499 plus 18% GST, which is waived on spending INR 10,000 within 45 days. The annual fee is also waived on an annual spend of more than INR 2,00,000.
- SimplyCLICK SBI Credit Card: This card is best for online shopping enthusiasts, with a joining and annual fee of INR 499 plus taxes, waived on spending INR 1,00,000. It offers an Amazon.in gift card worth INR 500 as a welcome benefit.
- American Express SmartEarn™ Credit Card: This card has an annual fee of INR 495 plus 18% GST, waived on spending over INR 40,000 in the previous year. It offers a cashback of INR 500 on spending INR 10,000 within 90 days of issuance.
The analysis and selection of these cards were based on factors like annual fees and waivers, lounge access, and cashback and rewards.