While many luxury credit cards come with an annual fee, there is a wide range of cards that provide a vast array of benefits without charging any fee.
If you're are a sensible spender and would like to have a credit card with basic yet comprehensive benefits, you can opt for a No annual fee credit card. It will cut down your annual card maintenance cards while providing regular benefits of a credit card.
Listed below are the best credit cards without annual fee offered by top banks in India.
Top 11 No Annual Fee Credit Cards in India 2020
| HSBC Visa Platinum Card |
NIL |
Dining, shopping, fuel |
| IndusInd Bank Platinum Card |
NIL |
Travel, golf, entertainment, fuel |
| SBI Card Unnati |
NIL (For 1st four years) |
Basic |
| YES Prosperity Edge |
NIL (Limited-time offer) |
Online and international spends |
| Axis Insta Easy Credit Card |
NIL |
Basic. Card issued against fixed deposit |
| Kotak Fortune Gold Credit Card |
NIL |
High cash limit, fuel, movie tickets |
| YES Prosperity Reward Plus Card |
NIL |
Online shopping, international usage |
| ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card |
NIL |
Dining, fuel, rewards |
| YES First Preferred |
NIL |
Travel, entertainment, shopping, dining |
| Axis MY Zone Easy Credit Card |
NIL |
Travel, entertainment, dining, and rewards |
| YES Premia Credit Card |
NIL |
Travel, entertainment, shopping, dining |
No Annual Fee Credit Cards - Features And Benefits
HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
Key Highlights: The HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card opto ffers benefits across various lifestyle categories such as dining, shopping, etc.
Joining Fee: NIL
Renewal Fee: NIL
Introductory offers:
- Get cashback up to Rs.2,000 on conducting 5 transactions worth Rs.10,000 within the first 60 days of card issuance.
- 3X more reward points on select categories for first 12 months after card issuance
Features and benefits:
- Earn 2 reward points for every Rs.150 spent on the card.
- 5X reward points after exceeding spend limit of Rs.4 lakh to maximum Rs.10 lakh in a year.
- Fuel surcharge waived off (up to Rs.250 p.m.) for transactions between Rs.400 and Rs.4000.
- Movie ticket voucher worth Rs.500 on monthly spends of over Rs.50,000.
- Upto 15% off on dining bills at more than 1,000restaurants in major cities.
Rewards redemption options: Reward points can be redeemed for a wide range of products listed in the rewards catalog.
Suitable for: People who use their credit card for regular spends including dining, shopping, and all other daily expenses.
Eligibility to apply for the HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
| Age |
18 to 65 years |
| Employment status |
Salaried |
| Annual salary |
Rs.4 lakh |
| Current city of residence |
Bangalore, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Mumbai, Noida, or Pune. |
IndusInd Bank Platinum Card
Key Highlights: IndusInd Bank Platinum Card provides benefits across various categories including travel, lifestyle, entertainment, etc. Pay the joining fee and enjoy the benefits offered by the card lifetime for free.
Joining Fee: NIL(Only when you applied through BankBazaar.com). For others, it is Rs.3,000.
Renewal Fee: NIL
Joining Bonus: Gift voucher from global brands including EazyDiner, MakeMyTrip, Vouchagram, ALDO, Urban Ladder, Jet Airways, Satya Paul and several others.
Features and benefits:
- Complimentary golf lessons from qualified instructors at select golf clubs in India.
- Travel benefits including pre-trip assistance, exclusive booking, hotelreservation, and other concierge services.
- Complimentary priority pass membership that provides access to more than 700 airport lounges across the globe.
- Getaninsurance cover against unauthorized transactions and counterfeit frauds.
- Auto Assist that provides round the clock assistance for all roadside assistance.
- Enjoy 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all petrol pumps across the country.
Rewards redemption options: Redeem reward points for hotel stay vouchers, cash credit, air miles, and products fromIndus Moments.
Suitable for: Individuals looking for the premium lifestyle privileges in a single card with less maintenance.
SBI Card Unnati
Key Highlights: Issued against a fixed deposit amount of minimum Rs.25,000, the SBI Card Unnati is much suitable for people without a credit history.
Joining fee: NIL
Renewal fee: NIL. For 1st four years
Features and benefits:
- 1 reward point for every Rs.100 spent
- Spend Rs.50,000 per year and get a cashback of Rs.500
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver valid for transactions between Rs.500 and Rs.3,000
Rewards redemption option: Redeem reward points against a wide variety of gifts from the rewards catalog.
Suitable for: First time credit card applicants without a credit history.
YES Prosperity Edge Credit Card
Key Highlights: Apply for YES Bank credit card now and enjoy the benefits offered by the card free for lifetime.
The YES Prosperity Edge credit card provides accelerated rewards on online and international transactions along with other travel and entertainment benefits.
Joining Fee: Rs.1,199.
Renewal Fee: Rs.1,199.
Joining Bonus: Earn 1,500 reward points as a welcome gift on spending Rs.7,500 within the first 30 days of the card issuance.
Features and benefits:
- Up to 6 reward points on every Rs.100 spent on birthday, online, and international purchases.
- 12 complimentary golf lessons per year at select golf courses in India
- Free membership to airport priority pass program and 2 free lounge visits per quarter to domestic airports.
- Insurance coverage up to Rs.65 lakh for primary cardholder.
- Discounted interest rate and preferential foreign currency mark-up fee.
Rewards redemption options: Redeem reward points to book flights, hotels, and movie tickets (1 RP = Rs.0.25), for JPMiles (4RP = 1 JPMile) or for exclusive products from rewards catalog.
Suitable for: Individuals who shop online, especially on international websites or locations. Travel, golf, and other benefits come as complimentary.
Eligibility to apply for the YES Prosperity Edge Credit Card
| Age |
21 to 60 years |
| Employment status |
Salaried or Self Employed |
| Income (salaried) |
Rs.60,000 per month |
| Income (self-employed) |
Minimum income tax return of Rs.7.20 lakh |
Axis Insta Easy Credit Card
Key Highlights: Issued against a fixed deposit amount of minimum Rs.20,000 and maximum Rs.25 lakh, the Axis Insta Easy Credit Card is much suitable for people without a credit history.
Joining Fee: NIL
Renewal Fee: NIL
Features and benefits:
- Set flexible credit limits - up to 80% of the fixed deposit
- 100% of the credit limit allowed for cash withdrawal.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 15% off on dining bills at select restaurants.
Rewards redemption options: Redeem reward points for more than 500 products listed in the rewards catalog.
Suitable for: First time credit card applicants without a credit history.
Eligibility :
- Minimum fixed deposit at any Axis Bank branch
- Minimum FD amount of Rs.20,000 and maximum of Rs.25 lakh.
- Age should be above 18 years.
Kotak Fortune Gold Credit Card
Key Highlights: Exclusively offered for businessmen, the Kotak Fortune Gold Credit Card offers basic credit card benefits on fuel, ticket booking, etc.
Joining Fee: NIL
Renewal Fee: NIL
Features and benefits:
- Higher cash limit of up to 50% of the credit limit
- 1% fuel surcharge and 1.8% railway ticket booking surcharge will be waived.
- A credit shield cover worth Rs.50,000 for lost credit card.
- 4 free PVR tickets on spending Rs.1.5 lakh in a year.
Suitable for: People looking for a basic credit card.
Eligibility to apply for the Kotak Fortune Gold Card
| Age |
21 to 65 years |
| Employment status |
Self Employed |
| Income |
Minimum income Rs.3 lakh |
YES Prosperity Reward Plus Card
Key Highlights: Earn while you spend through the accelerated rewards offered by the YES Prosperity Reward Plus Card. Online and international spends would be given special benefit.
Joining Fee: Rs.499.
Renewal Fee: Rs.499.
Joining Bonus: Earn 1,250 reward points as a welcome gift on spending Rs.5,000 within the first 30 days of the card issuance.
Features and benefits:
- Up to 5 reward points on every Rs.100 spent on birthday, online, and international purchases.
- Insurance coverage in case of accidental death of primary cardholder.
- Discounted interest rate and preferential foreign currency mark-up fee.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver valid at all petrol stations across India.
Rewards redemption options: Redeem reward points for JPMiles (4RP = 1 JPMile) or exclusive products from rewards catalogue.
Suitable for: Individuals who shop online, especially on international websites or locations.
Eligibility to apply for the YES Prosperity Reward Plus Credit Card
| Age |
21 to 60 years |
| Employment status |
Salaried or Self Employed |
| Income (salaried) |
Rs.25,000 per month |
| Income (self-employed) |
Minimum income tax return of Rs.5 lakh |
| Others |
This card is also available against a fixed deposit with YES Bank |
ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card
Key Highlights: Basic credit card that provides benefits related to dining, fuel, and rewards.
Joining Fee: NIL
Renewal Fee: NIL
Features and benefits:
- Get 15% off on dining bills by using ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver valid at all HPCL petrol pumps across India for maximum transaction of up to Rs.4,000.
- 2 PAYBACk points on every Rs.100 spend on retail transactions.
- Powered with contactless technology to enable quick and secure payments.
Suitable for: People who use their credit card less frequently.
YES First Preferred
Key Highlights: Travel, entertainment, insurance cover, shopping, dining - The card saves money on all these category spends. Apply now for YES First Preferred and enjoy the benefits free from life time.
Joining Fee: NIL (Limited-time offer)
Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited-time offer)
Joining Bonus: Get 10,000 reward points on your first transaction within the first 90 days of card issuance.
Features and benefits:
- Complimentary Priority Pass Membership with 4 free airport lounge visits per year.
- Spend-based rewards of up to 20,000 reward points.
- One free golf lesson per month at select Indian golf courses.
- 25% off on movie ticket booking on BookMyShow.
- Life insurance cover worth Rs.1 Crore for primary cardholder.
- 24X7 concierge services that provide assistance for car rental booking, hotel reservations, restaurant referrals, gift delivery, etc.
Rewards redemption options: Reward points can be redeemed against flight, hotel, and movie ticket bookings (1 RP = Rs.0.25) or JPMiles (8RP = 1 InterMiles) or an exclusive list of products.
Suitable for: Individuals looking for the best of lifestyle privileges on their credit cards.
Eligibility to apply for the YES First Preferred Credit Card
| Age |
21 to 60 years |
| Employment status |
Salaried or Self Employed |
| Income (salaried) |
Rs.2 lakh per month |
| Income (self-employed) |
Minimum income tax return of Rs.24 lakh |
| Others |
Fixed deposit of at least Rs.3 lakh with YES Bank |
Axis MY Zone Easy Credit Card
Key Highlights: With zero annual fee, the Axis MY Zone Easy Credit Card provides benefits across various categories including travel, entertainment, dining, and rewards.
Joining Fee: NIL
Renewal Fee: NIL
Features and benefits:
- 25% cashback on movie ticket bookings
- 100% of the credit limit allowed for cash withdrawal.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- 15% off on dining bills at select restaurants.
Rewards redemption options: Redeem reward points for more than 500 products listed in the rewards catalogue.
Suitable for: Weekend freaks who spend on dining and movies frequently.
YES Premia Credit Card
Key Highlights: Travel, entertainment, insurance cover, shopping, dining - The card saves money on all these category spends. Apply now for YES Premia Credit Card and enjoy the benefits free from life time.
Joining Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)
Renewal Fee: NIL (Limited time offer)
Features and benefits:
- Reward points that never expire.
- Complimentary access to airport lounges through the Complimentary Priority Pass Membership.
- Low interest rate and attractive foreign currency markup fee.
- Insurance coverage of Rs.2.5 lakh in case of accidental death.
- 12 complimentary golf lessons per year at select Indian golf courses.
Rewards redemption options: Reward points can be redeemed against flight, hotel, and movie ticket bookings (1 RP = Rs.0.25) or JPMiles (8RP = 1 InterMiles) or an exclusive list of products.
Suitable for: Exclusively offered for YES Premia Banking customers.
Eligibility to apply for the YES Premia Credit Card
| Age |
21 to 60 years |
| Employment status |
Salaried or Self Employed |
| Income (salaried) |
Rs.1.20 lakh per month |
| Income (self-employed) |
Minimum income tax return of Rs.15 lakh |
How To Apply For A No Annual Fee Credit Cards Online?
To apply for no annual fee credit cards online, you can visit the respective bank website or you can apply through BankBazaar, which is an authorised partner of top banks in India.
Steps to apply through BankBazaar website
- Visit www.bankbazaar.com/credit-card.html and select the card that you want.
- Click the 'Eligibility' button to check your eligibility for the card
- If you are eligible, you will find an option to Apply, click on the same, enter the required details and submit
- You would be asked to upload the required documents.
- Once they are uploaded, click 'Submit'.
On successfully submitting the application and the necessary documents, you would receive an 'Application ID'. Use this ID to track your application status by clicking' Track Application '.
FAQs
- Are there any other hidden charges if I use a Lifetime Free credit card?
No, there are no hidden charges if you use a lifetime free credit card. The bank is very clear about the charges associated with the card. You pay only what you spend.
- What will happen if I use a lifetime free credit card and do not clear the bill on time?
A lifetime free credit card works just like any other credit card. If you do not pay your bill on time, then the bank will charge you a late fee. If you still do not pay the credit card bill on time, then the bank deactivates your card due to which your credit score suffers.
- How can I find lifetime free credit cards?
You can do basic google search to find lifetime free credit cards offered by banks in India. You can also get in touch with the bank with whom you hold a bank account and enquire about lifetime free credit cards. If you have a good relationship with your bank, they will most probably offer you a lifetime free credit card.
- Can I use a lifetime free credit card overseas?
Yes, you may use your credit card overseas, but the charges will differ from bank to bank. Hence, do check with the lender regarding the charges applicable if you use your card abroad.
- Can I use my lifetime credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in India?
Yes, you can use your lifetime credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in India.
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