May 23, 2025 · 12 mins read
Santosh Kumar
In today's fast-paced financial landscape, credit cards have become essential tools for managing expenses, offering convenience, security, and numerous rewards for everyday purchases. Choosing the right credit card can be challenging with a wide range of options available. Lifetime free credit cards have no joining fee or annual fees, which is ideal for beginners. The credit cards may provide basic features and lower reward rates, some offer significant value in specific spending categories or with some brands. While selecting a lifetime free credit card, it is essential for consumers to evaluate their spending habits and choose a card that maximizes benefits
Lifetime free credit cards are financial instruments that do not require an annual fee for their use, making them an attractive option for responsible spenders. They are perfect for individuals seeking to maximize benefits while minimizing expenses. The best thing is to explore the different banks and make sure they issue lifetime free credit cards. Evaluate the best options before applying for the cards, such as rewards, cash backs, and other benefits.
Here is a guide to help you determine if you are eligible to apply for a Lifetime Free Credit Card online:-
Age Requirement: You need to be 21 years old to apply for an ICICI Bank Lifetime Free Credit Card.
Income Criteria: Bank mandates an income of Rs. 2.5 Lakhs for Lifetime Free Credit Card applicants. However, the eligibility may differ based on the Card and your financial status. Ensure to meet the income criteria before submitting your application.
Citizenship Status: Indian citizens, residents, and non-residents are eligible to apply for Lifetime Free Credit Cards.
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If you are applying for a Lifetime Free Credit Card against a Fixed Deposit, you need no documentation. However, ensure that the fixed deposit amount is ₹ 50,000 or above.
Here are the common documents you will need to apply for these Credit Cards without a fixed deposit:
Document Type: Identification Proof Examples: Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card
Document Type: Address Proof Examples: Aadhaar Card, Utility Bill, Rental Agreement
Document Type: Income Proof Examples: Salary Slips, Income Tax Returns, Bank Statements
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No Annual Fees: Users enjoy the advantage of a 0% joining or renewal fee, ensuring that the cards remain free throughout their lifetime.
Cost Savings: Many of these cards waive fuel transaction fees, providing significant savings on everyday expenditures.
Privileges: Cardholders can access various perks, including discounts on shopping, dining, and travel, as well as offers for movie tickets and food delivery.
Welcome Benefits: Upon signing up, users often receive attractive welcome bonuses, such as reward points, vouchers, or subscriptions to popular OTT platforms.
Minimal Income Requirements: These cards typically have low income thresholds, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Straightforward Qualification: The application and approval process for these cards is usually uncomplicated and quick.
Cost Effectiveness: Opting for a Lifetime Free Credit Card can help you save and do not require you to make a yearly payment either. These cards are budget friendly, especially if you have the habit of using Credit Cards occasionally.
Accessibility: By eliminating joining fees, these cards become a popular customer choice. This inclusivity allows more individuals to reap the benefits of owning a Credit Card without incurring charges.
Versatility: The zero joining fee features adds to the freedom to use the card when needed, whether for shopping, emergencies or to improve your credit history. These cards can be used without the stress of fees.
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1: You are not required to pay any joining or annual fees
2: For every Rs. 100 spent online, reward points will be provided. For other transactions, 1 reward point will be provided.
3: UPI transactions are enabled.
4: A railway and fuel surcharge waiver is offered.
5: For a month, cash withdrawal is interest-free.
6: Reward points do not expire.
7: Up to 90% of the fixed deposit amount may be provided as the credit limit.
8: You will know the credit limit once you apply for the card.
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Understand your creditworthiness: Check your credit score. Having a good credit score (generally above 700) will increase your chances of approval and qualify you for better terms.
Know your needs and goals: Consider what you want to use the card for - rewards, building credit, travel, etc. This will help you choose a card that aligns with your financial goals.
Research different cards: Compare interest rates, annual fees, rewards programs, and other features. Don't just focus on the welcome bonus!
You can compare your card by clicking on the link.
Be aware of fees: Understand annual fees, balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, and other potential charges.
Do the math: Can you afford the monthly payments and potential interest charges? Don't spend more than you can comfortably pay back.
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In India, there are various types of credit cards available to cater to different needs and preferences. Some of the popular types include:
Rewards Credit Cards: These cards offer rewards points on every purchase made, which can be redeemed for various benefits such as cash back, discounts, or gifts. Click on the link to see the list of Reward Credit Cards.
Travel Credit Cards: These cards are designed for frequent travelers and offer benefits such as air miles, airport lounge access, and travel insurance, and hotel discounts. Click on the link to know the list of Travel Credit Cards.
Cash back Credit Cards: These cards provide a percentage of cash back on purchases made, either as a statement credit or cash deposited into the cardholder's account. Click on the link to know the list of Cash back Credit Cards.
Fuel Credit Cards: These cards provide fuel surcharge waivers, rewards, and discounts on fuel purchases at selected petrol stations. Click on the link to see the list of Fuel Credit Cards.
Lifestyle Credit Cards: These cards are tailored for individuals who enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment. They offer discounts, privileges, and rewards to partner merchants.
Business Credit Cards: These cards are designed for business owners and provide benefits such as business expense tracking, higher credit limits, and special offers related to business expenses. Click on the link to see the list of Business Credit Cards.
Student Credit Cards: These cards are specially designed for students and offer benefits such as discounts on educational expenses, cash back, and rewards. Click on the link to see the list of Student Credit Cards.
Secured Credit Cards: These cards require a security deposit and are suitable for individuals with a limited credit history or low credit score. They help build or rebuild credit. Click on the link to see the list of Secured Credit Cards.
It's important to compare the features, benefits, fees, and interest rates of different credit cards before choosing the one that best suits your needs and financial situation. Additionally, eligibility criteria, such as income requirements, may vary for different types of credit cards.
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Step 1: Credit card issuers typically evaluate your creditworthiness when reviewing your application. It's important to review your credit reports for any errors and understand your credit score.
Step 2: Research and compare credit card options to find one that suits your needs and financial situation. Consider factors such as rewards, interest rates, fees, and benefits offered by different credit cards.
Step 3: Gather the necessary documents. When applying for a credit card, you may need to provide identification proof, address proof, income proof, and other supporting documents. Requirements vary among different credit card issuers.
Step 4: Fill out the application form. You can apply for a credit card online through the issuer's website or in person at a branch. Provide accurate information and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 5: Submit the application and wait for approval. The credit card issuer will evaluate your application, which may involve checking your credit history and income. They will then determine whether to approve or decline your application. If approved, you will receive your new card by mail within a specified time frame. Activate the card as per the issuer's instructions.
Step 6: Start using your credit card responsibly. Make timely payments, stay within your credit limit, and manage your finances wisely to maintain a good credit score. It's important to note that the application process and requirements may vary among credit card issuers.
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Credit limit sanctioned on the Card Account may be subject to revision from time to time, based on the review conducted by the Bank in accordance with Bank policies. The Bank reserves the right to reduce Card members. These terms and conditions form the contract between the Card member and the RBL Bank and shall be in addition to and not in derogation of the terms and conditions listed in this MITC. Usage of RuPay Credit Card on UPI applications by the Card members shall be construed as deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Some banks offer better credit cards with an ample number of benefits with various options.
1: Xpress Cash allows you to get funds instantly into your account.
2: The card provides 10% cash back (up to Rs . 100 per month on each retailer) on Book My Show and Zomato transactions separately.
3: EMI Infinity Pass offers up to 100% reductions on the Split n Pay Fee.
4: The RBL Bank My Card App allows you to manage your credit card, pay utility bills, receive merchant offers, and apply for fast loans.
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1: Within the first 30 days of card issuance, download and log into the HSBC India Mobile App and spend at least Rs. 5,000 to receive Rs . 500 cash back.
2: The card offers an annual fuel fee discount of up to Rs . 3000.
3: Earn two reward points for every ₹150 spent.
4: Convert your reward points into flight miles with Club Vistara, flight India's Flying Returns, Etihad Airways, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
1: Rewards are unlimited and do not expire.
2: Redeem your credits to shop from over 100 million products on www.amazon.in and over 100 Amazon Pay partner merchants.
3: Amazon offers no-cost EMI choices for three or six months.
4: The rewards gained with this card have no cap or expiry date.
5: Amazon prime customers will earn a 5% reward while shopping on Amazon India & non-Amazon prime members will earn a 3% reward while shopping on Amazon India.
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1: Get a 1% fuel surcharge eliminated on all gas pumps for transactions between Rs. 500 and Rs. 3,000 (up to Rs. 3,500 per year).
2: Get a 1.8% railway surcharge waiver up to Rs . 500 when booking on the IRCTC website and 2.5% at the railway counter.
3: 4 reward points for every 100 rupees spent online.
4: Up to 90% of the credit limit may be withdrawn in cash.
5: The processing cost for ATM withdrawals and fund transfers is Rs . 100.
1: Earn 5x or 10x reward points on all domestic and international online retail purchases.
2: Earn 5x or 10x reward points on all POS and contactless offline transactions, including local and international.
3: A maximum of 25,000 reward points can be earned per statement cycle.
4: Fuel, Rent, BBPS, Quasi Cash, Cash withdrawal, and Education & Government Services transactions will not be eligible for base or accelerated rewards.
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No, it is very important for every bank or credit company to receive a copy of the income proof or FORM 16 to accept the application form.
Lifetime credit cards are credit cards where you don't have to pay joining fees and annual fees. Credit card issuers may offer certain cards as lifetime free during a specific event. Although yearly fees are waived, charges like late payment fee, cash advance fee, and over-limit fee may still apply.
No, SBI cards are not annually free cards. It has a specific annual fee plus taxes. This may vary according to the spending limit of the borrower.
There is no limit for credit card; this may vary according to other banks in INDIA, like it is based on various features like Income, creditworthiness and other policies regarding the guidelines suggested by the RBI.
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