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Looking for the best no annual fee credit cards in India is the first step for anyone who wants to maximize their purchasing power without burdening their budget with unnecessary fixed fees.
It is essential to identify which no annual fee credit cards in India truly deliver value, to avoid cards that charge little but return almost nothing.
The current no annual fee credit cards in India are no longer basic cards but have become sophisticated customer acquisition tools. Major banks and fintechs now offer benefits that were previously exclusive to premium cards, such as access to VIP lounges and reduced exchange rates, all without charging an annual fee.
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In this article, we will look at the main options for no annual fee credit cards in India to help you choose the leader among no annual fee credit cards in India. We will look at the main features of the cards that are redefining the sector. By the end, choosing yours will be easy.
Top No Annual Fee Credit Card Options
1. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card (Credit cards no annual fee in India)
The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card is a cashback-focused card, the result of a long-term strategic partnership between the e-commerce giant and one of India’s largest private banks.
As a rule, ICICI Bank guarantees a fluid operation, targeting everyone from the middle class to high-income professionals seeking efficiency.
It offers a dynamic credit limit that can exceed ₹15 Lakhs for long-term users and an interest rate that varies between 3.50% and 3.80% per month.
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In terms of benefits, the card shines with simplicity and liquidity. Prime members enjoy an unlimited 5% return on purchases on Amazon India. Non-members still guarantee 3%, while payments to Amazon Pay ecosystem partners generate 2%.
2. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card
The IDFC FIRST Millennia represents the bank’s “Customer First” philosophy, born from the merger between Capital First and IDFC Bank.
This card challenges industry norms by introducing risk-based interest rates, which can range from 0.75% to 3.5% per month. This allows customers with a good history to access revolving credit at unprecedented costs of 9% per year.
In addition to the total annual fee waiver, the card offers interest-free cash withdrawals for 48 days, charging only a fixed transaction fee, which offers valuable emergency liquidity.
The rewards program encourages concentrated spending, offering a 10x points accelerator for incremental expenses above ₹20,000 and for spending on the cardholder’s birthday.
Online purchases also generate 6x points, and an important difference is that these points never expire.
The card also recognizes the reality of Indian transport by offering access to premium railway lounges, in addition to discounts on cinema tickets.
3. Federal Scapia Credit Card (Credit cards no annual fee in India)
The Federal Scapia is a niche card focused on travel.
Designed for the generation that prioritizes experiences, it tackles the biggest pain point for international travelers: exchange rates.
Furthermore, the card offers zero currency markup, generating an immediate saving of approximately 4-5% on overseas transactions.
Although the revolving interest rate is high, at 3.75% per month, the card compensates with a fixed-cost-free structure and a completely digital onboarding process.
Its benefits are directed towards converting spending into new travel.
It also offers unlimited access to domestic lounges upon a monthly spend of ₹5,000 and accumulates high rewards, ranging from 10% to 20% in “Scapia Coins”.
4. IndusInd Bank Legend Credit Card
Positioned in the premium segment, the IndusInd Bank Legend is made available as Lifetime Free through promotional acquisition channels.
Despite its high list fee, IndusInd Bank, with its history focused on NRIs and luxury, has created a product that offers lifestyle advantages, such as complementary golf lessons and Green Fees waivers.
As a rule, the interest rate is one of the highest on the market, requiring financial discipline, but the reduced currency markup of 1.8% makes it a solid option for international use.
The benefits package includes the popular “Buy One Get One” offer for cinema tickets, valid three times a month, and a rewards system that doubles points on weekend spending.
It is worth noting that the card also offers access to Priority Pass for international lounges.
5. Axis Bank Neo Credit Card
The Axis Neo is the third largest private bank in India’s bet to capture Generation Z, focused on direct discounts on high-frequency platforms.
Currently offered as Lifetime Free in specific campaigns, the card eliminates entry barriers for young consumers.
Financially, it has standard interest rates, but stands out for immediate discounts: 40% at Zomato, 10% at Blinkit for supermarket purchases, and utility discounts via Amazon Pay.
In addition to discounts on food and quick services, the card offers benefits at Myntra for fashion and at BookMyShow for cinema.
Furthermore, the Dining Delights program extends the advantages to physical restaurants with up to 15% discount.
6. OneCard Metal Credit Card (Credit cards no annual fee in India)
The OneCard immediately differentiates itself by its metal format and the “mobile-first” approach of FPL Technologies.
Operating in partnership with various banks, the card focuses on user experience and credit building, offering a fixed deposit-guaranteed variant for those without a credit history.
The rewards system is smart, applying a 5x multiplier in the two main spending categories of the month, personalizing the return to user behavior.
7. AU LIT Credit Card
The AU LIT brings an innovation by being India’s first fully customizable credit card. Operating under a “Freemium” model, the base card is free, allowing the user to activate and pay only for specific features, such as lounge access or extra cashback, for periods of 90 days.
As a customer, you can activate a 10x points accelerator for online purchases or purchase lounge passes only when traveling, avoiding high annual fees for unused services.
This card also includes streaming subscription offers and a fuel surcharge waiver on the free base.
8. ICICI Platinum Chip Credit Card
The ICICI Platinum Chip is the reliable entry-level card, focused on mass issuance and security with EMV chip technology. Being one of the best credit cards ICICI Bank.
Intended for beginners and residents of smaller cities, its greatest strength lies in its eligibility for great bank discount offers on e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon, where co-branded cards are often excluded.
Its direct benefits include PAYBACK points on retail expenses, a fuel surcharge waiver at HPCL stations, and access to the Culinary Treats program for restaurant discounts.
Comparative Table of No Annual Fee Credit Cards in India
| Card | Interest Rate (p.m.) | Currency Markup |
| Amazon Pay ICICI | 3.50% – 3.80% | 1.99% |
| IDFC FIRST Millennia | 0.75% – 3.5% | 3.5% |
| Federal Scapia | 3.75% | 0% |
| IndusInd Legend | 3.95% | 1.8% |
| Axis Neo | 3.6% | 3.5% |
| OneCard | 3.5% – 3.75% | 1% |
| AU LIT | 3.49% | Standard |
| ICICI Platinum Chip | 3.40% – 3.67% | 3.5% |
| HSBC Visa Platinum | 3.75% | ~3.5% |
| Std. Chartered Platinum | 3.75% | 3.5% |
Conclusion
The market analysis confirms that the “Lifetime Free” strategy has matured, transforming into a market where specialization defines the winner.
It is no longer just about not paying fees, but about choosing the card that best rewards your spending profile, whether on travel, online purchases, or domestic expenses.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. The offer windows for free premium cards, such as Axis Neo and IndusInd Legend, are volatile and can change at any time.
Analyze the options above, check your eligibility, and apply for the card that will transform your financial life.