Apply for Credit Card with No Annual Fee in India in 2025

Tired of paying hefty annual fees on your credit card every year? Good news, bhai! In 2025, plenty of banks in India offer credit cards with no annual fee—lifetime free, zero joining charges, and packed with rewards. These cards are perfect for beginners, salaried folks, or anyone looking to save money while enjoying perks like cashback, fuel waivers, and shopping discounts. This guide walks you through how to apply, top options, and tips to get approved fast. Let’s swipe smarter!

Why Choose a Credit Card with No Annual Fee?

Annual fees can eat into your savings—some cards charge ₹500 to ₹5,000 yearly! A no-annual-fee card means more money in your pocket for actual spends. In 2025, with rising inflation and digital payments booming, these cards offer value without the burden. Plus, they help build your credit score if used wisely. Whether it’s for online shopping, bill payments, or emergencies, a zero-fee card keeps things simple and cost-effective.

Top Credit Cards with No Annual Fee in 2025

Based on latest offerings from banks and NBFCs, here are some of the best no-annual-fee credit cards in India. These are lifetime free (no joining or renewal fees) and come with solid benefits:

1. ICICI Bank Platinum Chip Credit Card
   • Annual Fee: NIL (lifetime free)
   • Key Benefits: 1% fuel surcharge waiver, 2 reward points per ₹100 on retail spends (except fuel), and dining discounts. Ideal for everyday use.
   • Why Choose: Easy to get for salaried folks with basic income proof.<grok:render card_id=”60ff29″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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2. IDFC FIRST Millennia Credit Card
   • Annual Fee: NIL (lifetime free)
   • Key Benefits: 10X rewards on spends above ₹20,000/month, 6X on online shopping, 3X on offline, and unlimited rewards that never expire. Plus, movie ticket offers.
   • Why Choose: Great for millennials and online shoppers; no minimum spend to waive fees since it’s free forever.<grok:render card_id=”acb1db” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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3. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card
   • Annual Fee: NIL (lifetime free)
   • Key Benefits: 5% cashback for Prime members on Amazon, 2% on non-Amazon payments via Amazon Pay, 1% on others. Fuel surcharge waiver up to ₹100/month.
   • Why Choose: A must-have for Amazon addicts; seamless integration with your shopping app.<grok:render card_id=”aa64d2″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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4. HSBC Live+ Credit Card
   • Annual Fee: NIL (lifetime free)
   • Key Benefits: 10% cashback on dining, groceries, and food delivery (up to ₹1,000/month), accelerated rewards on other spends, and airport lounge access.
   • Why Choose: Premium feel without the cost; perfect for foodies and urban lifestyles.<grok:render card_id=”acf9df” card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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5. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card
   • Annual Fee: NIL (lifetime free)
   • Key Benefits: Unlimited 10% Scapia coins on travel bookings, 2% on other spends, zero forex markup, and lounge access.
   • Why Choose: Travel enthusiasts on a budget; co-branded with Scapia for easy redemptions.<grok:render card_id=”35dd02″ card_type=”citation_card” type=”render_inline_citation”>

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Note: Benefits and eligibility can vary; check the bank’s website for updates as of 2025.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply

Most no-annual-fee cards have straightforward requirements:

• Age: 21-60 years (salaried) or up to 65 (self-employed)
• Income: Minimum ₹15,000-₹25,000/month for salaried; ₹2-3 lakh/year for self-employed
• Credit Score: 700+ preferred, but some accept 650+
• Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, salary slips/ITR, address proof, and photo

First-time applicants? Start with banks where you have a savings account for faster approval.

How to Apply for a No-Annual-Fee Credit Card

Applying is a breeze in 2025—mostly online!

1. Compare Options: Use sites like Paisabazaar or BankBazaar to compare cards based on your spends (e.g., shopping vs. travel).
2. Check Eligibility: Visit the bank’s website or app and use the eligibility checker tool.
3. Fill Application: Submit online form with KYC details; upload docs digitally.
4. Verification: Bank calls or visits for confirmation; video KYC is common now.
5. Approval & Delivery: Get approved in 1-7 days; card arrives in 3-5 days.

Pro Tip: Apply through the bank’s official app for instant pre-approvals if you’re an existing customer.

Tips to Get Approved Quickly

1. Maintain Good Credit: Clear dues and avoid multiple applications to keep your CIBIL score high.
2. Show Stable Income: Salaried? Submit 3 months’ slips. Self-employed? Use ITRs.
3. Start Small: Opt for entry-level cards like ICICI Platinum if you’re new.
4. Leverage Relationships: Apply with your salary bank for better chances.
5. Avoid Over-Leverage: Keep credit utilization under 30% on existing cards.

Things to Watch Out For

• Hidden Charges: Some cards have forex markup (2-3.5%) or late payment fees (up to ₹1,000). Read the terms!
• Reward Expiry: Check if points expire; IDFC’s don’t, which is a plus.
• Spending Traps: Don’t overspend just for rewards—pay full bills to avoid 3-4% monthly interest.
• Scams: Apply only via official sites; beware of fake calls asking for OTPs.

Alternatives