A lifetime free credit card charges no joining fee and no annual fee, ever. That makes it a great first card or a safe backup card. But “free” does not mean every feature is free, or that the rewards are worth much. Here is what to check.
Lifetime free credit cards in 2026, by base reward rate
| Card | Bank | Base rate | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
 Federal Scapia Credit card | Federal Bank | 2% | 2% on most spends; 4% only at partner merchants |
 SBM ZET Credit Card | 2% | 2% on most spends | |
 AU Kosmo Credit Card | AU Small Finance Bank | 1.5% | 1.5% on most spends |
 HSBC RuPay Platinum Credit Card | HSBC India | 1.33% | 1.33% on most spends; 8% only at partner merchants |
 HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card | HSBC India | 1.33% | 1.33% on most spends; 8% only at partner merchants |
 Kiwi Credit Cards | AU Small Finance Bank | 1% | 1% base, up to 1.5% on UPI payments |
 AU InstaPay Credit Card | AU Small Finance Bank | 1% | 1% on most spends |
 Axis Bank SUPERMONEY RuPay Credit Card | Axis Bank | 1% | 1% on most spends; 3% only at partner merchants |
 BOBCARD Uni GoldX Credit Card | Bank of Baroda | 1% | 1% on most spends |
 IDFC FIRST Quantum Plus Credit Card | 1% | 1% on most spends |
No joining or annual fee, as each bank states, October 2026. All of them: lifetime free credit cards.
What lifetime free does and does not cover
It covers only the joining and annual fee. You still pay:
- Interest if you do not pay the full bill (usually 3% to 3.75% a month)
- Late payment fees
- Foreign currency markup when you pay abroad or in dollars, often 3.5%
- Cash withdrawal fees
- Any paid membership needed to unlock the advertised rewards
The catch to look for: rewards that need something else
Some lifetime free cards advertise a high rate that only applies in a narrow way. Three examples from cards listed on SkyloFin:
- SBM ZET advertises 2% cashback on UPI, but the flat 2% needs a ZET Plus membership, which costs ₹3 a day plus GST.
- AU Kosmo gives 1.5% cashback on UPI Scan and Pay through Kiwi, but 0.5% on online spends.
- Federal Scapia gives about 2% in Scapia Coins (4% on travel booked in the Scapia app), but the coins can only be redeemed for travel in the app. It also has zero foreign currency markup, which is rare.
None of these is a bad card. Just make sure the way you spend matches the way the card pays.
Lifetime free cards worth a look
| Card | Rewards on most spends | Foreign markup | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Scapia | About 2% (travel coins) | 0% | Visa |
| AU Kosmo | 1.5% on UPI Scan and Pay | 3.49% | RuPay |
| HSBC RuPay Platinum | 1.33% | 3.5% | RuPay |
| BOBCARD Uni GoldX | 1% | 0% | Visa |
| LIC Select | 1% | 0% | Mastercard |
A RuPay card can be linked to UPI, so you can pay by scanning a QR code with the credit card. Visa and Mastercard cards cannot.
Lifetime free or fee with a waiver?
A card with a fee can still cost you nothing if you reach its waiver spend. If you spend ₹2 lakh or more a year, a paid card with a waiver may give you better rewards at no cost. Read annual fee waivers: how to never pay for your credit card.
Is a lifetime free card good for your credit score?
Yes, in one specific way. Because it costs nothing to keep, you can keep it open for years, and a long-running account with on-time payments helps your score. Keep using it now and then so the bank does not close it.
See all lifetime free credit cards on SkyloFin, compared side by side.
Frequently asked questions
Are lifetime free credit cards really free?
The joining and annual fees are zero. Interest, late fees, cash withdrawal fees and foreign currency markup still apply, and some rewards need a paid membership.
Which lifetime free card is best?
It depends on how you spend. For UPI, a RuPay card like AU Kosmo or HSBC RuPay Platinum. For travel abroad, Federal Scapia has zero foreign markup. For a simple everyday card, look at the base rate on most spends.
Can a lifetime free card become paid later?
Banks can change terms with notice. Check the card’s terms and any emails from your bank.
This is general information to help you compare, not financial advice. SkyloFin is not a financial adviser. Fees, rates and caps change, so check the bank’s own terms before you apply. Card figures are from SkyloFin’s card pages as on 1 October 2026; card data sourced via CardAdvisor.in. SkyloFin may earn a commission when you apply through our links; it never changes what you pay.
Updated 18 Oct 2026.
