To begin your no-annual-fee card journey, you need to understand the meaning of a lifetime-free credit card. This type of credit card offers you all the benefits of a credit card with no annual or joining fees. It’s a smart way to save money over time, especially if you don’t use your card frequently, in which case paying a recurring fee does not make sense. 

If you want to save more or get the most out of everyday spending, choosing the right card with a zero annual fee matters. In this guide, we’ll share the best new credit cards in India that offer great cashback without any recurring fee. 

Why Choose These Cards?

A lifetime-free credit card is popular because it offers two key benefits:

• The cards have no annual or renewal fees, lowering the cost of using a credit card  

• You don’t have to pay any charges on activating the card, making it an affordable option for when you need funds quickly 

Top Picks for New Credit Cards in India 

Now that you know the benefits of a lifetime-free credit card, here are a few great options you can choose from. By overviewing their features, you can decide if they fit your lifestyle.  

Each of these cards is tailored to a different lifestyle and spending pattern. Here is a breakdown of their key features for better understanding:

1.  One Credit Card

Few cards blend simplicity and power like One Credit Card. From day one, it tracks where you spend the most and then gives you accelerated reward points based on that. 

• Rewards: 5X points on your top two monthly spending categories

• Fees: Zero joining or annual fees 

• Key Features: Instant virtual card on approval and OneCard App to track spending patterns, tracks rewards in real-time, and surfaces exclusive partner deals.

If you don't like switching categories or want to offer in all categories, this card does it all for you. All you have to do is spend and watch the points roll in.

2. Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card

If you shop on Amazon often, this card quickly covers its value with great rewards.

• Rewards: 5X reward points for Amazon Prime and 3X reward points for non-prime member 

• Fees: Zero joining or annual fee

• Key Features: Instant credit to Amazon Pay; works on domestic and international transactions

Instant cashback makes using rewards easy and hassle-free and it’s always nice when your next purchase feels free.

3. Kotak 811 Dream Different Credit Card 

For those looking to build their credit profile and earn rewards, this card offers a great mix of flexible benefits.

• Rewards: Earn 4 reward points for every ₹100 spent online, and 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent offline

• Fees: No joining or annual fee

• Key Features: Get milestone cashback on annual spends, and UPI support for hassle-free payments

The milestone cashback adds value, and the FD-backed credit limit is perfect for first-time users. With rewards on every transaction, it's a great way to build credit and enjoy benefits.

4. AU LIT Credit Card

The best thing about the AU LIT Credit Card is its flexibility. You can choose how you want to earn rewards, based on what you spend the most on.

• Rewards: Up to 10X reward points on all online payments up to 10,000 points in a statement cycle  

• Fees: No joining or annual fees for the base version

• Key Features: 1% fuel surcharge waiver with an additional 5% cashback on milestone spends up to ₹10,000

Your spending habits evolve, and this card evolves with you. One month, you might want dining perks; the next, travel points. AU LIT makes that easy.

5. Federal Bank Scapia Credit Card

If you’re a frequent traveller or love shopping, this card offers great rewards and some seriously handy perks.

• Rewards: 10% reward on eligible online and offline transactions 

• Fees: Nil

• Key Features: Redeem the reward points on travel booking, like, flight tickets, hotel booking and bus tickets 

With Scapia coins and travel perks, this card makes it easy to enjoy rewards while saving on lounge access and foreign transactions.

Tips to Maximise Your Rewards

Here are a few additional easy tips to get the most from your rewards:

• Match your spending by using each card for its highest cashback category

• Review offers regularly as financial institutions update their partner deals often 

• Pay bills in full and avoid interest charges that invalidate rewards

• Monitor transaction charges by keeping an eye on forex and late fees

• Convert points to statement credit or vouchers before expiry

• Opt for a lifetime-free credit card to save on paying recurring annual fees

It is crucial to choose a credit card with zero annual and joining fees to elevate savings on top of the rewards and cashback benefits. There are many excellent new credit cards in India that fit the category and may also fit your different spending habits.

If you are looking for such a card, then the One Credit Card stands out. It has no joining or annual fees. You earn 5x reward points on your top spending categories each month. This makes it a powerful option for savings on everyday spending. It also offers transparency and its robust OneCard App comes with smart features that make it easy to manage everything at your fingertips. 

You can use it to set limits, track your spending, monitor rewards, or block your card instantly. Plus, there are 80+ partner credit card deals on dining, travel, fuel, and shopping. Apply now and maximise your cashback with zero annual fees!