Credits cards with no annual fee are highly preferred by millennials today. This is because; even if you do not use the card often, there is no additional incurred cost. These cards are usually chosen by people who want to build or improve their credit scores and have not taken any loans yet. Even on spending minimally on zero joining fee cards, your credit score can witness a substantial boost. Moreover, paying a huge annual fee on a credit card is only practical if you are prepared to make the best out of it through spending and earning rewards.
So, if you are looking for lifetime free/zero annual fee/annual fees waiver credit cards, here are the best ones offered in 2019 to keep a lookout for:
- Kotak League Platinum Credit Card
This is one of the best lifestyle credit cards trending in 2019. It has multiple reward benefits. Annual fee of Rs. 499 is waived off on spending of Rs. 50,000 in a year. As a joining gift, you receive Rs. 500 movie vouchers. You can earn up to 8X reward points on spends of Rs. 150 each. The card comes with a legal shield, i.e. a protection cover. It has an easy reward redemption facility, suitable for middle-class income groups drawing an annual income of at least Rs. 5 lakhs.
- Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
This card applies to Rs. 999 as the annual fee, but this is waived on yearly spending of Rs. 1 lakh. The Royal Signature card is one of the best lifestyle credit cards offering 2X to 4X reward points, free access to airport lounges, and cover against fraudulent usages of up to Rs. 5 lakh.
- HDFC Freedom Credit Card
The annual fee for this HDFC credit card is only Rs. 500, but the same is waived if you spend Rs. 60,000 in a year. Also, 500 reward points are granted as welcome benefits. You earn 5 times rewards on dining, movie, grocery, taxi, and railway spends. 10X reward points are granted for spending on SmartBUY and PayZapp. On each Rs. 150 spent, you earn 1 reward point. You can redeem the rewards against merchandise and a host of vouchers, or on direct statement credit.
- HDFC MoneyBack Credit Card
Though this is not an HDFC Lifetime Free Credit Card, only a nominal annual fee of Rs. 500 is applicable. But, it is equalized with gift vouchers worth the fee you pay, making it as good as zero-fee cashback credit cards with great benefits. By spending Rs. 150 every time, you can earn 2 reward points. Avail of 100% additional reward points on online spending. Get Rs. 500 e-voucher on spending Rs. 50,000 in a quarter. You can redeem the rewards as direct cash credit toward the credit card statement.
- SBI Simply Save
The annual fee is waived on the total spending of Rs. 90,000 and above in a year. It comes with a cash on-the-go facility and auto utility bill payment. You can get 10X reward points on spending Rs. 100 each on department and grocery stores, movies, dining, and more.
- SimplyCLICK SBI Card
The annual fee is Rs. 499, but it is reversible on spending at least Rs. 1 lakh in the preceding year, making it as good as a zero-fee credit card. As a welcome gift, you get Rs. 500 Amazon voucher. Earn 10X reward points on online shopping and 5X reward points on online spending on partners such as Cleartrip, Foodpanda, Amazon, BookMyShow, UrbanClap, and Lenskart.
- The facility of contactless technology helps with quick payments.
- Get an e-voucher of Rs. 2,000 on total spending of Rs. 1 lakh.
- Get another voucher for Rs. 2,000 once again on a total spend of Rs. 2 lakhs.
- IndusInd Bank Platinum Aura Credit Card
Though this card applies Rs. 899 as the annual fee, you receive gift vouchers more than the fee amount applicable, thus, it is a win-win situation. You receive welcome gift vouchers from MakeMyTrip, EazyDiner, and Satya Paul. Also, you are entitled to a premium concierge service from the bank. You get to enjoy a complimentary Priority Pass Membership. The bank also provides an air accident cover of up to Rs. 25 lacs.
- Yes Bank Prosperity Reward Plus
The Yes Bank credit card provides reward points on an exclusive catalogue of products. It also offers JPMiles. You can earn 2 reward points on retail spends, 3 reward points on dining and online spending, and 4 reward points on international spends, all on spend of Rs. 100 each. Get 12,000 bonus reward points in a year when total spending reaches Rs. 3.6 lakhs. 1,250 reward points are assured if you spend Rs. 5,000 in 30 days of card activation.
- HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
This HSBC credit card offers Rs. 2,000 vouchers of Cleartrip when you successfully complete your first transaction. It provides 2 reward points per transaction of Rs. 150. The points are valid for 3 years. There is a 10% cashback on transactions more than Rs. 10,000. However, these transactions should be done within 90 days of activating the card. The maximum cap on cashback is Rs. 3,000.
- Purchase a movie ticket on BookMyShow and get another absolutely free.
- Get 3X reward points on telecom, dining, and hotel spending in the initial 12 months.
- Enjoy up to 15% discount on partner restaurants in India.
- Standard Chartered Platinum Reward Credit Card
With this no joining fee credit card, you earn 20% cashback every month on Uber rides. Thus, this is one of the best cards if you take Uber rides often. You also get a 20% discount on Big Basket, if you are a first time user. Earn 5 reward points on spending Rs. 150 every time on dining outlets. 1000 reward points are granted on the first transaction of the card. Also, 500 reward points are offered on registering for online banking.
- Central Bank of India Titanium Credit Card
Oriented towards the low-income group, all you need is a gross income of Rs. 1.5 lakh per year to avail of this card. This is a no annual fee credit card, which is widely accepted at almost every merchant outlet in the world. It comes with the facility of 55 days of credit free usage. Also, it is a highly secured card, as it has OTP generation mandatory on each transaction. You get complimentary airport lounge access as well. You can even utilize this card for ATM withdrawal. Auto debit provision is also available.
- ICICI Platinum Chip Card – Visa
The ICICI credit card in question comes with a lifetime free facility. Contactless payment is possible. You can earn 2 PAYBACK points on spending Rs. 100 every time on retail transactions. The accumulated reward points can be used on products and a host of vouchers. Also under the Culinary treats program, save 15% minimum at over 800 restaurants.
- Citibank Rewards Domestic Credit Card
No annual fee is applicable in case you spend Rs. 30,000 or above annually. Otherwise, an annual fee of Rs. 1000 is applicable if you do not cross the annual spend limit for a waiver. You can save up to 15% on partner restaurants. You are entitled to personal concierge services and gift vouchers. Earn 10X reward points on spending Rs. 125 each time at partnered departmental or apparel stores. You earn an assured 1000 bonus points on your first spending of Rs. 1000.
To Conclude
Even if a credit card comes with no joining or annual fee or annual fee waiver, you must check for any hidden charge or fee, before selecting the ideal card. Firstly, identify your need for a type of credit card – are you looking for the best travel credit card, rewards credit card, lifestyle and entertainment credit card, or a shopping credit card? And then check out offers in the same, comparing those before availing one.
