Login

Are you ready for an upgrade?

Login to the new experience with best features and services

Login to Internet banking

Help Center Support topics, Contact us, FAQs and more

Notifications

  • As per amendment in the Income Tax Rules, PAN or Aadhaar are to be mandatorily quoted for cash deposit or withdrawal aggregating to Rupees twenty lakhs or more in a FY. Please update your PAN or Aadhaar. Kindly reach out to the Bank’s contact center on 1800 10 888 or visit the nearest IDFC FIRST Bank branch for further queries.

  • Activate your Credit Card within minutes and enjoy unlimited benefits

    Know More

  • One FASTag, three payments:Toll, fuel and parking

    The only FASTag with triple benefits

    Apply Now

FinFIRST Blogs

Select a topic
Apply Now

Credit Card

How to choose the right credit card with no annual fee for you

05 Aug 2025 by Team FinFIRST
credit card with no annual fee
Apply Now

When it comes to a lifetime-free credit card, you want a value-driven card that does not charge a fee for the benefits offered.

But with so many options of credit cards with no annual fees, how do you find the perfect one?

The answer is simple - by assessing your spending habits and choosing a card that aligns with them. Let’s break down how to find the right card that matches your lifestyle, offers attractive perks, and doesn’t cost a penny.

But first, the basics!

READ MORE

IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card comparison
When is it worth opting for a credit card protection plan?

What are credit cards with no annual fee?
 

Called lifetime-free or simply free credit cards, these cards have no joining or annual fee, ever! You can access the rewards and privileges of the card without paying any additional credit card charges for its usage. Such credit cards are easy to avail of and can be the perfect tool for your everyday transactions.

How to choose the right credit card with no annual fee?
 

The key to choosing the right credit card with no annual fee is to assess and compare. You need to assess your spending habits to determine the category in which you spend the most. It can be:

  1. Lifestyle
  2. Grocery
  3. Travel
  4. Fuel
  5. Utility, etc.

Once you understand your spending pattern, pick a credit card that rewards you the most in those categories. For example, frequent flyers can benefit from travel cards with perks like lounge access and flight discounts, while lifestyle credit cards are better suited for those who spend more on shopping, dining, and entertainment.

What are the lifetime-free credit cards offered by IDFC FIRST Bank?
 

IDFC FIRST Bank offers a range of credit cards with no annual fees. These cards offer all-around benefits and align with different spending habits.

Here’s a comparative overview of popular IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards with no annual fee, their benefits, and suitability:

Name of the card

FIRST Classic

FIRST Select

FIRST Wealth

Type of card

Regular credit card for everyday spending

Regular credit card for usual transactions

Premium credit card with enhanced benefits

Suitable for

Young adults or first jobbers who are starting out and want to save on daily transactions

Experienced professionals looking for a mix of lifestyle benefits and credit card reward points

Premium users who want top-tier privileges and travel perks

Minimum annual income required

₹3 lakhs

₹12 lakhs

₹36 lakhs

Lifestyle benefits
  1. 25% off once a month of up to ₹100 on movie ticket bookings done via the District by Zomato app
  2. 1% fuel surcharge waiver
  3. 300+ merchant offers
  1. Buy-one-get-one offer twice a month of up to ₹125 on movie ticket bookings done via the District by Zomato app 
  2. 1% fuel surcharge waiver
  3. 300+ merchant offers
  1. Buy-one-get-one offer twice a month of up to ₹250 on movie ticket bookings done via the District by Zomato app
  2. 1% fuel surcharge waiver
  3. 300+ merchant offers 
  4. Premium golf privileges

Travel benefits

a.      Complimentary railway lounge access on ₹20,000 spends in the previous month
  1. Complimentary domestic airport lounge access on ₹20,000+ spends in the previous month
  2. Low forex markup fee of 1.99%
  3. Free trip cancellation cover of up to ₹10,000
  4. Complimentary railway lounge access on ₹20,000+ spends in the previous month
  1. Complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access on ₹20,000+ spends in the previous month
  2. Low forex markup fee of 1.50%
  3. Free trip cancellation cover of up to ₹10,000
  4. Complimentary railway lounge access on ₹20,000+ spends in the previous month
  5. Up to 50X Bonus Rewards on travel bookings via the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile app

Insurance coverage
  1. Accident and lost card liability cover
  2. 24X7 roadside assistance cover
  1. Accident and lost card liability cover
  2. 24X7 roadside assistance cover
  3. Comprehensive travel insurance cover
  1. Accident and lost card liability cover
  2. 24X7 roadside assistance cover
  3. Comprehensive travel insurance cover

 

Find the right free credit card based on your spending profile
 

The smartest way to choose a credit card with no annual fee is to match it with your lifestyle and spending habits. Whether you're focused on daily savings or premium perks, there’s a perfect fit in the IDFC FIRST Bank lineup of free credit cards.

Here’s how to decide:

1. The everyday spender
 

If your expenses revolve around groceries, fuel, and utilities, the FIRST Classic Credit Card is a great pick. It’s a simple, value-packed lifestyle credit card for daily use, with zero annual fees and essential perks like a fuel surcharge waiver and merchant discounts.

2. The entertainment enthusiast
 

For frequent shoppers, moviegoers, travellers, and diners, the FIRST Select Credit Card offers exciting credit card rewards, buy-one-get-one movie deals, airport lounge access, and more. It’s ideal if you want lifestyle benefits without extra credit card charges.

3. The premium traveller
 

If you're after an upscale experience with airport lounge access, low forex markup, travel insurance, etc., the FIRST Wealth Credit Card offers premium perks with zero joining and annual fees. It's perfect for high-income users who want a feature-rich experience from their credit card with no annual fee.

With clearly defined benefits and no hidden costs, IDFC FIRST Bank makes it easier to choose a free credit card that fits your financial life - no compromises.

Why come to IDFC FIRST Bank for a credit card with no annual fee?
 

Not all users spend the same. This is why IDFC FIRST Bank lets you choose a card that fits your lifestyle best, with no annual fees and full-featured benefits. Some of the features that make its cards stand out include:

  1. Up to 60X reward points that never expire and can be instantly redeemed
  2. 100% digital onboarding with quick card issuance
  3. A range of credit cards to suit your spending habits
  4. Attractive offers across 300+ merchants
  5. Low APRs to make the charges pocket-friendly
  6. Lifestyle benefits, such as movie ticket offers, complimentary airport lounge access, and more
  7. Interest-free cash withdrawals
  8. EMI conversion facility for easy bill repayments
  9. Easy money tracking with the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App that offers full visibility and control of your card
  10. A trusted banking partner in IDFC FIRST Bank, which has been ranked amongst the World’s Best Banks 2025 by Forbes and Statista

Choose your custom-fit, zero-fee IDFCFIRST Bank Credit Card today and save on your transactions without compromising on the features. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use more than one lifetime-free credit card?

No, you can only have one credit card with no annual fee. While you cannot apply for multiple lifetime-free cards, you can still apply for other credit cards based on your eligibility and requirements.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards with no annual fee?

The primary eligibility criterion is your annual income. Besides that, your credit score, age, and other factors are also assessed by the bank.

Can I apply for the credit card online?

Yes, IDFC FIRST Bank offers online credit card applications. Just visit the webpage of your preferred card, click ‘Apply Now’, and complete the process in a few quick taps on your phone.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Prev
Next

Related Products

Related Articles

Download IDFC FIRST Bank App

Tags

You might also be interested in:

Savings Account

Personal Loan

Credit Card

Home Loan

Two Wheeler Loan