Best 5 Credit Cards in India with ₹0 Annual Fee – 2025 Guide

Introduction

Credit cards have become an essential financial tool in India, offering convenience, rewards, and emergency purchasing power. Over the years, banks have introduced various credit cards catering to different needs—shopping, travel, business, and even student requirements. In 2025, a rising trend is zero annual fee credit cards that allow you to enjoy benefits without paying yearly maintenance charges.

Brief History of Credit Cards in India

Credit cards entered India in the late 1980s, introduced by Citibank and HSBC. Initially, they were available only to high-income individuals, but with financial inclusion and digitization, credit cards are now accessible to students, salaried employees, and business owners.

Best 5 Credit Cards in India with Zero Annual Fee (2025)

SBI SimplySAVE Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹0 (First year free, waived on minimum spending)

• Features & Benefits:

  • 1 Reward Point per ₹100 spent on general purchases.

  • 10 Reward Points on dining, movies, and groceries.

  • Fuel surcharge waiver.

• Rewards: Redeem for vouchers, gifts, or cash credit.

 ICICI Amazon Pay Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹0 for lifetime.

• Features & Benefits:

  • 5% cashback for Amazon Prime members, 3% for non-Prime.

  • 2% cashback on partner merchants.

  • 1% cashback on all other spends.

• Rewards: Cashback credited as Amazon Pay balance.

Axis Bank My Zone Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹0 (Waived on first year and on annual spends)

• Features & Benefits:

  • Buy One Get One free movie tickets on Paytm.

  • Complimentary lounge access.

  • 4 Reward Points on every ₹200 spent.

• Rewards: Points redeemable for shopping vouchers.

HDFC Millennia Credit Card

• Annual Fee: ₹0 (Waived on minimum spends)

• Features & Benefits:

  • 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and other partners.

  • 1% fuel surcharge waiver.

  • Exclusive dining discounts.

• Rewards: Cashback credited directly to statement balance.

 IDFC FIRST Classic Credit Card

• Annual Fee: Lifetime free.

• Features & Benefits:

  • 10x Reward Points on weekend spends.

  • Interest-free cash withdrawal for 48 days.

  • Fuel surcharge waiver and travel offers.

• Rewards: Redeem anytime with no expiry.

How to Open a Zero Annual Fee Credit Card

1. Visit the bank’s website or branch.

2. Fill the application form online/offline.

3. Provide KYC documents – Aadhaar, PAN, and proof of income.

4. Wait for approval and card dispatch.

Who Can Use These Cards – Students or Everyone?

While some zero-fee cards are student-friendly, they are not restricted to students alone. Salaried professionals, freelancers, and small business owners can also benefit from them.

Tips to Maintain a Credit Card Effectively

• Pay your bills in full before the due date.

• Keep your credit utilization below 30%.

• Avoid frequent cash withdrawals.

• Review your statements for errors.

How They Help You

• Students: Useful for building credit history, getting cashback on online purchases, and managing expenses without carrying cash.

• Salaried Professionals: Earn points for daily expenses and enjoy perks like free movie tickets, lounge access, and travel deals.

• Business Owners: Can manage large transactions, get better rewards, and improve cash flow.

Balance Transfer Credit Cards – A Smart Option

If you have an outstanding balance on one card, you can transfer it to a new card with a lower interest rate to save money.

Advantages

• No annual fee.

• Earn rewards and cashback.

• Improves credit score.

• Useful for online and offline spending.

Disadvantages

• Overspending risk.

• Late fees and interest charges if not maintained.

• Limited premium benefits compared to paid cards.

Conclusion

Zero annual fee credit cards in 2025 are a smart financial choice for beginners and budget-conscious users. Whether you’re a student looking to build your credit score or a professional wanting to save on fees, these cards offer excellent benefits without extra costs. The key lies in responsible usage—pay on time, spend wisely, and enjoy the perks.