Lifetime-free doesn’t mean no credit card charges: Know why

Lifetime-free credit cards seem to be the perfect solution for your transactions. They help you earn rewards, enjoy privileges, and also build a credit history without shelling out money for the joining and annual fees. But are all lifetime cards really free of credit card charges?

They might not be! Many cards come with a fine print which can burst your bubble. So, before you apply for the latest ‘lifetime-free’ credit card, let’s understand what it means and what it doesn’t.

What are lifetime-free credit cards?

In simple terms, lifetime-free cards are those that do not have any joining or annual fees. You can get the card free of cost and use it to enjoy the perks.

That being said, such cards can come with hidden terms and conditions which you might miss. Two of the common ones are:

1. Spend-based waivers
 

While some cards promise no annual fee, they may have a clause that the fee will only be waived if you spend a specific amount in a year. For instance, if a card has an annual fee of ₹499, a spend-based clause would look like this: if you spend ₹1 lakh on the card in the previous financial year, the fee will be waived.

What does it mean for you?
 

Spend-based fee waivers mandate you to spend the specified minimum amount on your credit card. This might feel restrictive. Moreover, you might end up spending more than you can afford just to claim the fee waiver and avoid credit card charges.

1. Limited period offers
 

Some credit cards offer a waiver of the joining and annual fee for a specific period. Once the period is over, you might incur credit card charges. For instance, say, a credit card offers fee waivers for the first two years. You will be able to enjoy the free card for two years, after which the annual fee will be levied.

What does it mean for you?
 

Limited-period offers do not offer long-term benefits. If you continue using the credit card after the offer period, you will start incurring credit card charges, and your expenses will increase.

How to find the right credit card?
 

Can you get a credit card that is genuinely free?

Yes, you can, if you choose right!

When applying for a credit card with no annual fee, it is important to look beyond the ‘lifetime-free’ concept. Here’s what to check for instead:

1. Hidden conditions like mandatory purchases or bundled services that may incur costs
2. Spend-based waiver clauses that only remove the annual fee if you meet a specific annual spending threshold
3. Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which determines how much interest you’ll pay if you carry a balance
4. Late payment and over-limit fees which can add up quickly if you're not aware of the card's terms
5. Reward redemption charges or minimum points needed to claim cashback or offers

A credit card which has no hidden terms and clauses and a low APR is the perfect choice for effective money management. This is where IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards score brownie points.

IDFC FIRST Bank offers a range of lifetime-free credit cards with zero joining and annual fees and minimal credit card charges. With transparent terms and real benefits, they allow you to make informed financial decisions.

Unlock the potential of lifetime-free credit cards with IDFC FIRST Bank
 

Bid farewell to high credit card charges with a transparent, lifetime-free card. Manage your card smartly and enjoy the perks without the surprise of added charges.

Credit cards from IDFC FIRST Bank allow you to enjoy zero fees along with the following perks:

1. Up to 10X 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

With IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards, ‘lifetime-free’ isn’t a loophole - it’s a promise. Whether you’re after simplicity or premium perks, get full value with no fine print and total control from day one.

*Credit card issuance and features are subject to IDFC FIRST Bank’s internal policies and eligibility criteria.