best credit cards with no annual fee

while a credit card works wonders to offer users rewards and alleviates financial anxiety, it usually needs an annual fee to keep your account status active. the concerned bank deducts the fee automatically at the sign-up anniversary.
cardholders dislike such expenditures. 
however, the zero annual fee credit card bridges the gap between consumer expectations and bank offerings.
are you looking to sign up for a new credit card or are a first time user entering into the credit market? we recommend diving into the list of the 5 best credit cards with no annual fee available in India today.

1. HSBC Visa Platinum credit card

the HSBC Visa Premium credit card yields benefits that extend beyond the no annual fee incentive. if you frequently swipe a card for travelling, dining, and online shopping purposes, this is just the right card for you. 
as part of their welcome process, the bank offers an Amazon voucher worth ₹500 on a transaction starting ₹500 within 30 days of card issuance. if you're a shopping and networking buff, it's expected that you'll make at least 5 transactions in two months. in this case, the bank offers a generous 10% cashback (up to ₹2,000) on ₹10,000 and more. 
that's not all. for movie enthusiasts who can't resist the theatre aura, the salted popcorn, and the chilly soda, BookmyShow offers vouchers worth ₹500 on ₹50,000 spent per month (₹3,000 per cardholder per year). 
moving ahead, the card tags various rewards and discounts packages that ensure the holder an incredible living experience. they are:

• fuel surcharge waiver across any fuel pump in the country for values between ₹400-₹4,000
• Up to 15% dining off at over 1000 restaurants operating in major Indian cities
• 2 reward points on every ₹150 spent
• 5X rewards on subsequent purchases after crossing a cap limit of ₹4,00,000 per year
• airmiles conversion between the popular InterMiles, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines

while it's a bank's job to offer the best deals to its users, the responsibility doesn't end there. HSBC Visa Platinum takes a step ahead to protect its users on account of theft and loss of credit cards. 
simply call the helpline numbers to: 

• report the cancellation of the card and get a new globally accepted emergency card in 3 days
• get covered for misuse of the Platinum credit card for a whopping INR 3,00,000 after registering the loss

these premium benefits are available for the residents of Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon aged between 18 and 65 and earning a minimum annual income of ₹4,00,000.

2. Kotak Fortune Gold card

primarily structured for the Indian entrepreneurial community, Kotak's Fortune Gold credit card is a zero annual fee and interest-free cash withdrawal card, with features that are difficult to turn down. 
sign up for a Fortune Gold card to avail the following benefits: 

• cash withdrawal permitted up to 50% of the credit limit
• fuel surcharge waiver for transactions between ₹500-₹3,000
• 4 free PVR tickets (applicable for 3 months) or ₹750 Cashback on spending ₹1,50,000 per year
• on account of theft, claim insurance against ₹50,000 against misuse up to 7 days pre-reporting
• outstation cheque processing fee, charge slip request, machine surcharge at ATMs - all waived

note: this card is applicable for professionals operating from Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Pune, Noida, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, and Kolkata, and earning a minimum income of ₹3 lakh per year. 

the primary cardholder can be anywhere between 21-65 years of age, with the secondary holder required to be above 18 years. the latter is entitled to all the benefits as the former.

3. Axis Bank Insta Easy credit card

the Axis Bank Insta Easy credit card is a 0 annual fee - 0 joining fee credit card for individuals having a minimum fixed deposit (FD) of ₹20,000 in Axis Bank. 
let's look at their offerings: 

• 100% cash withdrawal permitted up to the credit limit
• set your own credit limit, with the maximum touching 80% of the FD limit
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions between ₹400-₹4,000
• 15% dining discounts at select restaurants

in case of theft or loss, the bank replaces the card with no replacement fee. these credit card benefits and protection work best for first-time users (18+) with no credit histories.

4. SBI Card Unnati

Unnati, meaning progress, is what SBI promotes with their credit card offering. offering a 4-year zero annual fee, SBI has taken extra steps to make this card function as a contactless mode of payment. 
SBI Card Unnati has the following features:

• earn 1 Reward on every ₹100 spent
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver for transactions between ₹500-₹3,000
• spend ₹50,000 annually and earn ₹500 cashback
• make any purchase above ₹2,500 using this card to unlock the opportunity of converting credit card transactions into EMI (flexipay)
• the bank offers a 25 day interest-free credit period on retail purchases along with the option to withdraw cash up to 80% of the total credit limit

the card is issued on one eligibility: hold an FD with SBI worth ₹25,000 or more.

5. ICICI Bank Platinum Chip credit card

the ICICI Bank Platinum Chip credit card is best suited for individuals who step out occasionally for recreation wining and dining. leveraging upon its 0 joining and annual fees policy, this card offers the following advantages: 

• avail 15% discount on 2500 restaurants operating in 12 major cities with the ICICI Bank culinary treats programme
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver (maximum ₹4000) at HPCL pumps
• 2 payback points on every ₹100 retail purchase (minus fuel)
• earn 1 payback point on every ₹100 spent on utilities and insurance purchases
• enhanced embedded microchip security to fight against counterfeiting issues

eligibility: age 23+

in closing

we hope you found a favourite from the list of the best credit cards with no annual fee outlined above. since the banks are offering the opportunity to save annual expenses, it's the perfect time to sign up for such credit cards and enjoy the multifold benefits extended.
make your credit card payment via CRED to enjoy CRED coins and other offers.