Travelling regularly for either business or pleasure can become a hassle when flights are delayed. During such times, having access to an airport lounge can be a real lifesaver. Airport lounges (depending on their category) have offerings like refreshments, comfortable seating, and a space of quiet away from the noisy humdrum of the airport.
To get access to these airport lounges, you either need to pay a hefty amount or have the right credit card. Why does a credit card matter? Some of the best credit cards, like the IDFC FIRST Bank’s FIRST Private, Wealth and Select cards, and Mayura and Ashva offer complimentary lounge access.
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What is a lifetime free credit card?
These credit cards have neither any joining fees nor any annual charges. But you may wonder, then how does a bank benefit from offering you such credit cards?
Most of these cards generate revenue for the issuing bank via interchange fees (typically 1.5 to 3%) charged to merchants during transaction processing.
Banks charge these fees to merchants and other business points of sale when you use their credit card. It is a meagre fraction paid by merchants, but they build up into a profitable sum for the bank.
As a result, banks do not charge any joining and annual fees from users like yourself. But what makes the lifetime free credit cards so attractive?
Why are lifetime free credit cards becoming popular?
Here are the three main benefits that best lifetime free credit card offer.
| Aspects | Benefits |
| Travel benefits without annual fees | Attractive discounts on flight fares and access to premium airport loungesThis further reduces the cost of owning such a credit card |
| Rewards and cashback opportunities | Stand to gain from reward programmes, cashback benefits, and ongoing merchant offersEarn additional value from daily transactions as per your spending habits |
| Digital payment convenience | Pay digitally anywhere and anytime, that too, using contactless methodsIntegrate with mobile applications and pay using Unified Payments Interface (UPI) |
How to choose the best credit card?
While premium choices like IDFC FIRST Bank’s Ashva Metal and Mayura Metal cards carry premium annual fees for heavy flyers, the bank also offers multiple genuine lifetime free credit card options that pack entry-level lounge perks.
So, when choosing such a credit card, ensure it offers the following benefits as well:
- Low cost of ownership (zero joining and annual charges along with low interest rates)
- Travel benefits like discounts on flights and complimentary lounge access
- Two to four times reward benefits and payment convenience
Once you are satisfied that all the features and benefits of the credit card align well with your needs, you can then easily fill out the application form online and proceed with the electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) procedure.
Travel-friendly card benefits
IDFC FIRST Bank offers a range of credit card solutions designed to meet different customer needs. Depending on the card variant and applicable terms, you may access a combination of rewards, digital payment convenience, and lifestyle benefits through a seamless digital onboarding experience.
When evaluating the best credit cardfor your requirements, it is important to consider how the card aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing a lifetime free credit card with complimentary airport lounge access helps you enjoy travel benefits without annual fees. However, lounge access eligibility, visit limits, and spending requirements vary across cards. Before applying, compare rewards, travel perks, and usage conditions to ensure the card fits your needs. Ultimately, the best credit card complements your spending patterns and travel habits while delivering long-term value and convenience.
FAQs
1. What is a lifetime free credit card?
A lifetime free credit card does not charge annual membership fees throughout its validity period.
2. Do lifetime free credit cards offer lounge access?
Some lifetime free credit cards provide complimentary airport lounge access, subject to issuer terms and conditions.
3. Is lounge access available on every airport visit?
No. Most cards have limits on the number of complimentary lounge visits.
4. Do I need to meet the spending criteria for lounge access?
Some issuers may require minimum spending thresholds to unlock lounge benefits.
5. How do I choose the best credit card with lounge access?
Compare lounge benefits, rewards, eligibility criteria, fees, and overall value before applying.
