Credit Card Annual Fee Waiver Tricks – Smart Ways to Save in 2025
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Indialends, 11 Sep 2025

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Credit Card Annual Fee Waiver Tricks

Introduction Matrix: Popular Credit Card Fee Waiver Tricks in India Detailed Tricks to Waive Annual Fees IndiaLends services


Credit Card Annual Fee Waiver Tricks

Introduction

Credit cards come with annual fees ranging from ₹500 to ₹10,000 (for premium cards). While these fees can be justified through rewards and benefits, smart users often look for ways to avoid or waive them.

Fortunately, banks and card issuers offer several annual fee waiver tricks—some hidden, some openly advertised. Here’s how you can save money without compromising on benefits.

Matrix: Popular Credit Card Fee Waiver Tricks in India

Trick / Method

How It Works

Example

Benefit for User

Minimum Annual Spend

Spend a threshold amount to get annual fee waived

HDFC Regalia: Spend ₹3L annually

Keep card free while enjoying rewards

Reward Points Redemption

Some banks allow converting points into fee waivers

SBI, ICICI points redemption

Reduce effective cost

Negotiation with Bank

Call customer care & request waiver citing good repayment record

ICICI, Axis, HDFC

Waiver on basis of loyalty

Upgrade/Downgrade

Switch to card variant with fee waiver condition

Axis Magnus → Axis Select

Avoid higher annual fees

Banking Relationship

Premium account holders get annual fee waiver

HDFC Imperia, ICICI Wealth mgmt clients

Leverage existing relationship

Festive Offers

Banks run limited-time “lifetime free” campaigns

Amazon ICICI Card (LTF)

Get long-term savings

Detailed Tricks to Waive Annual Fees

1. Meet the Minimum Spend Requirement

Most cards waive annual fees if you cross a yearly spend milestone.
👉 Example: HDFC Regalia Credit Card offers fee waiver on spends above ₹3 lakhs.

2. Redeem Reward Points

Some banks let you use accumulated reward points to pay the annual fee.
👉 Example: SBI and ICICI allow redemption for statement credit or fee adjustment.

3. Negotiate with Customer Care

If you have a good credit score and repayment record, call your bank and request a waiver. Loyalty often works in your favor.

4. Use Relationship Benefits

If you maintain salary or premium accounts, many banks automatically waive card fees.
👉 Example: ICICI Wealth customers often get LTF (lifetime free) cards.

5. Look Out for Lifetime Free Cards

Certain co-branded or entry-level cards are “Lifetime Free” if applied during special offers.
👉 Example: Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card comes with zero annual fees for life.

IndiaLends services

 External Links

Final Thoughts

Paying an annual fee is not always necessary if you know the right tricks. By meeting spend thresholds, redeeming points, negotiating, or applying for lifetime free cards, you can enjoy all the perks without the extra cost.

👉 Compare and apply for credit cards on IndiaLends to find zero annual fee or fee waiver cards today.

 

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FAQ’s

Yes. By meeting spend milestones or negotiating with banks, many users keep cards lifetime free.

Not always. Some waive fees based on spends, while others require customer requests.

Yes, banks usually allow downgrade to a lower variant with lower/no annual fee.

Yes, if you apply during festive campaigns or via select partnerships, joining fees may also be waived.

Popular ones include Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card, IDFC FIRST Credit Cards, and Flipkart Axis Credit Card.

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