Problem is when people fight to get basic cards as Lifetime Free (LTF). Shortly after, when that card is no longer useful, they try to upgrade --only to find themselves fighting for LTF card again. This cycle keeps repeating because, in the past three years, none of the cards have stable. Banks frequently add or remove features, making them less and less useful.
IMO, it's better to have peace of mind with upgrade, as most banks offer the first year free or compensate with equivalent points or vouchers, allowing you to use the card for another year without hesitation.
If the card is LTF, there's a tendency to fight for an LTF upgrade too, because the mindset is, "Why go for a paid card?" But after achieving the upgrade, the bank might drop a mail about 'upcoming changes' to your credit card, and the cycle repeats. I believe only premium and super-premium cards are worth fighting for LTF status because they can only handle our changing lifestyle, increasing income, and relatively less devaluation.
Basic cards as LTF just aren’t worth it. Still, I understand that everyone has their choice, its upto them - I've wasted a lot of time earlier in this cycle myself, so I'm just sharing my opinion.
