How to Keep Your Free Perplexity Pro  on Airtel : New Card Requirement Explained

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If you claimed Perplexity Pro for free through Airtel, you might have recently received an email asking you to add a payment card to continue your access. This sudden change has confused many users, especially since the offer originally worked without any card requirement.

The good news is that your free access is still safe if you act correctly. This guide explains why the card is required, what it actually means, and how to keep your free Perplexity Pro without getting charged.

TLDR

• Airtel users must add a payment card to keep their free Perplexity Pro active
• No money is charged during the free period if auto-renewal is managed properly
• The card is needed only for verification and future billing control
• Turn off auto-renewal before the free period ends to avoid charges

What Is Perplexity Pro and Why It Matters

Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that delivers clear, well-researched responses instead of long lists of search results. It is widely used for research, writing, analysis, coding help, and learning.

With Perplexity Pro, users unlock premium capabilities that go far beyond the free version.

Key Benefits of Perplexity Pro

• Unlimited advanced searches
• Access to multiple premium AI models
• File uploads and document analysis
• Image generation
• AI-powered tools for reports and dashboards
• Voice input and multilingual support
• Ad-free experience
• Priority support

This is why the Airtel partnership made headlines. Users received a full year of Perplexity Pro at no cost, making it one of the most valuable digital benefits offered by a telecom provider.

The Airtel Perplexity Pro Offer

Airtel partnered with Perplexity to give its customers complimentary Pro access as a loyalty benefit. The process was simple:

• Claim the benefit from the Airtel Thanks app
• Sign in to Perplexity
• Start using Pro features instantly
• No payment details required at the time

This friction-free setup led many users to believe the offer was permanent for the entire free period. That assumption is what caused confusion when the card requirement appeared later.

Why Is Perplexity Asking for a Card Now

Perplexity has updated how it manages trial-based subscriptions, including partner offers. The card requirement was introduced mainly for verification and protection, not for immediate billing.

The Real Reasons Behind the Change

• Prevent misuse and multiple fake accounts
• Verify genuine users
• Protect long-term sustainability of the offer
• Prepare accounts for optional renewal after the free period

This approach is common across digital services. Even free trials on streaming or productivity platforms often require a card to prevent abuse.

Important Point to Remember

Adding a card does not mean you will be charged during the free period.

Your card is stored only for verification and future billing if you choose to continue after the free access ends.

Will You Be Charged If You Add Your Card

No.

You will not be charged while your Airtel free period is active.

Charges apply only if:

• The free period ends
• Auto-renewal remains enabled
• You choose to continue with a paid plan

You stay in full control of your subscription.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted

Perplexity supports widely used payment options through its secure payment system.

You can use:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• Digital wallets
• Bank-linked payment methods

Most standard cards issued by Indian banks work without issues. As long as the card is active and valid, it can be added safely.

How to Add a Card and Keep Perplexity Pro

Adding a card takes only a few minutes and can be done in more than one way.

Option One: Through the Perplexity Email

• Open the email from Perplexity
• Click the option to update payment details
• Log in to your account
• Enter your card information
• Complete bank verification
• Save changes

You will see confirmation once the card is added.

Option Two: Through Your Perplexity Account

• Log in to your Perplexity account
• Open account settings
• Go to subscription or billing
• Choose update payment method
• Add your card details
• Verify and save

Once saved, your Pro access continues without interruption.

What Happens If You Do Not Add a Card

This depends on timing.

During the Free Period

If Perplexity begins enforcing the requirement and no card is added, your Pro access may be paused or downgraded until verification is completed.

After the Free Period Ends

• With a card added The subscription renews automatically unless you cancel.
• Without a card added Your account simply returns to the free version. No charges occur.

How to Avoid Any Unwanted Charges

This is the most important part for cautious users.

Disable Auto-Renewal in Advance

Before your free period ends:

• Open Perplexity account settings
• Go to subscription management
• Turn off automatic renewal

Your free access will still continue until expiry, then downgrade safely.

Optional Extra Safety

You can also:

• Remove the payment mandate from your bank
• Set reminders before the free period ends
• Monitor email notifications from Perplexity

Airtel Account Requirements You Must Maintain

Your free Perplexity Pro is linked to active Airtel service.

To keep access:

• Your Airtel number must remain active
• Regular recharges or billing must continue
• Switching to another telecom provider ends eligibility

Even if your card is added, losing Airtel eligibility will suspend the benefit.

Common User Reactions

The response from users has been mixed.

What Users Appreciate

• Understanding that verification helps prevent abuse
• Acknowledging that card-based trials are standard
• Relief that no immediate charges occur

What Users Disliked

• The sudden change without early notice
• Confusion around calling it a trial instead of a benefit
• Worry about forgetting to cancel auto-renewal later

Overall, most users choose to add the card, keep the free access, and plan to disable renewal later if needed.

Read OpenAI Starts Reviewing Third-Party App Submissions for ChatGPT Integration

Final Takeaway

The new card requirement for Airtel Perplexity Pro is not a trap and not a billing trick. It is a verification step designed to protect the offer and ensure genuine usage.

What You Should Do Now

• Add a valid card to your Perplexity account
• Confirm Pro access is active
• Keep your Airtel number active
• Disable auto-renewal before the free period ends

By following these steps, you keep enjoying Perplexity Pro for free without risk or surprises.

This small action ensures uninterrupted access to one of the most powerful AI research tools available today while keeping full control in your hands.

People also ask

Do I really need to add a card to keep Perplexity Pro free?

Yes. To continue using Perplexity Pro through Airtel, Perplexity now requires a valid payment card on your account for verification.

Will I be charged as soon as I add my card?

No. Adding a card does not trigger any payment during the free Airtel period. Charges only apply if auto-renewal stays enabled after the free access ends.

Why was a card not required earlier?

The offer launched without card verification. The requirement was added later to prevent misuse and fake accounts and to keep the program sustainable.

What happens if I don’t add a card at all?

Your Perplexity Pro access may be paused or downgraded until a card is added. After the free period, your account will simply move to the free version

Can I use a debit card instead of a credit card?

Yes. Debit cards, credit cards, and supported digital wallets all work as long as the card is active and valid.

Is this card requirement safe?

Yes. Perplexity uses secure payment processing, and no charges occur during the free period unless you allow renewal.

How do I avoid getting charged after the free period ends?

Before your free access expires, go to your account settings and turn off auto-renewal. Your Pro access will end safely without any billing.

If my Airtel number becomes inactive, will Perplexity Pro still work?

No. The free benefit is tied to an active Airtel connection. If your number is inactive or ported out, access will stop.

Can I remove my card later?

Yes. You can remove or disable the payment method after turning off auto-renewal or once the free period ends.

Is Perplexity calling this a trial even though Airtel calls it a benefit?

Yes, and that’s where confusion came from. Airtel treats it as a benefit, but Perplexity manages it like a trial internally for billing and verification purposes.