No Extra Cost! How Airtel Users Can Retain Free Perplexity Pro Access In 2026

No Extra Cost! How Airtel Users Can Retain Free Perplexity Pro Access in 2026

Introduction

Airtel’s offer of free Perplexity Pro Airtel access has generated interest throughout India in a time when AI tools are becoming more and more crucial for work, education, and research. A new card is now needed to maintain access to the free 12-month premium AI subscription. This article explains the offer, the change, how to keep your free access, and what every Airtel user should know.

What Is the Airtel Free Perplexity Pro Offer?

Perplexity Pro is the premium version of the AI search and research platform Perplexity, offering advanced AI models such as GPT‑4.1, Claude, and Gemini, along with enhanced features compared with the free tier. Under a partnership between Bharti Airtel and Perplexity, Airtel offered free Perplexity Pro Airtel access for 12 months to its users across prepaid, postpaid, broadband, and DTH accounts. The offer, valued at around ₹17,000 per year, was made available through the Airtel Thanks app.

This means Airtel customers could activate the Pro subscription—with features like up to 300 daily AI searches, document upload and analysis, deep research tools, and priority AI output—at no extra cost just by claiming it within the app.

Why Did Free Perplexity Pro Airtel Introduce a Card Requirement?

Originally, free Perplexity Pro Airtel activation did not require a payment card. Users could simply claim the offer until its availability deadline. However, Perplexity recently updated its subscription flow and has started emailing users to add a valid payment method to continue using their Pro benefits.

According to the company’s communication, this requirement—a valid credit or debit card—is intended to protect the program for legitimate users and prevent misuse of the promotional offer. The change affects both existing and new users accessing the free Perplexity Pro Airtel subscription.

Importantly, the card is for verification; no charges are applied during the promotional period, and the subscription remains free if you add card details, as long as you cancel before the end of the trial period if you do not want to continue paid access.

Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Keep Your Free Perplexity Pro Airtel

To ensure uninterrupted free Perplexity Pro Airtel access, here is a clear step‑by‑step process:

1. Claim the Offer (If Not Already Claimed)

• Open the Airtel Thanks app on your device.
• Log in using your active Airtel number (prepaid, postpaid, broadband, or DTH).
• Go to the Rewards & OTTs section.
• Locate the Perplexity Pro offer card.
• Tap “Claim Now” and complete the steps to link or create a Perplexity account.
  This process registers your free Perplexity Pro subscription with Airtel’s offer.

2. Check for Emails From Perplexity

If you have already claimed the free AI benefit, look for an email from Perplexity (team@mail.perplexity.ai). This email will explain that you need to add a valid payment method to continue your Pro access.

3. Add Payment Information (Card/Payment Method)

• Click “Update Card Information” in the email.
• You will be redirected to a payment page.
• Enter your credit or debit card details (or any valid payment method accepted).
• Confirm the information and save it.
  After this, your free Perplexity Pro Airtel subscription should continue without interruption.

4. Verify in Perplexity Account

After adding the card, log in to your Perplexity account and confirm that your Pro status is still active. If anything appears wrong, revisit the Airtel Thanks app or contact support.

Important Tips When Adding a Card

• The purpose of the card requirement is clearly stated as verification, not immediate billing.
• You can cancel the subscription before the free period ends if you prefer not to continue with a paid plan.
• Ensure the card belongs to you and is valid to avoid verification issues.
• If you have issues seeing the Pro benefits, try logging in with the same email you used for the Airtel claim.

Also Read: Avoid These Money‑Wasters—Top 5 Recharge Picks for 2026 That Actually Save You Cash

What Happens If You Don’t Add a Card?

If you do not update your payment method when asked, your free Perplexity Pro Airtel access could be paused or limited as per Perplexity’s revised flow. Reports from users indicate that once the card requirement appears, the AI Pro benefits may be restricted until you comply.

However, you won’t be charged during the free period. Just keep an eye on renewal settings if you don’t want automatic charges after your promotional period ends.

Final Verdict: Should Airtel Users Add a Card?

For Airtel customers who value the free Perplexity Pro Airtel access, adding a card is now the practical way to maintain service without interruption. While it may feel unexpected, it’s mainly a verification step that does not incur extra cost during the free offer period, as repeatedly noted by Perplexity in its communication.

Just be sure to manage and cancel the subscription if you do not want to continue with a paid plan once the free period ends.