As digital payments become the norm, RuPay Credit Cards have gained significant attention due to their wide accessibility and the added benefit of earning value-back on UPI spends. Leading card issuers like HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and SBI Card, which offered limited RuPay Cards, are now actively offering new cards on the Rupay network or a Rupay variant of their existing cards. Here’s a complete guide to RuPay Credit Cards and how they can be beneficial for consumers.
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RuPay Credit Card is issued on the RuPay payment network and works like a regular credit card, allowing you to borrow funds up to a certain limit for purchases and repay later. Similar to Visa and Mastercard, RuPay Credit Cards can be used at POS terminals and on e-commerce platforms while also offering benefits like rewards or cashback.
What makes RuPay Credit Cards stand out is their integration with UPI, enabling cardholders to avail benefits even on UPI transactions—a feature currently unavailable with credit cards from other networks.
It’s also important to note that while some cards, like HDFC UPI RuPay Credit Card, are designed specifically for UPI transactions, offer accelerated rewards, other cards on the RuPay network may only offer base rewards or cashback on UPI spends.
Additionally, some card issuers also offer virtual RuPay credit cards for both new and existing cardholders. For example, when you apply for YES Bank Paisabazaar PaisaSave Credit Card, you receive a physical credit card with MasterCard and a virtual RuPay card at no extra cost. Similarly, existing HDFC credit cardholders can apply for the virtual HDFC Bank UPI RuPay credit card and earn benefits on UPI spends.
Follow the below mentioned steps to link your RuPay Credit Card to UPI:
Step 1: Open a UPI-enabled app such as Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Add Credit Card’ section.
Step 3: Select your issuer that offers RuPay Credit Cards.
Step 4: Enter your card details and verify with OTP.
Step 5: Set a UPI PIN for credit card transactions.
Step 6: Once linked, you can use RuPay Credit Card for all UPI-based transactions at supported merchants.
Rewards and Cashback
RuPay Credit Cards offer reward points and cashback on a wide range of transactions, including shopping, dining, fuel, travel, and more. However, the value back varies from card to card. While cashback is usually credited to the statement balance, reward points can be redeemed across multiple categories through the rewards catalogue of the respective card issuer.
Benefits on UPI Spends
With RuPay Credit Cards now being enabled on UPI, cardholders can make credit card payments directly through UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM, etc. This integration allows cardholders to earn rewards and cashback even on UPI transactions, which was earlier not possible with credit cards from other networks. Besides this, some issuers also offer accelerated benefits on UPI spends made via RuPay cards.
Building a Credit Profile
Like other credit cards, RuPay cards also help you build a strong credit profile. Using a RuPay Credit Card responsibly—such as paying your dues on time, staying within your credit limit, and keeping your credit utilization low—can help build and improve your credit score.
Secure Transactions
RuPay Credit Cards are equipped with EMV chip technology that allows you to make secure, high-value transactions. Backed by NPCI, RuPay cards come with an added layer of security, as RuPay follows stringent policies and comes with real-time fraud monitoring for both online and offline transactions.
Wider Reach
RuPay Credit Cards are issued by a broad network of public and private sector banks, including SBI Card, Punjab National Bank (PNB), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and more. These banks have extensive networks of branches, ATMs, and merchant tie-ups across the country, making it easy for cardholders to use their RuPay credit cards across India.
| Where are RuPay Credit Cards accepted?
RuPay Credit Cards can be used for both card-present transactions—such as those made at ATMs and point-of-sale (POS) terminals—and card-not-present transactions like online shopping, IVR, and more. While domestic RuPay Credit Cards are accepted at all RuPay-enabled retail terminals, online websites, and ATMs across India, international RuPay Credit Cards can be used at all RuPay acceptance points within India as well as at ICS Partner acceptance points globally, including ATMs, retail stores, and e-commerce platforms. |
Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card
Joining fee: ₹1499
Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹1499
Up to 10% value-back on Tata Neu spends
8 domestic and 4 international Priority Pass lounge access per year
Product Details
YES Bank Paisabazaar PaisaSave Credit Card
Joining fee: ₹0
Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹499
3% Cashback Points on e-commerce spends, max. 5,000 points/month
Unlimited 1.5% Cashback Points on all other spends, including UPI
Product Details
Myntra Kotak Credit Card
Joining fee: ₹500
Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹500
7.5% off up to Rs. 750 per transaction on Myntra
Unlimited 1.25% cashback on other spends
Product Details
HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card
Joining fee: ₹99
Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹99
Up to 3% CashPoints on card spends, including UPI transactions
Gift voucher worth Rs. 250 as welcome bonus
Product Details
HDFC MoneyBack+ Credit Card
Joining fee: ₹500
Annual/Renewal Fee: ₹500
10X CashPoints on Flipkart, Amazon, Swiggy, Reliance Smart SuperStore & BigBasket
5X CashPoints on EMI transactions at select merchants
Product Details
To apply for RuPay Credit Cards online, you can follow the below mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the official website of your preferred issuer (e.g., HDFC, SBI, Axis).
Step 2: Choose the eligible RuPay Credit Card from their list.
Step 3: Fill out the online application form by entering the required details.
Step 4: Submit documents & await verification.
Step 5: Once approved, receive your RuPay Credit Card virtually or via post.
Alternatively, if you want to apply for a RuPay Credit Card offline, you can visit the nearest branch of the respective card issuer and apply for an eligible card in person by submitting the application form along with the relevant documents.
Here is a detailed comparison of RuPay, Visa, and MasterCard credit cards:
| Feature | RuPay | Visa | MasterCard |
| Origin | India (NPCI) | USA | USA |
| Processing and Verification | Within India | Outside India | Outside India |
| UPI Compatibility | Yes | No | No |
| Ideal for | Domestic & UPI users | Global online/offline users | Global online/offline users |
| International Acceptance | Limited | Widely accepted | Widely accepted |
| Processing Fee | Lower (domestic processing) | Higher | Higher |
| Contactless Payment | Visa payWave | PayPass | RuPay Contactless |
| Payment Processing Time | High | High | Low |
| Insurance Cover | On select cards | On select cards | On all cards |
How to get a RuPay credit card?
To apply for a RuPay credit card, you can visit the official website of the respective card issuer and apply for the eligible card by submitting the application form online. Besides this, you can also apply offline by visiting the nearest branch of the respective card issuer and submitting the application form in person.
How to add a RuPay credit card in Google Pay?
To add a RuPay credit card in Google Pay, go to the ‘Add Credit Card’ section, select your card issuer, and enter all your card details, such as card number, expiry date, and CVV. Lastly, set a UPI PIN to start making UPI transactions.
Visa or RuPay credit card – which is better?
Both Visa and RuPay credit cards offer benefits such as rewards and cashback on your spends. However, the benefits vary from card to card. RuPay stands out by offering benefits on UPI transactions in addition to regular spends, making it a good option if you consumers who prefer to pay via UPI.
Is a RuPay credit card good?
Yes, using a RuPay credit card responsibly can help you build a strong credit score and maximize your savings. However, different RuPay credit cards cater to different spending categories, so you should analyze your spending pattern and choose the card that best suits your needs.
Is there any lifetime free RuPay credit card?
Yes, RuPay, in collaboration with popular issuers such as AU Small Finance Bank, IndusInd Bank, Punjab National Bank, and more, offers lifetime free credit cards. However, these offers may change from time to time, so it is advisable to check the official website of the respective card issuer for latest updates.
How to add a RuPay credit card in PhonePe?
You can add your RuPay credit card to PhonePe by entering your card details through the “Add Credit Card” section. Then, enter the required card details and set a UPI PIN to enable UPI spends.
