In recent years, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) has become the most convenient way to make digital payments in India. From street vendors to shopping malls, UPI is accepted almost everywhere. Until recently, only debit cards and bank accounts could be linked to UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm. But now, you can also link RuPay credit cards to UPI for payments—making it even more rewarding.
This article is for you if you want to know which RuPay credit cards are the best for UPI payments in 2025. Whether you’re a first-time cardholder or someone looking for better cashback and rewards, we’ll help you choose the right card. We’ll explain which cards offer maximum benefits, how to link your credit card to UPI, and answer all your common questions in a simple and easy-to-understand way. Read on to make smarter payment decisions!
What is a RuPay Credit Card and Why Use it for UPI?
RuPay is India’s own card payment network, like Visa or Mastercard. It’s designed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and supports credit, debit, and prepaid cards.
Using a RuPay credit card on UPI lets you:
- Make quick payments directly from UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, etc.
- Earn cashback or reward points on everyday UPI purchases.
- Use your credit limit even where card swiping is not available.
- Manage your expenses digitally without carrying a physical card.
This feature is only available with RuPay credit cards (not Visa/Mastercard), making them a smart choice in 2025.
Top Banks Offering RuPay Credit Cards for UPI in India
Before we explore individual cards, here are banks that issue UPI-compatible RuPay credit cards:
- HDFC Bank
- SBI Card
- ICICI Bank
- Axis Bank
- Bank of Baroda (BOB Financial)
- Punjab National Bank
- Union Bank of India
- Federal Bank
- IDFC FIRST Bank
- YES Bank
Best RuPay Credit Cards for UPI Payments (2025)
We have selected the best RuPay credit cards based on UPI compatibility, reward rates, annual fees, and ease of access.
1. HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card
Best For: Railway Travelers + UPI Rewards
Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST (waived on ₹1.5L spend/year)
Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback on IRCTC ticket bookings.
- 1% cashback on other spends including UPI payments.
- Free railway lounge access (4 times/year).
- Link to UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe.
2. ICICI Bank Coral RuPay Credit Card
Best For: UPI + Lifestyle Rewards
Joining Fee: ₹500 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹500 + GST (waived on ₹1.5L spend/year)
Key Benefits:
- Accepts UPI linking on all major apps.
- 2 PAYBACK points per ₹100 spent.
- Movie and dining discounts.
- Free railway lounge access.
3. SBI Cashback RuPay Credit Card
Best For: Flat Cashback on UPI & Online Shopping
Joining Fee: ₹999 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹999 + GST
Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback on online spends (including UPI apps).
- 1% cashback on all offline and UPI spends.
- Simple and direct cashback to card statement.
- No cap on cashback for most categories.
4. Axis Bank RuPay Credit Card (Axis Ace RuPay)
Best For: Cashback on UPI + Bill Payments
Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
Annual Fee: ₹499 + GST (waived on ₹2L spend/year)
Key Benefits:
- Up to 5% cashback on UPI spends.
- 4% on utility bill payments via UPI.
- Instant card issuance via digital banking.
- Useful for Paytm, PhonePe, GPay users.
5. YES Bank RuPay Credit Card
Best For: Entry-level card for new users
Joining Fee: ₹0
Annual Fee: ₹0
Key Benefits:
- Lifetime free card.
- UPI linking supported.
- 2 reward points per ₹200 spent (UPI included).
- Simple rewards program for beginners.
6. Union Bank RuPay Select Credit Card
Best For: Government-backed credit card users
Joining Fee: ₹250
Annual Fee: ₹250 (waived on ₹50,000/year)
Key Benefits:
- Free access to airport lounges.
- 1 reward point per ₹100 spent (UPI included).
- Good card for semi-urban users.
- Government bank reliability.
How to Use RuPay Credit Card for UPI?
You can easily link your RuPay credit card to a UPI app like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, or BHIM.
Steps to Link:
- Open your UPI app (e.g., PhonePe or GPay).
- Go to “Add Bank Account” or “Add Credit Card.”
- Select your RuPay credit card issuing bank.
- Enter last 6 digits and expiry date.
- Authenticate with OTP from the bank.
- Set UPI PIN.
Once done, you can use your credit card directly via UPI to pay merchants, scan QR codes, or shop online.
Why Choose RuPay Credit Cards for UPI Payments?
1. UPI Compatibility
Only RuPay cards can be linked to UPI apps (Visa and Mastercard are not supported yet).
2. More Rewards
You earn reward points or cashback even on small QR-code payments.
3. Better Financial Management
You can track UPI + card spends in one place and repay later.
4. No Need to Carry Cards
Make payments via UPI apps using your mobile phone.
What to Keep in Mind While Using RuPay Credit Cards on UPI?
- UPI Credit Card payments work only at merchant QR codes (not for P2P payments).
- There may be daily/monthly spend limits based on your bank.
- Always repay your credit card dues on time to avoid interest.
- Check if your UPI app supports credit card linking (most major ones do now).
Best Use Cases for RuPay Credit Cards on UPI
- Paying grocery or utility bills via UPI.
- Shopping at local stores that accept UPI.
- Booking online tickets or cabs.
- Using GPay/PhonePe for food delivery with your credit card.
- Gaining cashback on spends that normally wouldn’t give credit card rewards.
Fees and Charges on RuPay Credit Cards for UPI
| Fee Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Interest Rate | 3.0% to 3.6% per month |
| Late Payment Fee | ₹200 to ₹1200 |
| UPI Transaction Fee | Usually Free (No extra charge) |
| Annual Fee | ₹0 to ₹999 (depending on card) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I use Visa or MasterCard for UPI payments?
No, currently only RuPay credit cards can be linked to UPI apps for payments.
Q2. Which apps allow UPI with RuPay credit cards?
Popular apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, BHIM, Amazon Pay support RuPay credit card UPI.
Q3. Can I transfer money to friends using a RuPay credit card on UPI?
No, you can only pay merchants via QR code. Peer-to-peer transfers are not allowed.
Q4. Are RuPay credit cards safe to use on UPI?
Yes, they are secure. UPI uses multi-factor authentication including OTP and PIN.
Q5. Which is the best RuPay credit card for beginners?
The YES Bank RuPay Credit Card is a good zero-fee option for new users.
Q6. Do I earn rewards when I use my RuPay credit card on UPI?
Yes, most cards offer cashback or points on UPI merchant payments.
Conclusion
The introduction of RuPay credit cards for UPI has changed the way people pay in India. Now, you can enjoy credit card benefits even on QR code payments, all while earning cashback, points, and discounts. With top choices like HDFC IRCTC, SBI Cashback, and ICICI Coral RuPay, there’s a card for every kind of user.
If you’re someone who prefers using UPI for all payments, getting a RuPay credit card in 2025 is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.