June 22, 2025 · 10 mins read
Santhosh Kumar
When you find yourself wondering, "How do I upgrade my credit card?" then you are probably looking to maximise the benefits of your current credit relationship. As your financial requirements increase, the possibilities supplied by credit card providers also expand. An upgrade of your credit card can open the door to a whole new set of privileges that can better suit your pattern of expenditure, lifestyle and financial aspirations.
An upgrade to get premium features not usually offered in standard cards is one of the most popular reasons to upgrade. These can include increased reward points, access to airport lounges, travel insurance, cash back, and reduced foreign transaction fees. The improved cards typically offer enhanced customer service, increased credit limits, and special merchandise discounts, which can significantly improve the user experience . However, it is natural to have concerns before deciding how to upgrade your credit card. The biggest concern for many users is whether an upgrade will affect their credit score, annual fees, or reward balances. Other people do not know whether an upgrade will be considered a new application and whether a new credit check is needed. These are reasonable arguments, and to make a well-thought-out decision, one needs to understand the process thoroughly.
This guide will cover the process of upgrading your credit card effectively, the pitfalls to look out for, and key factors to consider, ensuring that the card upgrade is beneficial to you.
1: An upgrade on a credit card involves replacing your current credit card with a higher-level card with the same banking institution or issuer.
2: It usually offers superior rewards, benefits, and, in most cases, a higher credit limit.
3: The upgrade is either initiated by the bank or at the customer's request and, in most cases, does not require a new application.
1: An upgrade will retain your current account number and credit history.
2: Opening a new account with a new application can impact your credit score and will require new documentation and approval.
Read More:: How To Check CIBIL Score Online On Government Website
1: An upgrade modifies the card type, perhaps with new benefits and charges.
2: A credit limit increase comes with an increase in your spending limit; However, the type of card remains unchanged.
Sign in to your mobile banking app or online banking portal.
Head to your credit card section and look for upgrade offers.
You can also call customer care to determine if you're eligible.
See other upgrade offers.
Read More:: How to get a 5 lakh loan without a CIBIL score
2: Some banks allow you to upgrade instantly by tapping a few buttons in the app.
1: The post 'Wait for approval and credit check' appeared first on Your Rent-to-
The bank performs a soft or hard pull, depending on the issuer.
Approval is usually between 1 and 7 business days due to internal checks.
When you receive it, activate it via the bank's app, SMS, or customer care.
Your old card is typically deactivated, and your reward points may be automatically rolled over.
Read More:: Benefits of 700 Credit Score
Request a new card product from your bank instead of applying for an entirely new credit card.
The process preserves your account longevity while reducing the likelihood of triggering a new credit inquiry.
Keep your old credit card open whenever you can to maintain your oldest account.
Maintaining your existing credit account helps protect your credit history and maintains a favourable credit utilisation ratio.
Read More:: How to Build Credit from Scratch
When you receive an upgraded credit card, your credit limit may increase, so you should use it judiciously.
Your credit score benefits when you maintain your utilization rate below 30%.
Clear all old card payments completely before activating the new one.
Your credit score can be damaged by payment delays even while you migrate to a new account.
Contact your card issuer directly to determine whether they will conduct a hard credit check when upgrading your card.
Certain financial institutions perform only a soft check that does not affect your credit score.
Enquire whether the reward points you currently have will be transferred to the new card.
There are banks which might expire or reset points on upgrade.
Read More:: How Does Foreclosure Affect Your CIBIL Score?
1: Review the fine print to learn about additional costs, restrictions, and upgrade policies.
2: Learn about welcome bonus requirements, if any.
1: HDFC Infinia (invite-only) is a popular upgrade of HDFC Regalia.
2: Other updates: MoneyBack -> Millennia, Regalia First -> Regalia
3: Benefits: Access to airport lounges, concierge, increased conversion of reward points, travel perks
1: Popular upgrade: JustSAVE - SBI Prime - SBI Elite
2: Benefits: Free memberships (e.g., Club Vistara, Trident), milestone-based rewards, movie offers, domestic and international lounge access
Read More:: Which Credit Score Do Banks Use in India?
1: POPULAR UPGRADE: Platinum coral ruby sapphire
2: Benefits: Payback points, two network cards (e.g. Visa + Amex), access to lounges, low forex markup
1: Common upgrade: Flipkart Axis MY Zone Select Magnus
2: Benefits: Cashback benefits, travel and dining benefits, access to airport lounges, Edge reward points
1: Famous upgrade: 811 DreamDifferent Royale Signature Privy League
2: Benefits: Fuel surcharge waived, access to railway lounges, reward point upgrades, movie tickets
Read More:: How to Make a Kisan Credit Card?
1: Most people would upgrade: Amex Membership Rewards → Amex Gold Charge → Amex Platinum
2: Benefits: Worldwide acceptance, high-quality, high-quality lifestyle benefits, airport lounges, concierge services, and hotel membership.
Most users do not read the terms and conditions, which may contain surprise charges, the expiration of reward points, or minimum purchase requirements.
1: Upgrading to the first option without considering the features may result in decreased value.
2: Benefits, fees and reward structures should always be compared.
Read More:: How to Settle Credit Card Debt?
1: Certain cards might not reward the points to the new card.
2: It's always a good idea to check with your bank before upgrading.
High-end cards can waive the fees when you reach a certain spending limit- do not miss it by not inquiring.
1: If the upgrade requires a hard inquiry, it may result in a minor decrease in your credit score.
2: Determine whether the bank is using a soft pull or a hard pull.
When your old card is deactivated, ensure that you pay all your outstanding dues to avoid penalties or a decrease in your credit score.
Unless you take advantage of travel benefits and concierge services, please avoid selecting a card that offers these features, as it increases the price without enhancing the value.
Read More:: What is the Use of CIBIL Score?
Upgrading your credit card can be a brilliant financial move, but only when done correctly. You may want to receive more rewards, improved travel benefits, or an increase in your credit limit. In any case, learning how to upgrade your credit card is an essential step in maximising your spending patterns. Most banks currently allow a smooth online or app-based upgrade, making it more accessible than ever before.
The first step in considering an upgrade to my credit card is to assess my current usage and financial plans. If your income or spending pattern has changed and you feel that you need a higher-limit card with more benefits, or if the benefits of the card you're using are insufficient, then an upgrade may be the right choice. Be sure to shop around and compare the features of all cards available to you, as well as their fee structures, and determine if your current reward points and credit history will be easily transferred to the new card.
With that said, it does not mean that you should upgrade because a more gorgeous card is available. Be critical- do the advantages suit your lifestyle? Will you utilise lounge access, travel insurance, or cashback benefits enough to justify the annual fee?
Conclusively, the process of upgrading your credit card is not actually about upgrading to a fancier product; it is about upgrading to a product that will be valuable to you. Above all, obtain information about how this will affect your credit score and your financial obligations and commitments by checking with your issuing bank before taking that step.
An intelligently planned upgrade can not only make you financially more flexible, but it will also make you eligible for the privileges you genuinely deserve.
Upgrades can typically be completed in most banks through the online banking portal or mobile app. Log in vis, it the credit card section, and look out for any available upgrade offers.
When the upgrade involves a product change, it is typically not the case. No temporary effect on your score should be noticeable if the bank requests a hard inquiry.
Most of the time, when the new card is issued, the old one is deactivated. Nevertheless, other banks might allow you to keep both- inquire with your bank directly.
A certain number of banks will transfer all your existing points, while others may reset them. It is always good to ascertain this before upgrading.
Generally, there is no need for new documents when you are already a customer. Banks can only request proof of income when you are upgrading to a high-status card.
Yes, most banks will permit you to downgrade after a certain duration. Welcome bonuses and certain advantages are, however, not guaranteed to be kept.
Download the app from PlayStore
