February 25, 2026 · 7 mins read
Santosh Kumar
India’s digital payments ecosystem has boomed in recent years with UPI becoming the most popular payment mode for millions. Developed by India’s National Payments Corporation, UPI facilitates instant, mobile-based transactions and has transformed how individuals and companies handle payments. In 2026, UPI-enabled credit cards were a massive innovation, combining the convenience of QR-based payments with the liberty of credit.
UPI credit cards allow users to connect their credit card to UPI apps and pay directly from their credit limit. This frees you up from drawing down savings account balances for day-to-day spending, yet still delivers the advantages of points, cash back and improved budgeting. Merchant adoption and consumer interest was climbing, several banks had even introduced RuPay-based credit cards that allowed UPI payments.
UPI credit cards are RuPay credit cards that can be linked to UPI apps such as GPay, PhonePe and Paytm. Once linked, consumers can pay by scanning QR codes or choosing UPI at checkout. Instead of debiting a bank account it charges to the credit card.
A key advantage of using these UPI credit cards is the ability to earn rewards for everyday transactions, such as groceries, dining, and paying utility bills, plus you get an interest-free time period that helps manage your cash flow. Regular use and on-time repayment also help build up a good credit score, thereby improving your chances of qualifying for a loan in the future. UPI credit cards can be used at retail establishments, small businesses, and online shops. The reasons for their success among tech-savvy consumers include convenience, high security, and ability to earn rewards on purchases.
Also Read: How to Apply for a ₹2,000 FD Credit Card on ZET App: A Step-by-Step Guide?
India’s fast-growing digital payments adoption has triggered booming demand for easy-to-use payment solutions. UPI credit cards allow you to pay quickly without having to carry cash or cards. They also provide extra security through PIN, transaction alerts and fraud monitoring.
They’re also popular because you can accumulate points and cashback on on everyday purchases that you previously made with your debit account. These cards also maintain bank accounts’ liquidity while having short term credit readily accessible.
For new credit users, UPI cards offer an easy way to build credit through regular micropayments and repayment. It’s this combination of convenience and solid economics that keeps ’em catching on.
Also Read: Can Students Get a ₹2,000 FD Credit Card? A Complete Guide
HDFC Bank’s RuPay UPI credit card is among India’s favorites. It also includes seamless integration with top UPI apps and points on key spends such as groceries, dining, and bill payments.
It’s loaded with meaty security, tap and pay and an awesome rewards scheme. Its mass appeal and consistent yields ought to entice to salaried professionals and other digital tender frequent flyers. The card also offers an interest free period, flexible repayments.
Axis Bank partners with Fibe to introduce RuPay credit card for digital consumers and millennials It offers a fully digital application process, fast approval and cashback on popular spend categories such as online shopping, food delivery and bill payments.
The card is for access and convenience, targeting first time card holders. Its seamless UPI integration and simple qualification process makes it a no brainer for anyone seeking a next-gen digi credit experience.
Also Read: How a ₹2,000 FD Credit Card Helps Build Your CIBIL Score Fast
The RuPay credit card from IDFC FIRST Bank comes with a clearly defined fee structure and features designed to benefit the user. The card earns you reward points on all eligible purchases made using your credit card, including UPI transactions, and does not have complex redemption criteria for redeeming points. Additionally, IDFC First is able to provide multiple value-added services, including an interest-free cash withdrawal for a certain period of time, and personal accident cover.
Overall, this card is great for anyone who wants to enjoy long-term value, has a high level of trust in their ability to earn rewards, and does not want to deal with excessive fees. The simplicity and ease of use of the card make it the ideal card for everyday online and offline purchases.
Also Read: How to Get a Credit Card with Just a ₹2,000 FD in India
ICICI Bank Coral RuPay credit card variant combines lifestyle benefits with UPI compatibility. It has reward points on base spending, dining offers, fuel surcharge waiver and entertainment offers.
This card is great for the user who wants a lifestyle privilege/digital payment hybrid. It additionally supports online and offline payments through UPI, providing the ability to be adopted by ordinary credit card consumers.
The YES Bank RuPay credit card is perfect for regular UPI users who desire a convenient payment option. It offers cashback on eligible transactions and enables frictionless payments through leading UPI apps.
It’s all about convenience, accessibility and security with the card. It’s particularly nice for people who enjoy managing their finances on apps and want a reliable day-to-day credit card.
Also Read: How to solve ‘UPI ID Not Found’ error?
SBM Bank India’s RuPay credit card with ZET is a lifetie free secured credit card, primarily for first-timers. The card is backed by a term deposit, which defines the credit limit and continues to earn interest.
It offers no-doc hassle-free approval and UPI payments for daily needs. The card leads people build their credit history while they continue to enjoy digital payment bliss — perfect for newcomers entering the established credit arena.
India’s payment industry has been transformed by UPI credit cards that combine the benefits of digital payments with those of credit. In 2026, UPI credit cards are still a popular choice due to their flexibility, rewards and ease-of-use.
Choosing your ideal UPI credit card will depend on factors such as how you spend your money, what type of rewards you want and what kind of financial goals you have. Using UPI credit cards responsibly and paying off the balance on time will allow you to earn rewards when making purchases, develop a solid credit history and help you build your financial future.
A UPI credit card is a type of RuPay credit card that can be linked to any supported UPI app for making payments using the card's available credit limit instead of cash from an account.
Yes; UPI credit cards can be used to pay for goods and services at most merchants that currently accept UPI payments, though not all will accept this payment method.
Certain UPI credit cards will have a nominal annual fee associated with them while others may not depending on the type of UPI credit card issued by the bank.
The transactions made via a UPI credit card utilize various secure authentication methods; thus, users can rest assured that their information will be secure when paying with a UPI credit card by PIN verification and receiving a real-time alert.
Using a UPI credit card regularly while making timely payments of your bill(s) will assist you in raising your credit score over time.
UPI credit cards would be advantageous to any individual who makes frequent use of digital payments and wishes to earn rewards for his/her normal daily purchases as well as want the ability to remain financially flexible.
Build and Maintain a 750+ Credit Score
