Now Use RuPay Credit Cards via UPI: Everything You Need to Know
Now Use RuPay Credit Cards via UPI: Everything You Need to Know
Until recently, UPI (Unified Payments Interface) was mainly used for payments directly from bank accounts. But that’s changing. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) now allows you to link your RuPay credit card to UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and BHIM. This means you can scan UPI QR codes and pay using your credit limit—just like paying from your bank account, but with added flexibility.
UPI Meets Credit Card Convenience
This integration combines the simplicity of UPI with the benefits of credit cards, offering a seamless digital payment experience.
Currently Available for RuPay Credit Cards Only
As of now, this feature is limited to RuPay-branded credit cards. Leading banks such as SBI, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, PNB, Union Bank, and others support it. Cards from Visa, Mastercard, and American Express aren’t yet compatible—though that could change down the line.
How to Link Your RuPay Credit Card to UPI
Linking your card is easy:
- Open your preferred UPI app.
- Go to the section where you link bank accounts.
- Choose the bank that issued your RuPay credit card.
- Enter your card details and verify using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Once verified, your credit card will appear as a new payment option in the app.
Where Can You Use It?
Once linked, you can pay merchants by scanning QR codes—just like you would with your bank account. The only difference: you’re using your credit limit instead of your balance.
Note: Not all merchants accept credit payments via UPI yet. Look for signs like “Credit on UPI accepted” at payment counters.
Also, this feature is meant for merchant payments only. You cannot use your credit card via UPI to send money to friends or family.
Why It’s a Useful Addition
There are several benefits:
- Earn reward points, as with standard credit card use.
- Enjoy the same interest-free grace period (if bills are paid on time).
- Daily spending limit is ₹1 lakh (can go up to ₹2 lakh for categories like healthcare and education, per RBI rules).
What About RuPay Debit Cards?
RuPay debit cards are still used to link bank accounts to UPI. However, they can’t be used as a separate payment option the way RuPay credit cards can. Essentially, debit cards just connect your bank account to UPI—they don’t function independently.
Things to Keep in Mind
Paying via UPI with your credit card is convenient, but it’s still a credit facility. If you miss payments or carry a balance, you’ll face interest charges and late fees. Plus, not every shop is set up to accept credit through UPI yet—so your options may be limited.
Still, this is a big step in making digital payments more flexible and accessible. If you’re a UPI user with a RuPay credit card, it’s definitely worth trying out—just remember to use credit wisely.
