March 16, 2026 · 11 mins read
Santosh Kumar
RuPay, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI, was launched in the year 2012. RuPay is known as a Domestic Payment Network in India that helps in making instant UPI payments. In the month of June and the year 2022, the Reserve Bank of India announced that citizens can link their RuPay Credit Cards with UPI.
RuPay cards are also known to be the most secure alternative to international payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard. RuPay does not end at the national level but is also available for international transactions.
RuPay was created for 3 major reasons, and they are:
1. To provide an affordable payment option for consumers in India.
2. To promote financial inclusion.
3. To support the RBI, the Reserve Bank of India's vision of a “less cash” economy.
RuPay, a Domestic and international method of payment, consists of three types of cards, which are,
1. RuPay Debit Card: The RuPay Debit Card is directly linked to the user's bank account, and when a transaction is made, money is deducted from the user's account.
2. RuPay Prepaid Card: A virtual, or rather plastic, card that can be used to credit money by anybody and the user themselves.
3. RuPay Credit Card: As it states, a credit card that can be used to make seamless UPI payments on purchases.
Using RuPay Cards
RuPay is a quicker way to make payment transactions in India and can be used on the following platforms and devices:
1. RuPay cards can be utilized in ATMs, Online, and POS Devices.
2. RuPay cards can be utilized for prepaid and debit card payments.
3. RuPay can also be used on all e-commerce websites.
Using RuPay Cards
RuPay is a quicker way to make payment transactions in India and can be used on the following platforms and devices:
1. RuPay cards can be utilized in ATMs, Online, and POS Devices.
2. RuPay cards can be utilized for prepaid and debit card payments.
3. RuPay can also be used on all e-commerce websites.
Alongside being an instant mode of payment, functioning on all e-commerce websites and functioning domestically and internationally, there are many other benefits of RuPay, and they are:
1. Airport Lounge Access: A few RuPay Credit Cards offer complimentary access to Domestic and international airport lounges.
2. Reward Points: Reward Points are offered by RuPay, which can be used for transactions.
3. Fuel Surcharge Waiver: When it’s time to fill up the vehicle with fuel, RuPay offers its users a Fuel Surcharge Waiver, which helps them save money on fuel.
4. Concierge Services: RuPay Credit Cards offer their users 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Concierge Services.
5. Unified Payments Interface (UPI): Payments can be made via UPI when using UPI RuPay Credit Cards.
6. Spend-Based Annual Fee Waiver: If a user spends a certain amount per year, a few RuPay Credit Cards waive the annual fee.
7. Cashback: RuPay provides its users with cashback offers when certain transactions are made, such as utility bills and purchases at restaurants and eateries.
8. Discounts: Discounts are offered to RuPay users on purchasing a movie ticket via RuPay Credit Cards.
RuPay cards can now be linked to your other UPI apps in order to make payments to merchants. How must one link their RuPay card to their UPI? Mentioned as follows:
1. Download and register on the preferred UPI Application.
2. Select the option that says “Credit Card”.
3. Select the option for your bank.
4. Enter your mobile number with your bank.
5. Select the card that you want to link to the UPI.
6. Create a new UPI PIN.
7. Mention the last six digits of your card number.
8. Enter the Expiry date and follow the remaining steps.
As mentioned above, one can link their credit or debit cards on any UPI platform. In a few cases, some cards may not work successfully, and in cases as such, read the following:
1. The first and foremost thing to check is whether your card is activated.
2. Ensure that the SIM is registered on the same mobile number as the number registered for creating a Bank account.
3. In any case, if the credit card is brand new, it may take up to 48 hours to activate, after which the user can try again.
Generally, customers are not charged for making eligible UPI payments using a RuPay credit card. However, certain merchant categories may attract a surcharge or other applicable charges.
For example, fuel transactions may involve a surcharge depending on the card and merchant. The 1.1% interchange charge announced for certain UPI transactions applies to eligible merchants rather than being a direct charge to customers.
Therefore, before making a transaction, check your card's terms and conditions to understand the applicable charges.
Transaction limits can vary depending on the card issuer, UPI platform and type of transaction.
For a new RuPay credit card, the source notes an initial transaction limit of ₹5,000 for the first 24 hours, after which the limit may be increased automatically.
Your credit card's available limit may also determine how much you can spend. Issuers can set additional limits based on their policies and risk assessment.
Using your RuPay credit card through UPI is convenient, but responsible credit card use is important.
The source lists the following banks as supporting RuPay credit card linking with UPI:
1. Punjab National Bank
2. Union Bank of India
3. Indian Bank
4. HDFC Bank
5. Canara Bank
6. Axis Bank
7. Kotak Mahindra Bank
8. Bank of Baroda Financial Services
9. YES Bank
10. SBI Cards
11. ICICI Bank
12. AU Small Finance Bank
13. IDFC Bank
14. IndusInd Bank
15. CSB Bank
16. SBM Bank
17. Federal Bank
18. Saraswat Co-operative Bank
19. RBL Bank
20. Utkarsh Small Finance Bank
21. City Union Bank
22. ESAF Small Finance Bank
Availability can vary by card and UPI app, so check whether your specific card is supported before attempting to link it.
1. Convenient Digital Payments
Linking an eligible RuPay credit card to UPI lets you make supported merchant payments through a UPI app. This can make everyday credit card use more convenient.
2. No Direct UPI Fee for Customers
Eligible RuPay credit card UPI payments generally do not involve a direct transaction fee for customers. However, other card-related charges may still apply depending on the transaction and issuer.
3. Useful for Everyday Spending
If you are comparing good credit cards for regular spending, UPI compatibility can be an important factor, particularly if you frequently use QR-based payments.
4. Physical and Digital Convenience
Some cards also offer digital or virtual card functionality. A digital credit card can be useful for users who prefer managing their card through an app rather than relying entirely on a physical card.
RuPay and UPI offer extensive domestic payment functionality, but there can be limitations.
One of the key limitations highlighted in the source is restricted acceptance on some international e-commerce platforms. Users who frequently shop on international websites may therefore need another payment option.
Some transaction categories are also restricted from being paid through RuPay credit cards on UPI, depending on applicable rules and the issuer's policies.
Good financial habits can help you make the most of your card while avoiding unnecessary charges.
If your RuPay credit card does not link successfully, the source recommends contacting customer support or waiting up to 24 hours for the linking process to activate.
The 1.1% interchange charge discussed in relation to UPI applies to certain merchant transactions, rather than being a direct fee charged to consumers for sending or receiving money through UPI.
The charge is associated with the payment ecosystem and transaction processing. Customers should therefore distinguish between merchant-side charges and fees that may actually be applicable to their own credit card account.
Regular UPI payments made directly from a bank account work differently from credit card-based UPI payments.
With regular UPI, money is generally debited directly from your bank account. With an eligible RuPay credit card linked to UPI, the transaction uses your available credit instead.
This means your credit card bill will include eligible transactions, and interest can apply if the outstanding bill is not paid in full by the due date.
The integration of RuPay credit cards with UPI has expanded the ways consumers can use credit for digital payments. The source notes that linking RuPay credit cards to UPI has contributed to increased credit card usage and growth in RuPay-based UPI transactions.
As digital payments continue to evolve, RuPay credit cards may become increasingly relevant for users who want the convenience of UPI combined with access to credit.
RuPay credit cards bring together the convenience of digital payments and credit, making eligible UPI transactions easier for everyday users. While there are generally no direct UPI charges for customers, transaction restrictions, card fees and merchant-specific charges can still apply.
Whether you're looking for good credit cards, exploring a digital credit card, or simply want more flexibility in your credit card use, compare the card's fees, benefits, UPI compatibility and eligibility criteria before applying.
Most importantly, use your credit limit responsibly and pay your bills on time to avoid unnecessary interest and charges.
1. Is There a Joining Fee for RuPay Credit Cards?
There is no single joining-fee rule for every RuPay credit card. Some cards may be offered without a joining fee, while others may charge one. Check the specific issuer's terms & conditions before applying.
2. Can I Link My RuPay Credit Card to UPI?
Yes, eligible RuPay credit cards can be linked to supported UPI apps. However, availability depends on the card issuer and UPI platform.
3. Is RuPay Credit Card UPI Free?
Generally, customers do not pay a direct fee for eligible RuPay credit card UPI transactions. However, interest, late payment fees, merchant-specific charges or other card-related fees may apply depending on the transaction and issuer.
4.Can I Use a RuPay Credit Card for Cash Withdrawal Through UPI?
Typically, RuPay credit cards cannot be used for cash withdrawals through UPI. If cash withdrawal is permitted through another channel, applicable cash advance fees and interest may apply.
5. What Should I Do If My RuPay Credit Card Does Not Link to UPI?
Check whether your card and UPI app support the feature, ensure your registered mobile number is updated, and contact the card issuer's customer support if the issue continues. Some card issuers suggest waiting up to 24 hours for activation in some cases.
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