Blogs > Can Credit Cards Be Linked to UPI in India? | What You Need to Know in 2025
Can Credit Cards Be Linked to UPI in India? | What You Need to Know in 2025
Introduction: India’s UPI + Credit Card Revolution Has Begun
In 2022, the NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) announced that RuPay credit cards can be linked to UPI apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM, and Paytm.
Fast forward to 2025, and millions of users in India now pay using credit cards via UPI—merging the power of rewards and instant payments.
So, if you're asking:
"Can I link my credit card to UPI?"
The answer is: Yes, but only specific cards.
Who Can Link Their Credit Card to UPI?
As of June 2025, only RuPay credit cards issued by participating banks can be linked to UPI.
Visa and Mastercard credit cards are currently not supported.
UPI-Compatible Credit Cards (Available on IndiaLends)
Here are some of the top RuPay credit cards you can link to UPI, and apply directly through IndiaLends:
1. SBI SimplySAVE RuPay Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹499 (Reversed on ₹1 lakh annual spend)
UPI Compatibility: Yes (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM)
Reward Structure:
10X Reward Points on Dining, Movies, Departmental Stores & Grocery
1 Reward Point per ₹100 on all other spends
Interest-Free Period: Up to 50 days
Add-on Features: Contactless payments, global acceptance
Best For: Everyday spenders looking to earn rewards via UPI transactions
Apply Now: SBI SimplySAVE on IndiaLends
2. Axis Bank Select RuPay Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹3,000
UPI Compatibility: Yes (All major UPI apps)
Key Benefits:
Complimentary access to domestic airport lounges (8/year)
20% discount on dining via Axis Dining Delights
6 Reward Points per ₹200 on retail shopping
Welcome Bonus: ₹2,000 worth vouchers on first spend
Best For: Premium shoppers & frequent flyers who prefer UPI-based rewards
3. PNB RuPay Platinum Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹500 (First year waived on ₹20,000 spend)
UPI Compatibility: Yes (Supported by all UPI apps)
Rewards & Perks:
2 Reward Points per ₹150
Personal accident cover of ₹2 lakh
Fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations
Best For: Budget-conscious users seeking basic UPI-linked credit benefits
4. Union Bank RuPay Credit Card
Annual Fee: ₹499
UPI Compatibility: Yes
Features:
Reward points on grocery, fuel, utility payments
Accepted at all RuPay-enabled merchants + UPI QR codes
Complimentary insurance benefits
Best For: Government employees, Tier-II city users, and those new to credit
5. Indian Bank RuPay Credit Card
Annual Fee: Starts from ₹499
UPI Compatibility: Yes
Unique Benefits:
Dual interface: chip + contactless
Reward program for retail & online shopping
Integration with UPI apps for seamless merchant payments
Best For: Salaried professionals and young users preferring digital payments
Quick Comparison Table: UPI-Compatible Credit Cards (via IndiaLends)
Card Name | Annual Fee | UPI Apps Supported | Rewards on UPI | Ideal For | Apply Now Link |
SBI SimplySAVE RuPay | ₹499 | Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm | 10X on select spends | Everyday shoppers | |
Axis Select RuPay | ₹3,000 | All major UPI apps | 6 RP/₹200 | Premium users, lifestyle spends | |
PNB RuPay Platinum | ₹500 | All UPI apps | 2 RP/₹150 | Budget-conscious users | |
Union Bank RuPay | ₹499 | BHIM, Paytm, Google Pay | Varies by category | Govt employees, conservative users | |
Indian Bank RuPay | ₹499+ | All UPI apps | Retail/online shopping rewards | Salaried and first-time users |
Why These Cards Matter
All of the above cards offer:
Seamless UPI integration (merchant payments only)
Earned rewards or cashback on spends via UPI QR codes
Better tracking, transparency, and no need to carry physical cards
Flexibility to switch between UPI (credit) and direct bank UPI
Pro tip: Use these cards at fuel stations, retail stores, restaurants, and online shops that accept UPI QR payments to maximize your card rewards.
How to Link Your RuPay Credit Card to UPI
Follow these steps to link your RuPay credit card to UPI:
Open your UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM)
Go to “Link Credit Card” under the payment methods section
Choose RuPay Credit Card
Select your issuing bank
Authenticate via OTP
Start using it for payments at supported merchants
Note: You can use your credit card only at merchant QR codes, not for P2P transfers (e.g., sending money to a friend).
Use Cases: Where You Can Use Credit Card on UPI
Payment Type | Supported? |
Merchant QR Code | Yes ✅ |
E-commerce Checkout | Yes ✅ |
Peer-to-peer (P2P) | No ❌ |
Paying Bills | Yes ✅ |
Rent/School Fees | Yes (via apps) |
UPI with Credit Card: Pros and Cons
Pros | Cons |
Earn rewards on UPI merchant transactions | Only RuPay credit cards supported as of now |
Use credit for UPI without bank account debit | Not allowed for person-to-person payments |
Faster, secure, cashless experience | Limited bank/card support (growing rapidly) |
Better tracking via UPI apps | No EMI option directly through UPI apps |
Banks Supporting Credit Card-UPI Linking (2025)
As per NPCI, these banks support UPI linkage with their RuPay credit cards:
State Bank of India (SBI)
Punjab National Bank (PNB)
Union Bank of India
Axis Bank
Indian Bank
Bank of Baroda
Canara Bank
HDFC Bank (select rollout)
You can check UPI card support via your UPI app or bank SMS/email updates.
Tips to Use UPI with Credit Card Smartly
Track spends and set limits via UPI app
Use at big merchants, groceries, petrol pumps for rewards
Pay full bill before due date to avoid interest
Combine with offers on UPI apps (cashback, discounts)
Need help understanding your credit card billing cycle?
Read: How Credit Card Billing Cycle Works
FAQs: UPI with Credit Cards in India
Q1: Can Visa or Mastercard credit cards be used on UPI?
→ No. Only RuPay credit cards are currently allowed under NPCI guidelines.
Q2: Can I send money to a friend using a credit card via UPI?
→ No. UPI with credit cards only works for merchant QR code payments.
Q3: Will I earn reward points if I use credit card on UPI?
→ Yes, most banks allow reward points on UPI merchant payments.
Q4: Is it safe to link a credit card to UPI?
→ Yes. UPI is regulated by RBI and NPCI with end-to-end encryption and 2FA.
Final Word: UPI + Credit Card = Smart Spending
If you're already using UPI for daily purchases, linking your RuPay credit card can help you:
Earn reward points
Extend your credit cycle
Avoid debit from your bank account
Check your eligibility and apply for UPI-ready RuPay credit cards today on IndiaLends.
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