Synopsis: Did you know you can earn reward points on UPI payments using your RuPay credit card? Learn which transactions qualify, the categories banks exclude, and smart tips to maximise your rewards on everyday purchases.
UPI has become the most convenient way to pay in India. Earlier UPI payments only worked through savings accounts and debit cards, but today, you can earn reward points on UPI payments just like the other cards. This only applies to banks with one million or more active cards.
The only question that remains now is whether or not we can earn reward points if we pay through UPI using RuPay credit card. The answer is yes, but with some important conditions that vary from bank to bank.
How UPI Rewards Work on RuPay Credit Cards
Banks treat UPI transactions from RuPay credit cards just like a standard retail card transaction. So, when you pay a merchant by scanning a QR code through a UPI app, you can now earn rewards or cashback points based on your card’s structure.
For example, if your card offers 2 reward points for every Rs 100 spent on normal purchases, the same rate applies on the eligible UPI payments too. There is no special reward rate, banks apply the same reward rule that they apply to your card’s offline or online spends.
UPI makes earning rewards easier. You no longer have to depend on card-swiping machines or carry your wallet with cards stacked. You can even use your credit-limits for simple QR-code payments.
But, UPI linking does not mean that every UPI transaction will give you points. Most banks do not provide reward points for non-merchant or for sending money to friends/family, wallet payments on Paytm, PhonePe, for rent payments, fuel transactions, education fees, Government, tax and insurance payments. Only merchant UPI payments at regular shops, online stores or services qualify for the reward points.
Why only RuPay Credit Card?
Currently only RuPay credit cards can be linked with UPI apps, ViSa and Mastercards do not support UPI linkage yet. It’s because NPCI has only allowed RuPay network for UPI compatibility so far.
If you have a ViSa or Mastercard credit card, you cannot link it to UPI and won’t be able to get any reward points.
Also read: Planning to Buy iPhone 17? 5 Best Credit Cards Offering Easy EMI Options on iPhone 17 Series
Bank-Wise Rules for UPI Reward Points on RuPay Credit Cards
1. HDFC Bank RuPay Credit Cards
HDFC allows reward points on eligible UPI merchant transactions offline & online. There are no reward points for certain categories like: rent payments, wallet loads, voucher purchases, fuel transactions, tax payments and cash-like transactions.
2. SBI RuPay Credit Cards
SBI Card treats eligible merchant UPI spends like normal transactions. Reward points are only eligible for merchant UPI payments. Categories like person to person transfer, fuel transactions, wallet loads, government transactions (taxes), EMI conversions on UPI are not eligible for the reward points.
3. ICICI Bank RuPay Credit Cards
Reward points are only eligible for merchant UPI payments. No reward points on utilities payment, fuel transaction, Insurance payment, government payments and wallet payments.
4. Axis Bank RuPay Credit Cards:
Reward points are eligible on all eligible UPI merchant transactions. There are no reward points on rent, wallet loads, education fees, fuel and government/insurance payments.
Easy tips to Maximise Reward Points Using RuPay Credit Card
1. Pay only to merchants: Always check if the QR code belongs to a business because personal UPI transfers do not earn rewards.
2. Avoid excluded categories: Stay away from rent, fuel, wallet loads, and tax payments if your goal is earning reward points.
3. Track monthly caps: Some banks limit reward points on UPI transactions. Use UPI for small daily purchases like groceries, medical shops, cafés and small stores are great for earning points.
Conclusion
You earn reward points for using your RuPay credit card on UPI, but only for eligible merchant transactions. The benefits and exclusions differ for each bank, so it’s important to check your card’s reward structure. If you use UPI smartly for daily purchases, your RuPay credit card can help you earn rewards without needing to swipe at a POS machine
FAQs
1. Do all RuPay credit cards give reward points on UPI?
Yes. Most of the banks do. It may vary from bank to bank.
2. Do I get reward points on all cards?
Some RuPay credit cards offer cashback instead of reward points, depending on the bank.
3. Do UPI credit card transactions impact my credit score?
Your spending mode doesn’t matter, paying your bill on time does.
4. Can I use RuPay UPI credit card for very high-value transactions?
Yes, but banks have daily limits (₹5,000 – ₹1,00,000 depending on the bank and merchant).
5. Are rent payments eligible for reward points?
No. Most banks exclude rent from reward programs.
Written by Supriya
