The payment ecosystem in India has seen a colossal change, thanks to the hastened adaptation of UPI (Unified Payments Interface). Although UPI was originally associated with savings accounts only, the Reserve Bank of India’s move to open up credit card association with UPI—namely RuPay credit cards—has ushered in a new era of contactless, frictionless payments.
In 2025, some top banks launched RuPay credit cards that can be connected to UPI platforms such as PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, and BHIM. The combination of credit ease of use and UPI convenience is particularly attractive to an increasing digitally native audience who use QR-based payments even for credit use. Let’s look at the top RuPay credit cards in India with UPI integration capabilities and are considered this year.
1. HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card
- Ideal For: Train travelers and regular QR payers.
- UPI Integration: Completely compatible with UPI apps such as PhonePe and BHIM.
- Major Benefits:
- 5% cashback on IRCTC train ticket bookings through the IRCTC website or app.
- 5 times reward points on dining, groceries, and bills.
- 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent elsewhere.
- Zero-cost UPI payments through the connected credit card.
- Why It’s Special: It combines travel rewards with UPI ease. Suitable for senior citizens, working professionals, and students who travel often and prefer online payments.
2. SBI RuPay Credit Card (Cashback Card)
- Best For: Cashback on daily UPI-enabled credit spends.
- UPI Integration: Very easily connectable with PhonePe and Paytm.
- Key Benefits:
- 5% cashback on online spends like UPI-based merchant QR payments.
- 1% cashback on other UPI and offline spends.
- Zero joining and annual fees (in some campaigns).
- Contactless payment facility enabled.
- Why It Excels: Among the most versatile RuPay cards for online shopping, bill payments, or retail purchases through QR codes by UPI users.
3. Axis Bank RuPay Credit Card (MY ZONE or Freecharge Card)
- Best Suitable For: Cashback enthusiasts and OTT platform consumers.
- UPI Integration: Supports UPI apps such as Google Pay and BHIM.
- Key Benefits:
- MY ZONE: 40% discount on Swiggy and 1-year SonyLiv Premium membership.
- Freecharge Axis RuPay Credit Card: 5% cash back on Freecharge and partner sites.
- No-cost EMI option through UPI-enabled merchants.
- Why It Stands Out: It provides high-end lifestyle rewards along with the convenience of UPI—perfect for the urban youth and digital shoppers.
Also read: Is OneCard the Best Metal Credit Card in India? You’ll Be Surprised!
4. IDFC FIRST Wealth & Select RuPay Credit Cards
- Best For: Those having high credit limits who prefer digital freedom.
- UPI Integration: Can be integrated into UPI apps for payment to merchants.
- Top Benefits:
- Interest-free cash withdrawal of up to 48 days.
- Dynamic reward program with no end date.
- No joining or annual fees.
- Fuel surcharge waiver and lounge access.
- Why It Excels: The RuPay variant offers the same high-end privileges of Visa/Mastercard but with UPI access, filling the gap between old-school credit usage and the next-generation of payment technology.
5. BOB Financial RuPay Credit Card (Easy Card)
- Best For: Low annual fee hunters and first-time credit card users.
- UPI Integration: Functional on BHIM and PhonePe for UPI merchant QR payments.
- Key Benefits:
- 5 times reward points on chosen merchant categories.
- Free insurance cover.
- EMV chip protection and UPI compatibility.
- Low joining and renewal fees.
- Why It Stands Out: Bank of Baroda’s basic RuPay card offers convenient access to UPI credit payments for rural and semi-urban customers who want to establish a credit history.
6. Kotak Mahindra Bank RuPay Credit Cards
- Best For: All-rounders in search of balance between rewards and UPI access.
- UPI Integration: Available on Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, and BHIM.
- Key Benefits:
- Milestone and cashback rewards.
- EMIs for UPI credit transactions.
- Dining and entertainment offers.
- Secure online management and UPI monitoring.
- Why It Stands Out: Kotak has designed its RuPay credit cards to balance flexibility with affordability, targeting salaried customers and digital-native customers.
How UPI Integration is Done with RuPay Credit Cards
- Open a UPI app (PhonePe, Google Pay, etc.).
- Go to “Payment Methods” or “Link Credit Card.”
- Select “RuPay Credit Card” option.
- Provide card details and authenticate with OTP.
- Once you have linked your card, you can do QR-based payments using your credit limit.
Note: Money transfer to individuals or withdrawal of cash through UPI via credit cards is not permitted.
Advantages of Usage of RuPay Credit Cards through UPI
- Universal QR Acceptance: Make payments at any merchant with a UPI QR code—even the neighborhood chaiwala.
- Credit + Digital Convergence: Get reward points, EMI choices, and cashback while shopping digitally.
- Safe Payments: UPI payments are secured through device lock and UPI PIN.
- Budget Control: Real-time transaction monitoring on UPI apps assists in spending control.
Last Words
As India shifts towards a cashless economy, RuPay credit cards with UPI connectivity present a wise combination of convenience, security, and financial rewards. Whether you are a cashback shopper, a responsible spender, or a first-time credit user, there’s a RuPay card that suits your taste in 2025. Before selecting, take into account your expenses, what rewards are important to you, and your most frequently used UPI app. With the right card, each QR scan becomes a move towards wiser financial freedom.
Written by Pydimarri Hema Harshini
