As of early 2026, RuPay credit cards offer unique UPI integration, allowing users to earn rewards on everyday digital payments, a feature not available with Visa or Mastercard. The Kiwi RuPay Credit Card leads with a consistent 1.5% cashback on all UPI spends, with potential for up to 5% on select merchant offers.
| Rank | Card Name | Issuer Bank | Key UPI Benefit | Annual Fee (Rs) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kiwi RuPay Credit Card | Kiwi | 1.5% cashback on all UPI spends, up to 5% on select merchant offers (Neon members) | Lifetime Free (Neon membership ₹999 +GST per year) | Frequent UPI users, direct cashback, easy redemption |
| 2 | Kredit.Pe Yes Bank ACE Credit Card | Yes Bank | Steady base reward rate on all merchant UPI QR scans, extra 1% reward on annual milestones | Not specified | Rewarding UPI users, cashback/shopping vouchers |
| 3 | HDFC Bank Tata Neu Infinity RuPay Credit Card | HDFC Bank | 1.5% NeuCoins on UPI via Tata Neu app, 0.5% on other UPI apps | Not specified (Annual fee waiver on spends of ₹2 Lakhs) | Regular Tata buyers, Tata ecosystem perks |
| 4 | Scapia Credit Card | Scapia | Travel rewards on UPI spends | Lifetime Free | Beginner travel card, zero forex markup, lounge access |
| 5 | PNB RuPay Select Credit Card | PNB | 2X reward points on all retail merchandise purchases, rewards on UPI payments | Not specified | Lounge access and cashback without high fees |
| 6 | ixigo AU RuPay Credit Card | AU Small Finance Bank | Reward points on all transactions, including UPI payments | Lifetime Free | Frequent travellers, zero forex markup, lounge access |
| 7 | SBM ZET RuPay Credit Card | SBM Bank | UPI payments through Google Pay and PhonePe | Not specified | Users seeking credit against fixed deposit, digital transactions |
| 8 | ICICI Bank RuPay Credit Card | ICICI Bank | 1 reward point per ₹50 spent on UPI via RuPay (~0.5% effective value) | Not specified | First-time credit card users, entry-level RuPay + UPI combo |
| 9 | IDFC FIRST Digital RuPay Card | IDFC FIRST Bank | Unlocking UPI rewards on existing credit limit | ₹199 plus GST annually | Existing IDFC FIRST cardholders wanting UPI rewards (add-on card) |
| 10 | IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card | Axis Bank | d fuel benefits (co-branded card) | Not specified | High fuel expenses |
Many major banks, including HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Kotak, and Axis, now offer RuPay credit cards, expanding options for consumers. These cards provide an added advantage by allowing users to earn rewards on small, everyday purchases made via UPI.
UPI Cashback & Reward Rates
The Kiwi RuPay Credit Card leads in 2026 with a consistent 1.5% cashback on all UPI spends, potentially reaching 5% on select merchant offers. Many RuPay cards offer rewards on daily UPI transactions, a key advantage over Visa or Mastercard.
| Card Name | Base UPI Cashback/Rewards | Max UPI Cashback/Rewards | Monthly CAP (₹/Points) | Redemption Value (₹/Point) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiwi RuPay Credit Card | 1.5% cashback on all UPI spends | Up to 5% (with Neon subscription and ₹1.5 lakh+ yearly UPI spending) | 1% of credit limit monthly (UPI spends) | ₹0.25 per Kiwi (credited to wallet, can be withdrawn to bank) |
| Kredit.Pe Yes Bank ACE Credit Card | Steady base reward rate | Up to 5% cashback on eligible UPI spends | Not specified | ₹0.25 each (for cashback or shopping vouchers) |
| Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card | 1.5% (NeuCoins) on UPI via Tata Neu app | 0.5% (NeuCoins) on UPI via other apps | 500 NeuCoins (UPI rewards) | 1 NeuCoin = ₹1 |
| HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card | Not specified | Not specified | ₹500 (500 CashPoints) | ₹1 per CashPoint |
| PNB RuPay Select Credit Card | 0.4% cashback on all other spends (including UPI) | 2% cashback (shopping, travel, dining) | Not specified | Redeemable via PNB GENIE mobile app |
| YES Bank POP CLUB Credit Card | Instant 5% POPcoins on POP UPI | Instant 5% POPcoins on POP UPI | Not specified | Not specified |
| SBI Tata Neu Infinity RuPay Card | 1.5% NeuCoins on other spending (including UPI) | 5% NeuCoins on Tata brand app purchases | Not specified | 1 NeuCoin = ₹1 |
| HDFC Pixel Play RuPay Credit Card | 1% on RuPay variant | 1% on RuPay variant | Not specified | Not specified |
| RuPay Credit Card (general) | 0.25% (for eligible merchant payments, some cards) | 1 reward point per ₹50 spent on UPI (some cards) | Not specified | ~0.5% effective value (depends on redemption, some cards) |
| Reliance SBI Platinum RuPay Credit Card | No rewards on UPI payments | 5 reward points for every ₹100 spent at Reliance Retail stores | Not specified | Not specified |
Many RuPay credit cards offer specific reward structures for UPI payments, with some providing direct cashback while others accumulate reward points. Reviewing the monthly caps and redemption values is to maximize benefits for your spending habits.
Lifetime Free RuPay Cards
Several Indian banks offer RuPay credit cards with zero joining and annual fees, making them accessible for everyday UPI transactions. These cards provide various benefits, from cashback on UPI spends to travel perks, without recurring charges. As of early 2026, the market features competitive lifetime free options.
| Card Name | Issuer Bank | Joining Fee (₹) | Annual Fee (₹) | Key Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scapia Credit Card | Federal Bank | 0 | 0 | Zero forex markup, unlimited domestic airport lounge access, travel rewards | Best beginner travel card |
| Kredit.Pe Yes Bank ACE Credit Card | Yes Bank | 0 | 0 | Up to 5% cashback on eligible UPI spends | UPI users |
| Kiwi RuPay Credit Card | Kiwi | 0 | 0 | 1.5% cashback on all UPI spends (up to 5% on select offers), instant virtual card | UPI users, high UPI spenders |
| ixigo AU RuPay Credit Card | AU Small Finance Bank | 0 | 0 | Travel benefits, accelerated reward points, discounts on travel bookings, complimentary lounge access, zero forex markup | Frequent travelers |
| Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card | Axis Bank | 0 | 0 | Accelerated cashback on entertainment, online food delivery, local commute | Consumers starting credit journey |
| Kotak UPI RuPay Credit Card | Kotak Mahindra Bank | 0 | 0 | No joining or annual fee | General UPI users |
These lifetime free RuPay cards are ideal for users seeking to maximize rewards on UPI payments without incurring additional costs. They cater to diverse spending patterns, from daily cashback to travel-specific advantages.
Travel & Lounge Access Benefits
Many RuPay credit cards offer travel benefits, including complimentary lounge access and zero forex markup fees, the value for frequent travelers. As of 2026, several cards provide domestic and international lounge access, often tied to specific spending thresholds.
| Card Name | Domestic Lounge Access | International Lounge Access | Forex Markup Fee | Travel Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card | Unlimited (with monthly spend of ₹20,000) | Not specified | Zero | 4% value back on travel bookings via Scapia app |
| Kredit.Pe Yes Bank ACE Credit Card | Unlimited (with quarterly spend of ₹40,000) | Not specified | Not specified | Reward points valued at ₹0.25 each for cashback/vouchers |
| Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card | 2 visits per quarter (with quarterly spend of ₹50,000, changed June 2025) | 4 visits yearly (through Priority Pass) | Not specified | 1.5% NeuCoins on UPI via Tata Neu app, 0.5% via other UPI apps |
| ixigo AU RuPay Credit Card | 16 complimentary visits per year | 1 complimentary visit per year (through Priority Pass) | Zero | Not specified |
| SBI Tata Neu Infinity RuPay Card | 8 visits per year | 4 visits per year | 1.99% | 5% back as NeuCoins on Tata brand/app purchases, 1.5% on other spending |
| PNB RuPay Select Credit Card | Complimentary | Complimentary | Not specified | 2X reward points on all retail merchandise purchases |
| Union Bank RuPay Select Credit Card | Complimentary | Not specified | 3% | Reward points on daily purchases |
Cards like the Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card offer unlimited domestic lounge access and zero forex markup, making them suitable for frequent travelers. Other cards, such as the Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card, provide both domestic and international lounge access, often with specific spending requirements.
Co-branded RuPay Cards
Co-branded RuPay credit cards offer specific benefits tailored to partner brands, making them ideal for targeted spending. As of 2026, cards like the Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card provide d rewards within the Tata ecosystem, while the IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card focuses on fuel benefits.
These cards integrate seamlessly with UPI, allowing users to earn rewards on everyday transactions, a key advantage over traditional Visa or Mastercard options.
| Card Name | Co-brand Partner | Issuer Bank | Primary Benefit Area | UPI Reward Rate | Annual Fee (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card | Tata Neu | HDFC Bank | Tata Ecosystem Purchases, Travel | 1.5% (Tata Neu app), 0.5% (other UPI apps) | Varies (waiver on ₹25,000+ annual spend for HDFC UPI RuPay) |
| SBI Tata Neu Infinity RuPay Card | Tata Neu | SBI Card | Tata Brand/App Purchases, Travel | 1.5% (other spending), 5% (Tata brand/app purchases) | Varies (waiver available) |
| IndianOil Axis Bank Credit Card | IndianOil | Axis Bank | Fuel | Not specified | Varies |
| Myntra Kotak RuPay Select Credit Card | Myntra | Kotak Mahindra Bank | Online Shopping (Fashion) | Not specified | Zero (Kotak UPI RuPay) |
| LIC CSL Co-branded RuPay Credit Card | LIC CSL | Not specified | Lifestyle, Financial Advantages | Not specified | Varies |
| CRED IndusInd Bank RuPay Credit Card | CRED | IndusInd Bank | Online Shopping, UPI Payments | 5% (flat cashback on online shopping) | Varies |
| Kredit.Pe Yes Bank ACE Credit Card | Kredit.Pe | Yes Bank | Cashback, Shopping Vouchers | Base reward rate (extra 1% on ₹40,000+ quarterly spend) | Varies |
| IDFC FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card | IDFC FIRST Bank | IDFC FIRST Bank | UPI Payments (Add-on Card) | Not specified | ₹199 + GST (annual, for existing IDFC FIRST cardholders) |
These co-branded cards allow users to maximize rewards in specific spending categories, leveraging UPI for convenience. Consider your primary spending areas to select the most beneficial co-branded RuPay card.
How to Link RuPay Card to UPI
Linking your RuPay credit card to a UPI app allows you to make everyday payments and earn rewards. This integration, announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), enables seamless transactions at millions of merchants across India.
The process is straightforward and can be completed within minutes on popular UPI platforms like PhonePe, Google Pay, or BHIM.
- Download a UPI App: Install a UPI application such as PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, or BHIM on your smartphone.
- Register/Log In: Complete the registration process or log in using your registered mobile number, which must be linked to your bank account.
- Add Bank Account: to the “Add Bank Account” or “Link Bank Account” option within the app.
- Select Your Bank: Choose the bank that issued your RuPay credit card from the provided list (e.g., HDFC Bank, SBI Card, ICICI Bank).
- Link Credit Card: The app will detect your RuPay credit card linked to your mobile number. Select the RuPay credit card to link IT.
- Set UPI PIN: Create a UPI PIN for your RuPay credit card using your card details (last 6 digits, expiry date). This PIN will be used for all UPI transactions.
Once linked, you can use your RuPay credit card for all UPI-based transactions at supported merchants, earning rewards on small daily payments.
Choosing Your Best RuPay Card
Selecting the best RuPay credit card for UPI in 2026 depends on your spending habits and desired benefits. While the Kiwi RuPay Credit Card offers a consistent 1.5% cashback on all UPI spends, co-branded cards like Tata Neu HDFC provide specific ecosystem perks. Major banks implemented devaluation updates in early 2026, making IT to align your card choice with current reward mechanisms.
RuPay credit cards offer unique advantages over Visa or Mastercard by integrating directly with UPI apps like PhonePe and Google Pay. This allows users to earn rewards on everyday small payments, a feature not available on international networks. Many banks, including SBI Card, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank, now offer a range of RuPay cards tailored for different needs.
Consider the card’s annual fees, reward caps, and specific benefits like lounge access or zero forex markup. For instance, the HDFC Bank Tata Neu Infinity RuPay Credit Card caps UPI rewards at 500 NeuCoins monthly, while the Scapia Credit Card provides unlimited domestic airport lounge access with zero forex markup, making IT ideal for frequent travelers.
Key Considerations for RuPay UPI Cards (2026)
| Consideration | Description | Example Card (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| UPI Cashback/Rewards | Cards offering direct cashback or high reward points on all UPI transactions. | Kiwi RuPay Credit Card (1.5% cashback on all UPI spends) |
| Annual Fees | Opt for lifetime free cards or those with easily waivable annual fees. | Scapia Credit Card (Zero annual fee) |
| Co-branded Benefits | Cards offering d rewards within specific brand ecosystems. | Tata Neu HDFC Bank Credit Card (1.5% NeuCoins on Tata Neu app UPI) |
| Travel Perks | Look for lounge access, zero forex markup, and travel insurance. | ixigo AU RuPay Credit Card (16 domestic, 1 international lounge access) |
| Credit Building | FD-backed cards are excellent for beginners or those building credit history. | SBM ZET RuPay Credit Card (90% credit limit against ₹5,000 FD) |
| Fuel Spends | Dedicated fuel cards for higher rewards on petrol/diesel purchases. | SBI BPCL Octane Credit Card (for high fuel expenses) |
Key Takeaways
- The Kiwi RuPay Credit Card leads for UPI cashback, offering a consistent 1.5% on all eligible UPI spends as of early 2026.
- Co-branded cards like the Tata Neu HDFC Bank RuPay Credit Card provide specific rewards, such as 1.5% NeuCoins on Tata Neu app UPI payments, with a monthly CAP of 500 NeuCoins.
- For credit building, the SBM ZET RuPay Credit Card is an excellent entry-level option, backed by a fixed deposit of ₹5,000.
Review your spending patterns and compare the specific benefits, fees, and reward structures of various RuPay cards to find the best fit for your financial needs. Apply for your chosen RuPay credit card directly through the respective bank’s official website or mobile application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which banks offer RuPay credit cards for UPI payments in India?
Most major Indian banks, including HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, SBI Card, Axis Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank, offer RuPay credit cards. These cards can be linked to UPI apps for everyday transactions, allowing you to earn rewards on small purchases. You can apply for these cards online or offline directly with the respective card issuer.
What are the benefits of using a RuPay credit card for UPI?
RuPay credit cards allow you to make UPI payments directly from your credit line, earning reward points and special offers on transactions. This extends credit card benefits to small, everyday purchases typically made with UPI. For example, the Kredit.Pe Yes Bank ACE Credit Card offers a strong reward rate for UPI users as of January 2026.
How do I link my RuPay credit card to a UPI app?
To link your RuPay credit card, open your preferred UPI app (like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm) and to the ‘Add Credit Card’ or ‘Link Bank Account’ section. Select your bank and then choose your RuPay credit card from the listed options. Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your card details and complete the linking process.
Are there any lifetime free RuPay credit cards available for UPI?
Yes, several banks offer lifetime free RuPay credit cards that can be used for UPI payments, meaning no annual or joining fees. The Scapia Credit Card, available in a RuPay variant, is a popular lifetime free option as of January 2026, offering travel benefits like zero forex markup and lounge access.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not financial advice. Interest rates, fees, and eligibility change frequently. Verify current details with the lender or regulator (RBI / SEBI) before deciding.