So, if you make payments over UPI and also want credit cards rewards, RuPay cards are absolutely perfect! India has its own network, built by NPCI – secure, fast, and safe from phishing. From June 2022, RBI allowed RuPay credit cards to be linked to UPI, so now you can use your credit limit and scan QR codes without swiping the card.
These cards have become even more popular in 2025 because they offer rewards even on small payments. I checked out the top RuPay Credit Cards Linked with UPI options, and here’s a simple breakdown – features, rewards, and which one is best for you. Let’s get straight to the point!
What are RuPay cards and why are they useful?
RuPay cards are similar to Visa or Mastercard, but India-focused. By linking UPI, you can use your credit card on PhonePe, GPay, or Paytm – making merchant payments super easy. 23 banks like HDFC, SBI, ICICI, and Axis are live.
Rewards? You get the same rewards on UPI as you do on POS – cashback, points, and lounge access. Exceptions may apply to bus, fuel, or EMI transactions. Now, let’s take a look at the top cards!
Top RuPay Credit Cards Linked with UPI: Quick Look
Here are some of the best options for 2025. I’ve listed their key benefits – focusing on UPI spending.
Card Name | Key Benefits | UPI Rewards | Joining Fees |
---|---|---|---|
HDFC UPI RuPay Credit Card | CashPoints on groceries, dining; no 4K video, but UPI is seamless | 3% cashback on every ₹150 on UPI | ₹500 + GST |
Tata Neu Infinity RuPay | 5% NeuCoins on Tata brands; lounge access | 1.5% NeuCoins on UPI | ₹1,499 |
ICICI Bank RuPay Credit Card | Dining discounts; PAN India QR acceptance | 2 RP per ₹100 on UPI | ₹500 |
SBI Card RuPay | 7 RP on utility bills; fuel waiver | 2 RP per ₹100 on UPI | ₹750 |
Axis Bank Fibe RuPay | Numberless card; Zero Fees | 1-5% Cashback on UPI | Free |
IDFC FIRST Bank HPCL RuPay | 5% Cashback on Fuel; Millennia Link | per 100 RP ₹5,000 on UPI | ₹199 + GST |
IndusInd Platinum RuPay | 0.7% UPI Cashback; Basic Rewards | 0.7% Cashback on UPI | ₹500 |
YES Bank FinBooster RuPay | Extra Points on Travel | 2% Cashback on UPI | ₹599 |
IRCTC RuPay BOBCARD | 40 RP on Train Tickets; 1% Waiver | 2 RP per ₹100 | ₹250 |
HSBC RuPay Cashback | 0% FX markup; Amazon voucher | 1.5% cashback on UPI | ₹999 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy link on UPI – Quickly set up with apps like GPay and PhonePe.
- Rewards on UPI spends – Up to 1-5% cashback, points can be redeemed.
- Secure and local – Phishing-free, and works with PAN India QR codes.
- Lifetime free options like Fibe Axis – Benefits with zero fees.
- Long updates – Like SBI or ICICI, 5-6 years of security patches.
Cons:
- Some cards have a cap on UPI rewards, such as ₹5,000 monthly.
- Acceptance is a bit hit-and-miss – may not work with all merchants.
- Fees add up – from ₹199 to ₹1,499, plus GST.
- No rewards on fuel/EMI – limited to small transactions.
- No charger, wait, I said it wrong – not in cards, but physical cards cost extra in virtual variants.
Conclusion
RuPay UPI cards are an absolute game-changer in 2025 – start with HDFC UPI or Tata Neu Infinity, if you spend daily. If you’re a travel enthusiast, try IRCTC BOBCard, or IDFC HPCL for fuel.
Apply on Paisabazaar or bank apps and check out the offers – you might get ₹200 cashback! Tell me in the comments which card you’ll use and why? Like it, I’ll share more tips in the next post!