Scan, pay, earn. With one simple loop, RuPay credit cards have become one of the most discussed products in personal finance in India. Today, the UPI integration with credit cards means that the payments at the neighborhood kirana, chai stall — and the pharmacy — can be done using the credit card and yet still benefit from getting rewards. However, in 2026, the market has undergone numerous changes. Banks have imposed monthly limits, app usage restrictions, merchant restrictions and paid memberships, meaning that a 5% cashback offer is not always as it sounds.
We went through 10 popular cards on fees, real earn rates and who they are for in this guide. If you’re looking for the Best RuPay Credit Card to make payments with, or a lifetime-free starter or a fuel saver, the comparisons below will help you make your decision sooner.
What Is a RuPay Credit Card & Why It Matters for UPI
A RuPay credit card is just like any other credit card with the only difference being that it operates on a domestic network developed by NPCI instead of Visa or Mastercard. The real power of it is UPI access.
- Made in India: RuPay is created and run in India by NPCI, the UPI’s creator.
- UPI app support: Credit cards like RuPay can be connected to the supported UPI apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM etc.
- Credit limit payment: You can make payments with a merchant UPI QR code rather than a bank account, subject to credit limit.
- Rewards: Depending on the terms of the card, eligible UPI transactions can earn rewards, points or cashback.
- Only merchant payments: RuPay credit cards are for merchant payments and are not to be used for person to person payments.
- UPI credit card network: RuPay is the only credit card network in India that has given support for linking credit cards to UPI.
- Be careful: Card issuer and Best RuPay Credit Card combination can impact the rewards and benefits that are likely to be offered.
Also Read: Best UPI Credit Card
Best RuPay Credit Cards in India 2026 – Comparison Table
| Card | Issuer | Joining/Annual Fee | Headline UPI Cashback | Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | Best For |
| Kiwi RuPay Credit Card | YES Bank / AU SFB / PNB | Rs 0 (Neon optional Rs 999 + GST) | Up to 5% with Neon | 1.5% offline QR, 0.5% online | Highest UPI cashback |
| Axis Bank super.money RuPay | Axis Bank | Rs 0 | 3% on super.money app | 3% capped; 1% elsewhere | Flipkart-app users |
| Scapia Federal RuPay | Federal Bank | Rs 0 | 5% Scapia Coins | About 1% in coins | Frequent travellers |
| SBI SimplySAVE UPI RuPay | SBI Card | Rs 499 + GST (waived at Rs 1 lakh spend) | 10X points on select categories | About 1.67% on select categories, 0.17% otherwise | Groceries and dining |
| HDFC Bank UPI RuPay | HDFC Bank | Rs 99 + taxes | 3% CashPoints | Points-based, capped monthly | Existing HDFC customers |
| IndusInd Platinum RuPay | IndusInd Bank | Rs 0 | 2 points per Rs 100 | About 1.2% at best redemption | Fuel surcharge waiver |
| Kotak UPI RuPay | Kotak Mahindra Bank | Rs 0 | 3 points per Rs 100 | About 0.3% | Existing Kotak customers |
| AU LIT (RuPay variant) | AU Small Finance Bank | Rs 0 (paid add-ons optional) | Cashback via add-ons | 0.25% base | Customisable benefits |
| IDFC FIRST HPCL Power+ RuPay | IDFC FIRST Bank | Rs 499 + GST | Up to 5% on HPCL fuel | Reward points on UPI retail | Fuel spends |
| HSBC RuPay Cashback | HSBC | Rs 499 + GST | 1% on UPI | 1% on eligible UPI | Lounge access |
Top 10 RuPay Credit Cards Reviewed
1. Kiwi RuPay Credit Card (YES Bank / AU Small Finance Bank)
| Field | Details |
| Card | Kiwi RuPay Credit Card |
| Issuer | YES Bank, AU Small Finance Bank or PNB |
| Joining/Annual Fee | Rs 0 (Neon membership Rs 999 + GST, optional) |
| Headline UPI Cashback | Up to 5% with Neon |
| Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | 1.5% on offline UPI scan-and-pay |
Kiwi is a digital-first RuPay card which is controlled completely through its own application and has become the benchmark for UPI cashback. The benefits remain the same, and new applicants are matched with YES Bank / AU Small Finance Bank / PNB. Online rewards are capped at 0.5% on the base plan, while rewards on offline UPI scans are 1.5%, and the optional Neon plan boosts rewards in increments up to 5% based on annual spend. Cashback is paid straight to your bank account . Many reviewers refer to it as the Best RuPay Credit Card for everyday small merchant QR payments.
Key Facts:
- Lifetime free base card
- Monthly cap: 1% of limit
- Rewards paid to bank account
- Excludes fuel, rent, utilities
- Neon unlocks three lounge visits
- Virtual card, no ATM cash
Best For: Daily offline QR spenders
Link: https://apply.gokiwi.in/
2. Axis Bank super.money RuPay Credit Card
| Field | Details |
| Card | Axis Bank super.money RuPay Credit Card |
| Issuer | Axis Bank (with super.money by Flipkart) |
| Joining/Annual Fee | Rs 0 |
| Headline UPI Cashback | 3% on QR payments via super.money |
| Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | 3% but capped by other cashback earned |
The card is a co-branded version that will be available for life and is designed for those who already use the super.money app to pay. The rate of 3% is applicable to QR payments made within that app, and all other payments made using UPI and non-UPI earns an unlimited 1%. From 1st January 2026, the 3% element has been updated, and is now limited by the cashback received from other parts of the statement cycle. While it incentivizes balanced spending, it also diminishes the value proposition for users who only use one app. Use it in tandem with the Best RuPay Credit Card only if you are aware of the limit.
Key Facts:
- Lifetime free from Axis
- 3% only inside super.money
- Unlimited 1% on other spends
- Spends under Rs 100 earn nothing
- Welcome cashback on first Flipkart UPI purchase
- Terms updated August 2026
Best For: super.money app users
Link: https://www.axis.bank.in/cards/credit-card/supermoney-credit-card
3. Scapia Federal RuPay Credit Card
| Field | Details |
| Card | Scapia Federal RuPay Credit Card |
| Issuer | Federal Bank (with Scapia) |
| Joining/Annual Fee | Rs 0 |
| Headline UPI Cashback | 5% Scapia Coins on UPI spends of Rs 500+ |
| Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | About 1% (5 coins equal Rs 1) |
To every cardholder, Scapia is giving a free RuPay companion along with the Visa card, and each cardholder will get one statement cover for one credit limit for UPI and international spends. The 5% headline will be given in Scapia Coins, and five coins are the currency of one rupee, so the actual UPI payout will be about 1%. Coins are used for in-app travel bookings and are expired if the card is not used within a year. In addition, frequent travellers also get zero forex markup and lounge privileges on Rs 20,000 monthly spends, creating a great travel-first specialist for holidays.
Key Facts:
- Lifetime free, dual-network setup
- Coins only for travel bookings
- Zero forex markup on Visa
- Lounge unlocks at Rs 20,000 monthly
- Coins expire after inactivity
- Application only through app
Best For: Travel-first UPI spenders
Link: https://apply.scapia.cards/
4. SBI SimplySAVE UPI RuPay Credit Card
| Field | Details |
| Card | SBI SimplySAVE UPI RuPay Credit Card |
| Issuer | SBI Card |
| Joining/Annual Fee | Rs 499 + GST (waived on Rs 1 lakh yearly spend) |
| Headline UPI Cashback | 10X reward points on select categories |
| Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | About 1.67% on select categories, 0.17% otherwise |
For ease of use, the SimplySAVE version of SBI Card is the practical RuPay choice for UPI, while its flagship Cashback SBI Card operates on Visa. It gives 10 reward points for every Rs 150 spent on buying groceries, eating out, watching movies, shopping at department stores, and 1 point for every Rs 150 spent anywhere else, which is roughly Rs 25 per point on the statement credit. Points are only collected from UPI payments when made from merchant QR codes and not from friend transfers. It’s a comfortable first dip in the waters of credit, thanks to the trustworthy brand, easy qualifying requirements, and Rs 2,000 welcome bonus, and a good repayment history could pave the way for better cards down the road.
Key Facts:
- Rs 2,000 welcome bonus points
- Monthly cap on accelerated points
- Redemption fee Rs 99 + GST
- No fuel or rent rewards
- Fee waiver at Rs 1 lakh
- Merchant QR payments only
Best For: Grocery and dining spenders
Link: https://www.sbicard.com/en/personal/credit-cards/shopping/simplysave-upi-rupay-card.page
5. HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card
| Field | Details |
| Card | HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card |
| Issuer | HDFC Bank |
| Joining/Annual Fee | Rs 99 + taxes |
| Headline UPI Cashback | 3% CashPoints on groceries, dining and PayZapp |
| Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | Points-based, value Rs 0.25 per CashPoint, monthly caps |
HDFC’s UPI RuPay Card is a virtual floater that is issued to existing credit card holders of the bank, and has the same limit as your main card. It will provide 3% CashPoints on groceries, supermarkets, dining and all PayZapp spend, capped at 500 points per month, 2% Cashpoints on utilities spend capped at 500 points per month and 1% Cashpoints on other spend capped at 500 points per month. Low level of redemption value reduces the real return. It is simple, no new credit check and access to your limit instantly. For the same, it could be the Best RuPay Credit Card integration in PayZapp, enabling a convenient and trusted UPI channel for household spending.
Key Facts:
- Existing HDFC customers only
- Virtual card, no plastic
- 500 points monthly cap
- Utilities earn 2% points
- Set card PIN before linking
- Fee waiver at Rs 25,000
Best For: Existing HDFC customers
Link: https://www.hdfc.bank.in/credit-cards/hdfc-bank-upi-rupay-credit-card
6. IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card
| Field | Details |
| Card | IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card |
| Issuer | IndusInd Bank |
| Joining/Annual Fee | Rs 0 (lifetime free as listed) |
| Headline UPI Cashback | 2 reward points per Rs 100 on UPI |
| Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | About 1.2% at best non-cash redemption |
With a Platinum RuPay card from IndusInd, you can enjoy a lifetime-free card that is UPI enabled and earns 2 reward points per Rs 100 spent on UPI transactions and 1 point on regular spending – means you can earn more reward points by simply moving a day’s worth of transactions to UPI. This is because non-cash redemptions were worth approximately 60 paise per point after the December 2024 revision, meaning cash-out value is lower. It’s best known for the extras: a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, travel insurance and fraud cover, all of which is interest-free and charge no annual fee. It provides a stable and consistent payoff on any significant UPI application.
Key Facts:
- Lifetime free as listed
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver
- Travel insurance included
- Fraud protection cover
- Re-link after card renewal
- No standing instructions on UPI
Best For: Steady rewards, fuel waiver
Link: https://www.indusind.bank.in/in/en/personal/cards/credit-card/platinum-rupay-credit-card.html
7. Kotak UPI RuPay Credit Card
| Field | Details |
| Card | Kotak UPI RuPay Credit Card |
| Issuer | Kotak Mahindra Bank |
| Joining/Annual Fee | Rs 0 |
| Headline UPI Cashback | 3 reward points per Rs 100 |
| Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | About 0.3% (1,000 points = Rs 100) |
Kotak’s UPI RuPay card is a virtual, free-of-cost co-traveller with the existing Kotak credit card that is available to all those credit cardholders who are 18 years and above. It also pays 3 reward points for all UPI and regular virtual spends of Rs 100, and every 1,000 points can be redeemed for Rs 100, which breaks down to around 0.3% value. That’s fair, but it doesn’t require a separate plastic and it’s free. There is no additional cost for linking to UPI. Say it isn’t a rewards machine, but a convenient tool that grows with your relationship with Kotak.
Key Facts:
- Existing Kotak customers only
- Virtual card, no add-ons
- 1,000 points minimum redemption
- No lounge access
- Merchant exclusions apply
- Foreign spends carry markup
Best For: Free add-on for Kotak users
Link: https://www.kotak.bank.in/en/personal-banking/cards/credit-cards/kotak-upi-rupay-credit-card.html
8. AU Small Finance Bank LIT Credit Card (RuPay)
| Field | Details |
| Card | AU LIT Credit Card (RuPay variant) |
| Issuer | AU Small Finance Bank |
| Joining/Annual Fee | Rs 0 (base card lifetime free) |
| Headline UPI Cashback | Cashback through optional paid add-ons |
| Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | 0.25% base (1 point per Rs 100) |
LIT – this means Live It Today and the specialty here is control – you create the card yourself in the AU 0101 app, and you can switch between cashback, rewards or entering the lounge. The RuPay variant launched in December 2024 allows for UPI transactions in third-party applications as well. The base card costs nothing but brings only 0.25% cashback, whereas cashback and lounge are available with Rs 49 to Rs 499 add-on per quarter or 90-day period. People who use the service and are disciplined at spending can increase their savings by only paying for the features they are using. Add-ons can take a bite out of rewards for casual users.
Key Facts:
- Base card lifetime free
- Add-ons Rs 49-499 quarterly
- Managed inside AU 0101 app
- Default variant is Visa
- Lounge is a paid add-on
- Welcome bonus needs Rs 1 lakh
Best For: Build-your-own benefits
Link: https://www.au.bank.in/personal-banking/credit-cards/lit-credit-card
9. IDFC FIRST HPCL Power+ RuPay Credit Card
| Field | Details |
| Card | IDFC FIRST HPCL Power+ RuPay Credit Card |
| Issuer | IDFC FIRST Bank |
| Joining/Annual Fee | Rs 499 + GST |
| Headline UPI Cashback | Up to 5% value back on HPCL fuel |
| Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | Reward points on UPI retail spends, within caps |
The card is designed with the driver in mind and UPI users as a secondary audience; it has been developed using the RuPay Select network built by HPCL. It offers up to 5% cashback on HPCL fuel, along with cashback on utilities, grocery and FASTag within the category limits. UPI retail payments also get credited with points and the card is tied to Google Pay, PhonePe and Paytm. Access to the lounge and roadside assistance make it useful. Typically, fuel and insurance costs are not part of the UPI multiplier, and you should check the savings document and also think about the Best RuPay Credit Card setup that combines HP Pay with UPI.
Key Facts:
- Rs 499 + GST fee
- RuPay Select network
- Roadside assistance included
- Domestic lounge access
- Points never expire
- Redemption fee applies
Best For: HPCL fuel savers
Link: https://www.idfcfirst.bank.in/credit-card/hpcl-power-fuel-credit-card
10. HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card
| Field | Details |
| Card | HSBC RuPay Cashback Credit Card |
| Issuer | HSBC |
| Joining/Annual Fee | Rs 499 + GST |
| Headline UPI Cashback | 1% cashback on eligible UPI spends |
| Actual UPI-QR Earn Rate | 1% on eligible UPI, subject to exclusions |
HSBC’s entry level RuPay cash back card comes with an attractive small fee of Rs 499 plus GST and some surprising additional benefits. The cashback is 1% on all eligible UPI transactions, and there are bonus features like free domestic and international airport lounge access, not subject to any spending limits, which are hard to find in this price range. What makes it special is that occasional flyers can afford the fee because of the lounge value. Exclusions and caps apply – please check current terms. It’s easy to see how the 1% cashback and lounge visits can really accumulate over a year. When lounge access is more important than the top rate, it’s a great choice.
Key Facts:
- Rs 499 + GST fee
- Lounge access, no spend gate
- Domestic and international lounges
- 1% UPI cashback
- Straightforward direct cashback
- Terms may change
Best For: Budget lounge access
Link: https://www.hsbc.bank.in/credit-cards/products/
Best RuPay Card by Use Case
The best card on which to spend your money depends on your spending habits. You can rely on this handy table and keep in mind that the Best RuPay Credit Card has as much significance as the card itself.
| Use Case | Top Pick | Why |
| Best lifetime free | Kiwi RuPay | No joining or annual fee, direct cashback |
| Best for highest UPI cashback | Kiwi RuPay (with Neon) | Up to 5% on milestone spends |
| Best for beginners / first credit card | SBI SimplySAVE UPI RuPay | Easy eligibility, trusted bank, welcome bonus |
| Best for fuel spends | IDFC FIRST HPCL Power+ | Up to 5% value back on HPCL fuel |
| Best for students | Kiwi RuPay or an FD-backed card such as Kotak811 super.money | Low or no fee; FD-backed option builds credit safely (18+ only) |
How to Choose the Right RuPay Card
- Review the spending: Do it with your actual monthly usage on the UPI, rather than picking the one with the highest limited reward amount.
- Verify required app: When looking at the advertised rate, determine which app, if any, you have to use to obtain it, and if you already use it or not.
- Determine real value: Use reward points to calculate their real value in rupees so you can compare the real value instead of the large percentage numbers.
- Look at award caps: Some cards have monthly spending caps and will not continue to award prizes once you hit a relatively low spending limit.
- Look for exclusions: Note if fuel, rent, utilities, insurance, or other regular costs are not included in rewards.
- Select cashback or points: Cashback is easier to use if you don’t like to keep track of rewards, points are better if you are frequent travellers.
- Bank relationship check: Make sure you have an existing relationship with the Bank before applying to get a card.
- Work out card value: If the card comes with a membership fee of ₹999, ensure the extra rewards and benefits are achievable in terms of costs.
- Stay simple: To enjoy the Best RuPay Credit Card experience, the suggestion is to use one card, one app and one reminder for the payment due date.
How to Link Your RuPay Credit Card to UPI
Before you begin, ensure you use the same mobile no on your card account as well as your UPI app, and if your bank requires a PIN for your credit card, set the same PIN for both. Menu names may be different from app version to version.
Google Pay
- Open Google Pay, and click on your profile picture.
- Click on Payment methods and select Add RuPay credit card.
- Choose your bank and card.
- Type in the final six numbers and expiration date.
- Check OTP and set your UPI PIN.
- Click on the card information and set it as your preferred payment method.
PhonePe
- Open PhonePe and click on your profile.
- Go to Payment Methods and click on Add Credit Card on UPI.
- Choose your bank and RuPay card.
- Please fill out the last 6 numbers and expiry date.
- Check using OTP and generate UPI PIN.
- Write the card with your chosen payment option.
Paytm
- Login to Open Paytm and navigate to Payment Settings or UPI.
- Click on Add RuPay Credit Card.
- Select the bank and card, and fill in the information.
- Check with OTP and configure UPI PIN.
- Choose the card as default before scanning a QR code.
When the card is renewed/replaced, remember to re-link the card, and update the bank if the number changes.
RuPay vs Visa/Mastercard for UPI Payments
The rules of the network below determine what can be done, whichever Best RuPay Credit Card you choose.
| Feature | RuPay | Visa / Mastercard |
| Link to UPI apps | Yes | Not currently possible in India |
| Network owner | NPCI (domestic) | International networks |
| Payment type on UPI | Merchant payments only | Not applicable |
| Acceptance abroad | Limited, growing through partner networks | Very wide |
| Rewards on UPI spends | Card-specific, often app-linked | Not available on UPI |
| Best use | Everyday QR payments in India | Overseas travel, global online shopping |
Common Fee Traps to Avoid
- Low value rewards: The advertised percentages might be based on points or coins that are not worth as much as the percentage would indicate.
- Hidden monthly reward caps: Certain cards have a hidden rule that caps the number of rewards that can be claimed each month.
- Paid memberships: If there is an optional membership plan, whether it is a ₹999 + GST member, it may not be worth the price tag as it does not offer sufficient rewards.
- Customisable cards: All customisable cards come with a few paid add-ons, which are extra fees for extra features each 90 days.
- Redemption fees: Some cards charge fees, such as ₹99 + GST, when you redeem your rewards.
- Annual renewal fee: If you are not able to achieve the required usage amount, you might be charged an annual renewal fee.
- High interest: Unpaid credit card dues can attract interest of roughly 3.5% to 3.95% per month.
- Cash withdrawal charges: Cash advances may include charges of approximately 2.5% or a minimum of ₹500.
- Foreign currency markup: Cards that are not travel-oriented could have higher markups on foreign transactions.
- Big utility payments: If you’re making a big payment on a utility bill, some utility payment cards may charge a convenience fee, such as 1% of payments exceeding ₹50,000.
- Expires rewards: Points or coins can be forfeit if the card is not used for a designated amount of time.
- Minimum spend: Some cards might have a minimum spend amount for availing rewards.
Conclusion
The right RuPay card isn’t the one that has the biggest banner, it is the one that fits your habits. Kiwi leads to pure UPI cashback, Axis super.money rewards app loyalists, SBI SimplySAVE is ideal for beginners and IDFC FIRST HPCL Power+ is for drivers. The two mobile apps, HDFC and Kotak, are good free-to-use add-ons for customers. Work out all the rewards in rupees before applying, and review the caps and exclusions.
Pay your bill in full monthly and do not miss any interest. Lastly, choose your Best RuPay Credit Card and card together, remember the terms, and enjoy smarter scan-and-pay savings in 2026 as the bank adjusts terms.
FAQs
What is a RuPay credit card and what are the differences between RuPay and Visa or Mastercard?
NPCI’s domestic network is the one on which a RuPay credit card works. It is not accepted as widely abroad as Visa and Mastercard credit cards, but can be used with UPI apps for merchant payments at this time.
What is the best RuPay credit card for UPI payments in 2026?
This relies on your expenditure. Kiwi is the best all-rounder for offline UPI cashback, Axis super.money, SBI SimplySAVE and IDFC FIRST HPCL Power+ are suitable ones for specific needs.
Are there any RuPay credit cards that are truly free of annual fees?
Yes. Some cards like Kiwi, Axis super.money, Scapia Federal and Kotak UPI RuPay are mentioned as lifetime free. Review optional add-on, memberships and interest (these are additional to annual fees).
Is it possible to make any RuPay credit card with any UPI App (GPay, PhonePe, Paytm)?
Though most UPI RuPay cards are compatible with most major apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm and BHIM, you will need to have your bank support the feature, and some rewards can only be utilized in a specific app. Hence, the significance of the Best RuPay Credit Card choice.
Do I earn the full advertised cashback rate on a UPI-QR payment, or a lower rate?
Often a lower rate. The rewards could be restricted, reward points or coins or only be available with a paid plan in one app. Be sure to look at the actual rate in the terms.
