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💥 "Best UPI Credit Card Apps in India: Link RuPay Credit Cards & Pay Smarter"

Updated: Jan 13

A phone with UPI Credit Card
Best UPI Credit Cards in India

Best UPI Credit Card Apps in India (2026): Top RuPay Cards & New RBI Rules

Welcome to 2026, where UPI just leveled up. We are now in the era of "Credit on UPI." It’s the financial glow-up we all needed. It means you can now get rewards for buying milk, paying the electricity bill, or grabbing a vada pav, all without touching your actual bank balance until the end of the month.


If you have a RuPay credit card and a smartphone, you’re sitting on a cashback goldmine. But which app should you use? Is it safe? And will it ruin your credit score? Buckle up. Whether you’re a Gen Z digital native or a Boomer just getting comfortable with scanning QR codes, this guide is for you.


What Is UPI with RuPay Credit Cards?

In 2022, the RBI and NPCI allowed RuPay credit cards to be linked with UPI. In simple terms, Imagine your physical credit card- now, imagine it has a digital ghost that lives inside your phone. Previously, when you scanned a QR code with Google Pay or PhonePe, money left your savings account instantly. Poof! Gone. Now, thanks to NPCI (the folks who run UPI), you can link specific RuPay network credit cards to these apps. When you scan and pay, the money comes from your credit limit, not your bank balance. You enjoy the chai today, and pay the bill next month.

This is awesome because

  • Rewards everywhere: You get credit card points/cashback even at tiny shops that don't have expensive card swipe machines.

  • Keep your cash: Your actual money stays in your savings account earning interest for longer.

  • Safety: You never have to hand your physical card to a stranger at a petrol pump or restaurant.


“Why carry plastic when your phone gives you credit power with a scan?”


New Transaction Limits (NPCI Sept 2025/Jan 2026 Rules):

  • 5 Lakh Limit: Now applicable for Tax payments, Education, Hospitals, and IPOs.

  • 10 Lakh Limit: For Capital Markets and Insurance premiums via UPI.

  • Balance Check Limits: Mention that apps now limit balance checks to 50/day to reduce server load.


Top Fintech Apps That Enable UPI-Based RuPay Credit Card Payments

Here are the most popular apps in 2025 that help you link, manage, and spend from your RuPay credit card using UPI:

1. 🌟 Kiwi UPI App


Kiwi RuPay UPI Credit Card App
Kiwi UPI RuPay Credit Card App

goKiwi is India's first app to enable any RuPay credit card for UPI payments.

The "Gold Standard" for 2026. It’s an app + card combo (virtual/physical) with the best native UPI rewards.


Kiwi (The Rewards Specialist): It is trendy, fast, and obsessed with cashback. Kiwi changed the game by launching specifically for "credit on UPI." It partners with banks (like Yes Bank) to offer virtual-first cards that give you instant "Kiwis" (cashback) directly into your bank account. In 2026, their "Neon" subscription is hugely popular for power users.

Key Features:

  • Link and manage multiple RuPay credit cards

  • Make QR-based merchant payments using UPI

  • Track spends & get rewards on the go

  • Supports cards from Axis, ICICI, SBI, HDFC & more

USP: Kiwi is RBI-authorized and PCI-DSS compliant for secure digital payments.

Best For: Users looking for a credit-focused UPI app with easy onboarding.


“In the age of UPI, the smartest swipe is the one you never make.”


2. 🔥 Rio UPI App (Now Zagg)

India's first UPI app designed exclusively for RuPay credit cards.

The "Newbie’s Best Friend." Rio (partnered with Yes Bank) focuses on simplicity. It is a lifetime-free card designed specifically for people who want to start their credit journey without the fear of hidden fees.

Best For: First-time credit card users and students.

Rio UPI App for RuPay Credit Card
Rio UPI Credit Card App

Key Features:

  • Built-in support for UPI using credit cards only

  • Spend tracking, reminders, and cashback alerts

  • Partnered with major banks for seamless linking


USP: Minimalist, clean interface with zero distractions—perfect for managing just credit card UPI.


Best For: UPI beginners or minimalists who just want to use credit cards via UPI.

 

Apply for Rio UPI App👉



“Kiwi, Rio, Jupiter… Not planets, but your new orbit for cashless freedom.”


3. 🪙 Jupiter App (The Financial Architect)

A neo-banking app with deep UPI and RuPay credit integration.

Jupiter isn’t just an app; it’s a co-pilot for your wallet. Their Edge+ RuPay Card (with CSB Bank) offers massive 10% cashback on top brands like Amazon and Flipkart, all while tracking your spending patterns automatically.

Best For: Gen Z and Millennials who love data and frequent online shopping.

Jupiter App- Rupay Credit Card
Jupiter RuPay Credit Card App

Key Features:

  • Offers RuPay Credit Card (Edge) via Federal or CSB Bank

  • UPI payment capability directly via credit card

  • Rewards up to 5% on UPI-linked transactions (exclusive deals)

  • Smart budgeting tools, money tracking, and cashback management

 

USP: Combines banking + credit UPI in a single app.


Best For: Young professionals who want all-in-one fintech banking.






4. 💳 Kredit.pe App (The Cashback King)

New-gen fintech platform focusing on credit-first UPI transactions.

If you want the highest possible return on every single scan, Kredit.pe is your destination. With their Yes Bank ACE card, you can earn an unlimited 3% cashback on UPI spends.

Best For: High-volume UPI spenders who want "real cash" back, not just points.

Kredit.pe App

Key Features:

  • Link RuPay credit cards for UPI payments

  • Credit scoring tools & repayment management

  • Easy EMI conversion for UPI spends


USP: Offers spend-now-pay-later features using credit card UPI infrastructure.


Best For: Shoppers and gig workers who need instant credit + UPI.




Other Cards-

  • Google Pay Flex (The Reliable Giant)

    The Vibe: Clean, simple, and already on everyone's phone. You already use GPay. In 2026, they introduced "Flex" cards (partnered with Axis Bank) designed just for this. It’s seamless, and you earn "Stars" that are easy to redeem within the app. If you hate downloading new apps, just stick with this.

  • Tata Neu Infinity (The Ecosystem King)

    The Vibe: For the serious shopper who loves value. If you order groceries on BigBasket, medicines on 1mg, or buy electronics at Croma, this HDFC RuPay card is unbeatable. You get a massive 1.5% back as "NeuCoins" (1 NeuCoin = ₹1) on every single UPI scan. It’s practically free money for running a household.

  • super.money (The Cashback Disruptor)

    The Vibe: No-nonsense, straight cash. Another Axis Bank innovation, super.money is for people who hate complicated reward points. They offer one of the highest flat cashback rates for scanning merchant QRs. It’s simple: scan, pay, get cash.


“From credit to QR in one tap—fintech apps are making money smarter, not harder.”


Comparison Table 2026

Don't have time to read? This snapshot shows the best RuPay options right now.

App Name

Issuing Partner

Star Feature

Annual Fee

UPI Reward Rate

Kiwi (Yes Bank)

Axis/AU/Yes

Instant, bank-transferable cashback

₹0 (Lifetime Free basic tier)

1% - 2% (Boosters available)

Kredit.pe

Yes Bank

Unlimited 3% Cashback

₹0 (Lifetime Free)

3.0% (Unlimited)

Jupiter (Edge+)

CSB Bank

10% on Top Brands + Tracking

₹0 (Joining fee waived)

1.0% (Base)

Rio (Zagg)

Yes Bank

Safety-first / Easy approval

₹0 (Lifetime Free)

0.75% (in Rio Coins)

super.money

Axis Bank

Flat cashback on small scans

₹0 (Lifetime Free)

3.0% (Capped)

Google Pay

Axis/Various

Familiar UI & "Star" Rewards

₹0 (Tiered)

1.5% (Tiered)

Tata Neu

HDFC Bank

5% back on Tata Brands

₹1,499 (Waivable)

1.5% (NeuCoins)


Other Notable Apps with RuPay-UPI Support

App

Highlights

Best For

PhonePe

Works with RuPay credit cards (Axis, SBI, HDFC)

Trusted UPI users

Paytm

Allows RuPay credit UPI for select banks

Fast recharges & QR scanning

BHIM App

Government-backed, secure, & supports most RuPay cards

Simplicity & low data usage

Mobikwik ZIP

Upcoming support for UPI-RuPay

Offers ZIP credit line too

Bonus:-

Scapia UPI Credit Card: A Travel Lover’s Dream with UPI Power

The Scapia Credit Card, issued in partnership with Federal Bank, is a RuPay credit card designed for modern users who love rewards, travel, and UPI convenience.

Scapia Rupay Credit Card

🔑 Key Features & Benefits:

  • 💰 Unlimited 10% Scapia Coins on all spends (redeemable for travel bookings)

  • 💸 No joining or annual fee – truly zero-cost credit card

  • 📱 Supports UPI payments via RuPay, letting you scan & pay from your credit limit

  • ✈️ Zero forex markup on international transactions

  • 🎁 App-based rewards tracking, instant redemption, and gamified interface

Scapia UPI Credit Card combines UPI-based credit convenience with high-value travel rewards, making it ideal for Gen Z and millennial users who want simplicity, savings, and seamless payments.


The Good, The Bad, and The Fine Print

Before you start scanning everything in sight, know the rules of the game.

The Benefits (Why do it)

Convenience: Leave the bulky wallet at home. Your phone is enough.

Liquidity: In emergencies, you have access to credit instantly via a scan.

Reward Stacking: You get credit card points plus whatever scratch-card rewards the UPI app gives you. Double dip!


The Uses (Where it works)

Merchant QRs: Any shop, website, or app that accepts UPI directly.

Bill Payments: Electricity, mobile recharge, FASTag inside apps like GPay.

E-commerce: checkout on Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato selecting UPI.


The Limitations (Where it WON'T work)

P2P (Peer-to-Peer): You cannot send money to your friend, your landlord's personal number, or your cousin for pizza. Credit UPI only works for paying businesses (Merchants).

Small Merchants: Very small vendors (like a tiny vegetable cart) might have QR codes set up that don't accept credit payments to avoid fees.

 

“Credit cards just got a UPI-grade—scan, pay, and earn without touching your wallet.”


Smart User Section: Boosting Your Financial Health

This isn't just about cashback; it's about using credit maturely. This section is crucial for young users building credit and older users maintaining it.

How RuPay UPI Can BOOST Your Credit Score (CIBIL): Using your credit card frequently for small purchases and paying the full bill on time every month is fantastic for your credit history. It shows lenders you are responsible with regular credit.

The Golden Rule of 2026: The "30% limit" Just because you can buy everything on credit doesn't mean you should. Try to keep your total spending below 30% of your card's limit.

  • Example: If your limit is ₹1 Lakh, try not to have more than ₹30,000 outstanding at any time. Maxing out your card via UPI scans makes you look "credit hungry" and can temporarily hurt your score.


Why Should You Switch? (The Benefits)

  • Financial Discipline: Use the bank’s money for 45 days interest-free while your own money earns interest in a savings account.

  • Reward Stacking: Earn app-specific rewards (like GPay Stars or Jupiter Jewels) on top of the credit card points.

  • Security: You don't need to carry your physical card. This eliminates the risk of card skimming or loss.

  • Credit Building: Regular small UPI transactions that are paid back on time are the fastest way to build a high credit score.


The Limitations (What to Watch Out For)

  • Merchant-Only: You can only pay shops/businesses. You cannot send money from a credit card to a friend's personal UPI ID.

  • Capping: Most apps have a monthly limit on how much cashback you can earn.

  • Small Shops: Some very small vendors may not have "Merchant QRs," meaning they only accept bank-to-bank UPI.


Which App is for YOU?

  • The Power Shopper: Choose Jupiter. The 10% cashback on Amazon/Flipkart is unbeatable if you buy gadgets and clothes often.

  • The Daily Commuter: Choose Kredit.pe. Their unlimited 3% on scans makes it perfect for petrol, tea, and grocery runs.

  • The Minimalist: Choose Rio (Zagg). It’s clean, has zero fees, and is very easy to manage if you don't want a "cluttered" banking app.

  • The Brand Loyalist: Choose Tata Neu if your house runs on BigBasket and 1mg.


Quick Guide: How to Link Your RuPay Card

It takes less than a minute. The process is nearly identical across Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM, and others.

  1. Open your UPI App and go to your Profile/Settings.

  2. Tap "Payment Methods" or "Add Account."

  3. Crucial Step: Select "Credit Card" or "RuPay Credit Card on UPI" (Don't select "Bank Account").

  4. Choose your issuing bank (e.g., HDFC, Axis, Yes Bank).

  5. The app finds your card linked to your mobile number.

  6. Set a UPI PIN (using the last 6 digits and expiry of your digital card).

  7. Done! When scanning, just select this card as your payment source.

Pro Tip: UPI credit cards only work at Merchant QRs (shops, petrol pumps, online checkouts). You cannot send money from a credit card to a friend's personal UPI ID.


Final Thoughts: The Credit Revolution Is Going Cardless

Apps like Kiwi, Rio, Jupiter, and Kredit.pe, Scapia are reshaping how India uses credit. With UPI-based RuPay credit card payments, you can enjoy rewarding, flexible, and frictionless spending — straight from your phone.

Whether you’re buying groceries, eating out, or paying for a haircut — scan, pay, and earn using your favorite UPI + credit combo.


Pro-Tips

  • The 30% Rule: Remember that it is "easy" to scan and pay, but keep your credit utilization below 30% as it is vital for your CIBIL score.

  • Merchant Category Code (MCC) Tip: Some cards don't give rewards for fuel or rent payments via UPI.

  • Safety First: The new "Payee Name Display" feature—always verify the name on the screen before entering the PIN to avoid QR scams.

The marriage of UPI and Credit Cards is one of the best financial conveniences of the decade. It makes spending rewarding and secure. Whether you choose the ecosystem benefits of Tata Neu, the speed of Kiwi, or the familiarity of Google Pay, the best app is the one that fits your spending style.


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