20th July 2025

Best UPI-Linked Credit Cards in India [2025] – Use Credit on UPI Safely

Best UPI-Linked Credit Cards in India 2025 are changing the way we pay digitally. With UPI becoming India’s default payment method, linking credit cards—especially RuPay cards—to UPI is a game-changer. From kirana stores to online checkouts, you can now enjoy credit rewards and convenience directly via UPI.

In this post, we’ll explore:

  • How UPI-linked credit cards work
  • The best RuPay credit cards in India (2025)
  • How to link your RuPay credit card to UPI
  • Pros and cons vs traditional Visa/Mastercard cards

What Is a UPI-Linked Credit Card?

A UPI-linked credit card lets you scan UPI QR codes and pay via your credit limit — instead of your bank balance. This is currently supported only on RuPay credit cards issued by select Indian banks and enabled by NPCI.

UPI credit card payments are accepted only on merchant QR codes, not for P2P (peer-to-peer) transfers.


How to Link a Credit Card to UPI

Step-by-step process (on apps like BHIM, Paytm, PhonePe):

  1. Open the UPI app and go to “Add Credit Card to UPI.”
  2. Select your bank-issued RuPay credit card.
  3. Complete OTP and authentication.
  4. Create UPI PIN for the card.
  5. Done — start using your credit card on merchant QR codes.

Best UPI-Linked Credit Cards in India [2025 Edition]

Here are the Best UPI-Linked Credit Cards in India 2025 that offer rewards, convenience, and seamless UPI payments.

1. SBI SimplyCLICK Credit Card (RuPay Variant)

Best for: Online shopping, merchant QR code spends
Joining Fee: ₹499 + GST
Rewards:

  • 10X rewards on Amazon, BookMyShow, and Cleartrip
  • 1X on all other spends
  • Eligible for UPI merchant payments via RuPay

Why choose this card:
It’s beginner-friendly and now available in RuPay form. You can use it on UPI while earning rewards on online shopping.

Apply Now!


2. HDFC Millennia Credit Card (RuPay Variant)

Best for: UPI spends on Amazon, Swiggy, Myntra, and more
Joining Fee: ₹1,000 + GST
Cashback:

  • 5% on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato (via PayZapp/SmartBuy)
  • 1% elsewhere
  • UPI-linked payments now eligible via RuPay credit card

Why choose this card:
If you already have Millennia, ask for the RuPay variant. It allows UPI payments and keeps cashback on eligible platforms.

Apply Now!


Pros and Cons of UPI-Linked Credit Cards

ProsCons
Pay via UPI using creditOnly works with RuPay cards
Widely accepted at kirana storesNot valid for peer-to-peer UPI transfers
Earn rewards even on small QR spendsNot all apps/banks support all cards
Secure PIN-based paymentsRisk of overspending if not tracked

Who Should Use a UPI Credit Card?

  • Users who prefer UPI for everyday purchases
  • Shoppers who want to earn credit card rewards even on QR code spends
  • Individuals with local merchant expenses (food, groceries, salons, etc.)

Pro Tip: Don’t replace your entire card usage with UPI-linked payments. Use them where applicable, but leverage regular card offers (EMIs, milestone benefits) too.


Other Cards to Consider

While not RuPay, the following cards offer excellent value for online purchases and can complement your UPI usage:


Top Credit Cards in India – July 2025 Edition

Looking for the best credit cards this month? Whether it’s cashback, travel, shopping, or UPI — here are our editor’s picks for July 2025, based on new updates, changes, and offers.


1. SBI Cashback Credit Card

Best for: General online shopping
Why it stands out this month: Still offers flat 5% cashback on most online purchases — unmatched by any other card at this level.

Apply Now!


2. HDFC Millennia Credit Card

Best for: Combo of food delivery, shopping, and UPI use
Why it stands out: Now available in RuPay version, eligible for UPI payments.

Apply Now!


3. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card

Best for: Flipkart, Myntra, and Swiggy users
Why it stands out: 5% direct cashback on Flipkart, plus 4% on dining and travel partners.

Apply Now!


4. Amazon Pay ICICI Credit Card

Best for: Amazon loyalists (especially Prime users)
Why it stands out: Lifetime free, with up to 5% unlimited cashback.

Apply Now!


5. SBI SimplyCLICK (RuPay)

Best for: UPI + online brand shopping
Why it stands out: Now available as RuPay and compatible with UPI QR codes.

Apply Now!


Bookmark this post – we update it every month with the latest best credit card picks in India.

Whether you’re shopping online or at your local store, choosing from the Best UPI-Linked Credit Cards in India 2025 ensures you get the most out of your UPI experience.

Compare all credit cards now on CardMela.com to find your perfect match.

Compare & Apply Best Credit Cards.