An NRI’s step-by-step guide for UPI payments with credit cards

Meet Meera, a non-resident Indian (NRI) visiting India after a long time. To make the most of her time in her homeland, she is reconnecting with her family, exploring the familiar yet ever-changing streets, and shopping for traditional treasures that define India.

Amidst this excursion, the widespread adoption of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), even among small shops and street vendors, catches her attention. UPI payments are seamless, efficient, and, above all, incredibly convenient.

But can NRIs use UPI? Let’s find out.

The evolution of UPI for NRI
 

Let’s see how UPI has evolved for NRIs –

• Phase I 

Until recently –
 

• A valid Indian mobile number was required to set up a UPI ID for any application
• The process involved an SMS confirmation sent to the registered number
• However, making UPI payments was difficult for NRIs like Meera because maintaining an Indian mobile number came with the added cost of monthly recharges

• Phase II

Recognising the need for inclusivity –
 

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) extended UPI for NRIs 
• Non-Resident External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) account holders can now use their international mobile numbers (applicable in 10 countries) for UPI activation
• So, now even Meera can make UPI payments while she goes shopping without worrying about currency exchange or carrying large amounts of cash
  

Also read - What is UPI ID and How to Create UPI ID?

​​Introducing FIRST WOW! Credit Card for UPI Payments
 

But what if Meera wants to purchase an item that exceeds her current bank balance? This is where FIRST WOW! Credit Card steps in to save her day. 

The traditional method involves making UPI payments through NRE/NRO accounts, which does not grant the flexibility of credit cards. To facilitate this, IDFC FIRST Bank has introduced the option for NRIs to link their FIRST WOW! Credit Card to UPI. It transforms this existing credit card into a UPI-compliant digital credit card. That means Meera could now make UPI payments using a credit card, allowing her to shop at her convenience.

FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card will be issued to the customer linked to FIRST WOW! Credit Card for UPI transactions at just ₹ 199 + GST

This digital RuPay credit card, a plastic-free alternative, brings a dual advantage—the ease of UPI payments and the flexibility of credit card spending. In simpler terms, this UPI-powered credit card will help Meera to –

• Make UPI payments through her credit card
• Link and use her existing credit limit
• Eliminate the need for a physical card

Here’s how Meera applied for UPI payments with FIRST WOW! Credit Card -
 

Step 1 – Opened her preferred UPI application, like GooglePay or PhonePe, on her smartphone

Step 2 – Navigated to the ‘Account’ section within the app

Step 3 – Select IDFC FIRST Credit Card option

Step 4 – Follow the prompts to set up her UPI PIN

Step 5 – And, started making UPI payments using her FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card

Benefits of using FIRST WOW! Credit Card for UPI Payments
 

Now that Meera knows how to use her FIRST WOW! Credit Card for UPI payments, she is wondering what the benefits are. These include –

• No need for a physical card 

By linking her UPI to the credit card, Meera can –

• Does not have to carry the physical FIRST WOW! Credit Card everywhere
• Can scan her digital card at over 60 million merchant QR codes across India
• Make UPI payments through her smartphone 

This means she can travel anywhere in India without any financial worry.

• Streamlined utility payments

Meera can use her UPI-linked credit card for -

• General utility bills, such as phone recharges and electricity payments
• E-commerce transactions, eliminating the need to enter credit card details repeatedly

She can simplify her online shopping experience and add to the convenience of managing finances when visiting India.

• Rewards

FIRST WOW! Credit Card offers Meera the following perks for linking her card with UPI –

• 100% cashback up to ₹ 200, i.e. ₹ 50 each on the first 4 UPI transactions
• Up to 3X reward points on all UPI spends

These rewards, which never expire, accumulate rapidly and make her UPI payments more satisfying. She can redeem these cashback and rewards points on shopping, dining, travel bookings, and more.

Benefits of FIRST WOW! Credit Card
 

But what about the benefits of having a credit card from IDFC FIRST Bank? With FIRST WOW! Credit Card, Meera also gets the following benefits –

• Zero forex markup fees 

With no additional charges on international transactions, Meera can make purchases or payments in foreign currencies without worrying about hidden fees. Zero markup fees ensure she gets the real value without any hidden fees.

• Convenient global usage

Meera’s lifestyle as an NRI involves frequent travel and international transactions. The ability to use her FIRST WOW! Credit Cards globally and make payments in INR provide her with unmatched convenience and simplify her finances.

• Low-interest rates

Meera benefits from a lower APR, starting at just 9%! This translates to cost savings and financial flexibility, allowing her to make necessary payments without incurring high interest charges. It helps keep her spending manageable and doesn't burn a hole in her pocket.

• Rewarding transactions

Every purchase with the FIRST WOW! Credit Card earns Meera reward points and cashback, adding a little extra to every transaction. These rewards come with exclusive discounts and offers on shopping at over 300 outlets and dining across 1500+ restaurants. Reward with every swipe!

• Cash withdrawal benefits

The ability to withdraw cash globally with 0% interest for up to 48 days provides Meera with a safety net during her travels. It means she can access funds when needed without incurring immediate financial charges.

• 24X7 support

Worried about transactions while abroad? Meera has a dedicated relationship manager and 24X7 customer support at her fingertips. A simple call will guard her peace of mind, no matter the time zone.

How to apply for the FIRST WOW! Credit Card ?
 

Besides allowing UPI payments and other benefits mentioned above, this card has another advantage. The simple 3-step online application process ensures any NRI like Meera can get their FIRST WOW! Credit Cards without unnecessary complications, saving them time and effort.

Step 1 – Visit IDFC FIRST Bank’s official website and proceed to register for the FIRST WOW! Credit Card. Complete the necessary details and undergo the verification process

Step 2 – Upon successful registration, choose and fund your Fixed Deposit (FD) as per the bank’s guidelines. The FD will serve as security for the credit card

Step 3 – Finalise the application by completing the Know Your Customer (KYC) process

After completing these three steps, the FIRST WOW! Credit Card application will be processed. Upon approval, you will receive your credit card.

How to activate UPI on FIRST WOW! Credit Card
 

Step 1 - Go to mobile banking app and click on banner in credit card section or click here to activate UPI on FIRST WOW!

Step 2 – A FIRST Digital RuPay Credi Card will be issued linked to existing FIRST WOW! Credit Card

Step 3 – Check FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card details in IDFC mobile banking app and link to UPI apps like Gpay, Paytm, PhonePe etc

Also read - Scan, pay, done! Enjoy advantages of UPI and convenience of Credit Cards with IDFC FIRST Bank

Making every moment count
 

If you are like Meera, an NRI visiting India, FIRST WOW! Credit Cards will add a layer of convenience to your trip. Apply now to not only make UPI payments but also open a world of rewards and benefits. Also, explore the world of NRI banking with IDFC FIRST Bank – where simplicity meets innovation.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.