UPI payments with credit card: The secret for smart spending

Meet Sahil. From morning chai to evening movie tickets, UPI payments are his go-to. It’s fast, convenient, and cashless—the perfect fit for his busy lifestyle. When it comes to larger purchases, like buying an expensive smartwatch or booking a weekend getaway, he pulls out his credit card. Merchant offers, reward points and purchase protection, he says. What Sahil doesn’t know is that he can bridge the gap between these two worlds, unlocking a whole new level of spending.

The flexibility of UPI with the rewards and benefits of a credit card – sounds too good to be true, right? Well, let’s dive into smart ways to spend money and see how credit cards can enhance your UPI experience like never before.

What is the credit card on UPI feature?
 

Let’s first understand how credit cards work on UPI. Traditionally, UPI transactions were linked to bank accounts. However, to further enhance the customer experience, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced a feature enabling the linkage of RuPay credit cards with UPI. 

This means you can now link your credit cards to UPI apps and pay directly from your credit card balance. You gain the flexibility to conduct transactions effortlessly, enhancing your digital payment and spending experience in India.

No RuPay credit card? No worries!
 

What if you don’t have a RuPay credit card?

The credit card on UPI feature was initially rolled out for RuPay credit cards. However, IDFC FIRST Bank is breaking boundaries with its innovative approach. Now, you can link your existing non-RuPay IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card to your preferred UPI app and enjoy the convenience of UPI payments. All you need to do is opt for a virtual RuPay version of your credit card, called the FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card.

Currently, you can integrate the FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card with the FIRST Classic, FIRST Millennia, FIRST SWYP, FIRST WOW!, FIRST Select, FIRST Wealth, and FIRST Private Credit Cards. No application for a new RuPay card—just instant access to a plethora of benefits and smart spending like never before.

Benefits of using credit cards for UPI payments
 

UPI facilitates billions of transactions, transforming how you pay and receive money. Gone are the days of struggling for change or fumbling with loose notes. Now, all you need is a credit card and a UPI app on your phone.

Still thinking? Here are some benefits to consider.

• Convenience at your fingertips

With a credit card for UPI payments,

• Your phone is your wallet—you can ditch your physical card
• You no longer have to remember your card details, like PINs or CVVs—just scan the QR code, enter the PIN, and make the payment
• You can pay all your utility bills like mobile recharge, electricity, FASTag recharge, and DTH, among others, using your credit card
  
  

• Rewards galore

Every tap, every scan, and every UPI payment becomes a gateway to cashback, reward points, and exclusive discounts. You can earn rewards by paying for chai at your local tapri or by buying groceries. That’s the power of credit cards on UPI!

• Access to credit line

Need a little financial flexibility? Linking your credit card to UPI lets you access your credit limit. This way, you can manage your cash flow and make payments—through your savings account or credit card—as you like.

• Interest-free period

Credit cards offer interest-free purchases for up to 48 days. This means you can make UPI payments with your credit card and pay it back later without interest charges. Managing your finances in this way gives you more time to pay for things.  

• Enhanced security

UPI’s two-factor authentication and credit card security measures protect against fraud and unauthorised transactions. Feel at ease tapping and paying your way to happiness knowing that your money is safe.

So, why settle for just UPI or credit cards when you can have the best of both worlds? Using your credit card for UPI payments brings convenience, rewards, and financial control. It’s a win-win!

Why Choose IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards for UPI payments?
 

Here’s why you should consider IDFC FIRST Bank to make the most of this perfect match:

• Earn exciting rewards

With the IDFC FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card, every swipe or scan translates to reward points or cashback on your credit card, stretching every rupee. You get:

• 3X rewards for UPI spends above ₹2,000 with your digital credit card
• 1X reward for UPI spends less than ₹2,000
• 1X rewards on utility and insurance, irrespective of transaction amount

The best part? IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card reward points never expire, so you can accumulate them over time and redeem them whenever and wherever you want.

• Wider acceptance

You can now access and scan more than 60 million merchant QR codes with the IDFC FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card. Make seamless payments at your favourite stores, restaurants, and online platforms, and experience hassle-free payments wherever you go.

• Limited period joining benefits

With the IDFC FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card, you can get 100% cashback up to ₹50 on your first 4 UPI transactions within 15 days of digital card generation. Start earning rewards right away!

• Convert UPI spends into easy EMIs

Are big-ticket purchases hurting your wallet? No more! IDFC FIRST Bank enables you to make a UPI credit card payment and convert eligible transactions into EMIs. It will help you manage those larger expenses comfortably over time.

This means,

UPI + IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards = Smart spending superpower!

How to apply and use IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Cards for UPI payments
 

Applying for an IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card is a breeze. Just –

• Click Apply Now
• Complete your verification through the OTP sent to your mobile number
• Fill out the digital form with all your details
• Give consent to activate UPI on your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card and pay the joining fee of ₹199 (annual fee of ₹199 from the 2^nd year onwards)
• Complete your online application by giving your consent to proceed.
• Your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card will delivered within 4-5 working days and your FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card will be generated instantly on the IDFC FIRST Mobile Banking App.

Voila! You’ll be swiping and tapping your way to smarter spending in no time.

To initiate UPI payments using your credit card:

• Open your preferred UPI app, like PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm
• Go to the ‘Account’ section and click on the ‘Add Credit Card’ option
• Choose IDFC FIRST Bank as the credit card issuer
• Select your newly activated FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card
• Set your security PIN
• Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number to complete the verification process

Once verified, you can start making UPI payments while gaining exclusive benefits for smarter spending!

Start swiping, earning, and experiencing!
 

Don’t settle for just UPI; embrace the power of credit cards. With IDFC FIRST Bank’s innovative solution, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—the convenience of UPI payments and the power of credit cards—to elevate your spending experience.

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.