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How to Link Your FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card to a UPI App

17 Oct 2025 by Team FinFIRST

From shopping online to paying at your favourite café, the way you handle money is evolving, and it’s never been more seamless. Now, you can take this convenience a step further by linking your FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card to a UPI app. This powerful combination lets you enjoy the flexibility of credit while making payments as quick and easy as a UPI transfer. You may feel a little overwhelmed because of the new features, but don’t worry — getting started is simpler than you might think. This article will take you through a step-by-step guide to help you activate and link your FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card.

It’s simple, secure, and designed to get you up and running in minutes — no confusion, no fuss.

A quick overview of the FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card
 

The FIRST Digital RuPay Card is a virtual attachment to your existing IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card. It’s issued instantly. No waiting, no physical card, and everything is managed online. You can easily link this card to popular UPI apps like PhonePe, GPay, Paytm, BHIM, and others.

Once it’s linked, you’ll be able to make smooth and secure UPI payments while enjoying the lucrative rewards that come with your RuPay card. Just scan a QR code or enter the merchant’s details to complete your online transaction — simple, quick, entirely digital, and rewarding.

What makes this card unique
 

Let’s take a quick look at what sets your FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card apart:

1. Instant virtual card issuance - you skip to the good part
 

You don’t need to wait for a physical card. Your virtual card is ready to use as soon as you're approved. This means you can start making digital payments immediately, without any delays. ​

2. Seamless UPI integration for a hassle-free experience
 

It's designed for easy UPI access. Hence, you can link your card effortlessly to popular UPI apps. This allows you to make UPI payments directly from your credit card.

3. Rewarding transactions - spend, save, enjoy, repeat
 

You receive the following rewards with your FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card (may differ by your credit card variant; terms and conditions apply):

  • 3X rewards on UPI transactions exceeding ₹2,000
  • 1X rewards on UPI transactions of ₹2,000 or less
  • 1X rewards on all utility and insurance payments

These rewards accumulate in your existing credit card account, making it easier to track and redeem them.

4. Eco-friendly and efficient - better for you, better for the planet
 

Being entirely digital, this card reduces plastic usage, contributing to environmental sustainability. Additionally, managing your card online means less clutter, greater convenience, and no risk of misplacing or losing it. ​

5. Future-proof payment method - a long-term solution
 

RuPay Credit Cards are quickly becoming a go-to for digital transactions, offering the flexibility of credit with the ease of UPI. As more merchants accept this method, it is becoming not just convenient, but also future-ready.

Now that you've seen how rewarding your card can be, let’s explore how to link it to UPI apps and start using it.

How to get your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card UPI-ready
 

If you haven’t activated your FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card on UPI, here’s a step-by-step guide through the process:

  1. Head to the FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card webpage
  2. Click on the ‘Activate UPI on your card’ button
  3. Fill out your date of birth and mobile number for verification
  4. Type in the OTP in the required box, and press submit

Once you have activated the card, you can easily link it to your UPI payment portal.

Link your FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card to a UPI app in just a few simple steps
 

First things first, note down the details of your credit card. Here’s how:

  1. Log in to the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App
  2. Navigate to the Credit Cards section and select your FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card
  3. Tap on ‘Click for card details’ to view the last six digits and expiry date of your card

Next, start linking your card through your preferred UPI app here. You’ll see a list of the UPI apps already on your phone and can choose the one you want.

If you prefer, you can also link the card manually by following the steps below

  1. Open any UPI-enabled app you like — PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, or any other trusted option
  2. Search for ‘RuPay on UPI’ and choose IDFC FIRST Bank (Your issuing bank)
  3. Complete the verification process
  4. Enter the details of your RuPay Card. Verify with a one-time password (OTP) when prompted
  5. Create a UPI PIN to authorise payments if you haven’t before

Otherwise,

  1. Open any UPI-enabled app you like — PhonePe, Paytm, Google Pay, or any other trusted option
  2. Find the ‘add credit card’ option and fill in your RuPay credit card details

Now, follow the same steps as above.

That’s it! Your card is now linked and ready to go. You can start using UPI payments for your utility bills while enjoying the benefits of your RuPay card.

Making your first UPI transaction with the FIRST Digital RuPay credit card
 

Using your credit card for a UPI payment might sound a bit technical at first, but it's actually easier than it sounds, and you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Open your trusted UPI app
  2. Scan the merchant’s QR code.
  3. When choosing a payment method, pick your linked credit card instead of a bank account
  4. Enter your UPI PIN to authorise the payment
  5. Your main credit card covers the payment amount, not your savings
  6. The vendor receives the money instantly

It’s fast, secure, and super convenient. And the best part? You get to enjoy all the perks of using your credit card while still paying like you normally do through UPI.

Key things to keep in mind
 

From transaction limits to common UPI-related problems, small inconveniences can disrupt your daily life. Here’s what you should know about your credit card on UPI and other UPI-related concerns:

1. Daily transaction limits and merchant acceptance
 

● Transaction limits

For the first 24 hours of linking your card, you will be able to spend only ₹5000 through UPI. Post that, you can transact up to ₹1,00,000 per day using your RuPay Credit Card via UPI. For certain merchant categories, this limit may extend up to ₹2,00,000, depending on your bank's policies and your credit profile. ​

● Merchant acceptance

While many merchants accept UPI payments via credit cards , some may not have this feature enabled. If you encounter issues, check with the merchant to ensure they accept credit card payments through UPI. ​

2. Security tips while using the card for UPI transactions
 

● Keep your UPI PIN confidential

Treat your UPI PIN like your ATM PIN. Never share it with anyone.​

● Use trusted UPI apps

Only download UPI apps from official app stores to avoid fraudulent applications.

● Enable transaction alerts - Activate SMS and email notifications for every transaction to monitor your account activity in real-time.​

● Avoid public Wi-Fi

For safe transactions, use a secure, private internet connection to protect against potential threats.​

3. Common troubleshooting issues and solutions
 

● Card not linking to UPI app

If your card isn't linking, try updating the app. Most importantly, ensure that your mobile number is updated with your bank. 

● Transaction failures

If a transaction fails, check your internet connection, ensure your UPI app is updated, and verify that your card has sufficient credit limit.

4. What to do if activation fails
 

● Wait for a few hours

Sometimes, newly issued cards may take up to 48 hours to be fully activated for UPI services. ​

● Contact your bank

If the issue persists beyond a few hours, reach out to IDFC FIRST Bank's customer support for assistance.​

● Ensure mobile number consistency

Make sure the mobile number linked to your bank account is the same as the one registered with your UPI app.​

Make your life easier today
 

You're already one step ahead by having the FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card — now it's just about making the most of it. Linking your card to a UPI app not only makes everyday payments quicker, but also smarter.

Just remember to keep your UPI app updated, never share your PIN, and monitor your transactions regularly. Digital convenience works best when paired with smart habits.

And for your bank-related needs, you have IDFC FIRST Bank. If you haven't already, download the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App to manage your card and track rewards with ease. For any assistance, reach out to IDFC FIRST Bank's 24/7 customer support at 1800 10 888 or visit the customer care page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will UPI transactions using a RuPay credit card affect my credit score?

Just like any other credit card transactions, yes. Timely repayments are crucial for maintaining or improving your credit score.

Can I set spending limits or restrict UPI transactions on my RuPay credit card?

Yes, IDFC FIRST Bank allows users to set custom spending limits or restrict certain transaction types via their mobile banking app.

Are there any hidden charges when using a RuPay credit card on UPI?

IDFC FIRST Bank does not levy hidden charges for UPI payments made through RuPay credit cards. However, specific merchant categories, such as those for fuel transactions, levy surcharges.

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.