Make your every UPI transaction count with cashback and security

In February 2025 alone, Indians made over 16.1 billion UPI payments, with transactions worth more than ₹21.96 trillion. This 113.76% surge in payment volume and 77.73% jump in the total value transacted in just two years highlight how deeply UPI transactions have become embedded in everyday financial life. UPI has reshaped how people spend from small vendors to large retailers, making digital payments faster, more accessible, and nearly indispensable.

At the same time, credit cards have long been a go-to tool for making payments more rewarding. They help users earn cashback, enhance security, and manage expenses with greater flexibility.

Now, what if you could combine the ease of UPI with the benefits of a credit card? The FIRST EA₹N Credit Card makes this possible, while making the experience more rewarding than ever. This virtual credit card lets you make UPI transactions while unlocking cashback, security, and smarter spending control. 

What is a UPI credit card?
 

A UPI credit card allows you to make UPI transactions while enjoying the benefits of credit. Unlike traditional UPI payments that deduct money directly from a bank account, these payments go through a credit line, providing financial flexibility and rewards.

1. Works like a debit card for UPI – A UPI credit card can be linked to UPI apps just like a debit card, enabling QR code payments and online transactions.
   
   
2. Provides credit instead of direct bank deductions – You can make UPI transactions on credit, giving them additional time to settle payments.
   
   
3. Earns rewards on UPI payments – Unlike bank account-based UPI transactions, these credit cards let you earn cashback, points, or discounts, just like any other card.
   
   
4. No need to maintain a bank balance – Since payments are made through credit, users don’t have to worry about insufficient funds in their bank account.
   
   
5. Only RuPay credit cards support UPI – Currently, only RuPay credit cards can be linked to UPI apps, making them essential for accessing this feature.

A UPI credit card makes payments seamless while offering rewards, security, and greater financial control, making it a smart alternative to traditional UPI payments.

Using a virtual credit card for UPI transactions
 

A virtual credit card is a digital-only card that works just like a regular credit card but exists entirely online. It can be linked to UPI apps, allowing users to make UPI transactions without needing a physical card.

1. More secure than physical cards – A virtual credit card reduces fraud risks since it can’t be lost or stolen, adding an extra layer of security.
   
   
2. Seamless integration with UPI – A virtual credit card can be linked to UPI apps just like a physical credit card, enabling quick and effortless transactions.
   
   
3. Get rewarded for making UPI payments – Unlike debit cards, which don’t offer cashback or reward points on UPI transactions, a UPI credit card makes every transaction more lucrative.
   
   
4. Better expense control – Since payments are routed through a credit line, users can manage cash flow more efficiently without immediate deductions from their bank accounts.

By combining the benefits of UPI with the flexibility and security of a virtual credit card, users get a smarter, safer, and more rewarding way to pay.

The FIRST EA₹N – A virtual credit card for UPI transactions
 

The FIRST EA₹N Credit Card is a fixed deposit-backed, RuPay-powered virtual credit card that seamlessly integrates with UPI, offering a secure, rewarding, and flexible payment experience. Designed for instant activation, UPI compatibility, and cashback benefits, it enhances every UPI transaction while keeping payments seamless.

Key features include –

1. Instant activation and easy UPI integration – Once the FD is set up, the card is instantly activated with the credit limit being minimum 100% of the FD value. Then you can link it effortlessly to any UPI app, enabling immediate transactions.

2. Rewarding cashback offers  –

a. 1% cashback on UPI payments made via the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App

b. 0.5% cashback on UPI transactions via other apps and all online spends

c. 0.5% cashback on utility bills, insurance, and wallet loads

d. Cashback is capped at ₹500 per statement cycle

3. Annual offer – 100% cashback (up to ₹200) on the first four UPI transactions made through the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile Banking App within 15 days of the annual fee being levied.

4. Enhanced security and insurance –

a. Advanced scam protection – Secure transactions with built-in security measures

b. Lost card liability cover – Protection up to ₹25,000

c. Personal accident cover – Coverage up to ₹2 lakhs

d. Complimentary roadside assistance – Worth ₹1,399, ensuring peace of mind during travels.

5. Additional benefits –

a. Earn interest on FD – 7.25% p.a. interest on the supporting FD while enjoying the credit facilities.

b. Flexible EMIs – Convert UPI transactions of ₹2,500 or more into easy EMIs for greater payment flexibility.

By integrating the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card into UPI transactions, users can enjoy seamless digital payments, valuable cashback, enhanced security, and financial flexibility—all within a smartphone-ready format.

Benefits of UPI with a virtual credit card vs. direct bank payments
 

If you rely on UPI for everyday spending, you already know how seamless it is. But are you sure you’re making the most of it? Switching from direct bank payments to a UPI credit card lets you earn rewards, improve security, and manage expenses better—without changing how you pay. And a virtual credit card like the FIRST EA₹N does more.

How does a virtual credit card compare to bank payments on UPI?

And how does this impact your daily UPI payments?

1. Savings on things you already pay for – With the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card, every UPI transaction gives you cashback on online spends—something you don’t get with direct bank payments.
   
   
2. No need to worry about low balance issues – Payments go through credit so that transactions won’t fail due to insufficient funds. Your credit limit is linked to your FD, and if you need a higher limit, you just need to open another FD with IDFC FIRST Bank.
   
   
3. Better security for high-value transactions – A virtual credit card ensures safer payments by keeping your actual bank account details private. FIRST EA₹N, being digital-only, also eliminates the risk of card loss or theft during transactions.
   
   
4. Manage spending better – With a UPI credit card, you get a monthly statement to track expenses and can convert purchases over ₹2,500 into EMIs for easier budgeting.
   
   
5. You don’t have to change how you pay – FIRST EA₹N works with all major UPI apps, so you can continue making UPI transactions as usual, just with more rewards and better security.

If UPI is your go-to payment method, why not get rewarded for it? With the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card, you don’t just pay, you earn, protect, and manage your money better.

How to apply for the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card
 

The FIRST EA₹N Credit Card is easy to apply for and link to your UPI app. Follow these simple steps to get started.

Here’s how to apply –

1. Step 1 – Visit the IDFC FIRST Bank website or open the mobile app
2. Step 2 – Navigate to the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card section and click ‘Apply Now’
3. Step 3 – Register and verify your details
4. Step 4 – Choose and fund your FD (₹5,000 minimum)
5. Step 5 – Complete KYC with Aadhaar and PAN
6. Step 6 – Get instant access to your virtual credit card

How to link the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card to a UPI app

And here’s how to link the card to a UPI app –

1. Step 1 – Open your UPI app
2. Step 2 – Select ‘Add RuPay Credit Card’
3. Step 3 – Choose IDFC FIRST Bank to find your card
4. Step 4 – Select the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card
5. Step 5 – Enter the last six digits of your card and expiry date
6. Step 6 – Verify with OTP and start using your card

Once linked, your UPI credit card is ready for secure and rewarding transactions.

As India moves toward a fully digital economy, innovations like virtual credit cards make digital payments more rewarding, secure, and accessible. With UPI driving financial inclusion, these advancements mark an important step toward a smarter, cashless future, where spending is not just easier but also more rewarding.

Conclusion
 

UPI has made spending effortless, but a virtual UPI credit card takes it a step further. It combines the benefits of UPI, like seamless transactions and wide acceptance, with the security, rewards, and flexibility of a credit card—all in a digital-only format.

With the FIRST EA₹N Credit Card, you get instant activation, enhanced fraud protection, and cashback on every UPI transaction. For both everyday purchases and big-ticket spending, it’s a smarter way to pay—fully digital, highly secure, and effortlessly rewarding. Explore all its features and upgrade your UPI experience today!