Guide

Best UPI Credit Cards in India (2025) – Top Picks for Cashback, Rewards & More!

With UPI credit card transactions growing by 78% YoY (RBI Data 2024), choosing the right card can save you ₹10,000+ annually. This comprehensive 2025 guide compares India’s top 7 UPI credit cards with verified reward rates, hidden charges, and application links.

Table of Contents

  1. Top 7 UPI Credit Cards Compared
  2. How UPI Credit Cards Work?
  3. Detailed Card Reviews
  4. Eligibility & Application Process
  5. 7 Hidden Charges to Avoid
  6. Expert Tips to Maximize Rewards
  7. FAQs

1. Top 7 UPI Credit Cards in India (2025)

Rank Card Name Best For Rewards Rate Annual Fee UPI Support
1 HDFC Swiggy Food Delivery 10% cashback ₹500 All Apps
2 Axis Ace Google Pay Users 5% cashback ₹499 GPay Only
3 SBI SimplyCLICK Online Shopping 5X Reward Points ₹499 BHIM
4 ICICI Amazon Pay Amazon Shoppers 5% cashback Lifetime Free All Apps
5 Kotak League Travel 6% on Flights ₹499 PhonePe/BHIM
6 IDFC First Wow FD-Backed Cards 1.5% unlimited Free All Apps
7 BoB Easy Low Credit Score 2% on UPI ₹250 BHIM

Source: Consumer Voice Credit Card Report 2024

2. How Do UPI Credit Cards Work?

Unlike debit UPI which deducts from your bank balance, UPI credit cards:

  • Work like regular credit – 45-day interest-free period applies
  • Earn rewards – All transactions qualify for points/cashback
  • Have RBI-mandated limits – Max ₹1 lakh/day (RBI Circular)

UPI Credit Card Transaction Flow

  1. User selects credit card in BHIM/PhonePe/GPay
  2. Enters UPI PIN (set via bank app)
  3. Transaction routed via NPCI to card network
  4. Amount added to credit card bill
  5. Rewards credited within 3 days

3. Detailed Card Reviews

HDFC Swiggy Credit Card

Official Link: HDFC Bank Website

  • 10% cashback on Swiggy, Zomato, Dominos (₹1,500/month cap)
  • 5% cashback on grocery, utility bills
  • Annual Fee: ₹500 (waived if annual spends >₹2L)
  • Joining Benefit: 1-year Swiggy One membership (worth ₹1,200)

Axis Ace Credit Card

Official Link: Axis Bank Website

  • 5% unlimited cashback on Google Pay transactions
  • 4% cashback on utility bills (electricity, gas, etc.)
  • Annual Fee: ₹499 (Lifetime free on ₹10K spend in 1st month)
  • Unique Feature: 2% cashback even on rent payments

4. Eligibility & Application Process

Minimum Requirements (2024)

Bank Minimum Salary Credit Score Documentation
HDFC ₹25K/month 750+ PAN + Aadhaar
SBI ₹15K/month 650+ Salary slips

How to Apply?

  1. Pre-approved offers: Check net banking (higher approval chance)
  2. Compare on: Paisabazaar or BankBazaar
  3. Direct application: Via bank website with income proof

5. 7 Hidden Charges to Watch

  1. Cash Advance Fee: 2.5% + GST (when using ATMs)
  2. Late Payment: Up to ₹1,100 + 3% interest/month
  3. Foreign Markup: 3.5% on international transactions
  4. GST on Rewards: 18% on redemption (except cashback)
  5. Card Replacement: ₹100-500 per request
  6. Foreclosure Charges: 3% on EMIs (varies by bank)
  7. Inactivity Fee: ₹500/year if unused for 12 months

Pro Tip: Always check the RBI Credit Card Guidelines for latest fee structures.

6. Expert Tips to Maximize Rewards

Strategy 1: The 3-Card Combo

  • Food/Grocery: HDFC Swiggy (10%)
  • Bills: Axis Ace (5%)
  • Amazon: ICICI Amazon Pay (5%)

Strategy 2: UPI Timing Hack

Make big purchases just after billing cycle to get 50+ days interest-free period.

Strategy 3: Reward Optimization

Convert points to airline miles (1:1 ratio) for 5X value on flights (Vistara Partners).

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which bank offers the highest UPI credit card limit?

A: HDFC (up to ₹10L) and ICICI (up to ₹8L) offer the highest limits based on income.

Q2. Can NRI apply for UPI credit cards?

A: Yes, through NRI programs with NRE/NRO accounts.

Final Verdict

For most Indians, the Axis Ace + HDFC Swiggy combo delivers maximum cashback. If you’re new to credit, start with the FD-backed IDFC First Wow card. Always compare official terms on Consumer Voice before applying.

Have questions? Comment below and our financial experts will respond within 24 hours!

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6 days ago
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