Best Credit Cards For UPI Payments In India (2026): Earn While You Scan!

Compare the top RuPay credit cards for UPI in 2026. Earn 1–5% cashback with HDFC, Axis, and Kiwi. Discover the best lifetime free options here! Until recently, UPI was just a way to spend your bank balance. But in 2026, the game has changed. With the surge of RuPay Credit Cards, you can now “Scan & Pay” using your credit line—while earning cashback, reward points, and boosting your credit score.

With dozens of banks launching RuPay variants, choosing the right one can be tricky. After months of testing, here’s your ultimate guide to the best credit cards for UPI payments in India (2026).

💡 Why Use a Credit Card for UPI?

Here’s the Smart Investing Tip:

⏳ Interest-Free Period: Up to 50 days to pay for your chai, groceries, or fuel.
🎁 Rewards: Earn 1%–5% cashback or points on every QR scan.
📈 Credit Score Boost: Small, regular UPI transactions paid on time help build your CIBIL score faster.

🔝 Best UPI Credit Cards in India (2026)

1. The All-Rounder: Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank RuPay Card

UPI Reward Rate: 1.5% NeuCoins on every UPI spend
Best For: Tata ecosystem loyalists (BigBasket, Croma, 1mg)
Key Perk: 5% NeuCoins on Tata Neu app spends + airport lounge access
Annual Fee: ₹1,499 (Waived on ₹3 Lakh spend)

2. The Cashback King: Kiwi RuPay Credit Card

UPI Reward Rate: 1%–5% instant cashback (Neon Plan)
Best For: Frequent small-ticket UPI users (kirana stores, cafes)
Key Perk: Lifetime Free (LTF) + instant virtual issuance
Annual Fee: Nil

3. The Daily Utility Pick: Axis Bank SuperMoney RuPay Card

UPI Reward Rate: Up to 3% cashback via SuperMoney app
Best For: Utility bills & local merchant payments
Key Perk: Flat cashback credited directly to your statement
Annual Fee: Lifetime Free for early adopters

4. The Grocery & Fuel Specialist: HPCL IDFC FIRST Power+

UPI Reward Rate: Up to 5% savings on fuel & groceries
Best For: Commuters and household managers
Key Perk: 1% fuel surcharge waiver + rewards on utility bills
Annual Fee: ₹499 (Waived on ₹1.5 Lakh spend)

📊 2026 UPI Credit Card Comparison Table

Card Name	Best For	Joining Fee	UPI Reward Rate
Kiwi RuPay	Daily Cashback	₹0 (LTF)	1% – 5%
Tata Neu Infinity	Tata Brands	₹1,499	1.5%
Axis SuperMoney	Local Merchants	₹0 (LTF)	Up to 3%
HDFC Millennia	Online Shopping	₹1,000	1%
SBI SimplySAVE	Dining & Movies	₹499	10X Points

⚠️ Pro-Tips for Using UPI on Credit

Merchant Only: Works only on merchant QRs (business accounts), not personal UPI IDs.
Small Transactions: Some banks cap rewards below ₹100—always check your MITC (Most Important Terms & Conditions).
Safety First: Never share your UPI PIN. Remember, your credit card UPI PIN ≠ ATM PIN.

🔗 How to Link Your Card in 30 Seconds

Open your UPI app (PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM).
Go to Add Payment Method → Credit Card.
Select your bank and RuPay card.
Set a 6-digit UPI PIN.
Start scanning and earning!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Why should I use a credit card for UPI payments?

Using a credit card for UPI gives you up to 50 days of interest‑free credit, rewards of 1%–5% on every QR scan, and helps build your CIBIL score through regular, timely repayments.

Q2. Which is the best lifetime free credit card for UPI in India (2026)?

The Kiwi RuPay Credit Card is the best lifetime free option, offering 1%–5% instant cashback on UPI transactions.

Q3. Can I send money to friends using UPI with a credit card?

No. UPI via credit cards works only on merchant QR codes linked to business accounts, not personal UPI IDs.

Q4. Which credit card is best for fuel and grocery UPI payments?

The HPCL IDFC FIRST Power+ RuPay Credit Card offers up to 5% savings on fuel and groceries, plus a 1% fuel surcharge waiver.

Q5. How do I link my RuPay credit card to UPI?

Open your UPI app (PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM), go to Add Payment Method → Credit Card, select your RuPay card, set a 6‑digit UPI PIN, and start scanning.