Best RuPay Credit Cards in India 2026 - Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

In 2026, the Best RuPay credit card has emerged as a compelling choice for Indians who seek rewards, seamless digital payments, and lower costs compared to many traditional foreign-network credit cards.

This has driven RuPay cards into the spotlight, with the ability to be linked directly with the best UPI apps in India like PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm and other UPI platforms. This unique advantage means you can make credit-powered payments through QR codes just like you would with a debit card and earn rewards on every transaction.

With the evolving digital payments landscape, RuPay cards are widely accepted across online and offline merchants, and a growing number of issuers are launching innovative offerings. This article highlights the best RuPay credit cards in India for 2026, their key benefits, fees, cashbacks and eligibility, and helps you choose the right one based on your spending behaviour and financial needs.

What is RuPay Credit Card?

RuPay is India’s domestic card network managed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). In recent years, the RBI and NPCI enabled the integration of RuPay credit cards with UPI, enabling users to link their credit line to UPI apps and pay via QR codes, a first-of-its-kind use of credit convenience with UPI’s reach.

This shift has made RuPay cards especially attractive to users who prefer QR-based payments, everyday cashback on UPI spends, and cards with lower annual fees or lifetime free offers. However, users must still evaluate reward structures, spending caps, welcome benefits, and eligibility criteria before choosing the best card for their needs.

Why RuPay is Dominating the Market in 2026

RuPay's dominance in 2026 stems from its unique ability to monetise small-ticket transactions through the UPI ecosystem. While international networks are still catching up, RuPay has already established a massive footprint by empowering local merchants and providing users with instant credit access. As per various sources, it holds around 18% credit card market and estimates RuPay’s issuance share at 40%.

• Merchant Preference: Small vendors can prefer RuPay because transactions under a certain threshold often attract zero to low merchant fees, and it is dependent on the service provider they choose. This acceptance ensures that you can use your credit card at your local grocery store without issues.

• Incentivised Spending: Banks are now offering accelerated reward points specifically for UPI-based credit transactions to encourage digital adoption. This shift allows users to accumulate significant cashback on routine expenses like morning coffee, snacks, or daily commuting.

• Financial Inclusion: RuPay cards often have more flexible eligibility criteria compared to premium international variants. This approach allows a wider demographic to increase their CIBIL score while enjoying modern payment features.

Top RuPay Credit Cards of 2026

Selecting the ideal RuPay credit card depends heavily on your primary spending categories, whether you are looking for automated fuel savings, high-value movie discounts, or seamless UPI rewards. Because RuPay is the only network that currently allows you to link credit cards to UPI, choosing the right card can significantly enhance your "Scan & Pay" experience and knowing how to increase your credit card limit can also help you manage larger transactions via UPI seamlessly.

The following list represents a selection of popular RuPay credit cards in India for 2026, curated across diverse usage categories such as lifetime free entry points, fuel and utility specialists, and lifestyle spenders.

1) Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card

The Tata Neu Infinity is beneficial for users who are heavily invested in the Tata ecosystem. It offers a reward structure that bridges high-end lifestyle benefits with a daily UPI scan-and-pay utility, which comes with Rupay and Visa variants.

• Ecosystem Rewards: Users receive a 5% back in NeuCoins on all spends across Tata-owned brands. This includes BigBasket for groceries, Air India Express for travel, Croma for electronics, IHCL for Hotels and other brands through Tata Neu, making it a highly rewarding loyalty tool.

• UPI Benefits: Using the RuPay Credit Card, one can earn 0.50% NeuCoins as reward points on eligible UPI transactions. Unlike many other cards, this rate is consistent across various merchant categories, providing a predictable return on small digital payments.

• Lounge Access: Cardholders enjoy two complimentary domestic lounge visits per calendar year (8 maximum per calendar year) and four international visits annually (1 per quarter). This makes it one of the few RuPay cards that cater effectively to both domestic and international frequent flyers.

2) Kiwi RuPay Credit Card

Kiwi is one of the new entrants in this space, designed for a generation that prefers virtual cards over physical plastic. It simplifies the credit experience by focusing purely on direct cashback for QR scans.

• Direct Cashback: Every scan made through the Kiwi app earns the user direct cashback ranging from 1.5% to 5%. This eliminates the confusion of calculating reward point values, as the money is credited directly to your bank.

• Zero Fees: The card is marketed as a lifetime free product, meaning there are no joining or renewal charges. This low-entry barrier makes it perfect for users who only want it for UPI payments.

• Virtual Card and Perks Activation: Once approved, Kiwi issues a virtual RuPay credit card instantly, enabling UPI payments right away, plus perks like three airport lounge access through Neo membership.

3) Axis Bank SuperMoney RuPay Credit Card

Launched as a direct competitor to fintech apps, the SuperMoney card focuses on maximizing the value of every single merchant transaction.

• Platform: This card offers 3% cashback on UPI transactions when processed through the SuperMoney application. It targets high-frequency shoppers with restrictions on certain merchant categories, but it earns 1% cashback.

• Earnings: All rewards are credited as direct cashback, which is a major point for users tired of complex point systems. This transparency helps users track exactly how much they are saving on their monthly spending.

• Cost Efficiency: Being a lifetime free card, it can provide a high return on investment (RoI) in terms of spending. Even if you spend only a few thousand rupees monthly, the cashback earned is profit since there are no fees with a cap of Rs 500 per statement cycle.

4) ICICI Bank Coral RuPay Credit Card

The ICICI Coral is an entry-level card that packs features usually reserved for more expensive products. It is particularly popular for its unique inclusion of railway benefits alongside airport perks.

• Travel Benefit: This card provides one complimentary visit per quarter to a domestic airport lounge and railway lounge access. This is a significant benefit for the Indian demographic that utilises the vast Indian Railways network for travel.

• Cinema Discounts: Cardholders receive a 25% discount on movie tickets via BookMyShow and INOX twice a month. For families or movie enthusiasts, this feature alone can save thousands of rupees over the course of a single year.

• Reward Multipliers: Users earn 2 reward points for every Rs 100 spent on retail spends, and on utilities and insurance, you earn 1 point. These points can be redeemed for a variety of products through the ICICI Bank rewards portal.

5) HPCL IDFC FIRST Power+ Credit Card

Fuel cost inflation is a concern for most households, and this card addresses that specific pain point. It is a specialized product designed to cut down the cost of commuting and home utility management.

• Fuel Savings: You can earn up to 5% savings on fuel purchases at HPCL outlets nationwide. Using the HP Pay App would translate to 6.5%. This reward rate can help the user to save money on every tank refill.

• Grocery Utility: Beyond fuel, the card offers 5% rewards on grocery spends and utility bill payments. This ensures that the card remains useful even during months when your vehicle usage might be lower than the average.

• Welcome Bonus: New cardholders receive a Rs 500 cashback on their first fuel transaction of Rs 500 or more. This immediate value-back effectively nullifies the joining fee, providing an instant incentive for new users to start spending.

6) SBI SimplySAVE RuPay Credit Card

SBI Card’s SimplySAVE is one of the top credit cards in the Indian market, known for its simplicity and wide acceptance. It rewards the "traditional" shopper who spends on dining, movies, and department stores.

• Accelerated Points: Users earn 10 reward points on every Rs 150 spent on dining, movies, and grocery shopping. These "lifestyle" categories comprise the bulk of discretionary spending for most Indian urban families, leading to rapid point accumulation.

• Redemption Ease: Reward points can be easily used to pay off the outstanding balance on the card. This "Pay with Points" feature simplifies the redemption process, allowing users to see a direct reduction in their monthly bills.

• Fee Waiver: The annual fee of Rs 499 is waived if the cardholder spends more than Rs 1,00,000 in a year. This milestone is easily achievable for anyone using the card as their primary payment method for household expenses.

7) Google Pay Flex Axis Credit Card

As one of the newest entrants, this card is deeply integrated into the Google Pay app. It targets the massive user base of GPay, offering a UPI-first credit experience that is fully digital from application to management.

• Accelerated Stars: Cardholders earn reward points called Stars, where 1 Star is equal to Rs 1. The base rate is 1 Star per Rs 500 spent, but users can unlock up to 8X Stars (8 Stars per Rs 500) based on monthly spending milestones, allowing power users to maximize their returns.

• Instant Redemption: Unlike traditional cards with monthly cycles, Stars can be redeemed instantly against any transaction on Google Pay. This real-time cashback approach ensures users can see the tangible value of their rewards immediately after a purchase.

• Lifetime Free: The card is issued as a lifetime free offering with zero joining and annual fees. This removes the barrier to entry for spenders who want the flexibility of a credit line without the recurring cost of card maintenance.

8) PNB RuPay Select Credit Card

Punjab National Bank offers this high-end variant for those who prioritize security and comprehensive insurance. It is a robust financial product for the mature spender who values peace of mind.

• Insurance Coverage: The card comes with a massive comprehensive insurance cover, including accidental death and total disability. This focus on safety makes it a preferred choice for head-of-households who want integrated financial protection.

• Personal Assistance Services: Cardholders have access to 24/7 concierge services for travel bookings, hotel reservations, and other services. This premium touch brings a level of sophistication usually found in cards with much higher annual fees.

• Global Acceptance: While built on the RuPay network, the Select variant is designed for international use through partner networks. This allows users to enjoy the benefits of a domestic card while still being able to spend abroad.

9) Jupiter Edge+ CSB Bank RuPay Credit Card

Jupiter’s collaboration with CSB Bank offers the Edge+ RuPay credit card. It is designed for digital natives, combining high-value cashback on online brands with the convenience of UPI payments managed entirely through the Jupiter app.

• Accelerated Rewards: The card offers an aggressive 10% cashback on top shopping brands like Amazon, Flipkart, and Myntra, and 5% on travel brands like EaseMyTrip and Yatra. For all other online and offline spends, including UPI, users earn a flat 1% cashback.

• Jewels System: Cashback is credited as Jewels, where 5 Jewels equal Rs 1. These rewards are credited instantly and can be redeemed as cash directly to your account, or used for digital gold, brand vouchers, and even bill payments within the app.

• Lifetime Free: This card is offered as a lifetime free product for many users, featuring zero annual and renewal fees. It often includes welcome perks like a Rs 250 voucher on the first transaction, along with Personal Accident Insurance coverage and concierge services.

10) IndianOil Axis Bank RuPay Card

Similar to the HPCL variant, this card is a dream for commuters who prefer IndianOil outlets. It provides a structured way to earn back a portion of your mandatory monthly fuel spend.

• Value Back: Users get 4% value back on fuel spends through reward points at IndianOil outlets. Given the volume of fuel consumed by car owners, these points accumulate quickly and can be redeemed for free fuel.

• Online Shopping: The card offers 1% value back on online shopping transactions by earning 5 reward points. This makes it a balanced tool for the average user who shops on Amazon or Flipkart regularly.

• Surcharge Waiver: The card features a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all transactions between Rs 400 and Rs 4,000 at IndianOil outlets. This benefit is capped at Rs 50 per statement cycle, providing direct savings at the pump by removing the standard transaction fee.

Note: The above reward points, lounge access, fees, and other expense-related benefits are subject to change by the card provider at any time. Always check with the specific RuPay credit card issuer for the most recent updates on rewards, terms, and charges for further clarification.

Fees, Rewards & Eligibility

When choosing among the best RuPay credit cards in 2026, it’s important to balance reward structure against cost and ease of eligibility. Lifetime free cards eliminate annual costs, making them great for everyday UPI cashback without ongoing fees. Cards with nominal fees often compensate users with higher reward rates and broader category benefits, making them more rewarding if you spend actively across groceries, utilities, and dining.

Most RuPay cards require a minimum age of 18 to 21 years and proof of stable income, often with a simple salary or bank statements. Since many of the best RuPay credit card lifetime free options are digital and virtual-first options, approval is frequently faster and more automated than traditional physical card processes.

How to Choose the Right RuPay Card

Choosing the optimal RuPay credit card requires a systematic approach that balances your lifestyle needs with the practicalities of reward structures.

• Assess your transaction mix: If most of your monthly payments occur through merchant QR codes, cards focused on UPI rewards are ideal for capturing value on those small-ticket spends. Conversely, if your heavy spending is concentrated on lifestyle categories like groceries and dining, a co-branded card may deliver higher value.

• Evaluate reward caps and rates: While high reward rates are attractive, monthly caps often determine your actual earning potential. A card with a lower flat rate but no cap might ultimately prove more beneficial than a high-percentage card that stops earning rewards after a small spending limit.

• Check fees and waivers: Lifetime free cards provide immediate peace of mind, but cards with annual fees often offer superior perks. For paid cards, ensure that the fee-waiver milestones are realistic and align with your existing annual budget to keep the card economical.

• Consider redemption simplicity: The method of getting your rewards back is crucial for long-term satisfaction. Cashback that directly reduces your statement balance is often more tangible and easier to manage than complex point systems that require you to navigate external platforms.

This selection process ensures that you do not simply pick a card based on advertised percentages, but rather choose a financial tool that effectively supports your real-world spending habits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many users chase the highest advertised cashback without reading the terms and conditions or cashback eligibility criteria, and merchant acceptability. It’s critical to understand which transactions qualify, how reward caps or minimum spends work, and whether the card imposes restrictions on redemption. Some RuPay cards restrict cashback on certain expense categories or have exclusion lists. Always read the terms before applying.

Additionally, carrying a balance month over month can make reward value ineffective due to interest charges. The best RuPay credit cards reward responsible spending, which means paying your full balance on time each month.

Conclusion

In 2026, the best RuPay credit card goes beyond simply being a payment tool, it is a mix of digital convenience, UPI cashback rewards, lifetime free options, and flexible reward systems that align with daily spending habits.

Whether you prioritise cashback on UPI payments, no annual fee, or lifestyle benefits, there is a RuPay card to match every profile. By analysing your spending patterns, reward priorities, and fee tolerance, you can confidently choose a RuPay credit card that delivers ongoing financial value throughout the year.

FAQs:

Q1) How do I link my RuPay credit card to UPI apps like Google Pay or PhonePe?

You can link your card by selecting the "Link RuPay Credit Card on UPI" option in your preferred app, choosing your issuing bank, and verifying the details via an OTP to set a unique UPI PIN.

Q2) Can I use a RuPay credit card for person-to-person (P2P) money transfers on UPI?

No, RuPay credit cards on UPI are strictly for merchant payments (P2M) and cannot be used to send money to friends personal bank accounts.

Q3) Which RuPay credit cards are currently offering the best cashback for UPI spends in 2026?

The Tata Neu Infinity HDFC card for ecosystem rewards and the Kiwi RuPay card for direct UPI cashback are among the top-rated choices for maximizing returns on digital spending. However, you should choose the RuPay credit card based on your spending habits.

Q4) Are there any additional charges for making a UPI payment using a RuPay credit card? 

Typically, users making UPI payments via RuPay credit cards incur no extra transaction fees, although policies may vary across banks.

Q5) What is the main advantage of choosing a RuPay credit card over Visa or Mastercard?

The primary benefit is the exclusive ability to link the card to UPI for QR-code-based credit payments, combined with lower annual fees and various perks spread across spending on online platforms, utility bills, accessing airport and railway lounge access and more.