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How to Link Your Credit Card to UPI: A Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

Linking a Credit Card to UPI combines the convenience of instant payments with the flexibility of credit, allowing you to manage both small and large expenses efficiently.
You can make seamless payments by scanning QR codes or using UPI IDs, while continuing to earn rewards and enjoy interest-free credit periods.
The process of linking RuPay Credit Cards to UPI apps is simple, secure, and supported across platforms like BHIM, Google Pay, and Paytm.
Enhanced security features, such as UPI PIN authentication, ensure safe transactions while improving the overall digital payment experience.

21 May 2026 by Team FinFIRST

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The RBI recently announced that it would allow customers to link their Credit Cards to Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platforms. With this update, you can link your Credit Card to UPI and make payments to over 60 million merchants accepting UPI payments. 

This new rule is a major step towards boosting the adoption of digital payments in the country. Being able to access credit using UPI means you can pay for anything from a bag of chips to a swanky audio system quickly and conveniently. Say goodbye to entering your Credit Card details and OTPs. Just scan the merchant’s QR code or enter your UPI ID, and you’re good to go.

Let's dive deeper into this latest update and learn how to link a Credit Card to UPI.

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The need for this change

In India, UPI payments have become a popular payment method. However, UPI payments are deducted instantly from your bank account, while Credit Cards allow you to pay overtime. As Credit Cards allow you to spend on credit, your purchasing power increases. Combined with rewards, Credit Cards make for a more favourable payment method for large purchases. 

Linking your Credit Card to UPI gives you the best of both worlds. You can now enjoy the convenience of UPI and the financial benefits of Credit Cards, such as rewards and interest-free credit for up to 48 days. 

How to link your RuPay Credit Card to UPI 

At present, you can only link RuPay Credit Cards to your UPI platforms. So, if you own a RuPay Credit Card, such as the IDFC FIRST Power or FIRST Power+ Credit Cards, here's how to link it to your UPI account. 

Linking RuPay Credit Card to BHIM UPI

Step 1: Open your BHIM UPI app.

Step 2: Tap your profile or account icon at the top left.

Step 3: Under Payment Methods, select ‘Credit Card’ to add a new card.

Step 4: Choose the bank that issued your credit card.

Step 5: Select your credit card from the list shown.

Step 6: Confirm the card details to complete the setup.

Linking RuPay Credit Card to PhonePe

Step 1: Open the PhonePe app.

Step 2: Click on your account at the top left.

Step 3: Scroll and click on 'Manage Payments.'

Step 4: Click on Credit/Debit Cards and add card.

Step 5: Enter your credit card details or click on 'Link credit card to UPI.'

Step 6: Select the issuing bank and select your credit card.

Step 7: Set the UPI PIN and you are done.

Linking RuPay Credit Card to Google Pay

Step 1 - Open the Google Pay app 

Step 2 - Click on your account details at the top right 

Step 3 - Select 'Set up payment methods'

Step 4 - Select 'Add RuPay Credit Card on UPI'

Step 5 - Choose the Credit Card issuing bank 

Step 6 - Select your RuPay Credit Card 

Step 7 - Confirm the card details 

Linking RuPay Credit Card to Paytm

Step 1 - Open the Paytm app 

Step 2 - Click on your account details at the top left 

Step 3 - Select 'UPI & Payment Settings'

Step 4 - Select 'Link RuPay Credit Card on Paytm UPI'

Step 5 - Choose the Credit Card issuing bank 

Step 6 - Select your RuPay Credit Card 

Step 7 - Confirm the card details 

Here is how to make Credit Card payments once you have linked your card to a UPI app.

How to make credit card payments via UPI

Once you have linked your Credit Card to one of your UPI apps, you can start paying through the app as you normally would. You can choose from scanning a QR code, entering a mobile number, or paying to another merchant’s UPI ID.

Remember to set up a UPI PIN before using your Credit Card on UPI. This ensures safety and ease of use. Here's how to set it up:

Step 1: Open your UPI app and go to the linked accounts/cards section

Step 2: Select your linked RuPay Credit Card

Step 3: Choose “Set UPI PIN”

Step 4: Verify with OTP and Create your UPI PIN

Step 5: UPI PIN is set successfully

Once your Credit Card is linked and your PIN is set, you can make payments by following these steps - 

Step 1 - Scan any merchant UPI QR code 

Step 2 - Enter the amount or pay with an auto-fetched amount

Step 3 - Select your linked RuPay Credit Card

Step 4 - Enter UPI PIN, and you are done

Benefits of linking your IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card to UPI

IDFC FIRST Bank has RuPay credit cards for different kinds of spenders.

FIRST Power and FIRST Power+ Credit Cards

If fuel is a big part of your monthly spend, these are worth a look. The Power+ in particular gets you savings of up to 6.5% at HPCL stations, plus rewards on groceries and daily expenses.

Hello Cashback Credit Card

This FD-backed card gives you up to 5% cashback on online spends, so your regular shopping actually pays you back.

FIRST EARN Credit Card

Use UPI for most of your daily payments? This FD-backed card gives you up to 1% cashback on UPI spends made through the IDFC FIRST Bank app.

Already have an IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card? You can activate UPI on it for just ₹199 and start earning up to 3X reward points on UPI transactions. Your existing card benefits stay intact.

Once your RuPay Credit Card from IDFC FIRST Bank is issued, you do not need to do anything extra. It is already set up for UPI Scan and Pay through the IDFC FIRST Bank Mobile App.

Conclusion

Linking your Credit Card to UPI opens up a more flexible and rewarding way to pay. By doing so, you can make quick payments and transactions while enjoying the freedom of Credit Cards. UPI also provides a secure and hassle-free online payment method and allows you to keep track of your spending. Explore IDFC FIRST Bank RuPay Credit Cards and start making the most of every UPI payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I link my credit card to UPI?

To link your credit card to UPI, open a supported UPI app, go to the “Add Payment Method” section, and select “Credit Card.” Enter your card details, such as card number and expiry date, and verify using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number. You will then have to set a UPI PIN, after which your credit card will be successfully linked for transactions.

Which credit cards can be linked to UPI in India?

Currently, only RuPay credit cards issued by participating banks can be linked to UPI. Networks like Visa and Mastercard are gradually being enabled, but availability depends on the bank and app. It is advisable to check with your card issuer or UPI app for compatibility. Several banks offer digital RuPay versions on your existing credit card that can be linked to the UPI apps.

What are the benefits of linking a credit card to UPI?

Linking your credit card to UPI offers enhanced convenience and flexibility. You can make small-value payments without using your bank balance while still earning reward points on eligible transactions. It also helps manage cash flow better by providing a credit period before repayment. Additionally, you can use UPI even where card machines are not available.

How do I make a UPI payment using a credit card?

While making a payment through a UPI app, select your linked credit card as the payment option. Enter the UPI ID or scan the QR code, input the amount, and authenticate the transaction using your UPI PIN. The amount is charged to your credit card and reflected in your monthly statement.

Is it safe to link a credit card to UPI?

Yes, linking a credit card to UPI is safe, as it uses multiple security layers, including device binding, OTP verification, and UPI PIN authentication. However, you should avoid sharing your PIN or OTP with anyone and use only trusted apps to ensure secure transactions.

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.

The features, benefits and offers mentioned in the article are applicable as on the day of publication of this blog and is subject to change without notice. The contents herein are also subject to other product specific terms and conditions and any third party terms and conditions, as applicable. Please refer our website www.idfcfirst.bank.in for latest updates.