RuPay is India’s pioneering global card payment network and boasts widespread acceptance nationwide. Since their launch, the RuPay credit card has been embraced by most of the banking institutions in the country. With an embedded chip that enables transactions to be carried out securely, credit cards can be used online and offline via Point of Sale (PoS) machines.
The term ‘RuPay’ was coined by merging two words – Rupee and Payment. RuPay is India’s indigenous endeavour for card payments. Similar to MasterCard and Visa, RuPay does not function as a standalone card. Instead, it operates as a payment network that allows banks and credit card issuers to issue debit and credit cards. Three variants of RuPay credit cards are available in India - the RuPay Classic card, RuPay Select card, and RuPay Platinum card.
The RBI has proposed to link credit cards to UPI. RuPay, being a brainchild of the government-run NPCI, will be among the first card networks to integrate this functionality.
This will allow you to link your account with UPI with a RuPay credit card and make transactions seamless and convenient. This will expand your payment options considerably.
However, it should be noted that this is not operational yet. It will be possible only after all systems have been developed efficiently.
RuPay credit card comes with an in-built microprocessor circuit that holds your information.
These cards, developed by the NPCI, have an embedded EMV chip. This chip allows you to make all transactions of high or low value with absolute protection.
This makes RuPay debit and credit cards exceptionally secure. RuPay, India’s homegrown card payment network, can be used at ATMs that operate on the National Financial Switch network.
Moreover, you can swipe your RuPay card at more than 8.75 Lakh sale terminals all over the country to directly make a purchase. A RuPay Credit Card can be used internationally as well in 1.90 million locations in 200+ countries.
Many leading banks in India are currently offering RuPay credit cards. Here’s a table outlining some of the best RuPay credit cards that you can consider applying for:
RuPay Credit Card |
Type of Card |
Fees |
Benefits |
Rewards |
₹1,000 + GST |
|
|
IndianOil Kotak Credit Card |
Fuel |
₹449 + GST |
|
IDFC FIRST Power Credit Card |
Fuel |
₹199 + GST |
|
HDFC Bank Rupay IRCTC Credit Card |
Travel |
₹500 + GST |
|
PNB RuPay Select Credit Card |
Rewards |
₹500 + GST |
|
IRCTC Rupay SBI Credit Card |
Travel |
₹500 + GST (joining fee)
₹300 + GST (annual fee) |
|
Union Uni Carbon Credit Card |
Fuel |
₹499 + GST |
|
IDBI Winnings RuPay Select Credit Card |
Rewards |
₹899 + GST (applicable from the 2nd year onwards) |
|
SBI Shaurya Credit Card |
Shopping |
₹250 + GST |
|
Union Platinum RuPay Credit Card |
Cashback |
₹299 + GST |
|
A RuPay credit card can be accepted for transactions at following payment destinations:
ATMs
Point-of-sale terminals
Online shopping portals
IVR
Note that an international RuPay credit card can be used at domestic points of acceptance (within India) along with ICS partner acceptance points. These include:
Several international ATMs
Online shopping portals
Retail terminals
The RBI has proposed to link credit cards to UPI. RuPay, will be among the first card networks to integrate this functionality.
This will allow you to link your account with UPI with a RuPay credit card and make transactions seamless and convenient. This will expand your payment options considerably.
However, it should be noted that this is not operational yet. It will be possible only after all systems have been developed efficiently.
You can get a RuPay credit card by applying for it online or offline with your bank. To apply for it offline, follow the given process:
Visit the nearest branch of your bank
Fill in the application form
Submit all the required documents like your Aadhaar card, income proof, etc.
You can also apply for the RuPay credit card online by following the steps below:
Visit your bank’s official website
Fill in the online application along with the required documents to get this card
Note that you must fulfil certain criteria related to age, income, etc. in order to be eligible to get a RuPay credit card.
Yes, a specific RuPay credit card - the Indian Bank RuPay Kisan Credit Card - is available for farmers. They can use this card to utilise ATM services and make PoS transactions.
No, GooglePay does not accept RuPay credit cards. GooglePay supports only Mastercard and Visa cards by select banks.
Yes, Paytm supports a RuPay credit card.
RuPay does not charge any joining or annual fees on its cards. The issuing bank generally levies such charges, which can vary from one bank to another.
Yes. You can use Global RuPay credit cards with the Discover, Pulse, and Diners’ logos for international transactions at merchant locations and ATMs.
Yes, the RuPay credit card can be used for purchases online.
The issuing bank establishes the charges for RuPay credit cards. It is not the card network RuPay, but the issuing bank that decides the various charges typically applicable to credit cards.
Yes. Many banks allow you to convert your RuPay credit card into a Visa credit card. However, this will lead to your RuPay card being deactivated permanently.
Since RuPay credit cards are domestic cards, they have a significantly reduced processing fee. This is because domestic processing is employed for local transactions. On the other hand, Visa and MasterCard are international system cards. Hence, they are considerably more expensive, as their processing occurs overseas.
Furthermore, since RuPay credit cards are handled locally, transactions are typically faster when you use RuPay cards over Visa credit cards.