UPI & RuPay
UPI MDR October 15 Rollout Postponed: 0.4% Merchant Fee Now Due After Diwali
NPCI postponed the 0.4% MDR on select UPI merchant payments above ₹2,000 that was due October 15. Here is what remains unchanged and what happens next.
4.5/5 Editorial Score
HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card
Virtual Digital UPI Powerhouse — 3% CashPoints on Groceries & 2% on Utility Bills
Best Suited For
Daily smartphone spenders, PayZapp/UPI users, and grocery shoppers looking to link a digital credit card to Google Pay or PhonePe for small daily merchant QR transactions.
Joining Fee
₹250
One-time upfrontAnnual Fee
₹250
Waived on ₹25,000 annual spendBase Rewards
1% CashPoints on all other UPI retail payments
On eligible spendsForex Markup
3.50% + GST
Cross-currency spendsLast verified 17 Sept 2026
Why Consider This Card?
Objective editorial assessment, ideal spender profile, and primary trade-offs
Editorial Verdict
4.5/5 Editorial Score
The HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card is a streamlined, virtual-first credit card specifically designed by India's largest private bank to capture high-frequency everyday mobile payments through the RuPay credit-on-UPI infrastructure. Issued instantly in a digital form factor with zero physical plastic delay, the card carries a minimal **annual fee of ₹250 + GST**, which is effortlessly waived upon spending a modest **₹25,000 annually** across retail purchases. The card's reward engine is tailored around routine household micro-transactions: cardholders earn an elevated **3% CashPoints on groceries, departmental stores, supermarket purchases, dining, and PayZapp transactions** (capped at 500 CashPoints per month). On essential household utility bills (electricity, water, piped gas, broadband), the card earns a solid **2% CashPoints** (capped at 500 CashPoints per month). All other retail purchases and everyday merchant UPI QR code scans earn 1% base CashPoints. Linking seamlessly to all major UPI applications—including Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, and PayZapp—the card allows users to clear morning tea, grocery runs, and restaurant bills on credit while earning valuable rewards. CashPoints can be redeemed 1:1 against bill payments or catalog vouchers. While it does not include airport lounge privileges, for consumers wanting a dedicated, ultra-low-maintenance secondary card for daily UPI scans, this card is exceptionally efficient.
Ideal For:Daily smartphone spenders, PayZapp/UPI users, and grocery shoppers looking to link a digital credit card to Google Pay or PhonePe for small daily merchant QR transactions.
Card Strengths
- 3% CashPoints on grocery shopping, supermarket visits, dining, and PayZapp spends
- 2% CashPoints on household utility bill payments (electricity, water, broadband)
- Seamless RuPay credit-on-UPI functionality across Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm
- Extremely low spend waiver threshold of just ₹25,000 annually for fee waiver
- Instant digital issuance without waiting for physical card delivery
Things to Keep in Mind
- Monthly CashPoints on 3% grocery and 2% utility categories are capped at 500 points each
- CashPoint conversion value is ₹0.25 per point against statement credit
- No complimentary domestic or international airport lounge access included
- Standard foreign currency markup of 3.50% applies on overseas transactions
Additional Cardholder Privileges
Cashback
3% CashPoints on Groceries & Dining
Earn 3% CashPoints on everyday groceries, supermarket shopping, and restaurant bills paid via UPI, capped at 500 points/month.
Cashback
2% CashPoints on Utilities
Earn 2% CashPoints on electricity, gas, water, and telecom bill payments via UPI apps, capped at 500 points/month.
Other
Instant UPI Linking via RuPay
Link your virtual card directly to Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, or PayZapp to scan any merchant UPI QR code seamlessly.
Rewards & Cashback Structure
Base earning rates, partner merchant acceleration, redemption options, and exclusions
- Reward Program Name
- UPI RuPay CashPoints
- Reward Currency
- CashPoints
- Base Earn Rate
- 1% CashPoints on all other UPI retail payments
- Point Value (INR)
- ₹0.2500 per point
- Redemption Channels
- Minimum 2,000 CashPoints required for statement redemption. Statement credit processing fee applies per HDFC policy.
- Reward Point Expiry
- CashPoints are valid for 1 year from the date of accumulation.
Category Accelerated Earn RatesPublished Terms
| Spend Category | Earn Rate | Reward Cap | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries, Supermarket, Dining & PayZapp UPI | 3% CashPoints on groceries, supermarkets, dining, and PayZapp transactions (min tx ₹100, max 500 CashPoints/month) | 500 CashPoints/mo | Standard terms apply |
| Utility Bill Payments via UPI | 2% CashPoints on electricity, water, gas, and telecom utility payments via UPI (min tx ₹100, max 500 CashPoints/month) | 500 CashPoints/mo | Standard terms apply |
| All Other UPI Spends | 1% CashPoints on all other eligible merchant UPI transactions (min tx ₹100, max 500 CashPoints/month) | 500 CashPoints/mo | Standard terms apply |
Explore top credit cards and rewards across top verified merchant brands.Browse Merchant Hubs
Estimate Your Custom Monthly Rewards
Calculate estimated net cashback and points across your actual spending pattern.
Reward Exclusions: Fuel transactions, wallet loading, cash withdrawals, rent payments, educational payments, and government services are generally excluded from base and accelerated reward point accrual across all Indian card issuers.
Reward Calculator
Estimate Your Annual Rewards
Estimate your rewards using the card's current reward rates, monthly caps and applicable fee-waiver rules.
Verified Rates & Caps
Quick Select:
Total Monthly Spend:₹30,000 / month
₹5,000 / mo₹1 lakh / mo₹2 lakh / mo
Category Spend Allocation
Customize monthly spend in each category. Category amounts sum directly to your monthly spend.
Groceries, Supermarket, Dining & PayZapp UPI3.00%
Cap: ₹500/monthly
₹
Utility Bill Payments via UPI2.00%
Cap: ₹500/monthly
₹
All Other UPI Spends1.00%
Cap: ₹500/monthly
₹
Excluded / Non-Reward Spends0%
Fuel, rent, wallet, govt, cash
₹
| Category / Reward Bucket | Monthly Spend | Rate | Effective Rate | Cap Period | Eligible Reward | Cap Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries, Supermarket, Dining & PayZapp UPI | ₹6,000 | 3% CashPoints on groceries, supermarkets, dining, and PayZapp transactions (min tx ₹100, max 500 CashPoints/month) | — | ₹500/monthly | Calculating... | Under cap |
| Utility Bill Payments via UPI | ₹6,000 | 2% CashPoints on electricity, water, gas, and telecom utility payments via UPI (min tx ₹100, max 500 CashPoints/month) | — | ₹500/monthly | Calculating... | Under cap |
| All Other UPI Spends | ₹18,000 | 1% CashPoints on all other eligible merchant UPI transactions (min tx ₹100, max 500 CashPoints/month) | — | ₹500/monthly | Calculating... | Under cap |
| Total Monthly Cashback | ₹30,000 | - | — | - | ₹0 / mo | Zero cap loss |
Annual Spends
₹3.6 lakh
12 billing cyclesAnnual Capped Rewards
₹0
0% blended returnEffective Fee
-₹250
Standard renewalNet Annual Value
+₹0 / yr
Rewards - Fee*Calculation based on verified card reward rates, applicable monthly caps, and fee-waiver thresholds - ₹250 annual fee.
Multi-card comparatorMilestone Spend Progression
Bonus vouchers and annual fee waiver milestones unlocked as your total spend increases
1
Worth ₹99Tier 1 Target
₹25,000per year
Annual Fee Waiver
Spend ₹25,000 or more in an anniversary year to receive a complete waiver of the ₹99 annual renewal fee.
*Milestone spend calculation is tracked across eligible retail purchases within each specified billing or calendar period. Excludes cash advances, wallet loads, and EMI conversions.
Airport Lounge Access
Domestic and international lounge privileges, spend hurdles, and participating terminals
No Airport Lounge Access Included
This card is tailored primarily for shopping rewards, cashback, or specific co-branded spend and does not include complimentary airport lounge visits.
Fees & Charges
Complete breakdown of joining, renewal, forex, financing APR, and transaction charges
1. Card Membership Fees
- Joining Fee (1st Year)
- ₹250
- Annual / Renewal Fee (2nd Year Onwards)
- ₹250
- Annual Spend Fee Waiver
- Waived on ₹25,000 annual spend
- Fee Terms Notes
- Joining fee ₹250 + GST; annual renewal fee ₹250 + GST waived on spending ₹25,000 in preceding year.
2. International Spends
- Foreign Currency Markup (Forex)
- 3.50% + GST
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)
- Standard 1% mark-up on cross-currency INR transactions where applicable
3. Borrowing & Financing
- Monthly Interest Rate (Finance Charges)
- Refer to official schedule of charges
- Annualized Interest Rate (APR)
- Refer to official schedule of charges
- Cash Advance / ATM Withdrawal Fee
- Refer to official schedule of charges
- Interest-Free Period
- Up to 50 Days
4. Other Charges & Taxes
- Late Payment Charges
- Refer to official schedule of charges
Regulatory Tax Notice: Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 18% is applicable on all card fees, interest charges, and milestone fees as mandated by the Government of India.
Verified Terms & Exclusions Summary
• Card Form Factor: Virtual digital credit card issued instantly on the RuPay network (linked to UPI apps). • Joining Fee: ₹250 + GST (Frequently waived under digital onboarding promotions). • Annual Renewal Fee: ₹250 + GST. • Spend-Based Fee Waiver: Annual fee waived on achieving retail spends of ₹25,00,000 not required; waived on spending just ₹25,000 in preceding year. • 3% Groceries & Dining CashPoints: 3% CashPoints on grocery, supermarket, departmental store, dining, and PayZapp transactions (capped at 500 CashPoints per calendar month). • 2% Utility CashPoints: 2% CashPoints on utility bill payments (electricity, gas, water, broadband; capped at 500 CashPoints per calendar month). • 1% Base CashPoints: 1% CashPoints on other eligible retail and merchant UPI QR code payments. • CashPoint Redemption: 1 CashPoint = ₹0.25 when redeemed against statement credit or travel/merchandise vouchers. • Airport Lounge Access: None (virtual UPI card without complimentary airport lounge access). • Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% surcharge waiver on fuel transactions between ₹400 and ₹5,000 (maximum waiver ₹250 per month). • Foreign Currency Markup: 3.50% + GST on foreign exchange transactions.
Is the Annual Fee Worth It?
Evaluate whether this card's perks and waiver threshold justify its ₹250 renewal fee.
Eligibility & Application Requirements
Income criteria, minimum age, CIBIL score benchmark, and verification checklist
Eligibility criteria not specified
Verified eligibility criteria are not currently available for this card. Check the issuer's latest terms before applying.
Mandatory Verification Documents
1. Identity ProofPAN Card (Mandatory), Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID.
2. Address ProofAadhaar (DigiLocker), Utility Bill (Electricity/Piped Gas), or Rental Agreement.
3. Income ProofLatest 3 months salary slips, Form 16, or latest 2 years ITR computation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions regarding HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card application, fees, reward redemption, and eligibility
How do I link HDFC UPI RuPay card to Google Pay or PhonePe?
Open your UPI app, navigate to 'Add RuPay Credit Card', select HDFC Bank, confirm your registered mobile number, and enter the last 6 digits and expiry date of your virtual card to set your UPI PIN.
Can I use this card to send money to a friend's bank account via UPI?
No. Under NPCI regulations, RuPay credit cards on UPI can only be used for merchant transactions (P2M payments), such as scanning merchant QR codes or paying online merchant platforms. Peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers are not allowed.
What is the cash value of HDFC CashPoints on this card?
CashPoints can be redeemed through HDFC NetBanking or MyCards at a rate of 1 CashPoint = ₹0.25 against your credit card statement balance, or redeemed for product vouchers.
How do I waive the ₹250 annual fee?
The annual renewal fee of ₹250 + GST is completely waived if you spend ₹25,000 or more in retail transactions during the preceding card anniversary year.
What is the joining and annual renewal fee for HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card?
The joining fee for HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card is ₹250 (one-time), and the annual renewal fee is ₹250 from the second year onwards. GST of 18% is applicable on all fee charges.
Can the annual fee on HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card be waived?
Yes, the annual renewal fee of ₹250 is waived upon achieving annual spends of ₹25,000 in the preceding card anniversary year.
What are the primary rewards and cashback earn rates on HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card?
HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card offers 1% CashPoints on all other UPI retail payments. Cardholders also enjoy accelerated reward rates on partner merchants and selected digital spend categories.
Does HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card offer complimentary airport lounge access?
No, HDFC Bank UPI RuPay Credit Card is designed for daily retail, cashback, or UPI spend and does not currently include complimentary airport lounge visits.
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DIRECT BANK APPLICATION
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Direct online application on the official HDFC Bank portal with paperless verification.
