Users were making UPI payments only from their bank payments. But now they can add their credit cards and debit cards too to their UPI app, and make payments from these directly. This feature can be used to pay bills, pay at merchant locations, or pay for online purchases. You cannot transfer money from your credit card to another bank account through an UPI app. 

It wouldn't be an exaggeration if we said UPI has changed the way we make payments. UPI has made it easier for users to make payments directly from their bank accounts. With a simple QR code scan, you are now able to transfer money from your account to any account. No need to add payee or bother about bank account details. 

Another convenience of using UPI is that you don't have to go searching for an ATM to withdraw cash. UPI payments can be made for any amount so you can pay any merchant, be it a pani puri seller or gold jewelry showroom - UPI works everywhere. 

Read More: How To Register For An UPI?

Until very recently, UPI apps only allowed merchant payments from bank accounts. Many users were disgruntled that UPI apps didn't allow credit cards to be added for payments. Good news for you all! You can now add your credit card or debit card to your UPI apps and make payments from them. 

Though there are still restrictions on where you can use the credit or debit card, it is still great news to frequent users of UPI apps. This means that they get to earn more rewards & cashbacks for their UPI transactions. 

Which UPI Apps Allow Transactions Through Credit & Debit Card? 

Most leading UPI apps, like Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, Amazon Pay, allow users to transact through credit & debit cards on their UPI service. Again, your credit card can be used to pay bills, pay for shopping, or for online purchases only. You cannot use your credit card and transfer money to another person through the UPI App. 

How To Add My Credit Or Debit Card To My UPI App? 

Paytm, Google Pay & PhonePe are the most widely used UPI apps in India. Let us see how to add a credit or debit card to each of these UPI apps. 

Adding Credit/Debit Card To Paytm

Paytm accepts a variety of credit and debit cards to make the payment process simple and convenient for its users. To make payments on the Paytm app, you can use Visa, Master, Rupay, Amex, and Diners cards. You can also use these cards to add money to your Paytm Wallet and save the card details for future easy and quick payments.

  1. Open the Paytm mobile app and navigate to the profile section by clicking on your profile picture in the upper left corner of the main screen.
  2. The left sidebar that appears will show you a variety of options from which to choose. Click on the 'Payment Settings' option to add a credit/debit card to your Paytm account.
  3. Then, select the 'Saved Cards' option.
  4. You'll see a list of your added cards on the next screen that appears. Click the 'Add New Card' button beneath those card details.
  5. Following that, you will be notified that Paytm will deduct Rs. 1 from your newly added card. This is done to validate your credit card information. Please keep in mind that the Re. 1 debited will be refunded to your credit/debit card within the next 48 hours. Now, press the 'Proceed' button.
  6. The following screen will prompt you to enter your desired card information. Check the box next to 'Save this card for future payments.'
  7. Proceed by confirming a Rs. 2 payment from your new credit/debit card.
  8. Your new card will be successfully added to your Paytm account once the payment is completed and your details are verified.

Adding A Credit Or Debit Card To Google Pay

Instead of paying directly from a linked bank account, you can add credit or debit cards to your list of Google Pay payment methods. You can use a credit or debit card that has been added to Google Pay for the following transactions:

  • Bharat QR
  • Tap & Pay (NFC)
  • In-app merchants

Here is how you can do it – 

  1. Open Google Pay on your mobile device.
  2. Tap on your profile picture, then on Bank Accounts and Cards, and finally on Add Card
  3. Enter the card number, expiry date, CVV, and the name and billing address of the cardholder
  4. Click on ‘Save’. You then have to accept the terms and conditions of the issuer
  5. Google Pay will contact your bank to verify your card
  6. You can choose the method of verification
  7. You will be required to provide additional authentication via OTP
  8. The OTP will be read automatically, or you can enter it manually
  9. Tap the ‘Activate’ button to activate your new card's payment method on Google Pay
  10. Fill in your one-time password and you your card addition will be confirmed

Only the following cards are currently accepted on Google Pay – 

Bank

Cards

Axis Bank

Visa credit card

Visa debit card

MasterCard credit card

MasterCard debit card

SBI Bank

Visa credit card

Visa debit card

Kotak Bank

Visa credit card

Visa debit card

HDFC Bank

Visa credit card

Visa debit card

IndusInd Bank

Visa credit card

Visa debit card

Federal Bank

Visa debit card

MasterCard credit card

RBL Bank

MasterCard credit card

MasterCard debit card

HSBC Bank

Visa credit card

MasterCard credit card

 

How To Add A Credit Or Debit Card On Phonepe?

PhonePe allows you to add your credit or debit card to enable faster payments. You can add cards issued by Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Diners, & RuPay, to your PhonePe account. Here is how – 

  1. Open the PhonePe app on your mobile device. The profile picture is displayed in the upper left corner. Select the profile picture icon.
  2. Select "View All Payment Methods."
  3. Select Credit/Debit Cards. This section includes the option "Add Card." Then select "Add Card."
  4. Select Credit/Debit Cards. This section includes the option "Add Card." Then select "Add Card."
  5. Select the "Add" option. Your registered mobile number will receive an OTP (One Time Password). Enter your OTP correctly and click the submit button. Then your credit card will be successfully added to PhonePe. Following these steps, you can add more cards.

How To Pay Using A Credit Or Debit Card Through An UPI App?

Once you have added your cards to the UPI app, there are 3 options to pay – 

By scanning the QR code | Using phone number | Tap & Pay (NFC contactless payments)

  • Once you start the payment process on your UPI app, you can choose which account you want to pay from. 
  • Choose the credit card or debit card you want to pay from. 
  • Enter your UPI pin. 
  • The payment is done. It is as easy as that!

FAQs of  Making UPI Payments Via Credit & Debit Cards

1:Can I transfer money to my brother’s bank account using the credit card I added to my UPI app? 

No, the credit card payment on your UPI app can be used only for merchant payments. 

2:Is there any limit on how much I can pay using a credit card on my UPI app? 

The daily and monthly limits on credit card payments are informed to you by your UPI service provider. 

3:Where can I pay using credit cards through UPI? 

You can use a credit or debit card that has been added to your UPI app for the following transactions:

  • Tap and Pay at NFC payment terminals
  • Bharat QR code payments accepted at online and offline merchants
  • Bill payments and recharges
  • Online payments on ecommerce sites like Myntra, Dunzo, Yatra, Magicpin, Coolwinks, EaseMyTrip, and Confirmtkt Android apps

4:Are my card details safe on the PhonePe app? 

PhonePe is a reputable UPI app. PhonePe Safecard is where cards are saved based on a card tokenise system. So you can rest assured that your credit cards and money are secure with PhonePe.

5:Will Google Pay accept my Card if my physical Card is closed or blocked?

No, if your physical card is blocked, your tokenized card on Google Pay will not function.