India expands credit‑card use through UPI linking and bill payments

Indian RuPay credit cards can now be linked to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) so that everyday merchant purchases—such as groceries, medicines and fuel—are routed through the card while using familiar QR‑code UPI apps. The linking process involves selecting a card‑link option in a UPI app, entering card details, confirming with an OTP and a UPI PIN, after which the card appears as a payment option for eligible merchants. Rewards, cashback and statement consolidation are offered, though person‑to‑person transfers and cash withdrawals remain excluded.

Credit‑card bills can also be settled via UPI. Users choose either Bharat BillPay (BBPS) or a direct VPA (virtual payment address) in any UPI app, enter the card number or VPA, specify the amount and confirm with their PIN. Payments clear within seconds and normally update the issuer’s balance within five to thirty minutes. Limits of ₹1,00,000 per transaction apply, and larger amounts may need to be split. Common errors include wrong VPAs, exceeding limits, or server delays. UPI intent links sent by issuers enable one‑tap payments from email or SMS reminders.