The Game-Changer: Credit on UPI
Until recently, UPI payments were exclusively linked to bank accounts, offering no rewards. The big shift came when RuPay credit cards were permitted to be linked with UPI apps. This means your everyday QR code payments can now be charged to a credit line,
and more importantly, they can earn you reward points, just like a regular card swipe. Unlike Visa or Mastercard, only RuPay network cards currently support this direct UPI linkage for merchant payments. This opens up a powerful new way to accumulate rewards on expenses that previously earned you nothing.
Step 1: Choose a Rewarding RuPay Credit Card
The first and most crucial step is to get the right card. Not all RuPay cards are equal when it comes to UPI rewards. Some offer direct cashback, while others provide points best suited for travel. For travel enthusiasts, cards like the Scapia Federal RuPay Credit Card or the Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit Card are strong contenders. The Scapia card, for instance, offers rewards as 'Scapia Coins' on UPI spends over ₹500, which can be directly redeemed for travel bookings. The Tata Neu Infinity card provides NeuCoins on UPI transactions, with a rewarding 1.5% return on spends made via the Tata Neu UPI handle. These NeuCoins can be used for flights on Air India Express. It is important to check the card's reward structure, annual fees, and any caps on monthly earnings from UPI transactions.
Step 2: Link Your Card to a UPI App
Once you have a suitable RuPay credit card, the linking process is straightforward. Open your preferred UPI app—like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm—and navigate to the payment settings or profile section. Look for an option like "Add Credit Card" or "Link RuPay Credit Card." You will need to select your card-issuing bank and then choose the specific RuPay card linked to your mobile number. The app will ask you to verify the card by entering the last few digits and the expiry date, followed by an OTP. Finally, you'll set a new UPI PIN specifically for your credit card transactions. Once set, you can select your credit card as the payment method when scanning a merchant QR code.
Step 3: From Points to Plane Tickets
Accumulating points is only half the battle; the real art is in the redemption. There are two main ways to turn your points into flights. The first is direct redemption through the bank's own travel portal. For example, points from some premium HDFC cards can be used on their SmartBuy platform to book flights, where points act like currency with a fixed value. Similarly, Scapia Coins are redeemed within the Scapia app for travel bookings. The second, and often more valuable method, is transferring your credit card points to airline frequent flyer programs. Cards like the Axis Bank Magnus allow you to convert EDGE Reward Points into miles with partner airlines like Vistara (Club Vistara) or Air India. This can offer a much higher value per point, especially for business class or international flights, though it requires more planning to find award seat availability.
Smart Strategies to Maximise Your Earnings
To get to that 'free' flight faster, you need a strategy. First, use your UPI-linked credit card for as many merchant payments as possible, from your daily coffee to larger purchases. Be mindful of monthly reward caps; for instance, the Tata Neu Infinity card caps UPI-based earnings at 500 NeuCoins per month. Also, some cards offer accelerated rewards only when using their specific UPI handle, so it pays to check the terms. Finally, keep an eye out for transfer bonuses. Banks sometimes run promotions offering extra miles when you convert your points to a partner airline, stretching the value of your earnings even further.
