The RuPay on UPI Game-Changer
For years, credit card rewards were reserved for swipes at physical stores or online checkouts. Everyday UPI payments, made by scanning a QR code, were exclusively linked to bank accounts. That changed when the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
enabled RuPay credit cards to be linked with UPI apps. This innovation allows you to pay merchants via QR code using your credit card's credit limit, not your bank balance. It merges the convenience of UPI with the reward-earning power of credit cards, creating a powerful tool for savvy spenders. Now, countless small transactions can contribute to a larger reward goal, like earning air miles.
Choosing the Right Card for Airmiles
Not all credit cards are created equal, especially for travel rewards. To turn spending into flights, you need a card that either directly earns air miles or offers reward points that can be converted to airline loyalty programs. There are two main types to consider: Co-branded Airline Cards (e.g., Air India SBI Signature, Axis Vistara) reward you with miles for a specific airline. These are ideal if you are loyal to one carrier. Flexible Travel Cards (e.g., HDFC Diners Club Black, Axis Atlas) provide bank-specific reward points that can be transferred to multiple airline partners like Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer or British Airways' Avios. This offers greater flexibility. When choosing, focus on the reward rate for UPI spends, the point-to-mile conversion ratio (1:1 is excellent), and the list of airline transfer partners.
How to Link Your Card: A 3-Step Guide
Connecting your RuPay credit card to your preferred UPI app is a simple, one-time process. First, open your UPI app (like Google Pay, PhonePe, or BHIM) and navigate to the payment methods or profile section. Look for an option like 'Add Credit Card' or 'Link RuPay Credit Card'. Second, select your credit card's issuing bank from the list. The app will automatically find any eligible RuPay cards linked to your registered mobile number. Select the card you want to add. Third, you will need to set a UPI PIN specifically for that credit card. This usually involves verifying the last six digits of your card and the expiry date, followed by an OTP. This PIN will be used to authorise all your future UPI payments made with the card.
From Points to Your Next Plane Ticket
Once you've accumulated a healthy balance of reward points, the final step is to convert them into flights. The process generally involves logging into your credit card's online banking portal. Navigate to the rewards or redemption section and find the option for 'Points Transfer' or 'Airline Partners'. Here, you'll see a list of partner airlines. You'll need to link your frequent flyer membership account for the chosen airline by providing your membership ID. After linking, you can specify how many points you want to transfer. Once the miles appear in your frequent flyer account (which can take a few days), you can use them to book 'award flights' directly on the airline's website.
The Fine Print: What to Watch Out For
While this strategy is powerful, it's essential to be aware of the rules. The term "free flight" usually refers to the base fare; you will almost always have to pay for taxes and carrier fees yourself. Secondly, while customers are not directly charged for using a credit card on UPI, merchants are charged a fee (Merchant Discount Rate or MDR) on transactions, especially those over ₹2,000. Some smaller merchants may be hesitant to accept this payment method because of the cost to them. Finally, many cards exclude certain categories like fuel, rent payments, wallet loads, and utilities from their rewards program, so these UPI spends won't earn you any points. Always read your card's terms to understand which transactions qualify for rewards.
