IDFC First Bank Credit Card Payments through UPI

Last Updated : May 10, 2025, 6:19 p.m.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital payments in India, the integration of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) with credit card payments represents a significant breakthrough. IDFC First Bank, a leading financial institution known for its customer-centric innovations, has embraced this technological advancement by enabling credit card payments through UPI. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about IDFC First Bank credit card payments through UPI, offering insights into the process, benefits, and impact on your financial health.

Understanding UPI for Credit Card Payments

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized the way Indians make financial transactions, offering a seamless, instant, and secure method to transfer money. Traditionally, UPI was linked only to savings and current accounts. However, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) expanded this facility to include RuPay credit cards , allowing users to leverage UPI’s convenience for credit card transactions.

IDFC First Bank has been at the forefront of this innovation, enabling its customers to link their credit cards with UPI, thereby offering an additional payment channel that combines the benefits of credit cards with the simplicity of UPI.

How to Set Up IDFC First Bank Credit Card Payment through UPI?

Setting up your IDFC First Bank credit card for UPI payments is a straightforward process that can be completed through various UPI apps. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the most popular platforms:

Using PhonePe

1. Open the PhonePe app and navigate to your profile section
2. Select ‘Payment Methods’ from the menu
3. Tap on ‘RuPay Credit on UPI’ or ‘Credit Card on UPI’
4. Choose ‘Add New Card’ and opt for ‘IDFC FIRST Credit Card’
5. Input your credit card details including expiry date, card number, and CVV
6. Complete verification with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
7. Create a four digit UPI PIN to verify future transactions
8. Your IDFC First Bank credit card is now linked. You can now use it for UPI payments

Using Google Pay

1. Launch the Google Pay app. Then, tap on your profile picture

2. Select ‘RuPay credit card’ or ‘Payment methods’

3. Choose ‘IDFC First Bank RuPay credit card’

4. Enter your card details accurately

5. Verify your identity with the OTP received

6. Create a UPI PIN for transaction authorization
   
7. Your card is now properly linked to Google Pay

Using Paytm

1. Open the Paytm app and go to ‘UPI MONEY TRANSFER’

2. Tap on ‘Link RuPay Card to UPI’
3. From the options, select ‘IDFC FIRST RuPay Credit Card’
4. Enter your complete card information
5. Authenticate with the OTP verification
6. Set your UPI PIN for future transactions
7. Your IDFC First Bank credit card is now ready for UPI payments.

IDFC First Bank Credit Cards Compatible with UPI

IDFC First Bank offers several credit cards that can be linked with UPI, with the RuPay-powered cards being the primary options:

FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST Digital RuPay Credit Card is specifically designed for seamless UPI integration. This virtual card provides the complete UPI payment experience while maintaining all the benefits of a traditional credit card, including:

• Equivalent credit limit as your physical IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card
• Reward points on all UPI transactions
• Zero joining and annual fees
• Interest-free credit period of up to 50 days
• Advanced security features for digital transactions

FIRST WOW! RuPay Credit Card

This premium offering combines the benefits of a high-reward credit card with UPI functionality:

• Up to 10X reward points on specific categories
• Complimentary lounge access
• Zero forex markup on international transactions
• Fuel surcharge waiver
• UPI payment capability for everyday transactions

FIRST Millennia RuPay Credit Card

Designed for the younger generation, this card offers:

• Cashback on online shopping and entertainment
• Movie ticket discounts
• Dining benefits
• UPI payment functionality for maximum convenience.

Benefits of Making IDFC First Bank Credit Card Payments through UPI

Convenience and Accessibility

The integration of IDFC First Bank credit cards with UPI offers unparalleled convenience:

• Scan and Pay: Simply scan any UPI QR code to make payments from your credit card
• Universal Acceptance: Use at over 100 million merchants across India that accept UPI payments
• No Need for Multiple Apps: Manage both debit and credit transactions from a single UPI app
• Reduced Wallet Burden: No need to carry physical cards for everyday transactions

Enhanced Financial Management

UPI credit card payments offer improved financial control:

• Benefits of the credit period: Enjoy up to 50 days of interest-free credit on UPI transactions
• Consolidated Spending: View all credit card transactions in one place through the UPI app
• Better Budgeting: Notifications on real-time transactions help monitor spending patterns
• Expense Categorization: Many UPI apps automatically categorize expenses for better tracking

Rewards and Benefits

Using IDFC First Bank credit cards through UPI maintains the reward structure:

• Reward Points: Earn the same reward points as you would with direct card transactions
• Cashback Benefits: Special UPI-based promotions and cashback offers
• Milestone Benefits: UPI transactions count toward spending milestones for reward tier upgrades
• Special Merchant Offers: Access to exclusive discounts with partner merchants

Security Features

The UPI-credit card integration enhances transaction security:

• PIN Authentication: Every transaction requires UPI PIN verification
• Two-Factor Authentication: Multiple layers of security prevent unauthorized usage
• Real-time Alerts: Instant notifications for all transactions
• Secure Tokenization: Card details are tokenized and never shared with merchants.

Impact on CIBIL Score and Credit Management

How UPI Credit Card Payments Affect CIBIL Score?

Making IDFC First Bank credit card payments through UPI impacts your credit profile in the same way as traditional payment methods:

• Payment History: Timely payments, regardless of the channel used, positively impact your CIBIL score
• Credit Utilization: UPI transactions affect your credit utilization ratio, which ideally should be kept below 30%
• Transaction Records: All UPI credit card transactions are recorded in your credit history
• Payment Tracking: The digital nature of UPI makes it simpler to track and handle payment deadlines.

Best Practices for Credit Management with UPI

To maintain a healthy credit profile while doing IDFC First Bank credit card payments through UPI

• Timely Repayments: Set reminders to pay your credit card bills before the due date
• Monitor Credit Limit: Keep track of your spending through the UPI app to avoid exceeding your credit limit
• Regular Statement Checks: Review your credit card statements to verify all UPI transactions
• Dispute Resolution: Promptly report any unauthorized transactions through the appropriate channels.

Comparing UPI Credit Card Payments with Other Methods

UPI vs. Net Banking for Credit Card Payments

UPI vs. Payment Gateways like BillDesk

Troubleshooting Common Issues for IDFC First Bank Credit Card Payments through UPI

Payment Failures

If you encounter payment failures when using IDFC First Bank credit card through UPI:

1. Verify Available Credit: Ensure you have sufficient credit limit for the transaction
2. Check UPI Daily Limits: Confirm you haven’t exceeded the daily UPI transaction limit
3. Network Issues: Poor internet connectivity can interrupt UPI transactions
4. App Updates: Make sure that your UPI app is updated to the latest version
5. Bank Server Status: Occasionally, bank server maintenance might affect transactions

Card Linking Problems

If you’re unable to link your IDFC First Bank credit card to UPI:

1. Card Eligibility: Confirm your card is a RuPay credit card eligible for UPI linking
2. Correct Details: Double-check all card information entered during setup
3. KYC Status: Ensure that your KYC is complete and up-to-date
4. Multiple Attempts: Avoid multiple unsuccessful attempts as it might temporarily block the service
5. Contact Support: Reach out to IDFC First Bank customer service for specific issues

Future of UPI Credit Card Payments

The integration of credit cards with UPI represents the future of digital payments in India:

• Expanded Card Network Support: Beyond RuPay, other card networks might receive approval for UPI integration
• Higher Transaction Limits: Potential increases in transaction limits for UPI credit card payments
• Enhanced Reward Structures: Specialized reward programs for UPI credit card transactions
• International UPI Acceptance: Possibilities of using UPI-linked credit cards for international transactions
• Advanced Security Features: Continued improvements in security protocols for safer transactions.

Conclusion

IDFC First Bank credit card payments through UPI marks a significant step toward a more integrated digital payment ecosystem in India. By combining the credit facilities of traditional cards with the convenience and widespread acceptance of UPI, IDFC First Bank offers its customers a versatile payment solution that aligns with modern financial needs.

The ability to make credit card payments through UPI not only simplifies transactions but also enhances financial management, security, and reward opportunities. As this technology continues to evolve, users can expect even more features and benefits, furthering India’s journey toward a cashless economy. By understanding the process, benefits, and best practices outlined in this guide, IDFC First Bank credit cardholders can fully leverage the advantages of UPI integration while maintaining healthy credit practices and financial discipline.