Google Launches Its First-Ever Credit Card in India on RuPay

In a major endorsement of India’s digital payments ecosystem, Google has launched its first-ever credit card globally in India, partnering with Axis Bank and leveraging the RuPay network. The card is integrated with Google Pay and can be linked directly to UPI, allowing users to make merchant payments seamlessly using credit.

Key Features of Google’s Co-Branded Credit Card

• The newly launched Google–Axis Bank co-branded credit card operates on the RuPay network, making it compatible with UPI-based merchant payments.
• This is a key differentiator as Visa and Mastercard credit cards cannot be linked to UPI.
• One of the most notable innovations of the card is its instant rewards mechanism.
• Unlike traditional credit cards, where rewards or cashbacks are credited at the end of the billing cycle or month, Google’s card provides instant rewards on every transaction, which can be used immediately for the next payment.

Why RuPay–UPI Integration Matters

• Both RuPay and UPI are operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• Their integration enables users to combine the convenience and ubiquity of UPI with the credit facility and rewards of a credit card.
• This RuPay-UPI credit model has been gaining traction in India. Fintech players like PhonePe and Paytm already offer co-branded RuPay credit cards that can be linked to UPI, and Google’s entry further validates this growing segment.

Role of Axis Bank

• Axis Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, is the issuing partner for the card.
• The collaboration combines Google’s technology and user base with Axis Bank’s banking expertise, compliance framework, and credit underwriting capabilities.
• Such partnerships reflect the evolving model of bank–fintech collaboration in India’s financial sector.

Key Takeaways

• Google launched its first-ever credit card globally in India.
• Partnered with Axis Bank on the RuPay network.
• Card can be linked to UPI for merchant payments.
• Offers instant rewards/cashback on every transaction.
• RuPay and UPI are operated by NPCI.
• Visa and Mastercard credit cards cannot be linked to UPI.

Question

Q. Google partnered with which Indian bank to launch its co-branded credit card?

A) HDFC Bank
B) SBI
C) Axis Bank
D) ICICI Bank