In 2026, RuPay credit cards have emerged as a major force in India’s digital payments ecosystem. These cards are now supported for UPI payments, making them a powerful alternative to traditional debit-linked UPI transactions. Among all issuers, AU Small Finance Bank RuPay credit cards have gained attention — especially the AU KOSMO Credit Card — for their everyday usability and rewards. But how do these AU cards compare with other RuPay credit cards available in India? Let’s break it down.
What Are RuPay Credit Cards?
RuPay is India’s domestic payment network. It powers credit and debit cards that can be linked to UPI apps for QR-based payments. Unlike Visa or Mastercard, which are global networks, RuPay focuses on Indian users and everyday use cases, especially affordable and inclusive payment options.
Only RuPay credit cards can be used on UPI for card-on-UPI transactions, making this network crucial for day-to-day offline and online payments via UPI.
AU Small Finance Bank RuPay Cards: What They Offer
AU KOSMO Credit Card
This is one of AU Small Finance Bank’s flagship RuPay credit cards with UPI compatibility.
When issued and used via Kiwi, the card integrates directly with UPI for everyday payments.
Key features include:
- Lifetime free card with no annual fee.
- Kiwi integration that enables UPI Scan & Pay using the credit card.
- Get 1.5% real cashback by using your Credit card issued on Kiwi on your everyday offline UPI spends. Premium users get 5% cashback on every purchase. This cashback can be directly withdrawn to your bank account.
- Contactless payments for quick tap-to-pay transactions.
- Xpress EMI option for flexible conversion of spends into EMIs.
AU InstaPay Credit Card
Another RuPay credit card from AU, focused on everyday usage:
- 1% cashback on UPI transactions across groceries, dining, pharmacy, and supermarkets.
- Fuel surcharge waiver similar to other AU cards.
- Interest-free period of up to 48 days.
- Lifetime free with no annual charges.
These cards are designed for users who want a simple, rewards-oriented credit card that also works on UPI without fees or high costs.
Other RuPay Credit Cards in India
Several other banks also issue RuPay credit cards, each with its own strengths:
Axis Bank SuperMoney RuPay Card
- Lifetime free card
- High UPI cashback (around 3%) credited as statement credits
- Easy, generous rewards for everyday UPI use
IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Card
- Zero annual fee
- Points on UPI spends that can be redeemed for vouchers or cash
- Flexible redemption options
YES Bank BankBazaar FinBooster RuPay
- Virtual RuPay card
- Earns up to 4 reward points per ₹200 UPI spent
- Points redeemable for vouchers or cashback
IDFC FIRST HPCL Power+ RuPay Card
- Offers category-based cashback, including UPI
- Up to 5% cashback in fuel, groceries, and utilities (with conditions)
These cards often combine reward points, statement credits, and lifestyle perks, making them strong competitors in the RuPay space.
| Feature | AU Small Finance Bank RuPay Cards (KOSMO via Kiwi) | Other RuPay Credit Cards (Axis, IndusInd, etc.) |
| Fees & Cost | Lifetime free. No joining or renewal fee. | Many are lifetime free. Some have conditional fee waivers. |
| UPI Compatibility | Fully compatible with UPI QR payments through Kiwi. | UPI supported on most RuPay cards. |
| Rewards / Cashback | 1.5% real cashback on everyday UPI and POS spends via Kiwi. Up to 5% cashback for Kiwi premium users. | Reward points or statement credits. Cashback rates vary by category and issuer. |
| Cashback Crediting | Cashback credited to bank account. | Often credited later as points or statement adjustments. |
| Everyday Usage | Built for frequent, small-value UPI Scan & Pay and contactless transactions. | Works well for UPI, but rewards may not be optimised for small daily spends. |
| Ease of Rewards | Simple and transparent. No conversion or complex redemption rules. | Redemption rules and value can vary by program. |
Conclusion
Both AU Small Finance Bank RuPay credit cards and other RuPay credit cards in India offer compelling value in 2026. AU’s strengths lie in lifetime free options, simple rewards on UPI transactions, and features built for everyday spending. Other RuPay cards may excel in higher tier rewards, statement credits, or flexible redemption options.
Choosing between them depends on your spending habits:
- Frequent UPI use + simple rewards: AU cards lead.
- Structured tier rewards or statement credits: Cards like Axis SuperMoney or IDFC FIRST could be better.
Ultimately, all RuPay cards are helping make credit-powered UPI payments mainstream in India’s digital economy.
