Many people use credit cards in their daily lives, but have you ever noticed the small logo on your card? It could be RuPay Credit Card, Visa Card, or MasterCard. This is not just for branding purposes. They represent the payment network your bank uses for processing the transactions. While RuPay is a unique payment network exclusive to India, Visa and Mastercard are well-known payment networks throughout the world. 

Also, choosing the right credit card isn’t just about the benefits and features a bank offers—it’s also about the network your card runs on. 

In India, credit cards are primarily issued across these three major networks, but RuPay has been introduced more recently. In the last twelve years since RuPay was launched, it has introduced various card variants catering to different segments of society.

Here, we’ll look at what RuPay cards are and how they compare to Visa and MasterCard. Keep reading to learn the key differences and find out which card is best for you.

What is Rupay Credit Card? 

RuPay cards were introduced by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2012 as a homegrown payment network system. The primary objective behind this initiative was to promote an Indian payment network and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign payment gateways like Visa or MasterCard. It is widely accepted across India, and its reach is expanding to other countries as well. 


Today, a lot of banks issue RuPay credit cards, and it has been highly popular among Indian credit card users. For years, American companies dominated this space, but RuPay, backed by the Reserve Bank of India and the Government of India, has emerged as a strong competitor. The government has done various strategic tie-ups with several countries, and RuPay services are expanding every day.

One key development was the linking of RuPay credit cards with UPI. This feature is not available for Visa or MasterCard. In June 2022, the RBI permitted individuals to link their RuPay credit cards to UPI, allowing payments with a simple scan of a QR code. This integration has made digital payments and fund transfers much easier by adding an extra layer of convenience for users, as they no longer need to carry their physical credit cards for transactions. 

Rupay Credit Card Versus Visa Credit Card And Mastercard Credit Card. How are They Different?

Choosing the right credit card network can make a big difference in how you can manage payments. Let’s see the below key differences to understand it better:

Acceptance

RuPay cards are widely accepted in India but have limited use outside the country. On the other hand, Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere in the world. This means that while RuPay is excellent for domestic transactions, Visa and MasterCard offer broader usability for international transactions.

Processing Time

Being an Indian brand, RuPay cards usually process transactions faster because everything stays within the country. Visa and MasterCard transactions, however, often involve sending data to servers outside India, which can increase the processing time.

Fees and Charges

RuPay Cards have lower fees because they provide their services to banks at no cost. This cost-saving is often passed on to customers, which results in lower cardholder fees. In contrast, Visa and MasterCard have higher fees and costs for cardholders. 

Security

RuPay cards are generally more secure for use in India because all data remains within the country and is shared only with national networks. In contrast, Visa and MasterCard transactions involve sharing data across international borders, which can increase the risk of phishing and data theft. This means that while RuPay provides strong security for domestic transactions, Visa and MasterCard face higher risks due to their global reach.

Which is Better to Use: Rupay Credit Card versus Visa or Mastercard Credit Card?

Choosing between a RuPay Credit Card and a Visa or MasterCard Credit Card depends on your needs and preferences. If you travel often and need a card that works worldwide, a Visa or Mastercard is a great choice since it’s accepted in over 200 countries. 

On the other hand, if you mainly use your card in India and want to keep costs low, RuPay is a cost-effective option. RuPay is also growing and improving very widely, with expanding networks and new rewards programs.

In the end, think about what you need most and compare the features and benefits of each card to make the best choice for you.

Summing Up

Visa and MasterCard may currently offer more premium features and better international acceptance than RuPay, but RuPay cards are improving quickly. They are adding benefits specifically for Indian users, and the integration of UPI has made them even more convenient. As NPCI continues to grow RuPay’s network and collaborate with more banks, RuPay cards will become an even more attractive choice for Indian consumers. You can more on this topic with our blogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of RuPay?

RuPay, which combines the words “Rupee” and “Payment,” emphasises that this is a completely Indian initiative for card payments. It’s an Indian substitute for international payment networks.

Why should one go for RuPay credit card?


RuPay credit cards offer more discounts than other cards in India. Backed by the Indian government, they have numerous tie-ups with brands, currently providing around a hundred discount offers that are updated regularly.

Are there any fees or charges for using a RuPay credit card?


There are no extra fees or charges specifically from RuPay itself. RuPay is a payment service provider, The Bank issuing a Rupay credit card charges a fee.

Can RuPay credit card be used for international transactions?


Yes, one can use RuPay credit cards for international transactions, but a foreign exchange (Forex) charge will be applied by the bank, not RuPay. For example, if you use a RuPay card issued by ICICI Bank, you’ll pay the forex charge to ICICI Bank. 

Singapore, Bhutan, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Myanmar, South Korea, Nepal, and France now accept RuPay cards.

Can I switch from my MasterCard or Visa to a RuPay credit card?

If you already own a Visa or Mastercard credit card, switching to a RuPay credit card is simple. Speak with a customer service agent at your bank to convert your card to a RuPay card. As an alternative, you can go to your local bank location and request a new card.