RuPay is India’s domestic card payment network, launched in 2012 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
It enables debit, credit, prepaid, and international card payments across the country and abroad, while integrating with India’s digital payments stack.
Key Data & Growth Figures
1. Debit Card Market Share
- RuPay dominates India’s debit card space with the largest number of cards issued across banks.
Historical data shows RuPay’s share in total cards issued reached over 50% and continued growing through Jan-Dhan and digital banking initiatives.
2. Credit Card Growth & Market Share
- In 2025, RuPay achieved around 18% share of India’s credit card market — a significant rise in a few years. CoinLaw+1
- UPI-linked RuPay credit card transactions now make up ~38–40% of all credit card volumes by transaction count. The Economic Times+1
- RuPay credit cards handled over 750 million transactions on UPI by October 2024. Business Standard
This surge follows RuPay credit cards being allowed to link with UPI (since 2022).
3. UPI Integration Impact
One of RuPay’s biggest advantages is UPI integration for credit and debit payments.
- UPI transactions across India continue to grow exponentially, driving digital payments.
- RuPay credit cards on UPI form a major part of the credit ecosystem now.
- This integration boosts usage, acceptance, and everyday digital payments.
4. Transaction Value & Use Trends
- Ministry of Finance data shows that RuPay credit on UPI processed 750M+ transactions worth ₹63,825.8 crore (FY25 to Oct). India Brand Equity Foundation
- Reports indicate RuPay handles ~16% of all credit card spends in India, with half occurring via UPI. Business Standard
How RuPay Compares with Global Networks
| Aspect | RuPay | Visa / Mastercard |
| Debit cards issued | Largest in India | Smaller domestic share |
| Credit card share | ~18% (2025) | Majority share |
| UPI integration | Yes (full) | No |
| Cost to merchants | Lower fees | Higher MDR |
| Acceptance | India + growing international | Worldwide |
Sources: Industry reports and market share data from 2025. CoinLaw+1
Why This Data Matters
Lower Costs
RuPay’s interchange and merchant discount rates (MDR) are generally lower than global networks, making it attractive for small merchants.
Financial Inclusion
RuPay cards are heavily issued through government programs like Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana, helping financial inclusion.
Digital Payments Leadership
The network’s role within UPI helps make RuPay a backbone of everyday digital transactions in India.
Growing International Footprint
RuPay cards are now accepted in select foreign markets through partnerships with global networks and LINK systems, expanding acceptance beyond India.
Summary
RuPay is more than just a card scheme. It’s a rapidly growing payment ecosystem powered by:
Domestic dominance in debit cards
Fast-growing credit card share
Strong UPI integration
Lower fees and wider adoption
With consistent growth in transaction volumes and market share, RuPay is shaping India’s digital payment landscape and competing effectively with global players.
