Which AU Small Finance Bank Credit Card Is Best for UPI Payments?

In 2026, UPI remains India’s preferred way to pay — from tea stalls to big stores. Now, users can pay via credit cards on UPI instead of using savings accounts.
AU Small Finance Bank issues RuPay credit cards that can be linked to UPI apps. These cards make everyday payments rewarding, flexible, and simple. But which AU credit card is best for UPI payments?
Let’s compare your top choices and help you pick the right one.

1. AU KOSMO Credit Card — Best Overall for UPI Payments

The AU KOSMO Credit Card stands out for most UPI users. It is designed to blend credit card perks with everyday UPI usage. 

Why KOSMO Is the Best Choice

  • RuPay network: Works with UPI apps for QR payments.
  • Rewards on UPI spends: Earn Kiwi rewards on UPI Scan & Pay, groceries, fuel, dining, and more. 
  • 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 This cashback can be directly withdrawn to your bank account.
  • Lifetime free: No joining fee and no annual fee.
  • Broad acceptance: Works at small local shops and large branded stores alike.

This card is ideal if your primary goal is UPI payments and everyday rewards.

2. AU InstaPay Credit Card — Good for Simple Cashback on UPI

Another card worth considering is the AU InstaPay Credit Card. This card is simpler and focuses on basic everyday value.

Key Benefits

  • Lifetime free card: No fees, zero joining charges.
  • UPI cashback: Offers up to 1% cashback on UPI transactions across common categories like groceries, dining, and departmental stores.
  • Fuel surcharge waiver: 1% waiver for fuel transactions (₹400–₹5,000).
  • Virtual issuing available: Some versions may allow instant virtual use before a physical card arrives.

This card works well if you want simple, consistent cashback on UPI and everyday spends without complexity.

3. Other AU RuPay Cards — Consider These If…

AU Small Finance Bank offers other RuPay credit cards such as AU SPONT, Altura, Vetta, and Zenith / Zenith+ too. However, these are generally designed for broader banking needs like travel, lifestyle, and premium perks.

When to choose these:

  • AU SPONT: If you want a rewards structure that includes cashback or “coins” on everyday UPI spends.
  • Premium cards (Altura, Vetta, Zenith): If you want lifestyle perks, airport lounge access, and travel benefits alongside UPI functionality.

Some premium cards may still allow RuPay UPI linking if the RuPay variant is issued. However, they are often not lifetime free and may have annual fees unless waived.

UPI Linking — What You Should Know

To use these AU cards on UPI:

  • Only RuPay credit cards work for UPI payments — Visa/Mastercards won’t work.
  • You must link the card to your UPI app.
  • In some cases, you may need to set daily UPI limits or enable POS usage first.

After linking, you can scan any merchant QR and choose the credit card as the payment source.

Final Verdict — Best AU Credit Card for UPI (2026)

Best overall pick: AU KOSMO Credit Card

  • Lifetime free
  • Strong rewards on everyday UPI spends through Kiwi rewards
  • Works at both small merchants and big brand stores

 Best simple option: AU InstaPay Credit Card

  • Easy cashback on UPI spends
  • Lifetime free, straightforward benefits

 Runner-ups:

  • AU SPONT if you like coins + rewards on daily transactions
  • Altura / Vetta / Zenith if you also want premium lifestyle perks alongside UPI