5 NEW CREDIT CARDS LAUNCHED: WHICH ONE?

December 2025 marked a busy period for India’s credit card market, with five (5) new credit cards launched across different customer segments. These launches reflect how banks and fintech companies are moving away from one-size-fits-all offerings and introducing more focused credit cards tailored to specific needs such as UPI-based digital payments, fuel usage, premium lifestyle benefits, and salaried users.

The credit card launches in 2025 highlight a clear shift toward segment-driven products aimed at first-time salaried individuals, everyday UPI-centric consumers, and users seeking category-specific rewards rather than generic benefits. With a mix of bank-led and fintech-supported launches, the credit cards introduced in December 2025 signal the evolving direction of India’s consumer credit market.

Google Pay Flex Axis Bank Credit Card

The Google Pay Flex Axis Bank Credit Card signals a shift in how credit is used for daily digital payments in India. The card is integrated within the Google Pay app and allows users to make UPI transactions on credit for routine expenses such as groceries, utility bills, and merchant QR payments.

The card is clearly positioned for everyday spending and is not aimed at large-ticket purchases, premium lifestyle privileges, or travel benefits like airport lounge access.

Issuer And Segment

The card is issued by Axis Bank in partnership with Google Pay. It is positioned as an entry-level, mass-market RuPay credit card, targeting users who primarily use UPI and prefer a fully app-based credit experience over a physical card.

Key Highlights (At a Glance)

• Lifetime-free structure: The card carries no joining or annual fees, supporting its everyday-use positioning.
• UPI-based credit usage: Enables credit payments through UPI, including QR-based merchant transactions and in-app payments.
• Fully digital access: Application, approval, and card management are handled entirely within the Google Pay app.
• Instant reward redemption: Earned reward “Stars” can be redeemed instantly against eligible payments, unlike traditional reward cycles.
• Flexible repayment option: Eligible spends can be converted into EMIs through the app, offering short-term repayment flexibility.

Why This Launch Matters?

UPI dominates India’s digital payments, but most transactions still rely on debit balances rather than credit. By enabling credit usage directly through UPI and allowing instant reward redemption, this launch brings short-term credit into high-frequency, everyday payments. It reflects a broader move by banks and technology platforms to embed credit within commonly used payment apps instead of limiting credit cards to occasional or high-value spending.

We will explain the Google Pay Flex Credit Card: How It Works, including rewards and usage, in a separate blog post.

IndusInd Bank Jio-bp Mobility+ Credit Card

The IndusInd Bank Jio-bp Mobility+ Credit Card is a fuel and mobility-focused co-branded credit card. It is designed for everyday fuel and on-the-go spending, especially for users who regularly refuel at Jio-bp fuel stations.

Issuer And Segment

The card is issued by IndusInd Bank in partnership with Jio-bp. It operates on the RuPay network and is positioned in the fuel and mobility rewards segment, targeting daily commuters and fuel-focused users.

Key Highlights (At a Glance)

• Fuel-first credit card: Built mainly for fuel and mobility spending, not for general shopping or travel rewards.
• UPI credit at fuel stations: Supports UPI-based credit payments on the RuPay network, reducing dependence on cash or card swipes at pumps.
• Digital-first usage: Onboarding and payments are aligned with app-based, phone-led transactions.
• Wide acceptance: Linked to Jio-bp’s fuel station network for regular, repeat use.
• Beyond fuel: Also usable for related mobility and retail spending within the Jio-bp ecosystem.

Why This Launch Matters?

1. Large distribution network: Jio-bp operates 2,000+ fuel stations across India, making fuel a frequent and predictable spending category.
2. Reliance ecosystem expansion: The card extends Reliance’s presence into mobility-linked financial products, following telecom and retail partnerships.
3. Fuel as a major expense: Urban commuters typically spend ₹8,000–₹20,000 per month on fuel, making this a high-impact use case.
4. Shift to digital fuel payments: UPI acceptance at fuel stations is rising; enabling credit via UPI improves speed and convenience at pumps.
5. Future of mobility payments: The launch aligns with Jio-bp’s broader plans around EV charging and alternative fuels, pointing to integrated digital mobility payments.

We’ll cover the IndusInd Bank Jio-bp Mobility+ Credit Card in detail, including rewards and fees, in a separate guide.

Punjab National Bank’s Luxura Credit Card

The PNB Luxura RuPay Metal Credit Card is a premium lifestyle and travel-focused credit card.With this launch, Punjab National Bank enters the super-premium credit card segment, an area largely dominated by private sector banks so far.

Issuer And Segment

The card is issued by Punjab National Bank, India’s second-largest public sector bank. It runs on the RuPay Ekaa network and is positioned in the premium lifestyle and international travel segment, targeting high-income customers and frequent international travellers.

Key Highlights (At a Glance)

• PSU bank’s premium metal card: Among the first metal credit cards launched by a public sector bank in India.
• RuPay Ekaa network: Uses RuPay’s super-premium network designed to compete with global premium card variants.
• Travel and lifestyle focus: Built around airport lounges, hotels, dining, and concierge-led travel services.
• Lower forex markup: Charges 2.50% on foreign currency spends, lower than the typical 3–3.5% on standard cards.
• High credit limit range: Credit limits generally range from ₹1 lakh to ₹15 lakh, assigned based on the bank’s risk underwriting model.

Why This Launch Matters?

1. PSU entry into premium cards: Public sector banks have largely focused on mass-market cards. This launch signals PNB’s shift toward premium and high-value customers.
2. Strengthening RuPay at the top end: A RuPay Ekaa metal card from a PSU bank adds scale and credibility to India’s domestic premium card network.
3. Premium access at a lower price: Comparable premium metal cards from private banks often carry annual fees above ₹25,000. PNB’s pricing places premium benefits within reach of a wider high-income segment.
4. Focus on international travel spend: As overseas travel rises, lower forex charges and bundled travel privileges make such cards more relevant for frequent flyers.
5. Part of broader digital push: The Luxura card launch coincided with initiatives like PNB One 2.0, Digi Surya Ghar, and onboarding on the IIBX portal, highlighting PNB’s wider move toward digital and product innovation.

We’ll cover the PNB’s Luxura Credit Card in detail, including rewards and fees, in a separate guide.

IDFC FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card

The IDFC FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card is a fixed-deposit-backed credit card launched on December 8, 2025. It combines a secured credit structure with select premium features, positioning it beyond basic credit-building cards.

Issuer And Segment

The card is issued by IDFC FIRST Bank. It falls under the FD-backed secured credit card segment and targets users who want access to credit without income proof, while retaining international and travel-related usability.

Key Highlights (At a Glance)

• FD-backed structure: Issued against a fixed deposit, with the credit limit linked to the FD value; the minimum FD typically starts at ₹20,000.
• No income proof: Eligibility is based on the fixed deposit, not salary or income documents.
• Zero forex markup: Foreign currency transactions attract 0% markup, a feature usually seen on premium unsecured cards.
• Dual-network access: Comes with a physical Mastercard and a RuPay UPI virtual card under a single credit limit.
• Fully digital issuance: FD creation, application, and card issuance are handled digitally.

Why This Launch Matters?

1. Premium features in a secured card: FD-backed cards are typically limited to credit building. Zero forex markup and travel usability change how secured cards are positioned.
2. Lower entry barrier to credit: Linking eligibility to an FD expands access for users without formal income proof.
3. Bridge between cards and UPI credit: Dual-network access enables both card swipes and UPI-based credit payments, reflecting current payment behaviour.
4. Deposit-led credit growth: For banks, the model supports deposit mobilisation while keeping credit risk low through full FD security.
5. Aligned with digital payments: As UPI dominates daily transactions, secured cards supporting UPI credit are likely to see wider adoption.

We’ll explain the IDFC FIRST WOW! Black Credit Card in detail, including eligibility and features, in a separate guide.

SalarySe × City Union Bank Level Up Credit Card

The SalarySe × City Union Bank Level Up Credit Card is a salaried-focused credit card . It is designed around monthly salary cycles and everyday spending, rather than travel or luxury categories.

Issuer And Segment

The card is issued by City Union Bank in partnership with SalarySe. It operates on the RuPay Credit Card on the UPI network and targets salaried professionals who primarily use UPI for daily payments.

Key Highlights (At a Glance)

• Salary-cycle-based rewards: Higher rewards for spending done on salary credit days, aligned with monthly cash-flow patterns.
• RuPay Credit on UPI: Enables credit usage directly through UPI for online and QR-based payments.
• Virtual-first option: A virtual-only variant with zero fees lowers the entry barrier for first-time credit users.
• Lower forex charges: International transactions attract lower forex markup than standard credit cards.

Why This Launch Matters?

1. Focus on salaried spending behaviour: Major expenses like rent, EMIs, and bills typically fall on salary days; rewards are structured around this reality.
2. Expansion of UPI-based credit: Running on RuPay Credit on UPI brings credit into everyday digital payments, not just card swipes.
3. Employer-linked risk control: Salary-based verification helps banks assess income stability while extending credit to first-time users.
4. Lower-cost entry into credit cards: A fee-free virtual option reduces cost barriers for salaried individuals new to credit.
5. Fintech–bank collaboration: The partnership combines payroll-linked technology with a regulated banking framework, creating a scalable model for future card launches.

We’ll explain the SalarySe × City Union Bank Level Up Credit Card in detail, including rewards and eligibility, in a separate guide.

COMPARISON: New Credit Cards Launched in December 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is RUPAY Credit on UPI?

Ans. RuPay Credit on UPI allows users to make UPI payments using a credit card instead of a bank balance. Payments are made by scanning QR codes, but the amount is charged to the credit card and billed later, similar to regular card usage.

Q2. What is JIO-BP?

Ans. JIO-BP is a fuel and mobility joint venture named as Reliance BP Mobility Limited.

Co-venturers are Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and BP Plc (British Petroleum), a British multinational oil and gas company headquartered in London. “Jio” name is used to reflect Reliance’s broader consumer and digital ecosystem rather than its telecom services alone.

Based in Navi Mumbai, it operates a growing network of fuel stations across India and also offers mobility services such as convenience retail, EV charging, and digital payment-enabled fuel solutions.

Q3. Which card is best for beginners?

Ans. For beginners:

• IDFC FIRST WOW! Black – suitable for users without income proof, backed by a fixed deposit.
• Google Pay Flex Axis Bank Card – suitable for first-time users who mainly use UPI for daily payments.

Note: Along with these five new credit cards, one international travel card was also launched in December 2025. We’ve covered the Wise Multi-Currency Travel Card separately.

Paramita Deb

I am a practicing Chartered Accountant, now venturing into content writing. Covering money matters—taxation, finance & financial news—presenting accurate, easy-to-understand insights, combining professional knowledge with a passion for educating readers on managing and understanding their finances better.