India’s leading digital payments app PhonePe has partnered with HDFC Bank, one of the country’s top private banks, to launch two new co-branded RuPay credit cards – UNO and ULTIMO.
These credit cards are designed to give users the best of both worlds: the flexibility of UPI payments and the power of credit card rewards. With features like cashback on recharges and shopping, free airport lounge access, and the ability to make UPI payments, these cards are made especially for modern Indian users who want ease, speed, and savings in their daily transactions.
Whether you’re a frequent PhonePe user or just looking for a smart way to earn rewards while spending, the new PhonePe HDFC RuPay credit cards offer an excellent solution. In this article, we’ll explore their features, benefits, fees, and how you can apply right from your PhonePe app.
NOTE 1 reward point = 1 rupee we consider(mention) reward point as cashback
Types of Credit Cards: UNO vs ULTIMO
PhonePe and HDFC Bank have introduced two RuPay credit card options—UNO and ULTIMO—designed to suit different spending habits and lifestyles. Both cards offer cashback on UPI payments, PhonePe rewards, and easy digital management, but they are built for different types of users with different percentage of benifits.
➤ UNO Credit Card – Best for small Spenders
The UNO Credit Card is designed for users who spend moderately but want regular rewards and PhonePe benefits without paying high fees.
Key Features:
- ₹499 joining fee
- Get ₹249 PhonePe gift voucher (50% of joining fee) as welcome benefit after first transaction
- ₹25 cashback × 10 UPI Scan & Pay transactions (₹250 total benefit)
- 2% cashback on PhonePe bill payments, recharges, travel bookings (Monthly Reward points cap: ₹500)
- 1% cashback on top apps like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Myntra, Swiggy (Monthly Reward points cap: ₹500)
- 1% reward on UPI Scan & Pay transactions (Monthly Reward points cap: ₹500)
- Annual fee waived on spending ₹1,00,000 or more in a year
- Fully digital experience – apply and manage directly via PhonePe app
🟢UNO is a smart choice for students, young professionals, and daily UPI users who want rewards without overpaying on fees.
➤ ULTIMO Credit Card – Ideal for Heavy Users and Frequent Flyers
The ULTIMO Credit Card is built for users who spend frequently, travel often, and want to earn higher cashback and premium perks.
Key Features:
- ₹999 joining fee
- Get ₹499 PhonePe gift voucher (50% of joining fee) as welcome benefit after first transaction
- ₹50 cashback × 10 UPI Scan & Pay transactions (₹500 total benefit)
- 10% cashback on PhonePe recharges, bill payments, travel, and Pincode orders (Monthly Reward points cap: ₹1000)
- 5% cashback on Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy, Zomato, Myntra, Uber (Monthly Reward points cap: ₹500)
- 1% reward on UPI Scan & Pay transactions (Monthly Reward points cap: ₹500)
- 2 free domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter (8/year)
- Annual fee waived on spending ₹2,00,000 or more in a year
- Manage everything inside the PhonePe app with instant updates
🟢 ULTIMO is perfect for frequent travelers, online shoppers, or those who want to maximize rewards from their monthly expenses.
Top Features of PhonePe HDFC Credit Cards
The PhonePe HDFC Bank RuPay Credit Cards—UNO and ULTIMO—are packed with features made for Indian users who want simple, rewarding, and digital-first payment options. Whether you’re paying bills or traveling, these cards offer unmatched convenience and savings.
➤ Easy Bill Payments via PhonePe App
Once your UNO or ULTIMO card is activated, you can easily pay electricity bills, recharge mobile phones, book tickets, and shop online—all directly from the PhonePe app.
You don’t need to switch apps or log into bank portals. Everything is managed within PhonePe, including card statements, payment due dates, and transaction history.
✅ No paperwork
✅ Instant updates
✅ Smart reminders and payments
➤ Lounge Access for Travel Lovers
If you choose the ULTIMO card, you get 2 free domestic airport lounge accesses per quarter—that’s 8 visits per year.
Enjoy peace, comfort, and free snacks at top Indian airports. Perfect for frequent flyers or business travellers looking for added comfort.
UNO card does not include lounge access, making ULTIMO a better pick for travelers.
➤ Guaranteed Cashback and Gift Vouchers
Both cards come with 50% welcome gift vouchers and extra cashback on first UPI transactions.
Card | Welcome Voucher | First UPI Cashback | Total Joining Benefit |
---|---|---|---|
UNO | ₹249 gift card | ₹25 × 10 = ₹250 | ₹499 (equal to joining fee) |
ULTIMO | ₹499 gift card | ₹50 × 10 = ₹500 | ₹999 (equal to joining fee) |
You also earn:
- Up to 10% cashback on PhonePe services
- Up to 5% cashback on top shopping apps
- 1% cashback on all UPI Scan & Pay transactions
- With monthly limits
➤ Use Credit for UPI Payments
This is one of the biggest features: you can now pay at any UPI QR code using your credit card—whether it’s a street vendor or a big store.
Just select your PhonePe HDFC credit card as the UPI payment option in the app.
✅ Helps manage cash flow
✅ Earns cashback on UPI payments
✅ Widely accepted across India
Eligibility and How to Apply for the Card
Getting a PhonePe HDFC Bank RuPay Credit Card is simple and fully online. If you use the PhonePe app regularly, you might already be eligible.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the UNO or ULTIMO credit card, you must meet these basic conditions:
- Indian resident with valid Aadhaar and PAN card
- Age between 21 to 60 years
- Good credit score (generally above 700)
- Active PhonePe account and regular transaction history (preferred)
- Must have a source of income (job, business, etc.)
Note: Final eligibility is decided by HDFC Bank based on your profile.
📲 How to Apply Using the PhonePe App
Follow these easy steps to apply for your UNO or ULTIMO card:
- Open the PhonePe app
- Go to the Credit section or search “HDFC Credit Card” in the app
- Select the card – UNO or ULTIMO – based on your needs
- Check your pre-approved status (if eligible)
- Fill in basic details like PAN, Aadhaar, employment info
- Complete eKYC verification (no physical documents needed)
- Submit and wait for instant approval or follow-up from HDFC Bank
Once approved, you will receive:
- A digital version of the card instantly
- A physical card delivered to your home in a few days
Everything from tracking, bill payments, reward history, and credit card settings is available inside the PhonePe app.
Fees, Charges, and Annual Waivers Explained
Before applying for the PhonePe HDFC Credit Card, it’s important to understand the fees, cashback limits, and how you can save money by getting the annual fee waived.
💳 Joining Fee and Welcome Benefits
Card | Joining Fee | Welcome Benefit | Net Cost |
---|---|---|---|
UNO | ₹499 | ₹249 gift card + ₹250 UPI cashback | ₹0 |
ULTIMO | ₹999 | ₹499 gift card + ₹500 UPI cashback | ₹0 |
👉 You get full value back equal to the joining fee after first few UPI transactions.
💰 Monthly Cashback Limits
Both UNO and ULTIMO have a monthly ₹2000 cashback cap, as per HDFC Bank’s terms
This cap covers:
- 2% or 10% on PhonePe spends
- 1% on Scan & Pay UPI
- 1% or 5% on select online brand spends
You can earn rewards across categories up to a total of ₹2000 per month.
🆓 Annual Fee Waiver
If you spend more during the year, you don’t have to pay the renewal fee next year:
- UNO: Spend ₹1,00,000/year → No renewal fee
- ULTIMO: Spend ₹2,00,000/year → No renewal fee
This is perfect for users who use credit cards regularly. Just use your card for daily UPI, bills, and shopping to reach the limit easily.
⚠️ Other Charges to Note
Type | UNO & ULTIMO Cards |
---|---|
Interest on unpaid balance | ~3.6% per month |
Cash withdrawal fee | 2.5% or ₹500, whichever is higher |
Late payment charges | ₹100–₹1,300 depending on bill amount |
Foreign transaction markup | 3.5% |
Tip: Always pay your bills on time to avoid these extra charges.
✅ In short, if used smartly, these cards offer great value and no hidden costs.
Should You Choose UNO or ULTIMO?
Final Thoughts: Is PhonePe HDFC Credit Card Worth It?
Yes, the PhonePe HDFC Bank RuPay Credit Cards—UNO and ULTIMO—are definitely worth considering, especially if you’re an active PhonePe user or someone who prefers digital payments via UPI.
These cards offer a rare combination:
- Use credit at any UPI QR code
- Earn cashback on everyday spending
- Manage everything inside the PhonePe app
- Free lounge access with ULTIMO
- 100% value back on joining fee
What makes these cards special is the simplicity. You don’t need to be a financial expert. You just use your card for your regular spending—recharges, bill payments, shopping—and the rewards come to you automatically.
FAQs – PhonePe HDFC Bank RuPay Credit Cards
What is the PhonePe HDFC Bank Credit Card?
It’s a co-branded RuPay credit card launched by PhonePe and HDFC Bank. It allows you to pay using credit via UPI and earn cashback on your everyday spending.
What are the types of PhonePe HDFC Credit Cards?
here are two types:
UNO Credit Card – for regular spenders
ULTIMO Credit Card – for heavy spenders and travelers
Can I use this credit card to pay via UPI?
Yes, both UNO and ULTIMO can be used on any UPI QR code through PhonePe or other UPI apps. You pay using credit instead of debit or wallet.
How much cashback can I earn per month?
You can earn up to ₹2,000 in cashback rewards every month across different spending categories (PhonePe, Scan & Pay, online shopping, etc.).
Do I get welcome benefits?
Yes.
UNO: ₹249 gift card + ₹250 cashback on UPI
ULTIMO: ₹499 gift card + ₹500 cashback on UPI
These match the full joining fee amount.
Is there an annual fee?
Yes, but it can be waived:
UNO: ₹499/year (waived if you spend ₹1 lakh/year)
ULTIMO: ₹999/year (waived if you spend ₹2 lakh/year)
Is lounge access available?
Only with the ULTIMO card. You get 2 free domestic lounge accesses per quarter (8/year). UNO does not offer this feature.
How can I apply for this card?
You can apply directly in the PhonePe app under the Credit section. It’s a 100% digital process with quick approval.
What documents are required?
Basic documents:
PAN Card
Aadhaar Card
Proof of income
The process is fully online with eKYC.
Is this card good for daily users?
Yes. If you regularly use UPI, PhonePe, and shop online, this card gives great value through cashback, rewards, and ease of use.
Hi, I’m Karan Gera, a content writer at LetsMakeAsset.com. I write about credit cards, loans, and finance. I enjoy sharing clear and simple information so that everyone can learn more about these topics. Writing is something I truly love.
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