Google Pay has officially entered the credit card space in India with the launch of Flex by Google Pay in partnership with Axis Bank, a co-branded, fully digital credit card powered by RuPay and built directly into the Google Pay app.
What Flex by Google Pay Is
Flex is a UPI-first, digital credit card — meaning:
You apply and get approved entirely inside Google Pay, with zero paperwork.
It’s issued by Axis Bank on the RuPay payment network.
The card lives in the Google Pay app — no physical plastic needed to start spending.
This makes it one of the first credit cards designed ground-up for the UPI ecosystem in India rather than retrofitted from traditional credit cards.
Key Features You Should Know
Fully Digital Experience
- Apply directly from the Google Pay app — no branch visits or paperwork.
- Once approved, you can use it instantly within minutes.
Pay Everywhere Like UPI
- Works with UPI QR codes and online checkouts wherever RuPay credit cards are accepted.
- Use it for everyday purchases — offline stores or online apps.
Earn & Redeem Rewards Instantly
- Earn Stars on eligible transactions — 1 Star = ₹1.
- Rewards are redeemable instantly for Flex payments inside the app.
Flexible Repayment Options
- Pay your bill in full, or convert purchases into EMIs with flexible terms.
- All repayment tracking happens inside Google Pay.
In-App Controls
- Set transaction limits, block/unblock the card, or reset your PIN — all from the app.
Why This Matters
- UPI is India’s most popular payment system, but credit usage on UPI has been limited — this card bridges that gap by combining everyday credit with familiar UPI workflows.
- More people can access credit without the friction of traditional banks — a major step in India’s fintech evolution.
- Google Pay intends to expand Flex to multiple issuers, not just Axis Bank, making it a long-term credit ecosystem play.