New Delhi/Nagpur, 18 December (H.S.): Axis Bank, in collaboration with Google Pay, on Thursday announced the launch of the Google Pay Flex Axis Bank Credit Card — the first-of-its-kind co-branded credit card integrating credit spending directly into India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ecosystem.

In a statement released by Axis Bank, officials confirmed that the Google Pay Flex Axis Bank Credit Card, built on the RuPay network, is designed to simplify and enhance the evolving financial needs of Indian consumers. The offering aims to make the credit experience as seamless as everyday UPI transactions, combining the reliability of Axis Bank’s banking expertise with the safety and innovation of Google Pay’s digital ecosystem.

This launch marks the first product under Google Pay’s “Flex” portfolio, a new initiative aimed at expanding credit accessibility and reimagining how users engage with financial products.

According to the bank, users can digitally apply for the Flex credit card within minutes through Google Pay and begin using it instantly across millions of merchants and apps nationwide. For every transaction, users earn reward points called “Stars,” each valued at ₹1, which can be redeemed instantly.

The card also provides flexible repayment options within the Google Pay app, allowing users to convert credit card bills into EMIs — offering greater financial flexibility and control over spending.

Speaking on the launch, Arnica Dixit, President and Head – Cards, Payments & Wealth Management at Axis Bank, said the partnership aims to redefine the digital payment experience in India. “Given the immense popularity of UPI, this credit solution is tailored for digital-first customers.Leveraging our leadership in the UPI space and combining Axis Bank’s financial expertise with Google Pay’s cutting-edge technology, we are enabling smoother, more rewarding everyday transactions with instant rewards and flexible repayment opportunities,” she said.

Sharath Bulusu, Senior Director of Product Management at Google Pay, added, “At Google Pay, our mission has always been to make financial products simpler and more accessible through technology. While digital payments have reached every corner of India, transactional credit remains under-served. We created Flex to bridge this gap, transforming the credit experience for the next generation of users. We’re thrilled to launch it with Axis Bank and look forward to welcoming more issuing partners soon.”

Sohini Rajola, Executive Director of Growth at NPCI, commented, “Our goal is to deliver secure, seamless, and convenient digital payment experiences for consumers. The Google Pay Flex Axis Bank Credit Card advances this mission by making everyday payments smarter, offering users instant rewards and smooth payment convenience on the go.”

Key Features of the Google Pay Flex Axis Bank Credit Card:

Fully digital application: Users can apply with zero paperwork and start transacting within minutes at no additional cost.

Pay anywhere with ease: Powered by RuPay, the card allows payments via QR codes at millions of offline stores or directly on shopping apps.

Instant rewards: Reward points can be redeemed immediately after any transaction — no need to wait until the end of the month.

Flexible repayments: Users can track expenses, pay bills, or convert transactions into EMIs directly within the Google Pay app.

Complete in-app control: Card management, block/unblock, or PIN reset can be handled easily within the app.

Google and Axis Bank have begun the rollout process for this product, which will be available to all users in the coming months. Interested customers can join the waitlist directly via the Google Pay app.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar