What Is A RuPay Debit Card: Types, Benefits & Features

Forbes Staff,  Editor

Updated: Feb 14, 2024, 1:43pm

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RuPay is an Indian multinational financial service payment network launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the year 2012. It is a National Payment Corporation of India’s (NPCI) initiative to boost retail payments in India. RuPay was launched with an objective of a less cash economy.  It is derived from the words “rupee” and “payment”, which highlights that it is India’s approach to virtual card (Vcard) payments.

A RuPay debit card is a plastic card used as a method of payment issued by the bank to a customer who has a bank account with them. It has wide acceptance at any point of sale (POS) devices, automated teller machines (ATMs) and e-commerce platforms. RuPay is India’s entry into the international payment market through a local card facility.  

RuPay is an Indian multinational financial service payment network launched by the RBI in 2012. Here’s all you need to know about RuPay debit cards. 

Types Of Rupay Debit Cards

The RuPay debit cards are available in various plans based on qualifications. 

RuPay Classic Debit Card

The basic classic debit card caters to the growing class segment of society. It lowers the annoyance of carrying various cards and you can just carry an all-purpose RuPay classic debit card. It is well-designed and can be used for both online and offline transactions. It also can be used at a wide range of ATMs to withdraw cash and to avail of various merchant offers.

RuPay Platinum Debit Card

The platinum card caters to the rich segment of society. It offers exclusive and advantageous benefits to the Rupay platinum debit card holders. They can get amazing discounts like Amazon Pay and Swiggy offers and cashback on every transaction done on the utility bill. 

Other Benefits

  • Complimentary Lounge Program
  • Up to INR 2 lakh Comprehensive Insurance Cover
  • Exclusive Merchant Offers
  • 24/7 Concierge Services

RuPay Select Debit Card

The select card caters to the High Networth Individual segment of society. It is highly curated with premium offers that suit the wealthy lifestyle of cardholders. The offers hold a great understanding of the elite section of society and have amazing gym and wellness offerings.

Other Benefits

  • Spa Services
  • Health Check-ups
  • Lounge Access
  • Golf Program
  • Up to INR 10 lakh of Comprehensive Insurance Cover
  • 24/7 Concierge Services

Contactless Debit Card 

RuPay’s contactless debit card offers one simple solution for all your low-value transactions. It’s quick and used for daily transactions that include bus, cab, metro, toll, parking and other fewer amount payments. The aim is to go contactless to provide a quick implementation for low-value payments (LVPs).

A contactless debit card allows you to make payments within seconds. You just have to tap the card on the card reader and it’s done, no trouble entering the pin or remembering a password. The contactless card limit is up to INR 5,000 a day without entering a pin at the POS. 

Government Schemes Debit Card

There are various government schemes utilized by the people under the RuPay cards. 

PMJDY (Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana) Debit Card: The RuPay PMJDY debit card is issued to customers who have an account under the scheme. It is a national initiative for financial inclusion that was expanded to provide citizens access to banking and financial activities. The card allows the user to make transactions at all ATMs, e-commerce sites and POS terminals. It also has insurance coverage for disability and personal accidental death.

PunGrain: The farmers who have an account under the PunGrain Scheme can register for the RuPay PunGrain Card. It is a grain procurement project developed by the Punjab government in the year 2012. The main objective was to help Punjab farmers benefit from the services of Arthias. The RuPay PunGrain Debit Cards can be used at any POS, e-commerce sites, ATMs and to avail automated grain procurement facilities at the mandis

Features of RuPay Debit Card

RuPay debit cards have some amazing features that can be compelling.

  • RuPay debit card is a domestic payment gateway.
  • The transaction cost is low.
  • The transaction processing is faster.
  • RuPay banks don’t have to pay any network registration fees.
  • It is handy and accessible even in rural areas with limited or no banking availability.
  • Customers can easily book train tickets via Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) RuPay prepaid debit card.
  • RuPay debit cards offer higher transaction and withdrawal limits with mobility.
  • RuPay debit cards are accepted in more than 10,000 e-commerce sites, 1.8 lakh merchant terminals and over 8 lakh POS terminals. 

Steps to Use RuPay Debit Card for Online Transactions

If you are new to using a debit card for online transactions follow the simple steps :

Step 1: For using a RuPay card you have to register for e-commerce payments.

Step 2: Once registered, a payment screen will appear. Click on the RuPay card as your option for the transaction.

Step 3: Enter the details like your card number, expiry date and Card Verification Data (CVD) which is either a three-digit or a four-digit number behind your card.

Step 4: You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number or your registered email address and then enter the OTP.

Step 5: Now you have to choose an image from a collection of images and the image you choose is essential as it will be required for all your future transactions.

Step 6: Enter a phrase and remember it in all your future transactions.

Step 7: Finally, enter the ATM and personal identification number (PIN).

Step 8: A RuPay premium PaySecure service pop-up window will appear on the display and while making the transaction you get registered. 

What Are The Required Documents For Applying RuPay Debit Card

To apply for a RuPay debit card you need to fill in the application form and submit the following documents.

  • Proof of address
  • Proof of identification
  • Two passport-sized photos 

Top Banks Offering RuPay Debit Card 

State Bank India (SBI) Debit Card

SBI provides three types of debit cards: domestic, co-branded and international. The SBI debit cards are linked to your bank account and the money is deducted directly from your account while you make a transaction. 

Key Points

  • Some debit cards offer reward points on various transactions that can be redeemed against several products and benefits like complimentary lounge access. 
  • The terms and conditions are time changes so the benefits are subjected accordingly. 
  • They exclusively offer equated monthly installments (EMI) or no-cost EMI at the finest shopping portals.

HDFC Bank Rupay Debit Card

HDFC Rupay premium debit card can be held by both Residential Indians and Non-Residential Indians (NRI). The only condition for residential Indians is to have a salary account, savings account, or current account to hold a RuPay premium debit card.

Key Points

  • RuPay premium debit card has a higher withdrawal limit. For ATM withdrawal it is INR 25,000 and for shopping, the limit goes up to INR 2.75 lakh. 
  • Exclusive offers, 5% cashback on utility bill payments, and various reward points. 
  • The insurance cover is up to INR 10 lakh.
  • Airport lounge access and 24/7 concierge facility  

Axis Bank RuPay Platinum Debit Card

Axis Bank RuPay platinum debit card provides cardholders with a wide range of offers and benefits. To enjoy the facilities of the platinum debit card the customer needs to be an Axis Bank savings account cardholder to enjoy the leverages.

Key Points

  • Cardholders can easily generate their personal identification number (PIN) anywhere anytime. 
  • The cardholders enjoy a higher withdrawal limit on ATMs up to INR 40,000 and a shopping limit of up to INR 2 lakh. 
  • Exclusive offers include 20% off on dining.
  • Airport lounge access and insurance coverage of INR 2 lakh in case of personal accident.  

Yes Bank Rupay Platinum Debit Card

Yes Bank RuPay platinum domestic debit card carters to all your domestic needs and provide you with amazing banking services and offers.

Key Points

  • The debit card has a withdrawal limit of up to INR 25,000 for both ATM and POS. 
  • Domestic airport lounge access and amazing offers on dining, entertainment, travel, etc.
  • Cashback of up to 5% on utility bill payments and fuel surcharge waiver of up to 2.5%.

Bottom Line

RuPay debit cards have begun to be accepted and used in India. Features such as high acceptance rate, flexible product platform and addresses the needs of consumers, banks and merchants simultaneously have aided in the growth of RuPay debit cards absorption.

The brand also offers ample benefits and discounts. The RuPay offers are categorized in travel, skincare, shopping, pharmacy, kids, jewelry, home improvement, health and wellness, grocery, food delivery, fashion, entertainment, education, electronics, regional offers, among others. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the KYC documents required to apply for a RuPay debit card?

Customers need to have basic KYC documents like ID proof and address proof to enjoy the benefits of a RuPay debit card.

What are the benefits of an IRCTC RuPay prepaid debit card?

What is the validity period of a RuPay debit card?

What is the HDFC RuPay debit card limit per day?

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