Google Pay Launches FLEX Credit Card with Axis Bank

RuPay-Based FLEX Card Enables Credit-Powered UPI Payments

Google Pay has introduced a co-branded digital credit card called FLEX , in partnership with Axis Bank , marking an important milestone in the integration of credit cards with UPI-based payments in India. Built on the RuPay network , the FLEX card allows users to make UPI QR-code payments directly using a credit line , expanding the use of digital credit for everyday transactions.

UPI–Credit Convergence Through FLEX
The Google Pay Flex Axis Bank Credit Card enables users to link their credit card seamlessly with their UPI account inside the Google Pay app. This allows customers to scan any UPI QR code and pay using credit, combining the convenience of UPI with the flexibility of a credit card. A key distinction from traditional credit cards is that rewards and cashbacks are credited instantly at the time of payment , rather than after the billing cycle.

Fully Digital Issuance and User Experience
Google Pay has designed FLEX as a digital-first product . Eligible users can apply directly through the app at zero joining cost and receive a virtual credit card within minutes . The rollout is being conducted in phases, with interested users able to register via a waitlist. The simplified onboarding aims to lower entry barriers and promote wider access to formal credit using familiar UPI workflows.

New Features for Families and Merchants
Alongside FLEX, Google Pay launched “Pocket Money” , a parental control feature built on the UPI Circle framework . It allows parents to manage children’s spending through monthly limits (up to ₹15,000) or per-transaction approvals. For merchants, new tools include post-payment customer ratings and generative AI-powered advertising features within the Google Pay for Business app, aimed at improving visibility and engagement.

Impact on Digital Payments Ecosystem
The FLEX card reflects a broader shift in India’s payments ecosystem by blurring the boundaries between instant payments and bank credit . By integrating credit access, parental supervision tools and merchant services into one platform, Google Pay is positioning itself to deepen financial inclusion, support small businesses and encourage responsible digital finance adoption.

Exam-Focused Points

• Google Pay FLEX is a co-branded credit card launched with Axis Bank .

• It operates on the RuPay network and supports UPI-linked credit payments .

• Rewards and cashbacks are credited instantly at transaction time .

• Pocket Money feature is based on the UPI Circle framework .