With UPI now the backbone of India’s payments ecosystem, the ability to use a credit card directly on UPI apps (like PhonePe, Paytm, or Google Pay) has opened up a new era of rewards. But here’s the key fact: only RuPay credit cards can currently be linked to UPI. Neither Visa nor Mastercard support this feature.
Two cards making noise in this space are the Kiwi Neon Credit Card (issued with YES BANK on RuPay) and the Jupiter Edge+ Credit Card (also RuPay). Both claim to make credit-on-UPI rewarding. But which one gives you better cashback for your expenses? Let’s break it down.
Cashback Comparison: Kiwi vs Jupiter Edge+
Monthly Spend (₹) | Kiwi (₹) | Jupiter Edge+ (₹) |
0 | 0 | 0 |
10,000 | 200 | 1,000 |
15,000 | 300 | 1,500 |
20,000 | 400 | 1,750 |
25,000 | 500 | 2,000 |
30,000 | 600 | 2,250 |
35,000 | 700 | 2,500 |
40,000 | 800 | 2,550 |
45,000 | 900 | 2,600 |
50,000 | 1,000 | 2,650 |
Insights:
- At ₹10,000 spend, Jupiter Edge+ offers ₹1,000 cashback — 5x more than Kiwi Neon’s ₹200.
- Even at ₹50,000 spend, Jupiter caps at ₹2,650 vs Kiwi’s flat ₹1,000.
- Kiwi’s 2% is simple but capped quickly; Jupiter’s category multipliers (10% shopping, 5% travel) make it a better everyday card.
Kiwi Neon Credit Card: Flat & Simple
The Kiwi Neon Credit Card is powered by YES BANK on RuPay, enabling direct UPI linkage. Its rewards structure is intentionally simple:
Pros:
- 2% cashback on UPI Scan & Pay, credited as statement cashback.
- Digital-first onboarding; instant virtual card via Kiwi app.
- RuPay network → usable on all UPI apps.
Cons:
- Cashback is capped at ₹1,000/month, no matter how much you spend.
- No extra perks like subscriptions, dining, or travel offers.
- Flat rewards feel limited for anyone spending more than ₹20k per month.
Best For: First-time credit card users who want a no-frills RuPay-UPI card with straightforward rewards.
Jupiter Edge+ Credit Card: Everyday Cashback Leader
The Jupiter Edge+ Credit Card takes a more aggressive approach. It isn’t just UPI-enabled, it’s built for high multipliers on everyday categories:
Pros:
- 10% cashback on shopping (up to ₹1,500/month).
- 5% cashback on travel (up to ₹1,000/month).
- 1% cashback on all other spends.
- RuPay-UPI enabled: Pay directly on UPI apps.
- Perks: Free Amazon Prime for 1 year (₹1,499 value)
Cons:
- Cashback caps apply (₹2,500 combined per month for shopping + travel)
Best For: Millennials and urban professionals who shop online, book travel, and want liquid cashback plus lifestyle perks.
UPI Explainer: Why Only RuPay Matters
- Credit Card on UPI: As of now, only RuPay credit cards can be linked to UPI for Scan & Pay.
- Visa & Mastercard cards: They can be used inside apps (e.g., card-on-file payments), but not as UPI-linked credit cards.
- Both Kiwi Neon and Jupiter Edge+ are RuPay-based, which is why they can deliver UPI-native cashback.
Side-by-Side: Kiwi vs Jupiter Edge+
Feature | Kiwi Neon (RuPay) | Jupiter Edge+ (RuPay) |
UPI Support | Yes (RuPay only) | Yes (RuPay only) |
Cashback Structure | 2% flat on UPI Scan & Pay | 10% shopping, 5% travel, 1% others |
Monthly Cap | ₹1,000 | ~₹2,500 (₹1,500 shopping + ₹1,000 travel) |
Lifestyle Perks | None | Amazon Prime, OTT, Dining |
Best For | Beginners, small spenders | Everyday shoppers, mid-spenders |
Verdict: Which is Better for UPI Transactions?
- Kiwi Neon Credit Card works if you want a simple, entry-level UPI credit card. Flat 2% cashback is easy to track, but the ₹1,000 cap makes it underwhelming for higher spends.
- Jupiter Edge+ Credit Card is the better choice overall. It not only works on UPI but also delivers higher returns (up to 10%), bigger caps, and lifestyle extras.
For UPI-savvy professionals and regular online shoppers, Jupiter Edge+ wins hands down. Kiwi Neon is a good starter, but Jupiter Edge+ is the card that actually maximizes UPI cashback.
FAQs: Kiwi Neon vs Jupiter Edge+
1. Can Visa credit cards be linked to UPI?
No. Currently, only RuPay credit cards can be linked to UPI. Visa and Mastercard are not supported.
2. Which card offers higher UPI cashback?
Jupiter Edge+ offers much higher cashback (up to ₹2,650/month) compared to Kiwi Neon’s ₹1,000 cap.
3. Is Kiwi Neon Credit Card free?
Yes, Kiwi Neon is marketed as a lifetime free card, but rewards are capped.
4. Does Jupiter Edge+ work on UPI apps?
Yes. Being a RuPay card, Jupiter Edge+ can be linked on apps like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm.
5. Which one is better for beginners?
Kiwi Neon is good for beginners. But for broader benefits, Jupiter Edge+ is the smarter, long-term choice.