Dual network credit card India launched by Scapia and Federal Bank features RuPay–Visa integration with UPI, zero forex markup, and travel rewards, boosting fintech innovation.
Revolutionizing Digital Payments for Travellers
Scapia, a Bengaluru-based travel-first fintech platform, in partnership with Federal Bank, has launched the Scapia Federal RuPay Credit Card—India’s first-ever dual-network credit card. This innovative product integrates both the RuPay (including UPI) and Visa networks on a single card, enabling seamless online, offline, UPI, and international transactions, all consolidated under one credit limit and consolidated monthly statement
Dual-Network Convenience with Unified Statements
The hallmark of this offering is the ability to use either RuPay or Visa networks as needed, with the added benefit of UPI payments directly from the card. This eliminates the need for separate UPI wallets or multiple credit cards, simplifying financial management with a unified credit limit and statement .
Zero Forex Markup & Premium Perks
International travellers and digital nomads will appreciate the zero foreign exchange markup on overseas transactions. Additionally, the card offers unlimited domestic airport lounge access and complimentary perks—dining, shopping, and spa experiences across airport outlets—specifically tailored for travel-oriented users
Rewards & Travel Integration
Every qualifying transaction earns rewards in the form of “Scapia Coins,” redeemable through the Scapia app against various travel needs—flights, stays, buses, and trains. This cohesively aligns with Scapia’s positioning as an all-in-one travel and fintech solution
Enhanced Scapia App Ecosystem
Coinciding with the card launch, Scapia has enhanced its platform under its 2025 Summer Release. Upgrades include smarter train booking suggestions with alternate routes, map-based hotel searches, student/senior flight fare options, and a revamped Scapia Coins interface
Why This News Matters to Government Exam Aspirants 📚
Innovation & Payments Policy Insight
This development marks a significant policy-driven push in India’s financial ecosystem—integrating domestic payment infrastructure (NPCI’s RuPay & UPI) with international networks. It’s a prime example of RBI/NPCI’s strategy to promote indigenous fintech solutions, a recurring theme in government policy and exam syllabi.
Importance for Banking & UPSC Exams
Questions related to RuPay, NPCI, UPI, and banking innovations often appear in banking, insurance, and UPSC prelims/mains GS sections. Understanding the evolution from debit-centric RuPay to dual-network credit innovations provides vital real-world context.
Socio‑Economic Implications
By enabling greater financial inclusion with unified UPI and credit capabilities, this product aligns with India’s Digital India and financial inclusion goals—key areas under GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy and Banking sector).
Technological Advancement
The fusion of fintech, travel, and digital infrastructure reflects modern digital payment advancements—relevant for aspirants preparing for tech‑policy questions in IPS, IRS (IT), and civil service interviews.
Historical Context: Tracing the RuPay–UPI–Visa Journey
RuPay’s Rise & NPCI Vision
NPCI launched RuPay in 2014 to reduce dependency on international card networks and lower transaction costs Since then, RuPay has seen widespread adoption across debit and credit products.
UPI Integration & Evolution
UPI, launched in 2016, revolutionized peer-to-peer and merchant payments with real-time transfers. The RBI also enabled credit card payments through UPI in 2022—fueling the move toward credit–UPI convergence
Bridging Domestic–Global Payment Systems
Partnerships—like NPCI with Discover and JCB—laid the groundwork for international acceptance. Federal Bank’s co-branding with Scapia demonstrates strategic alignment in global-fintech collaborations
Fintech & Travel Synergies
Scapia’s unique role—serving travel requirements via AI-driven bookings and financial services—mirrors modern digital ecosystems’ trend toward multi‑functional platforms.
Key Takeaways from Scapia–Federal Bank Launch
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | India’s first dual-network credit card combining RuPay (with UPI) and Visa on one card. |
| 2 | A unified credit limit and single monthly statement for all transactions. |
| 3 | No forex markup plus unlimited domestic lounge access and travel perks. |
| 4 | Rewards (Scapia Coins) earnable on every transaction, redeemable for travel bookings. |
| 5 | Reflects broader policy push for domestic payment networks and fintech innovation. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is unique about the Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card?
The card is India’s first dual-network credit card, combining RuPay and Visa in one card, with the added feature of enabling UPI-based credit payments.
Q2. How does the dual-network functionality benefit users?
Users can make payments through both RuPay (including UPI) and Visa networks using a single card with one credit limit and consolidated billing, simplifying financial transactions.
Q3. Is there any forex markup on international usage of this card?
No, the Scapia Federal Bank Credit Card offers zero forex markup on international transactions, making it a travel-friendly card.
Q4. What kind of rewards does the card offer?
Users earn Scapia Coins on each transaction, which can be redeemed for booking travel services such as flights, hotels, buses, and trains directly through the Scapia app.
Q5. Why is this launch significant from an exam perspective?
It represents technological advancement in the Indian banking and fintech sector, aligns with Digital India initiatives, and showcases the growing role of domestic payment systems like RuPay and UPI.
Q6. Can this credit card be used for UPI transactions?
Yes, thanks to the RuPay network integration, users can make UPI payments using this credit card, which is a recent development in India’s digital payment landscape.
Q7. What are the travel-related benefits included with this card?
Users get unlimited access to domestic airport lounges and special discounts or complimentary services at airport outlets like restaurants, spas, and stores.
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