Google and Axis Bank have launched the Google Pay Flex Axis Bank Credit Card, a fully digital RuPay credit card that works on UPI for everyday spends. Flex is a co-branded credit card that lives inside the Google Pay app and lets you pay by scanning QR codes while using a credit line instead of saving account money.

Key Benefits and Reward Structure

Flex used a “Stars” reward system where every eligible transaction earns Stars, which you can redeem instantly. You can adjust the redemption amount at the time of a next Flex transaction instead of waiting for the statement date – a usual practice we see at present.

Welcome Benefits

Google and Axis has put in a Welcome Benefit which includes earning 2 Stars on eligible spends of ₹500 in the first rewards cycle, coupled with a ₹250 gift card and 250 stars on the Google Pay app as your welcome reward, the latter is subject to offers run by Google Pay.

Base Reward Rate

Earn 1 Star for every ₹500 of cumulative eligible spends

• 2X Booster: If you spent at least ₹100 on eligible merchants in the previous reward cycle, you eatn 2 Stars for every ₹500 spent in the current reward cycle

• 4X Booster (Promotional): Spend ₹15,000 or more in a statement cycle, and all Stars earned that cycle are doubled. This means you effectively earn 4 Stars per ₹500 spent

• 8X Booster (Promotional): Spend ₹30,000 or more in a statement cycle, and Stars are multiplied further to 8 Stars per ₹500 spent

The 4X and 8X multipliers are promotional and may change over time, so check the app for current offers. You can earn a maximum of 1,500 Stars per reward cycle, with Axis Bank contributing up to 750 Stars and Google Pay adding the rest as part of its cashback or promotional structure.

Dining Offers

Cardholders get up to 15 percent off at partner restaurants via EazyDIner, with a monthly cap of ₹500.

EMI and Repayment Flexibility

You can convert bills of ₹2,500 or more to EMIs through Google Pay, interest rates vary basis your tenure and credit profile.

Fees and Charges

Here is the list of charges:

Who Gets to Flex? Eligibility & Required Documents

Axis Bank has not officially published the exact income threshold for Flex, but it is designed for mass-market users, including young professional and salaried individuals who use Google Pay regularly. You need to be an existing Google Pay user to apply, and the onboarding is fully digital with KYC done inside the app. Required documents include PAN, Aadhar, proof of income like salary slips or bank statements.

How to Apply

Applying is straightforward:

• Open the Google Pay app and make sure it is updated to the latest version

• At the bottom, tap “Money”, then look for the “Get Flex” banner and tap “Apply”

• Enter personal details, employment information, and card preferences

• You card is processed instantly, and if approved, your virtual Flex card appears in the app within minutes

The card is currently rolling out in phases, so if you do no see the option yet, you can join the waitlist inside the GPay app.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• A no-fee card make it a risk-free entry card for first-time users

• Fully digital journey with approval and activation within minutes; no paperwork or branch visit needed

• UPI-linked credit lets you scan QR codes at millions of merchants while using a credit line instead of savings

• Instant Star redemption during payment, with no waiting for month-end credits

Cons

• RuPay network means limited international acceptance compared to Visa and Mastercard

• Base earn rate is at 0.2 percent (1 Star per ₹500), which is weak unless you hit higher spend slabs

• Stars capped at 1,500 per cycle, which limited the maximum monthly reward value to ₹1,500 even for very high spenders

• Rental payments, insurance premiums, cash withdrawals and financial institutions transaction so not earn Stars and may carry extra charges

• UPI platform fees on credit card-backed payments are starting to appear at some merchants, which can reduce net value

• Stars expire after one year (unlike Amex’s no expiry of points), if not used, so inactive users lose rewards

Final Verdict

Flex may suit users who already use Google Pay as their main UPI app and want a single, app-only credit card with simple rewards. It works best for salaried urban users with steady UPI-based spending who prefer instant Stars redemption and clears controls over card usage instead of juggling multiple bank apps. It could be less attractive for those who travel abroad often, need strong airport lounge benefit, or chase very high flat cashback on a wide range of categories. For a typical middle class family that pays attention to bills and spends, this card can deliver decent value and a more disciplined way to use credit on everyday UPI payments.

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The “Free Points” Trap