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Google Launches ‘Flex by Google Pay,’ a UPI-Powered Virtual Credit Card With Axis Bank in India

The move turns Google Pay’s vast UPI user base into a channel for regulated consumer credit.

Overview

  • Flex is issued digitally in the Google Pay app as a virtual card on the RuPay network with Axis Bank and can be used online and at physical merchants.
  • Users earn Stars on transactions with 1 Star equal to ₹1, can redeem instantly, and may repay in full or convert to EMIs with fees shown upfront.
  • Google says there is no application fee, pricing varies by user profile, EMI conversions carry processing charges, and late fees follow Axis Bank policy.
  • Early access is opening via a waitlist as the product rolls out, with in‑app controls for limits, blocking or unblocking, PIN resets, and card details.
  • Google will add more issuing partners soon and is also introducing Pocket Money on UPI Circle so parents can approve each payment or set a monthly cap up to ₹15,000; Google cites 530+ million users and 23+ million merchants as distribution reach.