New Delhi, December 8, 2025: India’s peak wedding season is witnessing a sharp acceleration in digital payments, with UPI‑based QR transactions and credit‑linked EMIs replacing traditional cash and cheque‑based spending. Data from BharatPe’s nationwide merchant network indicates strong growth across jewellery, bridal wear, venue bookings, décor, catering and gifting, categories that typically dominate wedding‑season expenditure.
According to BharatPe, a rising share of high‑value purchases is now being made through UPI QR payments or credit‑card EMIs, driven by consumer preference for convenience, security and flexible repayment options.
BharatPe at the Centre of India’s Digital Wedding Shift
The shift toward digital wedding spending has been strengthened by the Unity Bank BharatPe Credit Card, launched in August 2025 in partnership with Unity Small Finance Bank. The card is India’s first EMI‑driven RuPay credit card that can be linked directly to UPI.
The card offers zero joining and renewal fees, no hidden charges, and auto‑EMI conversion of large purchases for up to 12 months. Cardholders can link the card to any UPI app including BharatPe, PhonePe, Google Pay and BHIM enabling credit‑based payments at millions of QR‑enabled merchants without requiring a POS machine.
Users earn 2% cashback (credited as Zillion Coins) on EMI‑converted transactions, redeemable for vouchers, products or credit‑card bill payments. Additional lifestyle benefits include complimentary lounge access and annual health check‑ups.
For merchants, including jewellers, bridal boutiques, décor vendors, caterers and gifting shops; BharatPe continues to provide UPI QR infrastructure, zero MDR, and faster settlements, enabling small and mid‑size vendors to serve digital‑first customers during the high‑demand wedding period.
Impact on Consumers and Merchants
Wedding shoppers are increasingly opting for EMI‑based payments for jewellery, bridal wear and venue bookings, reducing the need for large upfront cash outflows. Digital payments have also modernised traditional gifting practices, with UPI‑QR transactions replacing cash‑filled envelopes.
Small vendors such as florists, decorators and makeup artists benefit from QR acceptance, eliminating the need for POS machines while ensuring they do not lose customers who prefer digital payments.
Merchants stocking wedding‑season inventory also gain from better cash‑flow management, supported by faster settlements and credit‑driven demand.
How Consumers Can Use the BharatPe / Unity Bank BharatPe Credit Card
Consumers can apply for the lifetime‑free card through the BharatPe app. Once issued, the card can be added to any UPI app by selecting “Add Credit Card” and choosing the Unity Bank BharatPe RuPay Credit Card option.
Purchases above approximately ₹1,000 can be converted into 3–12 month EMIs, making it suitable for jewellery, venue bookings and large gifting purchases. Rewards earned as Zillion Coins can be redeemed through the BharatPe app.
Merchants can accept payments from the card by ensuring their BharatPe QR or BharatSwipe POS is active.
