Bengaluru: Fintech startup Slice has launched a UPI-linked credit card and opened its first physical bank branch in Bengaluru, marking its entry into full-stack banking following its merger with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB).
UPI-Credit Card Taps Into Underserved Digital Users
Slice’s newly introduced “super card” operates like a credit card through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), allowing users to make payments by scanning QR codes using a pre-approved credit line. The product comes with no joining or annual fees and includes features such as cashback (up to 3%) and a payment-splitting option called “slice in 3,” which enables interest-free EMIs in three parts.
This move aligns with a broader industry trend of integrating formal credit products into digital payment ecosystems. While UPI has seen widespread adoption across India, access to credit via UPI is still evolving. Slice’s card aims to bridge this gap, particularly for the over 200 million users of digital payments who remain largely outside the formal credit system.
UPI-Led Branch Introduced in Koramangala
Slice also launched what it claims is India’s first UPI-focused physical bank branch, located in Bengaluru’s Koramangala. The branch is designed to offer end-to-end digital banking services, with a focus on self-service and minimal manual intervention. Key features include:
- Kiosk-based account opening and services
- Digital onboarding processes
- UPI-enabled ATM for cash deposits and withdrawals
- Automated service journeys
The branch represents Slice’s strategy to blend digital banking with physical access points, a hybrid model that some financial players are exploring to build trust while maintaining efficiency.
