Festive shopping season has a way of making credit card statements look scary. Google Pay is hoping to soften that with a rewards upgrade for its Flex credit card.
From October 16, 2026, the Flex card, issued with Axis Bank and SBI Card, gets better rewards on everyday spending, with the biggest gains reserved for Google One members. Here is what changes and who benefits most.
Google Pay Flex Card: The Upgrade
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Card | Google Pay Flex (co-branded with Axis Bank and SBI Card) |
| Upgrade starts | October 16, 2026 |
| Reward currency | Stars (1 Star = ₹1) |
| Biggest winners | Google One members |
| Spend threshold | Rewards apply once cycle spend crosses ₹15,000 |
Everyday Spends: Double the Stars for Google One Members
The base reward rate depends on whether you are a Google One member. Once your total spend in a reward cycle crosses ₹15,000, the rate applies to all spends in that cycle.
| Member Type | Stars Back on Cycle Spend |
|---|---|
| Google One members | 3.2% |
| Non-Google One members | 1.6% |
That makes the Google One rate exactly double. Since 1 Star equals ₹1, the value is easy to track.
Extra Savings Every Cycle (Google One Members Only)
On top of the base rate, Google One members get category boosts in every reward cycle:
| Category | Extra Reward | Spend Cap | Max Extra (My Calculation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Food and Grocery apps | 5% extra | ₹5,000 | ₹250 |
| Utilities, OTT, Recharge and more | 15% extra | ₹3,000 | ₹450 |
If you hit both caps, that adds up to ₹700 in extra rewards per cycle, on top of the base rate. For more on the platform behind the card, see Google Pay.
New Welcome and Referral Rewards
Welcome Rewards
New Flex applicants can now get up to ₹2,500 in welcome rewards in the first 60 days after getting the card. The exact value depends on the card variant.
Referral Rewards
Coming soon: ₹1,000 in rewards for every friend or family member you add to Flex. There is no limit on how many people you can refer.
For more fintech and card updates, browse our finance and tech coverage on Technosports.
Google Ecosystem Perks for All Flex Holders
These benefits are open to every Flex cardholder, not just Google One members:
| Benefit | Details | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Google One AI Plus discount | Up to ₹3,900 off at a 50% discount | Launching November 15, 2026 |
| Pixel and Fitbit offer | Up to ₹10,000 off the latest devices at select offline stores | Currently on the Axis variant only |
Who Gains the Most?
- Google One members who spend ₹15,000 or more a cycle: They get 3.2% back plus the category boosts.
- Regular UPI spenders: Everyday payments can quickly build up Stars.
- Online grocery, food and bill-pay users: The 5% and 15% category boosts target these habits.
- People considering a Pixel or Fitbit: Up to ₹10,000 off can be a big saving for Axis variant holders.
If you are not a Google One member, the 1.6% rate still applies once you cross the threshold, but the extra category rewards are not available to you.
Smart Ways to Get the Most Out of Flex
- Cross ₹15,000 each cycle. Rewards kick in only after that point, so plan big payments within one cycle.
- Use the capped categories fully. Spending ₹5,000 on food and grocery apps and ₹3,000 on utilities, OTT and recharges maximises the extras.
- Check your card variant. The welcome reward value and the Pixel offer depend on which version you hold.
- Mark November 15. The Google One AI Plus discount is set to launch then.
- Read the terms. Eligibility, merchant lists and exclusions can change, so confirm details in the Google Pay app.
Looking for more money-saving guides? Check our personal finance news and latest tech news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much do Google One members earn on the Flex card?
They get 3.2% back in Stars on all spends in a reward cycle once spending crosses ₹15,000. Non-members get 1.6%.
Q2. When does the upgraded Flex rewards program start?
The upgrade starts on October 16, 2026, with the Google One AI Plus discount launching on November 15, 2026.
