Indian women are taking charge of their money. Here's how they are investing
The image of women as only careful savers is fast changing. Today, more Indian women are investing, exploring digital platforms and taking control of their financial future.
Not too long ago, investing was often seen as something many women left to a family member or financial adviser. That is changing, and changing fast.
Today, Indian women are not only earning more but are also making their own financial decisions with growing confidence. They are choosing where to save, where to invest and how to build long-term wealth.
In fact, women are embracing digital finance like never before. From making everyday payments through UPI to using credit cards and investing through brokerage platforms, women across income groups are becoming more confident in managing their money, reveals a new study by DBS Bank India, conducted in partnership with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP.
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ARE LEADING THE DIGITAL SHIFT
Among all the groups surveyed, female entrepreneurs emerged as the most active users of digital financial tools.
Around 84% use digital payment platforms, while 72% regularly use UPI. But the journey does not stop at payments. Nearly 38% use digital loan and credit platforms, while 29% invest through brokerage platforms.
High-net-worth (HNW) women are also embracing digital investing, with 28% using brokerage platforms to manage and grow their wealth.
The findings suggest that women are moving beyond simply saving money. Increasingly, they are looking at digital platforms as tools for wealth creation, attracted by their convenience, accessibility and ease of use.
DIGITAL TOOLS ARE BECOMING A BUSINESS ALLY
For many women entrepreneurs, digital finance is no longer just about making transactions—it has become an essential part of running a business.
According to Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Country Head, Global Transaction Services, Corporate Banking, Financial Institutions and SMEs at DBS Bank India, digital platforms are helping women manage everything from payments and payroll to customer acquisition and business planning.
"Among female entrepreneurs, digital tools are becoming increasingly integral to business management, supporting everything from payments, credit and payroll to customer acquisition and future planning," he said.
Dalal added that trust, convenience and accessibility continue to be the biggest drivers behind the growing adoption of digital financial services among women.
CREDIT CARDS ARE NO LONGER JUST FOR SPENDING
The study also shows that women are using credit cards more strategically.
Half of the female entrepreneurs surveyed said they use personal credit cards regularly. Of these, 19% use them daily, while 31% use them a few times each week.
Among HNW women, 53% use credit cards, making them the second most popular payment option after UPI.
And it is not just about spending, it's also about getting more value from every swipe.
Travel-related benefits such as air miles, hotel discounts, airport lounge access and travel insurance are the most popular credit card features among women.
About 65% of female entrepreneurs and HNW women said these rewards influence their choice of credit card. The preference is even stronger among younger women, particularly those between 25 and 35 years of age.
DIFFERENT WOMEN, DIFFERENT SPENDING PRIORITIES
The report also offers a glimpse into how women across different segments are using their money.
Female entrepreneurs are investing heavily in growing their businesses, with spending focused on salaries, marketing, customer acquisition and technology tools.
For rural women earners, the priority remains keeping their businesses running, with most spending going towards raw materials, rent and transport.
Among HNW women, spending is more balanced across everyday essentials such as groceries and utility bills, alongside healthcare and travel.
THE NEXT CHAPTER IN WOMEN'S FINANCIAL JOURNEY
Dalal believes this shift is only the beginning.
"As digital adoption deepens, entrepreneurs are increasingly seeking solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support their growth ambitions. Sustaining this momentum requires going beyond traditional banking to create connected ecosystems that help entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey," he said.
In other words, these findings reflect more than just the growing use of digital apps—they point to a deeper change in how Indian women think about money.
Women are no longer using digital platforms only to pay bills or transfer funds. They are borrowing wisely, investing with confidence, growing businesses and taking a more active role in building long-term wealth.
As digital financial tools become simpler and more accessible, Indian women are steadily taking greater control of their financial future—one smart financial decision at a time.
Not too long ago, investing was often seen as something many women left to a family member or financial adviser. That is changing, and changing fast.
Today, Indian women are not only earning more but are also making their own financial decisions with growing confidence. They are choosing where to save, where to invest and how to build long-term wealth.
In fact, women are embracing digital finance like never before. From making everyday payments through UPI to using credit cards and investing through brokerage platforms, women across income groups are becoming more confident in managing their money, reveals a new study by DBS Bank India, conducted in partnership with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP.
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ARE LEADING THE DIGITAL SHIFT
Among all the groups surveyed, female entrepreneurs emerged as the most active users of digital financial tools.
Around 84% use digital payment platforms, while 72% regularly use UPI. But the journey does not stop at payments. Nearly 38% use digital loan and credit platforms, while 29% invest through brokerage platforms.
High-net-worth (HNW) women are also embracing digital investing, with 28% using brokerage platforms to manage and grow their wealth.
The findings suggest that women are moving beyond simply saving money. Increasingly, they are looking at digital platforms as tools for wealth creation, attracted by their convenience, accessibility and ease of use.
DIGITAL TOOLS ARE BECOMING A BUSINESS ALLY
For many women entrepreneurs, digital finance is no longer just about making transactions—it has become an essential part of running a business.
According to Divyesh Dalal, Managing Director and Country Head, Global Transaction Services, Corporate Banking, Financial Institutions and SMEs at DBS Bank India, digital platforms are helping women manage everything from payments and payroll to customer acquisition and business planning.
"Among female entrepreneurs, digital tools are becoming increasingly integral to business management, supporting everything from payments, credit and payroll to customer acquisition and future planning," he said.
Dalal added that trust, convenience and accessibility continue to be the biggest drivers behind the growing adoption of digital financial services among women.
CREDIT CARDS ARE NO LONGER JUST FOR SPENDING
The study also shows that women are using credit cards more strategically.
Half of the female entrepreneurs surveyed said they use personal credit cards regularly. Of these, 19% use them daily, while 31% use them a few times each week.
Among HNW women, 53% use credit cards, making them the second most popular payment option after UPI.
And it is not just about spending, it's also about getting more value from every swipe.
Travel-related benefits such as air miles, hotel discounts, airport lounge access and travel insurance are the most popular credit card features among women.
About 65% of female entrepreneurs and HNW women said these rewards influence their choice of credit card. The preference is even stronger among younger women, particularly those between 25 and 35 years of age.
DIFFERENT WOMEN, DIFFERENT SPENDING PRIORITIES
The report also offers a glimpse into how women across different segments are using their money.
Female entrepreneurs are investing heavily in growing their businesses, with spending focused on salaries, marketing, customer acquisition and technology tools.
For rural women earners, the priority remains keeping their businesses running, with most spending going towards raw materials, rent and transport.
Among HNW women, spending is more balanced across everyday essentials such as groceries and utility bills, alongside healthcare and travel.
THE NEXT CHAPTER IN WOMEN'S FINANCIAL JOURNEY
Dalal believes this shift is only the beginning.
"As digital adoption deepens, entrepreneurs are increasingly seeking solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support their growth ambitions. Sustaining this momentum requires going beyond traditional banking to create connected ecosystems that help entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey," he said.
In other words, these findings reflect more than just the growing use of digital apps—they point to a deeper change in how Indian women think about money.
Women are no longer using digital platforms only to pay bills or transfer funds. They are borrowing wisely, investing with confidence, growing businesses and taking a more active role in building long-term wealth.
As digital financial tools become simpler and more accessible, Indian women are steadily taking greater control of their financial future—one smart financial decision at a time.
