India’s railways are among the busiest in the world — and every year millions of people book tickets through the IRCTC platform. If you travel frequently by train, you don’t just want convenience…. you want rewards, waivers, and perks too. That’s where IRCTC co-branded credit cards come in.
Issued in partnership with major banks like SBI, HDFC, Bank of Baroda, and RBL Bank, these cards reward you for railway ticket bookings and everyday spends while offering travel perks such as lounge access.
Let’s break down all the major IRCTC credit cards available in India, explain their benefits, and help you choose the right one.
What Is an IRCTC Credit Card?
An IRCTC credit card is a co-branded credit card offered in collaboration between the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and various banks. These cards are designed especially for people who book train tickets regularly, with benefits like:
- Reward points on IRCTC ticket bookings
- Transaction charge waivers on bookings through IRCTC
- Complimentary railway lounge access
- Welcome bonuses and milestone rewards
These cards also work as regular credit cards for daily purchases and other spends
IRCTC Credit Cards Available in India — Overview & Comparison
Below is a snapshot of the key IRCTC credit cards you can consider:
| Card | Best Features | Railway Ticket Rewards | Lounge Access | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card | Earn rewards on IRCTC and retail spends; extra 5% cashback on SmartBuy | 5 RPs per ₹100 on IRCTC bookings | 8 railway lounge visits/year (2 per quarter) | ₹500 + taxes | Balanced rewards + lounge access |
| IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card | Reward points across train booking & FASTag; lounge access | 5 points per ₹200 on IRCTC bookings | Up to 8 railway lounge visits/year | ₹500 + taxes | Travel + multi-category rewards |
| IRCTC SBI Card (RuPay) | Simple benefit structure; low fee; value on railway spends | Up to 10% Value Back on IRCTC ticket bookings | 4 complimentary railway/lounge visits | ₹500 + taxes | Frequent travellers seeking basic rewards |
| IRCTC Bank of Baroda Co-Brand | Reward points + lounge access | Rewards on IRCTC purchases | Complimentary lounges | (Varies by variant) | Travelers who want a different issuer option |
Key Features Explained
Reward Points on IRCTC Ticket Bookings
- Most IRCTC cards give higher reward points or value back on tickets booked through the IRCTC website or app.
- For example, SBI variants often offer up to 10% value back on AC, Chair Car, and other class bookings.
Transaction Charge Waiver
Several cards waive the 1% transaction charge (exclusive of GST) on railway ticket bookings made on the official IRCTC portal. This saves you money directly when buying tickets rather than earning later.
Railway Lounge Access
- Cards typically include complimentary access to executive railway lounges — great for frequent travellers waiting between trains.
- Lower-tier cards usually offer 4 visits per year (one per quarter), while premium versions like SBI Premier offer up to 8 visits annually.
Welcome & Milestone Rewards
Cards like IRCTC SBI Card Premier offer a large welcome bonus (e.g., 1,500 reward points) and spend-based milestones, which can be worth ₹1,000s in further travel rewards.
Additional Perks
Many of these cards also provide fuel surcharge waivers, utility payments, and general retail rewards, making them useful even beyond travel.
IRCTC Credit Cards: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Optimised rewards for train travellers — often better than general travel cards for rail bookings
- Complimentary railway lounge access improves travel comfort
- Many cards come with welcome bonuses
- Waiver on transaction charges on IRCTC bookings lends immediate value
Cons
- Annual fees may not be worth it if you travel rarely
- Rewards are highest on IRCTC spends — everyday retail rewards may be average
- Some benefits require spending thresholds (like fee waivers) to unlock
Who Should Choose Which Card?
Best Balanced Travel Card:
IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card — solid IRCTC rewards plus regular retail benefits.
Best for Multi-Reward Seekers:
IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card — allows you to earn across train bookings, FASTag reloads, and travel spends.
Best for Frequent Rail Travellers:
IRCTC SBI Card Premier — higher welcome bonus, more lounge visits, and extra perks.
If you travel frequently by train — be it for business, family visits or holidays — an IRCTC co-branded credit card can be a smart financial tool. These cards reward you not only for IRCTC bookings but also offer travel comfort through lounge access and other useful perks.
Remember to check:
- Annual fees vs expected usage
- Reward earning rates
- Lounge access limitations
- Whether benefits align with your travel frequency
Choosing the right one can save money and make your journey more rewarding.
Apply & Earn via PickMyWork
With PickMyWork, you can apply for these IRCTC-based cards—and also earn by helping others apply.
How it Works
- Download the PickMyWork app
- Sign-Up with Mobile Number (no investment)
- Promote the right Credit Card – You will find it in the Credit Card Section
- Earn incentives for each successful activation
👉 Start exploring these cards now — and earn with PickMyWork by helping others discover them.
FAQs — IRCTC Credit Cards
Q1. Can I use these cards for non-train purchases?
Yes. They function like regular credit cards, with rewards accruing differently depending on the card.
Q2. Do all IRCTC cards offer lounge access?
Yes, but the number of complimentary visits varies by card.
Q3. Is the annual fee always waived?
Some cards waive the fee if certain annual spend criteria are met, depending on the issuer terms.
Q4. Are reward points redeemable only for rail travel?
Most allow redemption for train bookings on IRCTC and sometimes other travel or retail benefits, subject to issuer rules.
Q5.What are the other Credit Cards options for me?
Check out all the credit cards here – Choose your credit card & fill your digital credit card application right away
