Co-branded IRCTC Credit Cards Comparison

For frequent train travellers, IRCTC co-branded credit cards can be a great way to save on ticket bookings while earning rewards on everyday spending. These cards are offered in partnership with major issuers like SBI Card, HDFC Bank, RBL Bank, and Bank of Baroda.

In this guide, we compare all IRCTC credit cards based on rewards, value-back, fees, and additional benefits to help you choose the right one.

Value-Back on Train Ticket Bookings

IRCTC credit cards offer rewards instead of direct discounts. Most cards provide a 1:1 reward value, except one variant.

Maximum Value-Back Comparison

Key Insight: Most cards offer up to 10% return, but the Bank of Baroda variant has a lower reward value (₹0.25 per point), reducing actual benefits.

Reward Structure Breakdown

• SBI & RBL Cards: 10 reward points per ₹100 spent (high value-back)
• HDFC Card: Balanced rewards with SmartBuy benefits
• BoB Card: High earning rate but low redemption value

The base reward rate on non-IRCTC spends is relatively low across all cards.

Rewards on Other Categories

Some cards also offer benefits beyond train bookings:

SBI IRCTC Premier

• Up to 5% on air tickets and e-catering
• Around 2.4% on dining and utility bills

IRCTC RBL Card

• 1.5% on FASTag spends
• 1% on travel bookings

IRCTC BoB Card

• 1% on departmental store spends

These benefits make certain cards more suitable for everyday usage as well.

Railway Lounge Access

Railway lounge access is a useful benefit for frequent travellers:

• SBI Premier, RBL, HDFC: 8 visits per year (2 per quarter)
• SBI Platinum, BoB: 4 visits per year (1 per quarter)

Joining, Renewal & Milestone Benefits

Most IRCTC cards come with low annual fees and offer welcome benefits:

• SBI Premier: Welcome benefits worth ₹1,500
• RBL & HDFC: Around ₹500 value on joining
• BoB: Around ₹125 value
• SBI Platinum: Around ₹350 + renewal benefits

Milestone Benefits

• SBI Premier: Bonus points on travel spends
• HDFC IRCTC: ₹500 voucher on quarterly spends

These benefits can increase overall value for high spenders.

Other Key Benefits

• 1% Railway surcharge waiver on all cards
• Fuel surcharge waiver on most variants
• Annual fee waiver available on select cards
• Additional features like fraud protection and ticket cancellation cover

Which IRCTC Credit Card is Best?

The best card depends on your usage:

• For maximum train booking value: SBI IRCTC Platinum or Premier
• For balanced rewards: IRCTC HDFC Card
• For everyday spends: SBI Premier or RBL Card
• For low annual fee users: IRCTC BoB or SBI Platinum

How to Choose the Right IRCTC Card

Before applying, consider:

• Your preferred bank or issuer
• Expected train travel frequency
• Reward redemption value
• Benefits on non-IRCTC spends
• Annual fee and waiver conditions

Final Thoughts

IRCTC credit cards are a great option for frequent train travellers. With up to 10% value-back on bookings and added perks like lounge access, these cards can help you save significantly on travel.

However, since most benefits are focused on IRCTC bookings, make sure the card also aligns with your overall spending habits before making a choice.

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