Frequent train travelers can save a good amount using IRCTC co-branded credit cards. IRCTC partners with four major banks—SBI Card, HDFC Bank, RBL Bank and Bank of Baroda—to offer cards that give higher value-back on train bookings and useful travel benefits like railway lounge access.
This guide compares all IRCTC credit cards in simple words so you can choose the best one for your needs.
Which Card Gives the Highest Value-Back on Train Tickets?
Most IRCTC cards offer reward points with 1:1 value for train bookings.
The only exception is IRCTC Bank of Baroda Card, which gives Rs. 0.25 value per point.
Value-Back on Train Bookings (IRCTC App & Website)
Key Takeaways
- SBI Platinum and SBI Premier offer the same 10% value-back even though Premier is a premium variant.
- IRCTC HDFC offers the highest base reward rate of 1%.
- IRCTC BOB gives 10% on IRCTC spends but point value is low, so returns drop on other spends.
Which Card Gives Good Rewards on Other Categories?
These cards offer extra rewards on daily expenses:
SBI Card Premier
- 5% on air tickets & e-catering on IRCTC
- 2.4% on dining and utility bills
IRCTC RBL
- 1.5% on FASTag
- 1% on flight and hotel bookings
IRCTC BOB
- 1% on departmental stores
- No capping on grocery, which many cards limit
IRCTC HDFC
- 1% base rate (highest among all)
Railway Lounge Access Comparison
Activation, Renewal and Milestone Benefits
Most IRCTC cards offer welcome benefits.
Here is a simple breakdown:
Quick Notes
- SBI Premier gives strong milestone rewards but only on travel spends.
- HDFC IRCTC has easier milestone targets.
- SBI Platinum gives a renewal benefit every year, rare for low-fee cards.
Other Important Features
How to Choose the Right IRCTC Credit Card
Use these points to pick the right card:
- Choose your preferred bank (helps in approval)
- Check which card gives maximum value-back for your ticket spends
- See which card offers rewards on your regular categories like dining, utility, grocery
- Compare annual fee vs benefits
- If you want only one all-rounder card, select the one with non-IRCTC benefits
- Check railway lounge access frequency