There are many credit cards that offer discounts on using them for rail travel and holiday bookings. These discounts can be in the form of cashback, surcharge waivers, or freebies. Note that in addition to booking train tickets, you may use these credit cards for other purposes as well such as rent pay and earn reward points.
Here, we have listed the top four credit cards that you can use for the next railway ticket booking.
See also: Best hotel credit cards to choose from
IRCTC SBI Platinum Card
With an annual fee of Rs 500 with taxes and renewal fee of Rs 300 per annum, this card offers benefits related to the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and more.
Source: SBI website
IRCTC SBI Platinum Card: Benefits offered
- On a single transaction of Rs 500 within 45 days of card issuance, get 350 activation bonus reward points. Note, fuel and cash transactions won’t be counted.
- On buying tickets through IRCTC online portal at irctc.co.in and IRCTC mobile app for AC-1, AC-2, AC-3, and AC-CC, you can earn up to 10% value back as reward points.
- For every Rs 125 = 1 reward point. Note, this should be spent on non-fuel retail purchases.
- Save 1% transaction charges on railway ticket bookings when booked through the IRCTC portal.
- You can also avail of exclusive travel privileges on the IRCTC portal.
- Further, by using the SBI IRCTC card, you can also book airline tickets with IRCTC at good price.
- Four complimentary railway lounge access in a year to participating lounges in India with maximum one per quarter.
- Waiver on paying the 1% fuel surcharge across all petrol pumps in India, on transaction of Rs 500 – Rs 3,000, exclusive of GST and other charges.
IRCTC SBI Platinum Card: Annual saving
You can calculate the amount of using the IRCTC SBI Platinum Card reward points calculator on the SBI website.
HDFC Bharat Credit Card
The joining/renewal membership fee is Rs 500 plus the applicable taxes. Note, in this card Rs 1 spent = 1 reward point. Cashbacks will be converted into reward points, which can be checked in the next credit card statement.
HDFC Bharat Credit Card: Benefits offered
- Get 5% monthly cashback when you book tickets through IRCTC.
- Get 5% monthly cashback on fuel expenses.
- Get 1% surcharge waiver and save upto Rs 250 in every billing cycle (Note, the minimum transaction should be of Rs 400).
- A 5% monthly cashback on groceries spends.
- A 5% monthly cashback on bill payment and mobile recharge.
- A 5% cashback on transactions done through EasyEMI, PayZapp, and SmartBUY.
HDFC Bharat Credit Card: Annual savings
HDFC Bharat Credit Card: Eligibility
Salaried: 21 years to 60 years, gross monthly income should be more than Rs 12,000
Self-employed: 21 years to 65 years, ITR should be more than Rs 2 Lakh per annum
IRCTC BOB Credit Card
The joining fee is Rs 500 and the subsequent annual renewal fee is Rs 350. Note, all reward points can be redeemed only as cashback in the statement with 1 reward point = Rs 0.25.
Source: Bank of Baroda website
IRCTC BOB Credit Card: Benefits
- On single transaction of Rs 1,000 or more within 45 days of card issuance, earn bonus reward of 1,000 points.
- Two reward points for every Rs 100 spent on any other category, including train ticket purchase on IRCTC portal or IRCTC mobile app.
- 1% fuel surcharge waived off on all fuel-related transactions between Rs 500 and Rs 3,000.
- Zero liability on lost cards.
IRCTC BOB Credit Card: Eligibility
Salaried: An income of more than Rs 3.6 Lakh
Self-employed: An income of more than Rs 4.8 Lakh
Age: 21 years to 65 years
Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card
Benefits
- Railway surcharge waiver for transactions on irctc.co.in and for transactions on the Indian Railways Booking Counters. The maximum railway surcharge waiver allowed in an anniversary year is Rs 500. Note, customers won’t earn rewards points on surcharge waiver.
- Fuel surcharge waiver applicable on transactions between Rs 500 and Rs 3,000. The maximum fuel surcharge waiver allowed in an anniversary year is Rs 3,500.
- Earn up to four reward points on every Rs 150 spent across all spendings done on your Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card.
Eligibility
Age: 21 years to 65 years
Income: Rs 24 Lakh and above per annum
Kotak Royale Signature Credit Card: Annual Savings
FAQs
What is an IRCTC Credit Card?
An IRCTC Credit Card is a co-branded credit card offered by the IRCTC with a bank.
How can I apply for an IRCTC Credit Card?
You can apply for the IRCTC Credit Card by getting in touch with a bank that offers it both online as well as offline mode.
Is there an annual fee for the IRCTC Credit Card?
Yes, many IRCTC Credit Cards come with an annual fee, which can vary depending on the card and its features.
Can I earn rewards on train ticket bookings with an IRCTC Credit Card?
Yes, IRCTC Credit Cards offer rewards, or cashbacks on train ticket bookings done through the IRCTC platform.
Can I use an IRCTC Credit Card for non-IRCTC transactions?
Yes, IRCTC Credit Cards can be used for transactions other than IRCTC services too.
(Logo used in header image is the sole property of – IRCTC)
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