Train travel in India is cost-effective but booking through IRCTC often comes with additional charges, no reward benefits, and limited perks. For frequent travelers, these missed opportunities can add up to thousands of rupees each year, especially when using ordinary payment methods. The IRCTC credit card bridges this gap by offering travel rewards, discounted bookings, and exclusive benefits tailored for railway passengers. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best IRCTC credit cards, how to apply, and how to maximize every rupee you spend.
What is an IRCTC Credit Card?
Overview & Purpose
An IRCTC credit card is a co-branded travel card designed specifically for Indian Railway passengers. These railway credit cards offer numerous perks tailored for rail commuters — from train ticket cashback to fuel surcharge waivers and exclusive railway lounge access. Whether you’re booking an IRCTC online ticket or shopping on partner platforms, these cards bring additional value to every transaction.
Co-branded Partners (SBI, BOB, HDFC, etc.)
Currently, the top issuing partners include:
- SBI Card: Known for its IRCTC SBI Premier variant.
- HDFC Bank: Offers the IRCTC HDFC RuPay Credit Card.
- Bank of Baroda (BOB): Provides an IRCTC BOB Credit Card with lounge access and decent reward returns.
Top IRCTC Credit Cards in 2025 (Comparison Table)
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| Credit Card Name | Annual Fees & Renewal Charges | Rewards & Cashback | Interest Rates | Unique Benefits | Ease of Eligibility & Application | Annual Fees Rating | Rewards Rating | Interest Rate Rating | Unique Benefits Rating | Eligibility Rating | Final Rating |
| Jupiter Edge+ | ₹499 one-time fee, no annual fee | 10% shopping, 5% travel cashback, capped at ₹3,500/month | Dynamic (BNPL-based model) | Free Amazon Prime, lifestyle + travel cashback on top platforms | App-based, instant onboarding | 4.5 | 5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.55 |
| IRCTC SBI Premier Card | ₹500/year | 10% IRCTC savings, 1 RP/₹125 | ~3.5% per month | Waiver on IRCTC transaction fees | Easy online + branch access | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.05 |
| IRCTC HDFC RuPay | ₹500/year | 5% IRCTC cashback, 1 RP/₹100 | ~3.6% per month | Powered by RuPay, lounge access | Quick online application | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.05 |
| IRCTC BOB Card | ₹500/year | 2 RP/₹150 | ~3.49% per month | Complimentary railway lounge access | Moderate income eligibility | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.58 |
| IRCTC IDFC First Select | ₹500/year | 6 RP/₹150, cashback offers | ~2.99% per month | Lounge access + regular shopping cashback | Simple e-KYC process | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.18 |
| IRCTC Kotak Railway Card | ₹500/year | 3 RP/₹125, IRCTC fee waiver | ~3.5% per month | Bonus rewards on IRCTC, extra perks | Standard eligibility norms | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 3.7 |
| IRCTC Axis Bank Titanium | ₹1000/year | 2 EDGE RP/₹100, IRCTC cashback | ~3.6% per month | Axis rewards program integration | KYC + moderate credit score | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 3.38 |
Final Ranking (Top to Bottom)
- Jupiter Edge+ – ⭐ 4.55
- IRCTC IDFC First Select – ⭐ 4.18
- IRCTC SBI Premier Card – ⭐ 4.05
- IRCTC HDFC RuPay – ⭐ 4.05
- IRCTC Kotak Railway Card – ⭐ 3.70
- IRCTC BOB Card – ⭐ 3.58
- IRCTC Axis Bank Titanium – ⭐ 3.38
Why These Cards Rank High
Jupiter Edge+
- Low Fee: One-time ₹499 only, no renewal.
- Outstanding Rewards: 10% shopping, 5% travel cashback.
- Unique Benefits: Free Amazon Prime + wide e-commerce cashback.
- Digital Onboarding: App-based, seamless approval.
- Best overall balance of savings, features, and accessibility.
IRCTC IDFC First Select
- Low Interest Rate (~36% p.a.): Better than most others.
- Reward-rich: 6 RP/₹150 + cashback.
- Lounge access and low eligibility make it ideal for savvy travelers.
IRCTC SBI Premier Card
- IRCTC-specific Savings: 10% on bookings.
- Waiver on booking fees is a niche but valuable benefit.
- Well-rounded eligibility and features, good for train commuters.
1. Jupiter Edge+
Annual Fees & Charges: ₹499 one-time joining fee, ₹0 renewal fee — great for budget-conscious users.
Rewards & Cashback:
- 10% cashback on top e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, etc.)
- 5% cashback on travel portals (MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Cleartrip, etc.)
- ₹3,500/month cashback cap — translates to up to ₹42,000/year.
Interest Rate: Assumed ~24–30% (BNPL-based), rated reasonably.
Unique Benefits:
- Free Amazon Prime membership
- Cashback across daily-use categories
- Lifestyle + travel perks in one card
Ease of Eligibility: App-based application with quick onboarding — ideal for first-time credit card users or gig economy earners.
Perfect for: Millennials, online shoppers, and those who want high rewards with no renewal fees.
2. IRCTC IDFC First Select
- Annual Fees: ₹500/year (standard), reasonable for travel cards.
- Rewards & Cashback:
- 6 RP/₹150 spent, plus added cashback on shopping.
- Better reward value than other IRCTC cards.
- Interest Rate: ~2.99% per month (~36% annually) — lowest among IRCTC co-branded options.
- Unique Benefits:
- Complimentary railway lounge access
- Broader usability beyond IRCTC
- Eligibility: Simple e-KYC process, no branch visits needed.
- Perfect for: Urban professionals who use IRCTC occasionally but want flexible usage.
3. IRCTC SBI Premier Card
- Annual Fees: ₹500/year — affordable.
- Rewards & Cashback:
- 10% savings on IRCTC ticket bookings.
- 1 RP per ₹125 — not best in market but offset by IRCTC benefits.
- Interest Rate: ~3.5% p.m. (~42% p.a.)
- Unique Benefits:
- Waiver of IRCTC transaction fees
- IRCTC-centric rewards
- Eligibility: Available via online and offline channels.
- Perfect for: Frequent train travelers loyal to IRCTC bookings.
4. IRCTC HDFC RuPay Card
- Annual Fees: ₹500/year — moderate.
- Rewards & Cashback:
- 5% cashback on IRCTC bookings.
- 1 RP per ₹100 — decent but IRCTC-specific.
- Interest Rate: ~3.6% p.m. (~43.2% annually)
- Unique Benefits:
- RuPay network benefits
- Complimentary railway lounge access
- Eligibility: Fully online process.
- Perfect for: IRCTC users who want access to RuPay benefits and lounge access.
5. IRCTC Kotak Railway Card
- Annual Fees: ₹500/year
- Rewards & Cashback:
- 3 RP/₹125 + IRCTC fee waiver
- Interest Rate: ~3.5% p.m. (~42% p.a.)
- Unique Benefits:
- Bonus rewards on IRCTC transactions
- Standard travel features
- Eligibility: Typical bank norms, moderate.
- Perfect for: Budget travelers who want small consistent savings.
6. IRCTC BOB Card
- Annual Fees: ₹500/year
- Rewards & Cashback:
- 2 RP/₹150 — relatively low.
- Interest Rate: ~3.49% p.m. (~41.9% p.a.)
- Unique Benefits:
- Railway lounge access
- Eligibility: Moderate income required.
- Perfect for: Users who prioritize railway lounge comfort but not aggressive rewards.
7. IRCTC Axis Bank Titanium
- Annual Fees: ₹1000/year — highest among the group.
- Rewards & Cashback:
- 2 EDGE RP/₹100 — moderate.
- IRCTC cashback included.
- Interest Rate: ~3.6% p.m. (~43.2% p.a.)
- Unique Benefits:
- Part of Axis EDGE rewards ecosystem
- Eligibility: Moderate income + KYC needed.
- Perfect for: Axis Bank loyalists or users of EDGE rewards across other Axis products.
When comparing railway credit cards, it’s important to assess categories like reward redemption, cashback on IRCTC online booking, and lounge access. Cards like the Jupiter Edge+ also offer lifestyle perks alongside train ticket cashback, making them a compelling alternative to traditional travel cards.
Key Benefits of IRCTC Credit Cards
Most train travel credit cards come with a host of travel-centric advantages like joining fee benefits, annual fee waivers, and reward redemption programs. For regular IRCTC users, the savings on IRCTC online booking can be significant, especially when combined with IRCTC offers today and platform-exclusive deals.
Travel Discounts on Train Tickets
Most IRCTC credit cards offer up to 10% off on train ticket bookings, applicable for AC class and other premium categories when booked via IRCTC.
Lounge Access at Railway Stations
Get complimentary or discounted access to railway lounges, allowing you to relax before boarding.
Reward Points on IRCTC Bookings
Earn 1-2 reward points for every ₹100-₹150 spent on ticket bookings, food purchases, or shopping on IRCTC.
Waiver of Transaction Charges
Cards like IRCTC SBI Premier offer a waiver on IRCTC transaction charges which are usually levied during bookings.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
Enjoy 1% fuel surcharge waiver at select petrol pumps, typically capped per billing cycle.
Exclusive Offers (2025 Update)
Seasonal Cashback Deals
Look out for limited-period cashback offers on ticket bookings, especially during festivals or IRCTC anniversary days.
Complimentary Add-on Cards
Some IRCTC cards offer free add-on cards for family members with shared benefits.
E-commerce Discounts
Occasional discounts on online shopping platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and IRCTC tourism packages.
How to Apply for an IRCTC Credit Card
Applying for an IRCTC credit card is hassle-free. The online credit card application process requires minimal documentation and is often approved within 48 hours. These co-branded travel cards are ideal for users who frequently book train tickets and are looking for ongoing perks beyond just basic discounts.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 21–60 years (for primary cardholders)
- Salaried or self-employed with minimum monthly income (varies by bank)
- Good credit score (typically 700+)
Documents Required
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card
- Address proof (e.g., utility bills)
- Income proof (salary slip, ITR, bank statements)
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official bank website (SBI, HDFC, BOB).
- Choose the IRCTC co-branded card option.
- Fill out the application form.
- Upload scanned documents.
- Complete e-KYC verification.
- Await verification call and card dispatch.
Online vs Offline Application
- Online: Quick, paperless, and convenient.
- Offline: Visit the nearest bank branch with documents.
Who Should Get an IRCTC Credit Card?
Frequent Train Travelers
If you travel frequently for work, leisure, or family, the benefits and cashback will quickly cover the annual fee.
Budget-conscious Passengers
For those tracking expenses, the reward points, lounge access, and fuel savings make it an economical choice.
People who book tickets via IRCTC frequently
IRCTC cards are designed for exclusive use on the IRCTC platform, rewarding loyal users with extra perks.
IRCTC Credit Card vs General Travel Cards
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Specific benefits for train travelers
- Lower joining/annual fees
- Faster ROI for IRCTC users
Cons:
- Limited international travel perks
- Not ideal for frequent fliers or hotel points
Why It’s Better for Rail Travel
Unlike generic travel cards, IRCTC cards maximize value on Indian Railways bookings, with features like booking fee waivers and train-centric rewards.
Common Fees and Charges to Know
Joining Fee
Most IRCTC credit cards have a joining fee of ₹500, often refunded on first-year spending milestones.
Annual Renewal Charges
Annual fees (₹500) are standard, but may be waived off on crossing a specified spending threshold.
Late Payment Fees
Varies by card issuer. Typically ranges from ₹100–500 depending on bill amount and delay duration.
Final Thoughts – Is an IRCTC Credit Card Worth It in 2025?
If you rely on Indian Railways for travel, an IRCTC credit card is a highly rewarding tool that not only saves money but enhances travel comfort. From lounge access to cashbacks and zero transaction fees, these cards offer niche advantages that regular cards don’t. Whether you’re a student, a salaried professional, or a senior citizen, applying for one could be a smart move in 2025.
FAQs
What is the use of an IRCTC credit card?
It helps save on train bookings via IRCTC by offering discounts, reward points, and transaction fee waivers.
How can I apply for an IRCTC credit card online?
Visit the bank’s website (SBI, HDFC, BOB), check eligibility, and apply with basic documents like PAN, Aadhaar, and income proof.
What are the major benefits of IRCTC credit cards?
Key benefits include travel discounts, railway lounge access, reward points, and fuel surcharge waivers.
