HDFC Bank
IRCTC
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is a co-branded travel card built for frequent train travellers who book through IRCTC. It earns 5 reward points per ₹100 spent on IRCTC bookings — translating to a 5% value-back — and an additional 5% cashback when bookings are made through the HDFC SmartBuy portal, effectively delivering up to 10% total value on SmartBuy train ticket bookings.
Direct link to the issuer's website. Terms apply — verify current offer with the bank.
Data last updated 6 June 2026.
At a Glance
Annual Fee
₹500
Joining Fee
₹500
Fee Waiver
Spend ₹1,50,000 annually
Lounge Access
IRCTC executive lounge access
Forex Markup
3.5%
Effective Yield
1% – 10%
Our Take
CreditGully Rating
Based on CreditGully editors' analysis. Not influenced by card issuers.
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is a co-branded travel card built for frequent train travellers who book through IRCTC. It earns 5 reward points per ₹100 spent on IRCTC bookings — translating to a 5% value-back — and an additional 5% cashback when bookings are made through the HDFC SmartBuy portal, effectively delivering up to 10% total value on SmartBuy train ticket bookings. Reward points can be redeemed against train ticket bookings at ₹1 per point via SmartBuy.
What sets this card apart from comparable IRCTC co-branded cards like the SBI IRCTC Platinum is the ability to redeem rewards directly against train bookings at a 1:1 ratio, the higher number of railway lounge visits, and the additional SmartBuy cashback layer. Regular train travellers also benefit from 8 complimentary IRCTC Executive Lounge visits per year (up to 2 per quarter), a 1% transaction charge waiver on IRCTC bookings, and welcome and milestone benefits that effectively recover the ₹500 joining fee.
What We Like
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card earns 5% value-back in reward points on IRCTC train ticket bookings, plus an additional 5% cashback when bookings are made via the HDFC SmartBuy portal — effectively delivering up to 10% total value on SmartBuy train bookings. Beyond the rewards, the card adds complimentary IRCTC Executive Lounge access and a 1% transaction charge waiver on IRCTC bookings. The ₹500 joining fee is offset by a welcome benefit of equal value, and the annual fee waiver is achievable at a modest ₹1.5 lakh in annual spends.
In summary, the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is a focused, low-cost travel card (₹500/year) that delivers genuine value for regular train travellers. The rewards and cashback on IRCTC bookings are strong, and the railway lounge access is a useful perk. That said, the 1 reward point per ₹100 base rate on non-IRCTC spends is quite low, which limits the card's everyday utility. If train travel is a major part of your monthly expenses, this card is a smart addition to your wallet. But if you're looking for a card that rewards you across travel, shopping, and dining broadly, a more comprehensive travel card would serve you better.
Pros
- ✓Earn 5X reward points on IRCTC bookings plus an additional 5% cashback via SmartBuy — up to 10% combined value on train tickets
- ✓Welcome benefit worth ₹500 effectively offsets the joining fee
- ✓8 complimentary IRCTC Executive Lounge visits per year (2 per quarter)
- ✓Reward points redeemable against train ticket bookings at 1:1 ratio (1 point = ₹1)
- ✓Low ₹500 annual fee, waivable on ₹1.5 lakh in annual spends
Cons
- ✗Low base reward rate of 1 point per ₹100 on non-IRCTC spends
- ✗No complimentary airport lounge access — railway lounges only
- ✗Limited appeal for those who don't regularly travel by train
Get This Card If
- ✓Train is your primary mode of travel and you regularly book through IRCTC
- ✓You want strong rewards on train ticket bookings and prefer redeeming them back against future IRCTC bookings at full ₹1 per point value
- ✓You're looking for a low-cost travel card with a ₹500 annual fee that's easily waivable
- ✓You want meaningful travel perks — like railway lounge access — without paying a premium annual fee
Earning & Redemption
How You Earn
| Category | Reward rate | Yield % | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRCTC (Direct via Website/App) | 5 Reward Points (RP) per ₹100 | 5.00% | 1,000 RP per billing cycle |
| SmartBuy IRCTC (Accelerated) | 5% Cashback + 5 RP per ₹100 | 10.00% | 1,000 RP per month |
| All Other Retail Spends | 1 RP per ₹100 | 1.00% | No Upper Cap, Category-based caps still apply. |
| Excluded Categories | No Points Earned | 0.0% | — |
Milestone Rewards
| Spend | Benefit | Value | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₹0 Lakh | Welcome Voucher | ₹500 Gift Voucher | Awarded on the first transaction made within 37 days of card issuance. |
| ₹0.3 Lakh | Quarterly Milestone | ₹500 Gift Voucher | Choice of partner vouchers (BMS, etc.) for spending ₹30k every calendar quarter. |
| ₹1.5 Lakh | Fee Waiver | ₹500 + GST Savings | Annual renewal fee is waived for the next year upon hitting this spend target. |
Redemption Value
| Channel | Value per point | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| IRCTC Ticket Booking | ₹1.00 per RP1:1 Ratio | Best Value (Valid for up to 70% of the ticket fare value) |
| Statement Credit (Cash) | ₹0.20 - ₹0.30 per RPVaries | Avoid (Significant loss in point value compared to railway redemption) |
What You Need to Know
70% Fare Limit
You can only use reward points to pay for a maximum of 70% of the train ticket amount.
Impact: Prevents 'zero-cost' tickets; you must pay the 30% balance plus taxes in cash.
Transaction Charge Waiver
1% transaction charge waiver on IRCTC website and app is included.
Impact: Reduces the hidden cost of booking fees often seen on standard cards.
2026 Utility Surcharge
1% fee on total utility payments exceeding ₹50,000 per month.
Impact: High bill payments incur a net loss since the reward rate is only 1%.
SmartBuy Multi-Stacking
Cashback from SmartBuy is credited within 90 days, not instantly like points.
Impact: Users need to track the credit statement to ensure they receive the full 10% value.
Essential Fine Print
Reward Exclusions
Excluded Categories: Fuel, Wallet loading, Rent payments, Government payments, Education payments, and EMI transactions.
Welcome Offer
Gift voucher worth ₹500
Gift voucher worth ₹500 upon activating the card*
Lounge Access
Complimentary Railway Lounge Access
8 complimentary access per year to select IRCTC Executive Lounges (capped at 2 per quarter).
Travel Benefits
IRCTC Bookings
Earn 5 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on IRCTC website and Rail Connect app, Additional 5% cashback on train ticket bookings via HDFC Bank SmartBuy.
Transaction Fee Waiver
1% transaction fee waiver on ticket bookings via IRCTC website and app.
Milestone Benefits
Annual Fee Waiver
Spend ₹1.5 Lakh or more in a year to get the renewal fee waived.
Additional Features
Non-IRCTC Spends
Earn 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 spent on other merchant categories.
Cashback using PayZapp
₹1,000 CashBack across 200+ brands on your Credit Card via
Fees & Charges
| Fee Type | Amount / Details |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹500 |
| Annual / Renewal Fee | ₹500 |
| Fee Waiver Threshold | Spend ₹1,50,000 annually |
| Forex Markup | 3.5% |
| Reward Redemption Fee | ₹99 per redemption |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% surcharge |
Eligibility Criteria
Salaried
Age: 21–60 years; Net Monthly Income: > ₹25,000.
Self-Employed
Age: 21–65 years; ITR: > ₹6 Lakhs per annum.
Ready to apply for IRCTC?
Annual fee: ₹500 · Waived on ₹1,50,000 spend
Frequently Asked Questions
Annual fee
₹500
1% – 10% yield