← Part of HDFC Credit Cards in India
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card, launched in partnership with IRCTC in March 2023, is designed for frequent train travellers in India. IT offers 5X reward points on IRCTC bookings and 8 complimentary railway lounge visits annually, making IT a strong contender for travel savings. Paisabazaar rates this card 3.0/5.0 for travel in 2026, its co-branded benefits.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Co-branded Credit Card (HDFC Bank and IRCTC) |
| Card Network | RuPay |
| Joining Fee | ₹500 + Applicable Taxes |
| Annual Fee | ₹500 + Applicable Taxes |
| Annual Fee Waiver | Spend ₹1,50,000 or more in a membership year |
| Welcome Benefit | ₹500 gift voucher (on card activation within 30 days) |
| Reward Points on IRCTC Spends | 5 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on IRCTC website and Rail Connect app |
| Reward Points on Other Spends | 1 Reward Point per ₹100 spent on all other categories |
| Reward Point Value | 1 HDFC Bank Reward Point = ₹1 (redeemable against train tickets via SmartBuy portal) |
| Cashback on IRCTC SmartBuy | Extra 5% cashback on IRCTC train tickets booked via HDFC Bank SmartBuy |
| Railway Lounge Access | 8 complimentary railway lounge visits per year (2 per quarter) |
| Transaction Surcharge Waiver | 1% waiver on transaction charges for railway ticket bookings (max ₹1,000 per month) |
| Railway Surcharge Waiver | Up to ₹500 maximum in a calendar year on www.irctc.co.in and Indian Railways Booking Counters |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 100% waiver up to ₹250 per billing cycle (1% to 2.5% of transaction base amount, plus GST) |
| Contactless Payments | Enabled for transactions up to ₹5,000 without PIN in India |
| Interest-Free Period | Up to 50 days from the date of purchase |
| Cash Advance Fee | 2.5% of amount withdrawn (minimum ₹500) |
| Interest Rate | 3.6% per month |
| Duplicate Statement Request | ₹10 per request |
| Minimum Age (Applicant) | 21 years |
| Maximum Age (Salaried) | 60 years |
| Maximum Age (Self-Employed) | 65 years |
| Minimum Income (Salaried) | Gross monthly income over ₹25,000 |
| Minimum Income (Self-Employed) | ITR > ₹6 lakh p.a. |
| Nationality/Residency | Indian National, Resident of India (Non-resident Indians not eligible) |
This card offers substantial value for train travel, with a 1:1 reward point redemption ratio against train tickets via the SmartBuy portal.
IRCTC HDFC Credit Card: Features & Benefits
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card offers 5 Reward Points per ₹100 spent on IRCTC bookings and 8 complimentary railway lounge visits annually. IT provides a 1% transaction surcharge waiver on train ticket bookings, with a maximum waiver of ₹1,000 per month.
| Type/Category | Details | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Co-branded Credit Card | Designed in collaboration with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) | Specialised for frequent train travellers |
| Welcome Benefit | Gift voucher worth ₹500 upon card activation within 30 days | Recovers the joining fee |
| Reward Points on IRCTC Bookings | 5 Reward Points on every ₹100 spent on IRCTC website and Rail Connect app | Accelerated rewards for train tickets |
| Cashback on IRCTC Bookings | Extra 5% cashback on train ticket bookings via HDFC Bank SmartBuy | Additional savings on train travel |
| Reward Points on Other Spends | 1 Reward Point on every ₹100 spent on all other spending categories | Rewards for general retail purchases |
| Reward Point Redemption | 1 HDFC Bank Reward Point = Re.1; redeemable against train ticket bookings through SmartBuy portal | High redemption value for travel |
| Railway Lounge Access | 8 complimentary railway lounge visits per year (2 visits per quarter) at select IRCTC Executive Lounges | d travel comfort at stations like New Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi |
| Transaction Surcharge Waiver | 1% waiver on transaction charges for railway ticket bookings made on IRCTC website/mobile app or HDFC Bank SmartBuy | Cost savings on train ticket bookings, up to ₹1,000 monthly |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 100% fuel-surcharge waiver, capped at ₹250 per billing cycle | Savings on fuel transactions |
| Annual Fee Waiver | Waived off on spending ₹1,50,000 or more in a membership year before renewal date | Fee waiver for regular users |
| Contactless Payments | Enabled for contactless payments at retail outlets up to ₹5,000 per transaction without PIN | Convenient and secure transactions |
| Fraud Protection | Available on fraudulent transactions if reported immediately to HDFC Bank’s 24-hour Call Centre | Security against unauthorised use |
| Mobile Management Platform | MyCards mobile-based service platform for credit card needs | Easy card activation and management |
The card’s strong reward structure for train bookings, coupled with lounge access and fee waiver criteria, makes IT a valuable tool for frequent railway travellers in India.
IRCTC HDFC Credit Card: Fees & Charges 2026
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card carries a joining fee of ₹500 plus applicable taxes, with a similar renewal fee annually. Cardholders can waive the annual fee by spending ₹1.5 lakh or more in a membership year, as per HDFC Bank guidelines (as of 2026).
| Metric | Value (₹) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | 500 + applicable taxes | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
| Annual Fee | 500 + applicable taxes | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
| Annual Fee Waiver Criteria | Spends of 1,50,000 or more in a year | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
| Duplicate Statement Request Fee | 10 per request | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
| Cash Advance Fee | 2.5% of amount withdrawn (minimum 500) | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
| Interest Rate (Monthly) | 3.6% per month | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
| Foreign Currency Markup Fee | 3.5% of total transacted amount | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
| IRCTC Transaction Surcharge Waiver | 1% (on IRCTC website/Rail Connect App) | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% (up to 250 per billing cycle) | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
| Railway Surcharge Waiver (Max) | 500 in a calendar year | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
| Add-on Card Fee | Free of cost | HDFC Bank Official Website (as of 2026) |
Understanding these charges helps in evaluating the card’s overall cost-effectiveness, especially for frequent train travelers who can benefit from fee waivers and transaction charge reversals.
How IRCTC HDFC Credit Card Works
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is a co-branded RuPay card designed for frequent train travellers in India. IT offers specific benefits for bookings made on the IRCTC website and Rail Connect app, including accelerated reward points and surcharge waivers. The card also provides complimentary railway lounge access at select stations.
- Co-branded Partnership: This credit card is a collaboration between IRCTC and HDFC Bank, launched on March 1, 2023, to offer exclusive travel rewards.
- Reward Point Structure: Cardholders earn 5 reward points for every ₹100 spent on IRCTC’s website and Rail Connect app, while other spending categories yield 1 reward point per ₹100.
- Reward Point Value: Each HDFC Bank reward point is valued at Re.1, making redemptions straightforward, especially for train ticket bookings via the SmartBuy portal.
- Transaction Surcharge Waiver: A 1% transaction surcharge is reversed on railway bookings made through the IRCTC website/mobile app, RailConnect app/website, or HDFC Bank SmartBuy platform, up to a maximum of ₹1,000 monthly.
- Railway Lounge Access: The card provides 8 complimentary railway lounge visits annually, limited to 2 visits per calendar quarter, at locations like New Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi.
- Contactless Payments: The card supports contactless payments for transactions up to ₹5,000 without requiring a PIN, convenience at retail outlets across India.
- Annual Fee Waiver: The annual renewal fee of ₹500 (plus applicable taxes) is waived if the cardholder spends ₹1.5 lakh or more in the preceding membership year.
- Mobile Card Management: HDFC Bank’s MyCards platform allows users to manage their credit card needs, including activation, without needing passwords or downloads.
The card’s design prioritises savings and convenience for those who frequently use Indian Railways, offering a strong value proposition for train-centric spending.
IRCTC HDFC Credit Card: Eligibility & Documents
To apply for the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card in 2026, applicants must be Indian nationals aged between 21 and 65 years. Salaried individuals need a minimum gross monthly income of ₹15,000, while self-employed applicants require an ITR of over ₹6 lakh per annum.
HDFC Bank assesses eligibility based on a stable income and a good credit history, ensuring timely debt repayments.
- Age Criteria: Salaried applicants must be between 21 and 60 years old. Self-employed individuals can apply up to 65 years of age.
- Nationality & Residency: Only Indian nationals residing in India are eligible for this credit card. Non-resident Indians cannot apply.
- Income Requirement (Salaried): A minimum gross monthly income of ₹15,000 is required for salaried applicants.
- Income Requirement (Self-Employed): Self-employed individuals need to show an Income Tax Return (ITR) of more than ₹6 lakh per annum.
- Credit History: Applicants should have a clean credit record with no history of loan defaults or delayed debt repayments.
- Identity Proof: Valid documents include a Passport, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN card, along with passport-size photos.
- Address Proof: Acceptable proofs are utility bills (electricity, water, gas, telephone), a rental agreement, Passport, Aadhaar card, or Voter ID.
- Income Proof: Salaried individuals need recent salary slips or Form 16. Self-employed applicants must provide Income Tax Returns (ITR) or bank statements.
Meeting these criteria and submitting the necessary documents streamlines the application process for the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card.
IRCTC HDFC Credit Card vs Alternatives
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card offers competitive benefits for train travellers in India, particularly with its 5% value back on IRCTC bookings and 8 complimentary railway lounge visits annually. For 2026, IT stands out against alternatives like the IRCTC SBI Platinum Card and IRCTC BoB Card due to its higher lounge access and specific annual fee waiver criteria.
| Feature | IRCTC HDFC Card | IRCTC SBI Platinum Card | IRCTC BoB Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹500 + GST | ₹500 + GST | ₹500 + GST |
| Annual Fee | ₹500 + GST | ₹500 + GST | ₹350 + GST |
| Annual Fee Waiver | Spend ₹1.5 lakh in a year | Not specified | Not specified |
| Railway Lounge Access | 8 per year (2 per quarter) | 4 per year (1 per quarter) | 4 per year (1 per quarter) |
| Reward Rate on IRCTC Bookings | 5% value back (5X Reward Points on ₹100 spent) + 5% cashback via SmartBuy | 10% value back (as reward points) | 10% value back (as reward points) |
| Transaction Surcharge Waiver on IRCTC | 1% waiver on IRCTC website/app, RailConnect app/website, or HDFC Bank SmartBuy platform | Not specified | Not specified |
| Welcome Benefit | ₹500 gift voucher | Not specified | Not specified |
| Base Reward Rate (Other Spends) | 1 reward point per ₹100 spent (~1% value) | Not specified | Not specified |
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is recommended for frequent train travellers, especially those who can meet the annual spend for fee waiver and utilise the higher number of lounge visits.
Common IRCTC HDFC Card Misconceptions
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is specifically designed for frequent train travellers, offering targeted benefits for railway bookings. Many users misunderstand its broader utility and specific reward point redemption rules.
- General Spending Rewards: The card provides 1 reward point per ₹100 spent on most categories, which is a lower base rate compared to dedicated cashback or general travel cards. Its primary value lies in railway-related transactions.
- Annual Fee Waiver: The ₹500 annual fee is waived only if you spend ₹1.5 lakh or more in a membership year. This threshold requires consistent usage beyond just occasional train bookings.
- Reward Point Value: While 1 HDFC Bank reward point equals Re.1, this high value is primarily for redemption against train tickets via the SmartBuy portal. Redemption for other categories might have different values.
- Lounge Access Limitations: The card offers 8 complimentary railway lounge visits annually (2 per quarter), but these are restricted to select IRCTC Executive Lounges at major railway stations like New Delhi and Ahmedabad, not airport lounges.
- Contactless Payment Limit: Contactless transactions without a PIN are capped at ₹5,000 per single transaction in India, a standard regulatory limit for all credit cards.
Understanding these specific conditions helps cardholders maximise benefits and avoid common pitfalls with the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card.
Apply for IRCTC HDFC Credit Card
Applying for the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is a straightforward process for eligible Indian residents. HDFC Bank offers both online and offline application channels to suit applicant preferences.
The card is designed for frequent train travellers, offering benefits like accelerated reward points on IRCTC bookings and complimentary railway lounge access.
- Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet the age criteria (21-60 years for salaried, 21-65 years for self-employed) and income requirements (over ₹25,000 gross monthly for salaried, ITR > ₹6 lakh p.a. For self-employed).
- Document Preparation: Gather necessary identity proof (Passport, Aadhaar, PAN), address proof (utility bills, rental agreement), and income proof (salary slips, ITR, Form 16, bank statements).
- Online Application: Visit the official HDFC Bank website and to the IRCTC Credit Card section. Fill out the online application form with your personal and financial details.
- Offline Application: Alternatively, visit any HDFC Bank branch in India. A bank representative will assist you with the application form and document submission.
- Application Submission: Submit the completed form along with all required documents. For online applications, you may need to upload scanned copies.
- Status Tracking: After submission, you can track your application status online via the HDFC Bank website by visiting the credit card page and clicking the ‘cc_track’ option.
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card has a joining fee of ₹500 plus applicable taxes, with an annual fee waiver available on spends of ₹1.5 lakh in a membership year.
Key Takeaways
- The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is ideal for frequent train travellers in India, offering 5 reward points per ₹100 spent on IRCTC.
- Cardholders receive 8 complimentary railway lounge visits annually, limited to 2 visits per quarter, at select stations.
- The card carries a joining and annual fee of ₹500 plus taxes, which can be waived if annual spends exceed ₹1.5 lakh.
Check your eligibility and apply for the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card directly on the HDFC Bank website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main benefits of the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card in 2026?
The IRCTC HDFC Credit Card offers 5% cashback on IRCTC train ticket bookings via the IRCTC website or app. Cardholders also receive 8 complimentary railway lounge visits annually, capped at 2 visits per quarter. Reward points can be redeemed against future train ticket purchases at a 1:1 ratio through HDFC Bank’s SmartBuy portal.
What is the annual fee for the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card in 2026?
The IRCTC HDFC Credit Card has a first-year fee of ₹500 plus applicable taxes. The renewal fee is also ₹500 plus taxes, which can be waived if you spend ₹1,50,000 or more in the preceding year before your card renewal date. This fee structure makes IT a cost-effective option for frequent train travelers.
How can I waive the annual fee for my IRCTC HDFC Credit Card?
You can get the annual renewal fee waived by spending ₹1,50,000 or more on your IRCTC HDFC Credit Card within the year preceding your card’s renewal date. This spending threshold helps frequent users avoid the ₹500 plus taxes renewal charge. Ensure you track your annual spending to meet this requirement.
What are the eligibility criteria for the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card in 2026?
To be eligible for the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card, applicants must typically be Indian residents between 21 and 60 years of age for salaried individuals, or 65 for self-employed. A stable monthly income and a good CIBIL score, generally above 750, are also key requirements. HDFC Bank assesses each application based on its internal credit policies.
What documents are needed to apply for the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card?
Required documents for the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card include identity proof (Passport, Aadhaar, PAN card), address proof (utility bills, rental agreement, Aadhaar), and income proof. For salaried individuals, this means salary slips or Form 16; for self-employed, ITRs or bank statements are typically needed. Ensure all documents are valid and up-to-date for a smooth application process.
Can I get lounge access with the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card?
Yes, the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card provides 8 complimentary railway lounge visits per year. These visits are limited to 2 per calendar quarter at select IRCTC Executive Lounges across major Indian railway stations. This benefit the travel experience for frequent train passengers.
How do the reward points work on the IRCTC HDFC Credit Card?
The IRCTC HDFC Credit Card offers 5X reward points on IRCTC train ticket bookings made through the IRCTC website or app. These reward points can be redeemed at a 1:1 ratio against future train ticket purchases via HDFC Bank’s SmartBuy portal. For other spends, a base reward rate of 1% applies, making IT most beneficial for train travel.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not financial advice. Interest rates, fees, and eligibility change frequently. Verify current details with the lender or regulator (RBI / SEBI / IRDAI) before deciding.