HDFC
HDFC IRCTC Credit Card
LIFETIME FREE Card
This is an invite only card
Apply and get ₹1100 Rewards
Top Benefits
Earn 5 Reward Points per ₹100 on IRCTC Bookings
on every eligible spend made via the IRCTC ticketing website and IRCTC Rail 1 Reward Point = ₹1 at redemption against train bookings via HDFC Bank SmartBuy
Get Additional 5% Cashback on Train Ticket Bookings
on all train ticket bookings made through HDFC Bank SmartBuy using the card, capped at 70% of the total fare
Best For
Travel
The HDFC IRCTC Credit Card is a railway-focused co-branded credit card built around the IRCTC ecosyst...
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The HDFC IRCTC Credit Card is a railway-focused co-branded credit card built around the IRCTC ecosyst...
The HDFC IRCTC Credit Card is a railway-focused co-branded credit card built around the IRCTC ecosystem for Indian railway travellers. Issued by HDFC Bank on the RuPay network, it carries a ₹500 joining fee and a ₹500 annual fee, with the annual fee waivable on annual spends of ₹1,50,000 or more.
The flagship feature is 5 reward points per ₹100 spent on IRCTC train ticket bookings, plus 5% cashback on train ticket bookings through SmartBuy. Combined, this delivers strong returns for regular train travellers who book through IRCTC.
Welcome benefits include a ₹500 IRCTC voucher on card activation, which fully offsets the joining fee. Eligibility requires applicants to be between 21 and 60 years of age, with a minimum annual income of ₹3 LPA for both salaried and self-employed (₹25,000 monthly). CIBIL score requirement is 720 or above.
The card also offers complimentary IRCTC Executive Lounge access at select railway stations, which is unusual since most credit cards focus on airport lounges. This is particularly valuable for travellers who use long-distance trains regularly.
As a RuPay card, the IRCTC supports UPI transactions when linked to apps like Google Pay or PhonePe. UPI compatibility adds value for everyday spending. The card also offers a 1% IRCTC transaction charge waiver, saving the standard surcharge on rail ticket bookings.
The base earning structure delivers 1 reward point per ₹100 on retail spends (excluding excluded categories), with 1 reward point = ₹0.25 at redemption. Forex markup is 1.50%, among the lowest in the Indian market.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What is the joining fee?
A. The joining fee is ₹500 plus applicable GST, offset by a ₹500 IRCTC voucher on activation.
Q. Can the annual fee be waived?
A. Yes, on annual spends of ₹1,50,000 or more.
Q. What are the IRCTC train ticket benefits?
A. 5 reward points per ₹100 on IRCTC ticket bookings, plus 5% cashback on train bookings via SmartBuy and 1% IRCTC transaction charge waiver.
Expert Review
The HDFC IRCTC is one of the most well-designed railway-focused cards in the Indian market. The combination of 5 RP per ₹100 IRCTC earning, 5% SmartBuy train booking cashback, 1% IRCTC surcharge waiver, and IRCTC Executive Lounge access creates concentrated value for rail travellers.
For a user spending ₹4,000 monthly on IRCTC (₹48,000 annually), the card delivers approximately ₹600 (base RP) + ₹2,400 (5% SmartBuy) + ₹480 (surcharge waiver) + lounge access value = ₹3,500-₹4,000 in annual rail-specific value. Against a zero net fee at the ₹1.5 lakh waiver threshold, this is excellent ROI.
The 1.50% forex markup is a standout feature. Most entry-level Indian cards charge 3.5%, so the IRCTC card delivers meaningful forex savings for occasional international travellers.
The UPI compatibility on the RuPay variant adds another value dimension. Users who pay regularly via UPI can earn small but consistent rewards on everyday digital payments.
The card has limitations. The base 1 RP per ₹100 on non-IRCTC spends is low. The reward redemption fee adds friction. Users who travel primarily by flight will not extract much value.
Our recommendation: get this card if you travel by train via IRCTC at least 1-2 times per month and want a low-cost dual-purpose card (rail + forex). For flight travellers, the HDFC Diners ClubMiles or Axis Atlas deliver more value.
Joining / Annual Fee
Joining Fees
₹0 ( ₹0 + GST )
Annual Fees
₹0 ( ₹0 + GST )
Joining fee is ₹500 plus GST, offset by ₹500 IRCTC voucher. Annual fee is ₹500 plus GST from year two...
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Joining fee is ₹500 plus GST, offset by ₹500 IRCTC voucher. Annual fee is ₹500 plus GST from year two...
Joining fee is ₹500 plus GST, offset by ₹500 IRCTC voucher. Annual fee is ₹500 plus GST from year two, waivable on ₹1,50,000 annual spend.
GST at 18% applies, so the total first-year cost is ₹590. The annual fee from year two, if not waived, is also ₹590.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What is the joining fee?
A. ₹500 plus 18% GST, totalling ₹590.
Q. How can the annual fee be waived?
A. On annual spends of ₹1,50,000 or more.
Q. Is the joining fee offset?
A. Yes, the ₹500 IRCTC voucher fully offsets the joining fee.
Q. Is GST applicable?
A. Yes, 18% GST applies.
Eligibility
Age
Criteria*
21-60 years
Salary
Criteria*
3LPA
Credit
Rating*
720+
New to credit
allowed
Yes
Existing Bank
Customer Allowed
No
Applicants must be between 21 and 60 years of age. The minimum annual income is ₹3 LPA for both salar...
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Applicants must be between 21 and 60 years of age. The minimum annual income is ₹3 LPA for both salar...
Applicants must be between 21 and 60 years of age. The minimum annual income is ₹3 LPA for both salaried and self-employed (₹25,000 monthly).
A CIBIL score of 720 or above is required. HDFC Bank also considers credit behaviour and payment history.
You must be a resident Indian citizen with valid PAN, Aadhaar, and address proof.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What is the minimum income?
A. ₹3 LPA for both salaried and self-employed.
Q. What CIBIL score is needed?
A. 720 or above.
Q. Is this card accessible to first-time users?
A. Yes, the accessible income and CIBIL requirements make this card suitable for first-time credit card users.
Q. Are NRIs eligible?
A. No, only resident Indian citizens.
All Card Benefits
- Earn 5 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on the IRCTC ticketing website and Rail Connect App; 1 RP = ₹1 at redemption via SmartBuy
- Get an additional 5% cashback on train ticket bookings made via HDFC Bank SmartBuy, capped at 70% of the total fare
- Save with a 1% transaction charges waiver on all bookings made via the IRCTC website and Rail Connect App
- Enjoy complimentary access to select IRCTC Executive Lounges at partner railway stations across India
- Earn a ₹500 gift voucher every calendar quarter on eligible spends of ₹30,000 or more, plus up to 50 days of interest-free credit on retail purchases
The card delivers concentrated value around IRCTC bookings and railway travel.
The flagship benefi...
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The card delivers concentrated value around IRCTC bookings and railway travel. The flagship benefi...
The card delivers concentrated value around IRCTC bookings and railway travel.
The flagship benefit is 5 reward points per ₹100 spent on IRCTC train ticket bookings via irctc.co.in or the IRCTC Rail Connect app. At ₹0.25 per point, this works out to 1.25% return as base reward points. On top, the card offers 5% cashback on train ticket bookings through HDFC SmartBuy, which can stack with the base reward earning depending on the booking channel.
Welcome benefit is ₹500 IRCTC voucher on card activation, fully offsetting the joining fee. The voucher can be used for train ticket bookings on the IRCTC platform.
IRCTC transaction charge waiver of 1% applies on rail ticket bookings, saving the standard surcharge that other cards charge. This adds incremental value on top of the reward earning.
IRCTC Executive Lounge access at select railway stations is included, which is rare among Indian credit cards. The IRCTC Executive Lounges are available at major stations including New Delhi, Mumbai Central, Howrah, Chennai Central, and Bengaluru. The lounges include WiFi, refreshments, seating, and TV facilities, making long-distance train waiting more comfortable.
For everyday spending, the card earns 1 reward point per ₹100 on retail transactions (excluding excluded categories), with 1 reward point = ₹0.25 at redemption. This delivers 0.25% effective return on broader retail.
As a RuPay card, the IRCTC supports UPI transactions when linked to apps like Google Pay or PhonePe. UPI compatibility makes this card useful for everyday digital payments beyond train bookings.
The forex markup is 1.50%, among the lowest in the Indian market. This is unusual for an entry-level co-branded card and adds significant value for occasional international transactions.
Fuel surcharge waiver is 1% on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000, maximum ₹250 per statement.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What is the welcome benefit?
A. ₹500 IRCTC voucher on activation, which fully offsets the joining fee.
Q. What is the base earn rate?
A. 1 reward point per ₹100 on retail spends, with 5 reward points per ₹100 on IRCTC ticket bookings.
Q. What is IRCTC Executive Lounge access?
A. Complimentary access at select railway stations including New Delhi, Mumbai Central, Howrah, Chennai Central, and Bengaluru.
Q. Does this card support UPI?
A. Yes, the RuPay variant supports UPI transactions via Google Pay, PhonePe, and other UPI apps.
Q. What is the forex markup?
A. 1.50% on all international transactions, among the lowest in India.
Q. Is there a fuel surcharge waiver?
A. Yes, 1% on transactions between ₹400 and ₹4,000, max ₹250 per statement.
Q. Is there an IRCTC surcharge waiver?
A. Yes, 1% IRCTC transaction charge waiver on rail ticket bookings.
Milestone Benefits
Voucher Benefit(Worth ~ ₹2,000)
Spend ₹30,000 in 90 days
How to Redeem Rewards & Cashback?
Rewards Conversion Rate
1 Reward Point = ₹1
Redemption Options
IRCTC train ticket bookings via HDFC Bank SmartBuy
To check redemption catalogue
Reward redemption is done through the HDFC Bank SmartBuy portal or NetBanking. 1 reward point = ₹0.25...
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Reward redemption is done through the HDFC Bank SmartBuy portal or NetBanking. 1 reward point = ₹0.25...
Reward redemption is done through the HDFC Bank SmartBuy portal or NetBanking. 1 reward point = ₹0.25 for IRCTC train ticket bookings on irctc.co.in, where reward points are stackable with regular booking payment.
You can also redeem reward points for the HDFC catalogue including travel, lifestyle, gift vouchers, electronics, and merchandise at varying conversion rates (typically lower than the IRCTC redemption rate).
Reward redemption fee may apply per request; check the current MITC.
Reward points have an expiry period of typically 2 to 3 years from the date earned.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. How do I redeem reward points?
A. Through HDFC SmartBuy or NetBanking, with the best value when redeemed for IRCTC train ticket bookings.
Q. What is the redemption value?
A. 1 reward point = ₹0.25 for IRCTC bookings.
Q. Do reward points expire?
A. Yes, typically 2 to 3 years from the date earned.
Gift card - Key Terms
Once you apply, we will start tracking your application
Generally takes 2-72 hrs
Once the bank confirms us of your successful card activation, we will process your rewards
Generally takes 7-75 days
You can then withdraw your rewards via Amazon Pay Balance/Flipkart gift cards
Generally takes 7-75 days
Note: If you currently hold or have ever held an HDFC Credit Card, you are not eligible for CashKaro Rewards.
Rewards Related
- If you currently hold or have ever held an HDFC Credit Card, you are not eligible for Gift Card
- A minimum transaction of Rs.100 within 30 days is mandatory to activate your card; otherwise, you wont be eligible for the Rewards
- Please use Aadhaar linked mobile number to fill the application
- If the distance between your residence and office addresses is 150 km or more, please ensure that your residence is selected as the mailing address. Applications not adhering to this will be rejected
- VKYC done over 50km from your Aadhaar/communication address will result in application rejection and loss of Rewards
Also, Remember
- Resume your application only via Great.Cards to avoid losing Rewards
- If your Rewards do not track, raise a Missing Rewards Ticket within 30 Days from the application date
- Rewards can only be redeemed as Amazon Pay Balance and Flipkart Gift Card
Bank Exclusions
You will not earn points / cashback on spends in the following categories
For Points / Cashback Earnings
Fuel Spends
Wallet Loads
Gift Vouchers
Rent Payments
Education Spends
Cash Advances
For Spends Waiver
Fuel Spends
Wallet Loads
Gift Vouchers
Rent Payments
Education Spends
Cash Advances
Excluded categories from reward points typically include rent payment, wallet loads, fuel spends, gov...
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Excluded categories from reward points typically include rent payment, wallet loads, fuel spends, gov...
Excluded categories from reward points typically include rent payment, wallet loads, fuel spends, government-related transactions, EMI conversions, cash advances, and utility payments.
Refer to the latest MITC for the full exclusion list.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Are rent payments excluded?
A. Yes, rent payments are excluded from rewards.
Q. Do fuel transactions earn rewards?
A. No, fuel spends are excluded. The card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
Q. Are utility payments rewarded?
A. No, utility bill payments are typically excluded.
Bank Fee Structure
| Structure | Details |
|---|---|
Forex Markups  3.5% forex markup is charged on transactions made in currencies other than INR. Applies to international POS payments and online purchases charged in foreign currency. | 3.50% |
APR Fees 3.6% monthly fee. Credit cards allow you for a interest free payment period of 20-55 days. However, if you fail to make payment for your statement in due time then bank starts charging interest. A simple way to avoid heavy interest rates over long time is to convert your large spends in EMIs. Normally bank charges 16% p.a interest on EMIs however if you fail to pay in time then annual interest can reach upto 43.2% | 3.60% |
ATM withdrawal 2.5% of the withdrawn amount is charged on cash advances using the credit card (minimum ₹500, if applicable). | 2.50% |
Reward Redemption Fees No fee is charged when redeeming reward points on this card. | Not Applicable |
Link for all T&Cs | Click Here |
Railway Surcharge Surcharge on booking or cancelling railway tickets will be levied as prescribed by IRCTC or Indian Railways and may vary based on their applicable charges. | As prescribed by IRCTC / Indian Railways |
Rent Payment Fees 1% of the transaction amount is charged as a fee on rent payment transactions, subject to applicable GST and platform charges | 1% |
cheque Payment Fees A fee of ₹50 of the payment amount is levied for cheque return, cheque dishonour, or auto-debit reversal | ₹50 |
Cash Payment Fees ₹250 cash payment fee per deposit | ₹100 |
| Late Payment Fees | Amount Due |
|---|---|
| ₹0 | ₹0 |
| ₹1–₹500 | ₹400 |
| ₹501–₹5,000 | ₹750 |
| ₹5,001–₹10,000 | ₹950 |
| ₹10,001–₹25,000 | ₹1,100 |
| ₹25,001–₹50,000 | ₹1,300 |
| Above ₹50,001 |
Joining fee ₹500 plus GST, offset by IRCTC voucher. Annual fee ₹500 plus GST from year two, waivable ...
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Joining fee ₹500 plus GST, offset by IRCTC voucher. Annual fee ₹500 plus GST from year two, waivable ...
Joining fee ₹500 plus GST, offset by IRCTC voucher. Annual fee ₹500 plus GST from year two, waivable on ₹1,50,000 annual spend.
Forex markup is 1.50% on most international transactions.
APR ranges from 0.71% to 3.85% per month (8.5% to 46.2% per annum).
Cash advance fee is 2.5% of withdrawn amount, minimum ₹500. Reward redemption fee per current MITC.
Railway surcharge is waived 1% on IRCTC. Rent payment processing charge is 1% of transaction.
Cheque payment charge is ₹100 per cheque. Cash payment at branch is ₹100 per transaction.
Late payment charges are slab-based: ₹0 below ₹100, ₹100 for ₹101 to ₹500, ₹500 for ₹501 to ₹5,000, ₹600 for ₹5,001 to ₹10,000, ₹800 for ₹10,001 to ₹25,000, ₹1,100 for ₹25,001 to ₹50,000, and ₹1,300 above ₹50,000.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | ₹500 + GST (offset by ₹500 voucher) |
| Annual Fee | ₹500 + GST (waived ₹1.5L) |
| Forex Markup | 1.50% |
| APR | 0.71% to 3.85% per month |
| Cash Advance Fee | 2.5% (min ₹500) |
| Reward Redemption Fee | Per current MITC |
| Railway Surcharge | 1% IRCTC waiver |
| Rent Payment Charge | 1% of transaction |
| Cheque Payment Charge | ₹100 per cheque |
| Cash Payment at Branch | ₹100 per transaction |
| Late Payment Charges | ₹0 / ₹100 / ₹500 / ₹600 / ₹800 / ₹1,100 / ₹1,300 (slab-based) |
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What is the interest rate?
A. Dynamic, ranging from 0.71% to 3.85% per month.
Q. What is the forex markup?
A. 1.50% on most international transactions.
Q. What are late payment charges?
A. Slab-based from ₹0 to ₹1,300.
Q. Is the IRCTC surcharge waived?
A. Yes, 1% IRCTC transaction charge waiver on rail ticket bookings.
Q. What is the cash advance fee?
A. 2.5% of withdrawn amount, minimum ₹500.
Q. What is the rent payment charge?
A. 1% of transaction. Rent payments are excluded from rewards.
Documents Required
Identity proof: PAN plus Aadhaar, Voter ID, passport, or driving licence. Address proof: Aadhaar, utility bills, rental agreement, passport, or driving licence.
Income proof for salaried: last 3 months' salary slips and 6 months' bank statement. Self-employed: last 2 years' ITR, business bank statement, and proof of business existence.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Is PAN mandatory?
A. Yes.
Q. What income proof is needed for salaried?
A. Last 3 months' salary slips and 6 months' bank statement.
Q. What income proof is needed for self-employed?
A. Last 2 years' ITR, business bank statement, and proof of business existence.
Who Should Get This Card?
The HDFC IRCTC is built for users who book train tickets via IRCTC regularly and want strong rewards on rail bookings. A typical user is a regular train traveller spending ₹2,000-₹5,000 monthly on IRCTC tickets, with the IRCTC Executive Lounge benefit adding value at major stations.
The combination of 5 RP per ₹100 on IRCTC, 5% SmartBuy cashback on trains, 1% IRCTC surcharge waiver, and complimentary Executive Lounge access creates focused railway-traveller value. A user spending ₹4,000 monthly on IRCTC (₹48,000 annually) earns approximately ₹3,600 in rail-related rewards and waivers annually.
The 1.50% forex markup is a meaningful differentiator for occasional international travellers, making this card useful for dual purposes (rail + forex).
This card is not the right pick for users who travel primarily by flight (consider HDFC Diners ClubMiles or Axis Atlas) or who do not use IRCTC. For users seeking pure cashback simplicity, the HSBC Live Plus or Axis ACE deliver more focused value.
Credit Limit and What to Expect
The credit limit depends on income, CIBIL score, and existing obligations. For ₹3 to ₹8 LPA income profiles, typical starting limits range from ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000.
HDFC offers enhancements after 6 to 12 months of regular usage. Cash advance limit is usually 20% to 40% of total limit.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What credit limit can I expect?
A. ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 for ₹3 to ₹8 LPA income.
Q. When can I request an increase?
A. After 6 to 12 months of regular usage.
Q. What is the cash advance limit?
A. 20% to 40% of total credit limit.
How to Apply?
Apply through the HDFC Bank website, IRCTC's credit card partner page, partner platforms like BankKaro, or any HDFC branch.
Online application via hdfcbank.com is the most common route. Fill in PAN, Aadhaar, employment type, and monthly income. Upload digital copies of identity, address, and income proof.
HDFC runs bureau and internal verification. Initial decision in 1 to 5 working days. Physical card dispatched within 7 to 14 working days.
View FAQ
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. Can I apply online?
A. Yes, through HDFC Bank, IRCTC, partner platforms, or any HDFC branch.
Q. How long does it take?
A. Initial approval in 1 to 5 working days; card dispatched within 7 to 14 working days.
Q. Is video KYC required?
A. Yes, for online applications.
That’s the full story of this credit card
Like this card? Your apply button’s just there.
Top Benefits
Apply and get ₹1100 Rewards
Top Benefits
Earn 5 Reward Points per ₹100 on IRCTC Bookings
on every eligible spend made via the IRCTC ticketing website and IRCTC Rail 1 Reward Point = ₹1 at redemption against train bookings via HDFC Bank SmartBuy
Get Additional 5% Cashback on Train Ticket Bookings
on all train ticket bookings made through HDFC Bank SmartBuy using the card, capped at 70% of the total fare
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