HDFC IRCTC Credit Card 2025 Review: A Railroad Ally with Real Rewards

Why It’s Worth a Look
For habitual train travellers, this co-branded card offers strong perks—chiefly, 10% value back (5× HDFC Reward Points + 5% SmartBuy cashback) on IRCTC bookings up to ₹1,000 monthly, equating to ~10% returns. Plus, you get 8 complimentary railway lounge visits per year—8 visits (2 visits per quarter).

Apply Online

🚄 Rewards & Benefits Snapshot

• 5 Reward Points per ₹100 on IRCTC ticket bookings—and another 5% cashback via SmartBuy—capped at ₹1,000 monthly and ₹12,000 yearly.
• 1 Reward Point per ₹100 on all other eligible spends.
• 8 railway lounge entries per year, with max 2 visits each quarter.
• 1% fuel surcharge waiver (₹400–₹5,000 per transaction), up to ₹250 per billing cycle.
• Welcome voucher worth ₹500, issued after first transaction within 37 days.
• Quarterly milestone vouchers worth ₹500 for spending ₹30,000 in that period.
• Smart EMI conversion, contactless payment, 50-day interest-free credit, and zero-fraud liability.

💰 Fees & Waiver

• Joining & renewal fee: ₹500 + GST.
• Annual fee waiver: Spend ₹150,000 annually.
• Finance charges: ~3.75% monthly (~45% p.a.).

Apply Online

🧐 Who Should Get It

• Frequent IRCTC users—commuters, travellers, daily pilgrims—get most value.
• Those seeking railway lounge comfort during long waits.
• Users who can channel at least ₹30K/quarter to enjoy milestone benefits and work toward fee waiver.

⚠️ Points to Consider

• Card rewards are railway-focused—spends outside this fetch only 1% back.
• Capping on IRCTC rewards and cashback means extra bookings yield no additional reward after ₹20K monthly.
• Lounge access limited to IRCTC desks—no airport lounge access included.

Final Verdict
The HDFC IRCTC Credit Card is a smart travel accessory for frequent rail users. With up to 10% savings on ticket bookings, a helpful railway lounge perk, and easy targets for fee waivers, it offers solid value at a minimal cost. If your travel routine revolves around trains—and you can manage quarterly spends—this card is a savvy companion.

Apply Online