HDFC IRCTC Credit Card – Save on Train Travel & Earn Rewards | Apply Now
- Abhinand PS
- May 2
- 3 min read
HDFC IRCTC Credit Card: Travel Smarter, Earn Bigger
Indian Railways is the lifeline of the country, with over 23 million passengers traveling every day. If you're one of them, the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card can help you save on train bookings while offering a host of travel and lifestyle benefits.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or a casual commuter, this co-branded credit card can make your railway journeys more rewarding. Let’s dive deep into its features, benefits, and how it stacks up against other cards.

Who Should Get the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card?
Target Audience:
Frequent train travelers
Students commuting between cities
Government employees and professionals on regular travel
Budget-conscious travelers seeking cashback and rewards
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Key Benefits of HDFC IRCTC Credit Card
Here’s a snapshot of what you get when you apply for the card:
Feature | Details |
Joining Fee | ₹500 + GST (Reversed on spending ₹1500 in 90 days) |
Railway Booking Cashback | 5% cashback on IRCTC ticket bookings via IRCTC website/app |
Dining Offers | Up to 15% off through the HDFC Good Food Trail Program |
Reward Points | 1 Reward Point per ₹100 spent (except fuel & IRCTC) |
Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% waiver on transactions ₹400–₹5000 at all fuel stations |
Railway Lounge Access | 4 complimentary visits per year (1 per quarter) at select lounges |
Annual Fee Waiver | Spend ₹1.5 Lakhs in a year to waive the next year’s fee |
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Why It’s a Smart Choice for Train Travelers
Imagine booking a ₹3000 train ticket and getting ₹150 back instantly through cashback. Do that a few times a month and you've already covered your card's annual fee!
Plus, the complimentary railway lounge access gives you a taste of premium travel before boarding, making your journey more comfortable.
💡 Pro Tip: Book your tickets directly on IRCTC’s official portal using your HDFC IRCTC card to maximize rewards and cashback.
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Actionable Insights: How to Maximize Your Card Benefits
Use Only on IRCTC
Book tickets exclusively via IRCTC to get the 5% cashback.
Dine Smart
Pay at partner restaurants through the Good Food Trail Program for extra discounts.
Avoid Cash Withdrawals
Interest rates on cash advances are high. Use UPI or debit cards for emergencies.
Fuel Fill-Up Smartly
Limit transactions to ₹400–₹5000 to enjoy the 1% surcharge waiver.
Spend Strategically
Spend ₹1.5 lakh/year (just ₹12,500/month) to avoid next year’s ₹500 fee.
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Comparison with Other Travel Credit Cards
Feature | HDFC IRCTC Credit Card | SBI IRCTC Card | Axis Neo Card |
Cashback on Train Tickets | ✅ 5% | ✅ 10% (limited partners) | ❌ |
Lounge Access | ✅ 4/year | ✅ 4/year | ✅ 4/year |
Dining Offers | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Annual Fee | ₹500 (waivable) | ₹500 | ₹250 |
Apply Link | External | External |
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FAQs – HDFC IRCTC Credit Card
Q1. How do I apply for the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card?A: You can apply online here with minimal documentation if you’re already an HDFC customer.
Q2. Can I book tickets on other sites and still get cashback?A: No. Cashback is applicable only for IRCTC bookings via the official website or app.
Q3. Does it come with international lounge access?A: No, only domestic railway lounge access is offered.
Q4. What’s the validity of lounge access?A: You get 1 visit per quarter, and unused visits don’t carry over.
Q5. Is it worth it for occasional travelers?A: If you spend ₹1500 in 90 days, the joining fee is waived — so even for occasional travelers, it’s a low-risk card with solid perks.
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Final Verdict: Is the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card Worth It?
If your travel revolves around the Indian Railways, the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card is a no-brainer. It offers real cashback, practical lounge access, and minimal fees — making it ideal for students, working professionals, and frequent train travelers.
✅ Pros:
Excellent train booking cashback
Free lounge access
Waivable fee
❌ Cons:
Cashback only on IRCTC
No international perks
🎫 Ready to ride smart? Click here to apply now and start earning every time you book a ticket!
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