HDFC IRCTC Credit Card Review
HDFC IRCTC Credit Card
Overview
Are you considering getting involved in the credit card world and needing help figuring out where to start? Or have you heard of the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card and are curious if it’s worth the hype?
You’ve landed at the right place!
Welcome to our latest blog article, “HDFC IRCTC Credit Card Review, ” a comprehensive and honest examination of this popular financial tool.
Our goal is to guide you through the multifaceted world of the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card to help you make an informed decision. This review will dissect all its features, perks, pricing, and more.
Comparison with Other IRCTC Credit Cards
| Features | HDFC IRCTC Credit Card | SBI IRCTC Platinum Rupay Credit Card | IRCTC SBI Premier Visa Signature Credit Card | BOB IRCTC Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Benefits | 500 bonus Reward Points, worth Rs 500 | 350 Reward Points on Rs 500 or more spends | 350 bonus reward points on first transaction | 1000 Bonus Reward points on first transaction |
| Reward Points/Cashback | 2 Reward Points per Rs 150 spent (non-IRCTC spends) | 1 Reward Point for every Rs 125 spent on retail | 1 Reward Point per Rs 125 spent on retail expenses | 4 Reward Points for every Rs 100 spent on IRCTC |
| 6 Reward Points per Rs 150 spent on IRCTC bookings | 10% value back on IRCTC ticket booking | 10% Cash back on IRCTC ticket booking | 1 Reward Point for every Rs 100 spent on all retail | |
| Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% Fuel Surcharge waiver at all fuel stations | 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver | 1% Fuel Surcharge waiver | 1% Fuel Surcharge waiver |
| Railway Ticket Booking Discounts | 1% transaction charge waiver on ticket bookings | 1% Transaction Charge Waiver on ticket bookings | Transaction Charge Waiver on ticket bookings | Transaction Charge Waiver on ticket bookings |
| Lounge Access | 2 complementary domestic airport lounge access | Complimentary railway lounge access | Complimentary airport and railway lounge access | None |
| Annual Fee | Rs 599 ( Rs 500 for existing HDFC Bank customers) | Rs 500 plus taxes | Rs 1,499 plus taxes | Rs 500 plus taxes |
| Annual Fee Waiver | on annual spending of ₹1,50,000 or more | 20% annual fee waiver on annual spend of Rs 1 lakh | 20% annual fee waiver on annual spend of Rs 2 Lakhs | None |
| Supplementary Card | First year free, Rs 299 from 2nd year onwards | Lifetime free Supplementary Cards | Lifetime free Supplementary Card | None |
Quick Look
HDFC IRCTC Credit Card
- 1st Year Fee:Â Rs 500 + GST
- 2nd Year Onwards:Â Rs 500 + GST
- Best For Indian Railways travel
- Rewards Type: HDFC Bank Reward Points
- Unique Feature:Â Access to select IRCTC Executive Lounges
Welcome Benefits
HDFC IRCTC Credit Card
- Welcome Gift voucher worth Rs 500 upon card activation within 37 days of issuance.
Fees & Charges
| Description | Fees & Charges |
|---|---|
| Joining Fee | Rs 500 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | Rs 500 + GST |
| Foreign Currency Markup Charges | 3.5% of the transaction amount |
| Add-On Card Fee | Lifetime Free |
| Fuel Surcharge Fee | 1% of the eligible fuel transaction amount. |
| Interest Charges | 3.5% per month. |
| Railway Ticket Purchase Fee | NIL |
| Rent Pay Transactions | 1% fee on transaction amount will be levied on rental transactions done on any applicable merchant from the second transaction for the month |
| Dynamic Currency Conversion Markup Fee | 1% will be levied on all transactions carried out in Indian Currency at an international location or at merchants which are located in India but registered overseas. |
| Rewards Redemption Fee | Rs 99 + GST |
Annual Fee Waiver
Spend Rs. 1,50,000 or more in a year, before your Credit Card renewal date and get your renewal fee waived.
Eligibility Criteria
For Salaried
- You must be an Indian national.
- Age: Min 21 years & Max 60 years
- Income: Gross Monthly Income> Rs 25,000
For Self Employed
- You must be an Indian national.
- Age: Min 21 years & Max 65 years
- Income: ITR > Rs 6.0 Lakhs per annum
Milestone Benefits
You will..
Receive a Rs 500 gift voucher for quarterly spending reaching Rs 30,000.
IRCTC Executive Lounge Benefits
If frequent travel by Indian Railways is a part of your lifestyle, the perks of HDFC IRCTC Credit Card’s Executive Lounge Access can be a game-changer.
Undoubtedly, an enticing element of this credit card, the Executive Lounge Access comes with many benefits that aim to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
| HDFC IRCTC Credit Card | No of Visits (Per Quarter) | No of Visits (Per Year) | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Railway Stations | 2 (max) | 8 | Rupay |
IRCTC Executive Lounge across India
| Lounge | State | City | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXECUTIVE LOUNGE NEW DELHI AG | Delhi | Delhi | Platform No.16, New Delhi Railway Station, Ajmeri Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110002 |
| EXECUTIVE LOUNGE NEW DELHI PG | Delhi | Delhi | Platform No.1, First Floor, Paharganj Side, New Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi, Delhi 110055 |
| EXECUTIVE LOUNGE JAIPUR | Rajasthan | Jaipur | Jaipur railway station, Platform No.1, Shyam Nagar, Chomu, Rajasthan 303702 |
| EXECUTIVE LOUNGE AGRA | UP | Agra | Agra Railway Station, Platform No. 1, Agra Cantt, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001 |
| EXECUTIVE LOUNGE AHMEDABAD | Gujarat | Ahmedabad | EXECUTIVE LOUNGE, IRCTC Platform no-1, Kalupur Railway Station, Ahmedabad - 380002 |
| EXECUTIVE LOUNGE SEALDAH | WB | Kolkata (Sealdah) | EXECUTIVE LOUNGE, IRCTC Platform no-8, 1st floor, Sealdah Railway Station, Sealdah - 700014 |
| EXECUTIVE LOUNGE MADURAI | TN | Madurai | IRCTC Executive Lounge, Platform No 1, Madurai railway junction, Railway Junction Road, Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001 |
| EXECUTIVE LOUNGE VARANASI | UP | Varanasi | IRCTC Executive Lounge, Platform No. 1, Cantt Railway Station, Varanasi - 221002, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Premium Lounge | WB | Asansol | Premium Lounge, 1st Floor, Platform No 2, Asansol Railway Station, Railpar Station Road, Dist - Bardhaman, Drysdale Rd, Railpar, Asansol, West Bengal 713301 |
| Beverage Lounge | WB | Asansol | Beverage Lounge, Near RMS Office, Platform No 5, Asansol Railway Station, Railpar Station Road, Dist - Bardhaman, Drysdale Rd, Railpar, Asansol, West Bengal 713301 |
| Premium Lounge | WB | Durgapur | Premium Lounge, Main Entrance, Near Enquiry Office, Durgapur Railway Station, B C, Doctor Bidhan Chandra Roy Avenue, Durgapur, West Bengal 713201 |
Facilities in the IRCTC Executive Lounge
The complimentary access to IRCTC Executive Lounges includes the following facilities:
- Two Hours of IRCTC Executive Lounge stay
- A/C comfortable sitting arrangements
- Access to washrooms / changing room
- 1 Buffet meal- Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner as per the time of visit.
- Unlimited tea & coffee
- Free Wi-Fi
- Charging points
- Newspaper and Magazine
IRCTC Executive Lounge access for supplementary cardholders
Yes. IRCTC Executive Lounge access is available to supplementary card holders.
Reward Points
How to earn?
Credit card reward points are nothing short of delightful surprises, are they not? And with the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card, earning these special ‘rewards’ is even more appealing.
The process is simple and effortless. Let’s walk you through it.
There is a 1% transaction charges waiver on all transactions made on the IRCTC ticketing website and Rail Connect App. This waiver offers a maximum benefit of Rs 1,000 per statement cycle.
The HDFC Bank Reward Points will be processed according to the table.
| Spend Type | Reward Points |
|---|---|
| Non-EMI Retail Spends on IRCTC Web and App | 5X HDFC Bank Reward Points |
| Non-EMI Retail Spends on non IRCTC platform | 1X HDFC Bank Reward Points |
Reward Points Exclusion
You will not earn Reward Points for the following:
- Fuel Spends
- Wallet loads / Gift or Prepaid Card loads/ Voucher purchase
- Cash Advances
- Payment of Outstanding Balances
- Payment of card fees and other charges
- Government related transactions
- Education
- Smart EMI / Dial an EMI transaction
- Rental transactions
- Interest amount of Merchant EMI
How to Redeem?
Now that we’ve explored how to earn reward points on the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card, let’s discuss what you’re eager to know – how to redeem these precious points.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver
The HDFC IRCTC Credit Card offers a fuel surcharge waiver to its cardholders. In simple terms, when you use this card at any fuel station in India, the extra fee usually added to your bill — the fuel surcharge — can be waived.
Essentially, this means you can save more each time you fill up your tank.
Avail a 1% fuel surcharge waiver at all fuel stations in India.
Minimum transaction: Rs 400
Maximum transaction: Rs 5,000
Maximum waiver: Rs 250 per statement cycle
Should you consider the card?
Deciding whether to get the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. Here’s a summary table to help you make an informed decision:
| Consideration | Yes, get the card if... | No, don't get the card if... |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Habits | You frequently travel by railway and would benefit from lounge access. | You rarely travel by train or prefer other modes of transportation. |
| Reward Preferences | You will use and appreciate the rewards focused on railway-related benefits. | You prefer credit cards that offer a diverse range of rewards, not just travel-related. |
| Lounge Access Importance | You value and will utilise the railway lounge access at select stations. | You need access to a wider network of lounges across multiple modes of transportation. |
| Spending Habits | You spend a significant amount on railway tickets which earns points or cashback. | Your major monthly expenses don't align with the reward categories. |
| Other Benefits Usage | You will take advantage of the additional benefits, like BookMyShow offers. | Other card privileges like airport lounge access, travel insurance, etc., are important. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card offers many benefits for railway travellers, making it an attractive choice for those who frequently use India’s railway network. With its rewards program, access to IRCTC Executive Lounges at select railway stations, and exclusive discounts on railway tickets and BookMyShow, it caters proficiently to the discerning traveller’s needs.
However, it’s essential to remember that its railway lounge network coverage might need to be more comprehensive. Therefore, frequent travellers should verify their preferred stations’ lounge availability beforehand. Additionally, the card’s rewards may focus more on railway-related benefits rather than encompassing an extensive range of lifestyle and travel perks similar to other premium credit cards.
To make an informed decision, potential cardholders should weigh the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card’s benefits against their travel habits and preferences.
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FAQs
What benefits does the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card offer?
The HDFC IRCTC Credit Card offers 1 reward point for every INR 100 spent, a 5% cashback on train ticket bookings via HDFC Bank SmartBuy, a gift voucher worth ₹500 on the first transaction within 37 days of card issuance, and 8 complimentary accesses to select IRCTC Executive Lounges every year.
Who is the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card suitable for?
The HDFC IRCTC Credit Card is particularly beneficial for frequent train travellers who want to make the most of their journeys with reward points and cashback. However, it’s also an excellent card for general transactions.
What’s the process to apply for the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card?
You can apply for the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card through the HDFC Bank’s official website or by visiting an HDFC Bank branch.
How do I redeem the reward points accumulated on the HDFC IRCTC Credit Card?
You can redeem your reward points by logging into your HDFC Bank NetBanking account and navigating to the “Cards” tab, where you can redeem your points against various products, vouchers, or statement credits.
Can I add a supplementary card for my HDFC IRCTC Credit Card?
Yes, you can add supplementary cards for your family members, subject to the terms and conditions set by HDFC Bank.
Is there an interest-free period on HDFC IRCTC Credit Card purchases?
The interest-free period on HDFC IRCTC Credit Card purchases typically ranges from 20 to 50 days. Still, this period depends upon the transaction date and the card statement date.
