Traveling by train is a popular mode of transportation for many people in India, and having a credit card offers numerous benefits for people who travel by train frequently. These specialized credit cards are designed to provide rewards and perks for those who regularly book train tickets and travel by railway.
In this article, we will compare two train credit cards: the IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card and the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card. Both of these co-branded credit cards are designed according to the needs of frequent train travelers and offer various benefits such as reward points on train bookings, complimentary railway lounge access, and easy payment options. By investigating the features, benefits, and differences between these two cards, individuals can make a proper decision about which card best suits their travel needs. Whether you’re a regular commuter or an occasional traveler, understanding the benefits of train credit cards can help you maximize your rewards and enjoy your train journey.
IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card
The IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card is a great choice for people who frequently travel by train. This co-branded credit card has a joining fee of just ₹500 and provides 1 Reward Point for every ₹125 spent on retail purchases and railway ticket bookings through the IRCTC website or mobile app, and earns 10% value back as Reward Points. When you apply for the card, you receive a welcome benefit of 350 reward points, which is equivalent to ₹350. Frequent travelers enjoy benefits such as 4 complimentary railway lounge accesses every year and accommodation at over 5000 hotels across 350 cities in India. The card also offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions between ₹500 to ₹3,000 at all fuel stations in India, with a maximum waiver of ₹100 per statement cycle.
The IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card allows you to link it to UPI applications like Google Pay and PhonePe, and you can also convert transactions of ₹2500 and above into easy monthly installments using Flexipay. You can even transfer the outstanding balance from other banks to your card and pay it back through easy EMIs at a lower interest rate. This card is the best choice for people who frequently travel by train and want to make the most of their purchases.
IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card
The IRCTC RBL Credit Card is a great choice for frequent travelers who use the IRCTC portal to book train tickets and travel by railways, metros, and other public transport. With a low joining cost of ₹500, this co-branded credit card offers various benefits that make traveling easier and more rewarding. It is a RuPay card that allows for easy UPI payments. It comes with a National Common Mobility Card, making it easy to tap and pay at places like metro stations and bus terminals. The card also offers 5 Reward Points for every ₹200 spent on train bookings with IRCTC, providing a reward rate of 2.5% when booking train tickets through IRCTC. Cardholders also receive 2 Reward Points for every ₹200 spent on flight, cruise, and hotel bookings with IRCTC, along with complimentary railway lounge access and insurance cover for train cancellations.
This card is primarily focused on travel-related benefits and may offer fewer advantages in other categories, such as movies or dining. Despite this, for users who frequently book with IRCTC, especially for train travel, the IRCTC RBL Credit Card can be a rewarding choice, making daily commuting simpler and cheaper.
Comparing IRCTC RuPay And IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card
| Features | IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card | IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card |
| Joining Fee | ₹500 + GST | ₹500 + GST |
| Renewal Fee | ₹300 + GST | ₹500 + GST |
| Reward Rate | 1 RP on every spend of ₹125 |
|
| Reward Redemption | Earned RP is credited to IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card |
|
| Welcome Benefits |
|
500 Reward Points |
| Travel benefits | 4 domestic railway lounges every year | Complimentary railway lounge access twice every quarter |
Bottom Line
Both the IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card and the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card offer benefits for frequent train travelers. The IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card provides 1 Reward Point for every ₹125 spent on retail purchases and train bookings, along with complimentary railway lounge access and fuel surcharge waiver. On the other hand, the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card offers 5 Reward Points for every ₹200 spent on train bookings, along with insurance cover for train cancellations and UPI payments. While both cards have their advantages, the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card turns out to be the better choice for frequent train travelers due to its higher reward points on train bookings and a higher value back in comparison to the IRCTC RuPay SBI Credit Card.