In India, train travel is one of the most popular and cost-effective modes of transportation. Booking railway tickets online can be even more rewarding with the right credit card. Many credit cards offer benefits like reward points, cashback, lounge access, and discounts on railway ticket bookings. This article will cover the top 10 credit cards for booking railway tickets in India, their benefits, how to apply, what to consider, and a comparison table to help you make an informed decision. Find out which credit cards offer the best rewards and discounts on railway tickets in India.
Why Use Credit Cards for Railway Ticket Bookings?
Using a credit card for railway ticket bookings offers several advantages:
- Reward Points: You can earn rewards for every purchase, including train tickets.
- Cashback Offers: Some credit cards offer cashback on train ticket bookings.
- Exclusive Discounts: Certain cards provide discounts on IRCTC and other travel-related platforms.
- Convenience: No need to carry large sums of cash or visit ticket counters.
- Additional Benefits: Many cards include travel perks like lounge access, insurance, and special privileges.
10 Best Credit Cards for Railway Tickets in India
IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Earn 10 reward points for every ₹100 spent on IRCTC bookings.
- 1% reward points on all other purchases.
- Free railway insurance up to ₹10 lakh on train bookings.
- 350+ free lounge access at select airports.
- Exclusive discounts and offers on IRCTC bookings.
- Annual Fee: ₹499
- Joining Fee: ₹500
Axis Bank Vistara Signature Credit Card
- Benefits:
- 2 miles per ₹200 spent on railway bookings.
- Complimentary access to domestic and international airport lounges.
- Exclusive discounts and offers on railway tickets through IRCTC.
- 1,000 bonus miles on spending ₹20,000 in the first 60 days.
- Annual Fee: ₹3,000
- Joining Fee: ₹1,000
HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card
- Benefits:
- 3 reward points per ₹150 spent on railway tickets.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
- Complimentary access to both domestic and international lounges.
- Priority services on travel-related bookings, including train tickets.
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500
- Joining Fee: ₹2,500
ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Earn 2 reward points per ₹100 spent on railway bookings.
- 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent on other categories.
- Free access to domestic airport lounges.
- Special offers on train ticket bookings.
- Annual Fee: ₹500
- Joining Fee: ₹500
Citi Rewards Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Earn 10 reward points for every ₹125 spent on railway ticket bookings.
- 1 reward point per ₹125 on other purchases.
- 2,000 bonus points on spending ₹30,000 within the first 60 days.
- Special offers on railway tickets through IRCTC.
- Annual Fee: ₹1,000
- Joining Fee: ₹1,000
SBI Card Elite
- Benefits:
- 2 reward points per ₹100 spent on railway tickets.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver on fuel transactions.
- Complimentary access to domestic and international lounges.
- Free railway insurance cover of ₹10 lakh for train ticket bookings.
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999
- Joining Fee: ₹4,999
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Earn 2 reward points per ₹200 spent on railway ticket bookings.
- Complimentary access to airport lounges.
- Exclusive travel benefits, including discounts on railway ticket bookings.
- Special concierge services for train and other travel bookings.
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000
- Joining Fee: ₹10,000
Standard Chartered Super Value Titanium Credit Card
- Benefits:
- 5% cashback on train ticket bookings.
- 1% cashback on other purchases.
- Access to exclusive discounts and deals on train tickets.
- Enjoy dining benefits and movie offers.
- Annual Fee: ₹499
- Joining Fee: ₹499
RBL Bank INSIGNIA Credit Card
- Benefits:
- 2 reward points for every ₹100 spent on railway bookings.
- 1% cashback on all other categories.
- Complimentary access to domestic lounges.
- Exclusive discounts on train bookings and travel-related purchases.
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500
- Joining Fee: ₹1,500
Kotak Mahindra Privy League Credit Card
- Benefits:
- Earn 1,500 reward points on spending ₹50,000 within the first 90 days.
- 2 reward points per ₹100 spent on railway ticket bookings.
- Complimentary airport lounge access and golf privileges.
- 1% fuel surcharge waiver.
- Annual Fee: ₹2,999
- Joining Fee: ₹2,999
Comparison Table of Top 10 Credit Cards for Railway Tickets
| Credit Card | Reward Points per ₹100 on Railway Tickets | Annual Fee | Joining Fee | Lounge Access | Railway Insurance | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRCTC SBI Platinum | 10 points | ₹499 | ₹500 | Yes | ₹10 Lakh | Discounts on IRCTC bookings |
| Axis Bank Vistara Signature | 2 miles per ₹200 | ₹3,000 | ₹1,000 | Yes | No | Bonus miles and discounts on IRCTC |
| HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege | 3 points per ₹150 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 | Yes | No | Priority booking services |
| ICICI Bank Coral | 2 points per ₹100 | ₹500 | ₹500 | Yes | No | Special offers on rail bookings |
| Citi Rewards | 10 points per ₹125 | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 | No | No | Bonus points on first spends |
| SBI Card Elite | 2 points per ₹100 | ₹4,999 | ₹4,999 | Yes | ₹10 Lakh | Travel insurance and lounge access |
| Axis Bank Magnus | 2 points per ₹200 | ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 | Yes | No | Concierge services and discounts |
| Standard Chartered Super Value | 5% cashback | ₹499 | ₹499 | No | No | Dining and movie offers |
| RBL Bank INSIGNIA | 2 points per ₹100 | ₹2,500 | ₹1,500 | Yes | No | Travel-related discounts |
| Kotak Mahindra Privy League | 2 points per ₹100 | ₹2,999 | ₹2,999 | Yes | No | Golf privileges and cashback |
How to Apply for These Credit Cards
- Visit the Bank’s Website: Go to the official website of the credit card issuer.
- Fill out the Application: Complete the online form with your details such as name, address, income, and occupation.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide necessary KYC documents, such as your Aadhar card, PAN card, passport-sized photograph, and income proof (salary slips, bank statements).
- Wait for Approval: The bank will process your application, and if approved, you will receive your credit card within a few business days.
What to Consider Before Applying for a Railway Credit Card
- Reward Structure: Choose a card that offers high rewards or cashback for railway ticket bookings.
- Annual Fees: Ensure that the benefits outweigh the annual fees charged by the bank.
- Eligibility Criteria: Check the eligibility requirements, like income levels and credit score, to ensure approval.
- Additional Perks: Look for added benefits like lounge access, discounts, and complimentary insurance.
- Flexibility of Redemption: See if the rewards can be redeemed for railway tickets or converted into air miles.
Required Documents for Credit Card Application
- Proof of Identity: Aadhar card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID.
- Proof of Address: Utility bills, Bank statement, Aadhar card.
- Income Proof: Latest salary slip, Income tax return (ITR), Bank statement.
- Passport-Sized Photograph: As per bank’s requirements.
Conclusion
Explore the top credit cards for railway tickets in India. Compare benefits, rewards, and more to find the ideal card for your travel plans.Choosing the best credit card for railway ticket bookings in India depends on your travel preferences, spending habits, and the benefits the card offers. Whether you’re a frequent traveler looking for discounts or someone who values earning reward points for future trips, the right credit card can enhance your travel experience.
Before applying for a card, review the reward structure, annual fee, and eligibility requirements to maximize your purchases. Use the comparison table above to select the best credit card for your needs and enjoy seamless and rewarding travel bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How do I redeem reward points for railway tickets?
A. Depending on the credit card, you can redeem the points directly through the bank’s online portal or IRCTC for train bookings. The process involves selecting the redemption option during the payment process on the IRCTC website or app, where you can use your reward points or miles.
Q. Can I use these cards for offline railway bookings?
A. Yes, many of these credit cards allow you to earn rewards even when booking railway tickets offline, either by using the card to pay at the railway station or through other authorized travel agents.
Q. Are there any additional charges for booking railway tickets using a credit card?
A. While using a credit card to book tickets via the IRCTC website does not incur additional charges, a small service fee may apply depending on the mode of payment. Make sure to check the applicable fees before confirming your booking.
Q. How can I benefit from the complimentary lounge access provided by these cards?
A. The complimentary lounge access lets you relax at designated airport lounges before your flight. You can access lounges even if you are not flying on a premium ticket, as long as you use an eligible credit card. However, the number of free accesses may vary based on the credit card type.
Q. Do I need to meet specific income criteria to apply for these cards?
A. Yes, credit cards like the ones mentioned in this article usually have specific income requirements. For example, premium cards like the SBI Card Elite or Axis Bank Magnus may require a higher monthly income. The specific requirements are usually listed on the card issuer’s website.
Q. What are the eligibility requirements for these credit cards?
A. Eligibility requirements may include:
- Minimum age of 21 years (for primary cardholders) and 18 years (for add-on cardholders).
- A good credit score (usually above 750).
- A stable source of income (either salaried or self-employed).
Q. What is the best way to maximize rewards for railway ticket bookings?
A. To maximize your rewards, try booking all your railway tickets through an eligible platform (like IRCTC) using the credit card with the highest reward points or cashback for railway ticket bookings. Also, keep track of any limited-time offers or promotions that may boost your rewards.
