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HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card VS IRCTC SBI Platinum Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 21 July 2026

Both HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card and IRCTC SBI Platinum Card suit travel-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card costs ₹500 + GST and earns 5 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on IRCTC, 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 on other retail spends. IRCTC SBI Platinum Card costs ₹500 + GST and earns up to 10% value back on IRCTC bookings and 1 Reward Point per Rs. 125 on other retail spends. HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card also brings 8 complimentary accesses to select IRCTC Executive Lounges annually (2 per quarter), while IRCTC SBI Platinum Card counters with 4 complimentary railway lounge access in a year in India (maximum 1 per quarter) for primary cardholders. If travel spending matters more, go with HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card; if shopping is the priority, IRCTC SBI Platinum Card fits better.

HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card
HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card
IRCTC SBI Platinum Card
IRCTC SBI Platinum Card

Fees & Charges

Joining Fee₹500 + GST
Joining Fee₹500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹500 + GST
Renewal Fee₹500 + GST
Spend Based WaiverRenewal fee waived if you spend INR 1,50,000 or more in an anniversary year.
Spend Based Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver (Rs. 500-3000, max Rs. 100/cycle) and 1% IRCTC transaction charge waiver.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% of the total transacted amount.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% Per Month (45% Annually) on revolving credit.
Interest Rate (APR)

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusAmazon voucher worth ₹500 upon activation with first transaction within 37 days.
Welcome BonusGet 350 activation bonus Reward Points on a single transaction of Rs. 500 or more within 60 days.
Rewards Rate5 Reward Points for every ₹100 spent on IRCTC, 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 on other retail spends.
Rewards RateEarn up to 10% value back on IRCTC bookings and 1 Reward Point per Rs. 125 on other retail spends.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption Fee₹99 + GST.
Reward Redemption Fee

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access8 complimentary accesses to select IRCTC Executive Lounges annually (2 per quarter).
Domestic Lounge Access4 complimentary railway lounge access in a year in India (maximum 1 per quarter) for primary cardholders.
International Lounge AccessNot Applicable
International Lounge Access
Travel BenefitsAccelerated rewards on IRCTC bookings, 5% cashback via SmartBuy, 1% transaction charges waiver.
Travel BenefitsBook airline tickets and tailor-made travel packages via IRCTC; save 1% transaction charges on railway bookings.
Movie BenefitsNot Applicable
Movie Benefits
Dining BenefitsNot Applicable
Dining Benefits
Golf BenefitsNot Applicable
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on fuel transactions (min ₹400, max ₹5000), capped at ₹250/cycle.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions of Rs. 500 to Rs. 3,000, with a maximum waiver of Rs. 100 per statement cycle.

Security & Other

Insurance BenefitsNot Applicable
Insurance Benefits
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of cash amount or ₹500, whichever is higher.
Cash Advance Charges
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Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card

IRCTC SBI Platinum Card

Who is it for?

The HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card is tailored for frequent railway travelers, offering substantial benefits for train bookings. Cardholders enjoy accelerated rewards on IRCTC spends, complimentary access to IRCTC Executive Lounges, and an additional 5% cashback on train tickets via HDFC SmartBuy. With a nominal fee that can be waived, this card makes railway travel more rewarding and convenient.

Who is it for?

The IRCTC SBI Platinum Card, issued by SBI Card, is a travel-centric credit card designed for frequent railway travelers. It offers significant value back on IRCTC ticket bookings, complimentary railway lounge access, and a fuel surcharge waiver, making it a rewarding option for those who frequently use Indian Railways.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Provides an Amazon voucher worth ₹500 as a welcome benefit upon card activation.

Earn 5X Reward Points on IRCTC spends and competitive rates on other retail purchases.

Includes complimentary railway lounge access (8 per year, 2 per quarter).

Allows for a spend-based waiver of the annual renewal fee.

Grants an additional 5% cashback on train ticket bookings via HDFC SmartBuy.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

High value back on IRCTC bookings, making it ideal for frequent train travelers.

Enjoy complimentary railway lounge access, enhancing your travel comfort and experience.

Benefit from a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, saving money on your regular fuel expenses.

Earn valuable reward points on all non-fuel retail purchases, redeemable on IRCTC.

Get 1% transaction charge waiver on railway ticket bookings via IRCTC website.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

A minimum of 100 points is required for reward redemption.

Maximum value for reward points is limited to train ticket purchases on HDFC SmartBuy.

A Rewards Redemption Fee of ₹99 + GST applies.

Features a high Foreign Currency Markup of 3.5%.

Carries a high interest rate of 3.75% per month (45% annually) for revolving credit.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

The card's primary benefits are highly specific to IRCTC, limiting broader utility.

Reward points are mainly redeemable on IRCTC, offering limited redemption flexibility.

A 1% charge is debited for railway ticket cancellations, which can add to costs.

The fuel surcharge waiver is capped at Rs. 100 per month, limiting potential savings.

No international lounge access or significant global travel benefits beyond acceptance.

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.
Apply for HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card(opens in new tab)Apply for IRCTC SBI Platinum Card(opens in new tab)