IRCTC SBI Card Premier - Is It Best Card for Discount Deals on AC Class Tickets?

In today’s blog, we’ll explore unique credit card and their strategic collaborations between top banks and lifestyle platforms - IRCTC SBI Card Premier.

The IRCTC SBI Card Premier is a premium co-branded travel credit card launched by SBI Card in partnership with IRCTC, designed specifically for frequent train travelers in India who prefer booking premium AC class tickets. It is designed to offer substantial value back on travel-related spending made through the IRCTC platform, along with added benefits such as complimentary railway lounge access, milestone rewards, and travel insurance. This card not only enhances the experience of regular railway commuters but also provides perks for flight bookings and daily utility expenses, making it a smart choice for those who frequently travel via Indian Railways and want to maximize savings and comfort during their journeys.

Here is more information more the card details, including welcome benefits, cashback rate, eligibility, and many more. Read below.

What are The Welcome Benefits Of Having an IRCTC SBI Card Premier?

Welcome Benefit: Users will receive 1,500 bonus reward points worth Rs 1,500 upon payment of annual fees.

What Is The Cashback Rate of IRCTC SBI Card Premier?

• On buying tickets through irctc.co.in & IRCTC Mobile App for AC1, AC2, AC3, executive chair car and chair card, users can get 10% value back as reward points. 

• 3 reward points on every 125 spent at dining, and on standing instructions on utility bill payment. Dining & bill cashback rate: 2.4%. 

• 1 reward point on INR 125 on all other spends. Effective general cashback rate: 0.8%.

What Are The Pros Of Having IRCTC SBI Card Premier?

• High Rewards on Train Travel– Earn 10% value back on AC train ticket bookings via IRCTC.

• Milestone Benefits– Earn up to 7,500 bonus reward points annually on reaching travel spend targets.

• Complimentary Railway Lounge Access– Enjoy 8 free lounge visits per year (2 per quarter) at select railway stations.

• Welcome Bonus– Receive 1,500 reward points (worth INR 1,500) on joining.

• Simple & Valuable Redemption– 1 Reward Point = INR 1 for IRCTC bookings with no redemption fee.

• Transaction Charge Waivers– 1% waived on train bookings and 1.8% waived on air bookings via IRCTC.

• Travel Insurance Coverage– Includes INR 10L rail and INR 50L air accident cover, plus fraud protection.

• Visa Signature Privileges– Get global acceptance, contactless payments, and lifestyle offers worldwide.

• 
  

What Are The Cons Of Having IRCTC SBI Card Premier?

• High Annual Fee– INR 1,499 + GST is relatively high for a travel-specific card, especially if you don’t use all its benefits.

• Limited Redemption Options– Reward points can only be redeemed on IRCTC travel bookings, not for cashback or other merchandise.

• Rail Booking Restrictions– To earn 10% value back, bookings must be made only through IRCTC website/app using this card and while being a logged-in user.

• No Accelerated Rewards on General Spending– Regular purchases (like shopping, groceries, online spends) earn just 1 RP per INR 125, which is a low reward rate (~0.8%).

• Fuel Spend Doesn’t Earn Rewards– While there’s a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, fuel transactions don’t earn any reward points.

• Lounge Access Only for Primary Cardholder– Add-on cardholders are not eligible for railway lounge access.

• Redemption Requires IRCTC Loyalty Number– You must link your IRCTC loyalty number to redeem points, which adds a step for new users.

• 
  

Eligibility:

Age: You must be minimum 21 and maximum 70 years old.

Income: You must have a stable source of income.

Credit score: A good credit score is generally required

Conclusion:

The IRCTC SBI Card Premier is an great choice for frequent train travelers, especially those who regularly book AC class tickets through IRCTC. With 10% value back on train bookings, 5% on IRCTC flights and meals, milestone rewards, and complimentary railway lounge access, it offers substantial savings and travel comfort. However, its value is limited if you don’t use the IRCTC platform often, as general spend rewards are low and redemption is restricted to IRCTC bookings. But if you travel mostly in train and you're looking for a premium experience with added insurance and lounge benefits, this card is a smart and rewarding option.

If you're a regular AC train traveler and want to maximize savings on IRCTC bookings, enjoy railway lounges, and get travel protection, this card is one of the best in its category. For others, especially non-rail travelers, it may feel restrictive and less rewarding.

If you want to know the unbiased AI score of the IRCTC SBI Card Premier and read its detailed review, click here

We have developed India's first Airline Discount Finder. Click on the link given below to find out the airline offers on your credit card. click here