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. It is designed specifically for those individuals who travel daily and prefer a premium class ticket on a train. 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 users who frequently travel via Indian Railways and want to maximize savings and comfort during their journeys.

Here is more information on 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.

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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.

Visa Signature And Rupay Select:

• Visa Signature is an international network accepted almost everywhere, making it great for people who also use the card outside India or for online transactions on global platforms. It comes with global benefits like international concierge services, worldwide acceptance, and travel offers.

• RuPay Select, on the other hand, is India’s homegrown payment network. It focuses more on domestic benefits, such as exclusive offers on Indian platforms, free access to select wellness programs, and lounge benefits within the country.

• Wider Customer AppealNot all customers have the same needs. Some prefer the global reach of Visa, while others may want to support and use the Indian network.

• Acceptance & ReachVisa is more widely accepted abroad, so if a cardholder travels internationally, Visa Signature can be more practical. RuPay Select works very well within India and is gaining more acceptance globally, especially after partnerships with Discover and Diners Club.

• Extra Benefits Without Changing the Core The main IRCTC SBI Card Premier benefits, like accelerated rewards on train bookings and lounge access, remain the same regardless of the network.

Fees And Charges

IRCTC SBI Card Premier

Joining Fees: Not Applicable (N.A)

Annual fees: (one time): INR 1499 + Taxes.

Cash advance fees: Cash Advance fees: 2.5% or Rs. 500.

Late payment charge: Late Payment charges: 0 to 1300.

Reward redemption fees: INR 99 per redemption

Interest rate: Up to 3.50% per month (42% per annum).

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:

When you look at the IRCTC SBI Card Premier as a whole, it is clear that this card has been designed with a specific audience in mind, people who travel by train frequently and want to make that experience more rewarding. This card is profitable for those who book tickets on a regular basis through the IRCTC portal, and especially for travelers opting for higher-class reservations like AC coaches. The value it delivers comes from a combination of savings, convenience, and additional lifestyle perks that make the travel experience more comfortable.

One of the standout features is the accelerated reward points on train ticket bookings via IRCTC. If you’re someone who plans multiple trips in a year, these points can add up surprisingly quickly, turning your everyday travel into an opportunity for savings on future journeys. The benefit is not just in the numbers—it’s in knowing that every trip you take is giving something back to you.

Another highlight is the complimentary railway lounge access at select stations across the country. For someone who travels often, this can be a real comfort, especially during long layovers or unexpected delays. Instead of waiting on crowded platforms, you can enjoy a quieter, more relaxed environment with basic refreshments. It’s a small luxury, but over time, these small comforts can make a big difference in your travel experience.

On other hand, the IRCTC SBI Card Premier also provides perks like a fuel surcharge waiver, which can help reduce the stress of paying at the petrol pump, and travel insurance coverage that offers peace of mind while on the move. Together, these extras benefit, make this card more useful even outside of train travel

If you rarely travel by train or prefer other modes of transportation, many of its best features may go unused, and you might get better value from a more general-purpose rewards card. However, for someone who books tickets regularly through IRCTC, especially in higher fare categories, this card is a great fit for you. The rewards, savings, and conveniences combined can easily outweigh the annual fee, provided you use the card strategically.

In the end, the IRCTC SBI Card Premier is fir for those who want to earn benefits through train ticket booking, which will make your journey comfortable, and this card is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it focuses on delivering solid, tangible value to a particular kind of customer. If that sounds like you, this card can be more than just a payment tool—it can become a small but steady travel companion, making your trips not only cheaper but also more comfortable and rewarding over time.

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

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