Is the IRCTC RBL Bank RuPay Credit Card Worth It? A Detailed Analysis
- Harsh Lodha
- Mar 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Travellers in India constantly seek ways to enhance their journeys, and the IRCTC RBL Bank RuPay Credit Card is a great option. This card is designed specifically for train travellers, combining valuable benefits and features to enrich their travel experiences. In this blog, we will explore the overview, benefits, drawbacks, fees and charges, and eligibility criteria for the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your travels.
Benefits
The IRCTC RBL Bank RuPay Credit Card is a joint product of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation and RBL Bank. It's aimed particularly at those who use the Indian railway network often. With the growing interest in travel in India, this card provides an opportunity to earn rewards and discounts tailored for railway journeys.
The IRCTC RBL Bank RuPay Credit Card offers a variety of benefits that can significantly enhance the travel experience for its users.
Welcome Benefits
New cardholders can look forward to receiving 500 bonus reward points when they make their first purchase of INR 500 or more within 30 days of activation. This is a great kickstart for new users.
Reward Benefit
One of the most attractive features is the reward points system. Cardholders can earn:
5 reward points for every ₹200 spent on IRCTC bookings, which includes train tickets, catering, and hotel reservations. For example, spending ₹2,000 on train tickets could earn you 50 reward points. If these points are redeemed at the IRCTC website then the value of 1 Reward Point is INR 1 which translates to a cashback rate of 2.5%.
If the reward points are redeemed on platforms other than IRCTC then the value of 1 reward point is Rs. 0.25. Users will get 3 reward points per INR 200 swiped on FASTag recharge from RBL Bank Digital Channels/NCMC Reload/UTS App with a cashback rate of 0.375%. Users will get 2 reward points per INR 200 spent on booking flights, hotels and cruises from the IRCTC website or app with a cashback rate of 0.25% and 1 reward point per INR 200 spent everywhere else with a cashback rate of 0.125%.
Complimentary Lounge Access
Cardholders enjoy two complimentary visits to railway lounges per quarter. This benefit can make waiting for a train more relaxing. It’s perfect for those long delays when you want to recharge before the journey.
Travel Insurance
The card includes travel protection as cardholders can enjoy INR 5,000 cancellation protection in case a train is cancelled at the last minute.
No Transaction Fee
Transaction charges amounting to 1% of the total ticket price, capped at a maximum of INR 200, incurred during the booking of train tickets will be reversed when using the IRCTC RBL Bank credit card for this purpose. This initiative is designed to enhance the overall experience for customers who frequently travel by train and prefer the convenience of online booking.
UPI Payments
Users can link their RuPay credit card directly to their UPI app and can make UPI transactions using this credit card. You can link your IRCTC RBL Bank RuPay credit card to UPI is a simple process. Here's a guide to help you:
Step 1: Open your UPI app.
Step 2: Look for the "Add Credit Card" or "Link Credit Card" option.
Step 3: Select RBL Bank as your issuing bank.
Step 4: Enter your credit card details and complete the verification process.
Step 5: Set your UPI PIN.
Step 6: Start using your RBL Bank RuPay Credit Card for UPI payments!
Drawbacks
While the IRCTC RBL Bank RuPay Credit Card boasts numerous benefits, it also has a few drawbacks to consider.
Annual Fee
The card comes with an annual fee of approximately ₹500, which could deter users who don’t use it frequently. If you don't maximize the rewards, this fee can seem high.
Limited Redemption Options
Although you can redeem reward points for train tickets, the options are narrower than other credit cards that provide more flexible redemption paths, which could limit the card's appeal to solo travelers.
Interest Rates
Interest rates can reach as high as 47.88% on unpaid balances. This means if you don't pay off your dues fully, the cost can quickly outweigh the benefits of the card.
Fees and Charges
Joining fee: INR 500/- plus taxes.
Annual fee: INR 500/- plus taxes.
Foreign currency markup: 3.50%.
Fuel surcharge: 1%
Cash advance fee: 2.5% or INR 500, whichever is higher.
Late payment charges: INR 100 to 1300.
Reward redemption fee: INR 99 per redemption request.
Interest rate: 3.99% monthly, 47.88% annually.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the IRCTC RBL Bank RuPay Credit Card, ensure you meet these eligibility criteria:
Age
Applicants should be between 21 and 65 years old to qualify.
Income Level
A minimum income criterion must be met, which can vary based on the bank’s discretion and the applicant’s financial profile. Typically, a stable income enhances approval chances.
Credit Score
A credit score of 750 or above is generally considered acceptable. This score acts as a measure of your creditworthiness and repayment history.
Documentation
When applying, be ready to provide necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof, and income proof. Having these prepared can expedite the application process.
MyRupaya Opinion
The IRCTC RBL Bank RuPay Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent Indian Railways travellers, offering tailored perks like high reward points on IRCTC bookings, complimentary lounge access, and waived transaction fees. Its UPI compatibility adds modern convenience, while travel insurance enhances security. However, the ₹500 annual fee and steep interest rates (47.88% annually) demand careful consideration. It should be ideal for those who regularly book train tickets and can clear dues promptly, this card maximizes value when rewards are redeemed via IRCTC. If its perks match your travel style, it's a great travel buddy, but think about the cost if you don't use it often.
If you want to read a more detailed review of this card and find out its AI-powered unbiased rating, click here.
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