Unbiased In-Depth Review of IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card: Features, Cons, Fees, Charges, and Eligibility
- Abhijeet Saxena
- Oct 20, 2024
- 3 min read
HDFC Bank has launched a number of cards in collaboration with unique service providers some illustrations are HDFC Swiggy Credit Card, Marriot Bonvoy HDFC Credit Card etc. The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card continues this legacy it is designed for travelers who frequently book train tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation ("IRCTC"). This credit card, born from the collaboration between HDFC Bank and IRCTC, aims to enhance the travel experience by offering valuable rewards and benefits.
In this review, we will dive deep into its features, potential drawbacks, fees, charges, and eligibility requirements to help you decide if this credit card is the right fit for your travel needs.
Features of the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card
Reward Points
A standout feature of the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is its generous reward points system for train ticket booking. Cardholders earn rewards on every transaction, with a highlighted bonus for train ticket purchases.
Cardholders get 5% cashback on train ticket booking through HDFC SmartBuy. Get 5 reward points for every 100 spent on IRCTC ticketing website and Rail Connect App. Value of 1 reward point = INR 1. IRCTC cashback rate = 5%.
Cardholders 1 reward point on all other spends. General cashback rate = 1%.
Welcome Benefits
New cardholders get gift voucher worth INR 500 on card by undertaking one transaction of any amount in the first 37 days of card issuance.
Milestone Benefits
Cardholder get INR 500 worth gift voucher on spending INR 30,000 in any quarter.
Lounge Benefits
Cardholders get 8 free access to select IRCTC Executive Lounges each year (2 each quarter).
Drawbacks of the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card
Dependency on Train Travel
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is heavily tailored to train travelers. If you fly instead of taking trains or use other transportation modes, you may find the benefits less appealing.
Low General Cashback Rate
The card gives only 1% as cashback on general item purchases, which is very low.
Fees and Charges Related to the Card
Joining Fee / Renewal Membership Fee – INR 500 /- + Applicable Charges
Cash Advance Charges: A transaction fee of 2.5% or INR 500 whichever is higher
Late Payment Charges: Ranges from INR 100 to INR 1300.
Interest Rate: 3.6% per month (i.e., 43.2% per annum).
Foreign Currency Mark-up Fees: 3.5%.
Reward Redemption Fee: INR 99.
Key Requirements for the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card
Age Requirement
Applicants must typically be between 21 and 60 years old. This age bracket ensures the card targets working individuals with a steady income.
Income Criteria
HDFC Bank requires a stable source of income for approval. The minimum income needed may vary but generally starts around Rs. 25,000 per month if you are salaried, and your ITR must be greater than Rs. 6 lakhs per annum if you are self-employed.
Credit Score
A good credit score is essential for approval. HDFC Bank typically seeks applicants with a credit score of at least 750. Those with lower scores may still qualify based on context and overall application strength.
Final Thoughts
The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card offers valuable rewards for frequent train travelers, making it a solid choice for those who frequently book their journeys through IRCTC. However, for individuals who do not traveil by train the card has limited appeal. It has very low general cashback rate and few value add benefits/persl/
For the avid traveler, this credit card could be a key companion on the journey, while those with varied travel patterns may want to explore more versatile options with wider rewards.
You can read a more detailed review of the card and its rating by our expert here.
Comments