Booking train tickets on IRCTC adds a payment-gateway convenience fee that a regular card doesn't waive. The fix is a co-branded IRCTC RuPay credit card — it knocks ~1% off the booking fee and earns accelerated rewards plus complimentary railway-lounge access. If you book trains even a few times a year, the right co-brand pays for itself. Here's the comparison.
Why a co-branded IRCTC card (not a flat-cashback one)
Two reasons a generic cashback card loses here: (1) IRCTC's transaction fee isn't waived by normal cards, and (2) co-branded IRCTC cards earn far more on the booking itself (5x points / 2.5% value-back) plus give IRCTC/railway lounge access. For pure train bookings, a co-brand beats even a 5% flat-cashback card after the fee waiver.
Best IRCTC cards (2026)
| Card | On IRCTC bookings | Fee | Railway lounge |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRCTC RBL Bank | 2.5% value-back + 1% fee waiver (up to ₹200/mo, tickets ≤₹5,000) | Low | Yes |
| HDFC RuPay IRCTC | 5 CashPoints / ₹100 (1/₹100 else) + fuel surcharge waiver | ₹499 | 8 IRCTC Executive lounges/yr |
| IRCTC SBI RuPay | 1% booking-fee saving + 1 RP/₹125 retail | Low | 4/yr (1/quarter) |
| IRCTC SBI Premier | 1,500 RP welcome; higher tier | ₹1,499 (waived ₹2L) | 2/quarter |
| BOB IRCTC | Up to 40 RP / ₹100 on IRCTC | Low | 4/yr |
Which to pick by travel frequency
- Occasional traveller (a few trips/yr): IRCTC RBL or IRCTC SBI RuPay — low fee, the 1% fee waiver + lounge cover casual use.
- Frequent train + HDFC ecosystem: HDFC RuPay IRCTC — 5 CashPoints/₹100 on bookings + 8 executive-lounge visits is the richest for regular riders.
- Heavy spender wanting waiver: IRCTC SBI Premier — higher fee, waived at ₹2L spend, more lounge.
Note: most of these are RuPay cards, so they also work on UPI — see how that adds value in our credit card on UPI guide. For non-rail spends, pair with a flat-cashback card (see SBI Cashback vs Axis ACE).
The railway-lounge bonus
IRCTC co-branded cards uniquely give railway lounge access (separate from airport lounges) — useful on long-distance journeys. The HDFC RuPay IRCTC's 8 executive-lounge visits/year is the most generous. For airport lounges, see our airport lounge card guide.
FAQ
Does a normal credit card waive the IRCTC booking fee?
No — only co-branded IRCTC RuPay cards waive ~1% of the IRCTC transaction/convenience fee.
Which IRCTC card earns the most on bookings?
HDFC RuPay IRCTC (5 CashPoints/₹100) and BOB IRCTC (up to 40 RP/₹100) lead; IRCTC RBL gives 2.5% value-back plus the fee waiver.
Can I use an IRCTC RuPay card on UPI?
Yes — being RuPay, it links to UPI; merchant-QR spends earn the card's normal rate.
Is the co-branded card worth the fee?
If you book trains regularly, the fee waiver + accelerated rewards + railway lounge usually outweigh the ₹499 fee. Occasional travellers should pick a low/no-fee IRCTC card.
Verify current rates, fee waivers and lounge counts with the issuer. Browse cards on InvestingPro and see our methodology.
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