IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card
The IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card is a travel-focused card with a low joining fee of ₹500, designed for people who regularly book train tickets and use public transport like metros and buses. It works on the RuPay network, allowing UPI payments, and includes a National Common Mobility Card for easy tap-and-pay convenience at stations and bus terminals. Cardholders earn 5 reward points per ₹200 spent on train bookings through IRCTC, which can be redeemed for a 2.5% return on the IRCTC website or app. The card also offers benefits like two points per ₹200 for booking flights, cruises, and hotels through IRCTC and eight free visits to railway lounges every year.
In addition to the rewards on IRCTC bookings, this card offers 1.5% value back on FASTag recharges and base rewards for other non-IRCTC purchases. For every ₹200 spent on everyday purchases, cardholders earn 1 reward point. All rewards can be redeemed at a 1:1 ratio on IRCTC. With added perks like a 1% transaction fee waiver on train bookings and milestone-based bonus points, this card is a great option for frequent travelers. However, it focuses mainly on IRCTC-related spending, so if you’re looking for broader travel benefits, other credit cards may be more suitable.
Rewards and Benefits
Fees & Charges
What should you consider before applying for a credit card in India?
Key Considerations Before Applying for a Credit Card in India:
- Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, which typically include age, income, credit score, and employment status as defined by the issuing bank or financial institution.
- Credit Score: A strong credit score can significantly improve your chances of approval and result in more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates or higher credit limits. Verify that your credit score is healthy before applying.
- Interest Rates and Fees: Compare the annual percentage rates (APR), processing fees, late payment penalties, and foreign transaction charges associated with various cards. These costs can vary widely and impact the overall value of the card.
- Rewards and Benefits: Evaluate the rewards, cashback, discounts, or other perks offered by the card to ensure they align with your spending patterns. Some cards may provide better benefits in specific categories, such as travel, shopping, or dining.
- Credit Limit: Review the credit limit offered by the card to ensure it meets your financial needs. Avoid applying for cards with excessive limits if you are concerned about managing debt, as this can lead to higher interest charges.
- Repayment Terms: Understand the repayment structure, including the minimum payment amount, payment due dates, and any associated penalties. Being clear about these terms can help you manage payments effectively and avoid interest buildup.
- Card Type and Features: Choose a card type that matches your specific needs—whether standard, premium, or specialized cards like those offering travel rewards or dining privileges. Ensure the features of the card align with your lifestyle and spending habits.
- Bank’s Reputation: Opt for a financial institution with a proven reputation for customer service and transparency. Consider researching customer reviews and assessing their support channels to ensure reliable service.
- Hidden Charges: Be aware of any hidden fees, including annual fees, balance transfer charges, foreign transaction fees, or cash withdrawal charges. These can add up over time and affect the overall cost-effectiveness of the card.
- Credit Utilization: Maintain a balance within your credit limit to avoid high credit utilization ratios, which can negatively impact your credit score. Responsible use of credit is essential for maintaining financial health.
- Long-Term Financial Plans: Consider how the credit card fits into your overall financial strategy. Avoid accumulating unnecessary debt and choose a card that supports your long-term financial goals without adding financial strain.
IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card: Features, Benefits, Rewards, and Fees
The IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card is designed mainly for people who frequently book train tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app. It focuses on helping railway travelers save money through reward points, transaction fee waivers, and travel-friendly features like lounge access, UPI payments, and NCMC support. With a low annual fee and practical benefits, this card is suitable for both daily commuters and regular long-distance train travelers.
UPI-Enabled RuPay Credit Card for Easy Payments
One of the most useful features of the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card is that it runs on the RuPay network and supports UPI payments. You can link this credit card to popular UPI apps like Google Pay and make payments directly from your phone. This is especially helpful when you do not have your physical card or when a merchant does not have a swipe machine. Payments made via UPI are billed to your credit card, not deducted from your bank balance, which helps manage cash flow better.
Reward Points on IRCTC and Travel Bookings
The reward structure is the core strength of the IRCTC RBL Credit Card, especially for people who book train tickets often. You earn reward points in the following way:
- 5 reward points each time you spend ₹200 on booking train tickets through IRCTC.
- 3 Reward Points for every ₹200 spent on FASTag recharge through RBL Bank digital channels, NCMC reload, or UTS app
- 2 Reward Points for every ₹200 spent on flight, hotel, or cruise bookings via IRCTC
- 1 Reward Point for every ₹200 spent on other eligible purchases
Transactions such as rent payments, wallet loads, insurance, and fuel are excluded from rewards. These reward points can later be redeemed mainly on the IRCTC platform.
1% Transaction Fee Waiver on IRCTC Bookings
Train ticket bookings on IRCTC usually include a transaction or convenience fee. The IRCTC RBL Credit Card offers a direct saving through a transaction charge waiver. Cardholders get a 1% waiver on IRCTC train ticket bookings, applicable on transactions up to ₹500, with a maximum benefit of ₹200 per month. This feature is especially useful for people who book tickets multiple times in a month, as it reduces the overall travel cost.
Complimentary Railway Lounge Access Across India
Travel comfort is an important factor for frequent train travelers. The IRCTC RBL Credit Card offers complimentary access to select railway lounges across India. Primary cardholders are eligible for up to 8 free lounge visits in a year, with a maximum of 2 visits allowed per quarter. These lounges provide a comfortable seating area and basic amenities, helping travelers relax while waiting for their train. The list of supported railway lounges is available online.
National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) Facility
Another strong feature of the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card is its National Common Mobility Card support. This allows contactless payments at metro stations, bus terminals, and other public transport locations. The card includes an inbuilt offline wallet with a maximum limit of ₹2,000. It works across major metro networks such as Delhi Metro, Bengaluru Metro, Mumbai Metro, and other supported locations. The offline wallet balance is maintained separately from the card’s credit limit, so using NCMC does not affect your available credit.
Welcome Bonus for New Cardholders
New users receive a welcome benefit after activating the card. If you spend at least ₹500 within the first 30 days of card issuance, you earn 500 Reward Points. These bonus points are credited within 60 days and can be redeemed through the IRCTC platform. While the welcome benefit is not very high, it still adds value for first-time users.
Fees and Charges
The IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card comes with a simple and affordable fee structure. The joining fee is ₹500 plus GST, and the same amount is charged as the annual fee. Considering the rewards on IRCTC bookings, transaction fee waiver, lounge access, and additional features like UPI and NCMC, the fee is reasonable for frequent railway users.
Who Should Choose the IRCTC RBL Credit Card
This credit card is ideal for people who book train tickets regularly through IRCTC and want to earn rewards on their travel spending. It is also suitable for users who prefer RuPay credit cards with UPI support and for commuters who frequently use metro or public transport systems. Occasional travelers may still benefit, but the maximum value comes from frequent IRCTC usage.
IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card
The IRCTC RBL Credit Card is a simple, travel-focused credit card built mainly for railway passengers. It offers good reward points on IRCTC bookings, savings through transaction charge waivers, free railway lounge access, and modern features like UPI payments and NCMC support. With a low annual fee and practical benefits, it is a good option for regular train travelers who want convenience, savings, and comfort during their journeys.
What are the key advantages offered by the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card?
This card gives up to five reward points for every ₹200 spent on train bookings, three points on FASTag recharges, free railway lounge access, and a 1% transaction fee waiver on IRCTC bookings.
Can I use reward points for non-IRCTC bookings?
Reward points are exclusively redeemable through the IRCTC website or mobile app, with each point equivalent to ₹1 in value.
What is the procedure to apply for the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card?
You can apply online on the RBL Bank website or visit an RBL Bank branch with the required documents.
What are the required documents for submitting an application for the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card?
You need proof of identity, address, and income, such as an Aadhaar card, utility bills, salary slips, or bank statements.
Does the card offer complimentary lounge access?
Yes, cardholders get up to eight free railway lounge visits annually, with a limit of two visits per quarter.
What are the ways to accumulate reward points using the IRCTC RBL Bank Credit Card?
You can earn five reward points per ₹200 spent on train tickets, three points on FASTag recharges, and two points on flights, hotels, and cruises booked via IRCTC.
Is there a limit on the reward points I can earn?
Yes, you can accumulate up to 1,000 accelerated reward points per month in each eligible category, including train ticket bookings and FASTag recharges.
What protection does the card offer for train cancellations?
The card offers a complimentary train cancellation cover of up to ₹5,000 if your train is cancelled.
Are there any spending milestones for bonus points?
Yes, if you spend ₹75,000 in a quarter, you can earn 500 bonus points. However, some categories like fuel, rent, and utilities do not count towards this milestone.
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