IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card Review

In the world of travel and finance, partnerships between banks and travel agencies have become increasingly popular, providing customers with exclusive benefits and rewards. In a recent collaboration, HDFC Bank and IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) have joined forces to introduce a co-branded credit card, the HDFC Bank IRCTC RuPay Credit Card. This new offering presents a compelling option for frequent travellers, promising a host of rewards and advantages that directly compete with existing co-branded cards in the market.

One of the notable features of the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is its reasonable joining and annual membership fee of Rs. 499. Additionally, this fee can be waived if the required annual spending is achieved in the previous anniversary year, making it an appealing proposition for potential cardholders. However, the true value of this card lies in its reward benefits. Users are rewarded with Cash Points for every Rs. 100 spent, with a generous reward rate of up to 5 Cash Points per transaction. These Cash Points can be redeemed across a range of options, providing cardholders with flexibility and choices to suit their preferences.

Beyond the rewards program, the HDFC Bank IRCTC Credit Card offers additional advantages to enhance the travel experience. Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to railway lounges every quarter, adding a touch of comfort and convenience to their train journeys, all at minimal charges. These perks, combined with a myriad of other benefits, make this credit card a compelling choice for individuals seeking to optimize their travel experiences.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the myriad advantages and features of the HDFC Bank IRCTC Credit Card, we invite you to delve deeper into this review. By exploring the finer details, you can make an informed decision and determine whether this card aligns with your travel aspirations and financial goals. So, let us embark on this exploration, and uncover the exceptional rewards and benefits that await with the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card.

IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card Features and Benefits

• Welcome Benefits: Upon activation of the HDFC Bank IRCTC RuPay Credit Card and making the first transaction within 30 days of card issuance, cardholders receive an enticing welcome benefit—a Rs. 500 Amazon voucher awaits them, adding value right from the start.
• Travel Benefits: The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card truly caters to the needs of travelers. It grants cardholders the privilege of accessing one complimentary railway lounge per quarter, totaling up to four lounge visits each year. This exclusive benefit allows travelers to relax and unwind in a comfortable setting, enhancing their overall travel experience.
• Waiver of Transaction Charges: In a noteworthy advantage, the card provides a waiver on transaction charges for railway bookings made using the credit card. This waiver applies to transactions ranging from Rs. 400 to Rs. 5,000, making train travel more economical and convenient for cardholders.
• Fuel Surcharge Waiver: Recognizing the importance of fuel purchases, the HDFC Bank IRCTC Credit Card offers a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on all fuel transactions ranging from Rs. 400 to Rs. 5,000. This waiver is capped at Rs. 250 per billing cycle, allowing cardholders to enjoy savings on their fuel expenses, making everyday commuting more economical.
• Renewal Fee Waiver: The IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card rewards its loyal users by waiving the renewal fee of Rs. 499. Cardholders who spend Rs. 1,50,000 or more in the previous anniversary year are eligible for this fee waiver, ensuring that their continued usage of the card is financially advantageous.

HDFC Bank IRCTC RuPay Credit Card Rewards

• Rewarding Retail Spends: Every retail transaction made with the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card earns cardholders 1 Cash Point for every Rs. 100 spent. This means that for every purchase, customers accumulate valuable Cash Points that can be later redeemed for a range of exciting options.
• Generous IRCTC Booking Rewards: The credit card truly rewards those who frequently book train tickets through IRCTC. With the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card, users earn an impressive 5x Cash Points on their IRCTC bookings. This enhanced reward rate ensures that every rupee spent on train tickets becomes an opportunity to accumulate significant Cash Points.
• Exclusive Discounts on IRCTC Bookings: The benefits of using the HDFC Bank IRCTC Credit Card extend beyond rewards. Cardholders can also enjoy an additional 5% discount when making IRCTC bookings through HDFC SmartBuy. This exclusive privilege adds another layer of savings to the overall travel experience, making the credit card a valuable asset for frequent train travelers.

By leveraging the HDFC Bank IRCTC RuPay Credit Card, users can unlock a world of rewards and advantages. From earning Cash Points on retail purchases and IRCTC bookings to accessing exclusive discounts, this credit card ensures that each transaction is an opportunity to accumulate rewards and save money. With its appealing reward rates and additional booking benefits, the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card stands as an attractive choice for individuals seeking both financial value and a seamless travel experience.

Reward Redemption

• Flexible Redemption Options: The HDFC Bank IRCTC RuPay Credit Card offers cardholders the flexibility to redeem their hard-earned Cash Points for a variety of options, maximizing the value of their rewards.
• Railway Booking Redemption: Cardholders can redeem their Cash Points against railway bookings made through the IRCTC app or website. Each Cash Point holds a redemption value of Re. 1, allowing users to offset their travel expenses by utilizing their accumulated rewards.
• Flight and Hotel Booking Redemption: The reward program extends beyond train travel. Users can also redeem their Cash Points for flight and hotel bookings through IRCTC and other participating platforms. With a redemption value of Re. 0.30 per Cash Point, cardholders can enjoy discounts on their airfare and accommodation expenses.
• Cashback and Other Options: In addition to travel bookings, the HDFC Bank IRCTC Credit Card provides the opportunity to redeem Cash Points for cashback. Cardholders can explore this option to receive monetary benefits that can be utilized as desired. The reward program may also offer various other options for redemption, providing users with a range of choices to suit their preferences.

With the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card, earning Cash Points is just the beginning. By offering redemption options for railway, flight, and hotel bookings, as well as cashback and other possibilities, cardholders can make the most of their rewards and enjoy tangible benefits across various categories. The flexibility and versatility of the reward redemption program make the credit card a valuable tool for individuals seeking to maximize their savings and enhance their travel experiences.

IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card Fees and Charges

• Joining and Annual Membership Fee: The HDFC Bank IRCTC RuPay Credit Card entails a joining fee of Rs. 499 plus applicable taxes. This fee is applicable upon card activation. Additionally, an annual membership fee of Rs. 499 plus taxes is charged. However, the renewal fee can be waived if the cardholder spends Rs. 1.5 lakhs or more in the previous anniversary year, rewarding their loyalty and usage.
• Cash Advance Fee: In instances where cardholders avail themselves of cash advances, a cash advance fee applies. The fee is set at 2.5% of the withdrawn amount, with a minimum charge of Rs. 500. It’s important to consider this fee while using the credit card for cash withdrawals.
• Interest Rate: The HDFC IRCTC RuPay Credit Card carries an interest rate of 3.6% per month. It’s crucial to manage credit card usage responsibly and ensure timely payment to avoid accruing interest charges.
• Foreign Currency Markup Fee: When using the credit card for transactions in foreign currencies, a foreign currency markup fee of 3.5% of the total transacted amount is levied. This fee accounts for the currency conversion and processing costs associated with international transactions.

Understanding the fees and charges associated with the HDFC Bank IRCTC Credit Card is vital for effective financial planning and decision-making. While the card offers a range of rewards and benefits, it’s important to consider these fees to make informed choices and optimize the card’s usage. By being aware of the joining and annual membership fees, cash advance fees, interest rates, and foreign currency markup fees, cardholders can use the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card responsibly and make the most of its offerings while managing their finances effectively.

HDFC Bank IRCTC RuPay Card Eligibility Criteria

• Age Requirement: To be eligible for the new IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card, applicants must fall within the age range of 21 years to 65 years. This ensures that individuals in the prime of their professional and financial lives can avail themselves of the card’s benefits.
• Employment Status: The credit card is open to both self-employed individuals and salaried individuals with a stable monthly income. This allows a wide range of individuals, including entrepreneurs and employees, to apply for and potentially benefit from the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card.
• Stable Source of Income: Applicants must demonstrate a stable source of income. This requirement ensures that individuals have the financial means to fulfill their credit card obligations and utilize the card responsibly.

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FAQs

How can I check the status of my IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card application?

You can check the status of your IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card application by contacting the HDFC Bank customer support helpline or visiting the HDFC Bank website and using their online tracking service.

Are there any charges for railway bookings made using the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card?

Generally, there are transaction charges applicable to railway bookings made using credit cards. However, with the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card, you can enjoy a waiver of transaction charges for railway bookings within a specific transaction amount range.

Can I avail of the renewal fee waiver every year on the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card?

The renewal fee of the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card can be waived if you have spent a certain amount or more in the previous anniversary year. To avail of the renewal fee waiver, you need to meet the spending requirement set by the bank.

Is there a limit on the number of railway lounge accesses I can avail with the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card?

Yes, the IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card offers one complimentary railway lounge access per quarter, totaling up to four accesses per year.

What should I do if my IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card is lost or stolen?

In case of a lost or stolen IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card, immediately contact the HDFC Bank customer support helpline and report the incident. The bank will guide you through the process of blocking the card and issuing a replacement.

Conclusion

The HDFC Bank IRCTC Credit Card is a highly recommended option for individuals who frequently travel on Indian railways. It comes with a moderate annual fee and offers a wide range of advantages in different areas, such as rewards and travel benefits.

The card presents an attractive reward rate specifically tailored for travel-related expenses, and also grants an extra discount on IRCTC bookings when made through HDFC SmartBuy. To fully capitalize on the benefits of this card, it is recommended to exclusively utilize SmartBuy for booking railway tickets on IRCTC.

Furthermore, this credit card grants complimentary access to railway lounges, waives transaction charges for railway bookings, and offers numerous other advantages. If these benefits align with your requirements, opting for the HDFC Bank IRCTC RuPay Credit Card would be a wise decision. It presents an opportunity to enhance your railway travel experiences while enjoying the perks and privileges associated with the card.

Author: Vedanti KiranVedanti is a female finance writer, currently pursuing her studies at Hansraj College. She has a passion for writing and travelling, and her articles on the stock market, finance, investment, and cryptocurrency are well-researched and informative. With her unique perspective on the world of finance, Vedanti is a go-to source for those seeking insights into the world of finance.