In today’s fast-paced world, travel comfort and convenience have become essential, especially for frequent train travelers. Railway lounge access can significantly enhance your journey, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of crowded stations. For those looking to enjoy this benefit, several credit cards in India provide access to premium railway lounges. In this blog, we will explore the top credit cards offering railway lounge access in India for 2024.
Disclaimer: This blog may contain affiliate links. However, our rankings and reviews are based solely on unbiased analysis and are not influenced by these partnerships.
Credit Cards with Railway Lounge Access
- IDFC Bank First Select Credit Card
- AU Bank Altura Credit Card
- BOB IRCTC Credit Card
- SBI IRCTC RuPay Credit Card
- AU Bank Altura Plus Credit Card
- MMT ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card
- ICICI Bank Coral Platinum Credit Card
- HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card
- Benefits of Railway Lounge Access
- Credit Cult Recommendation
- FAQs
- Credit Cult Conclusion
Key Features:
- No Joining/Annual Fees (LTF)
- Only LTF Credit Card offering Railway & Airport Lounge Access (4/quarter)
- Welcome Benefit: 500 on spend of 15,000
- 5% Cashback on first EMI txn (within 90d)
- 15% off or B1G1 on movie tickets
Key Features:
- Joining & Annual Fees: Rs 199/yr
- Railway lounge access 2 per quarter
- 2% Cashback on all spends upto Rs 50
- 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver for fuel transactions
Key Features:
- Joining Fees: Rs 500, Annual Fees: Rs 350
- Railway Lounge Access: 1/Quarter
- UPI payments through Credit Card
- Welcome Benefits: 1000 Bonus reward points (worth Rs 250) on spending 1,000 within first 45 days.
Key Features:
- Joining & Annual Fees: Rs 500
- Railway lounge access : 1/Quarter
- 350 activation points given on the first transaction of Rs.500/more
- 10% ValueBack as reward points on ticket bookings through IRCTC
Key Features:
- Joining & Annual Fees: Rs 499
- Railway Lounge Access: 2/quarter
- Welcome Benefit: Vouchers worth Rs 1,000 on spend of 10,000 and above
- 5% Cashback on all POS retail spends done at merchant outlets (up to Rs 100/bill)
##Doesn’t offer that good reward benefits but better because currently the bank is actively promoting its credit cards through discount & offers around online platforms.
Key Features:
- Joining Fee: 500, Annual Fees: Nil
- Railway & Airport Lounge Access: 1/Qtr
- Welcome Benefit: 500 worth My Cash; MMT holiday voucher worth Rs. 3,000
##Doesn’t offer much but the welcome benefits are well offered by the co-branded card.
Key Features:
- Joining & Annual Fees: Rs 500/year
- Railway & Airport Lounge Access: 1/Quarter
- 25% discount on BookMyShow and Inox
##ICICI Credit Card is best for discount offers across all the E-commerce platforms.
Key Features:
- Joining & Annual fee: Rs. 499
- Access to IRCTC Executive Lounges: 2/Qtr
- Amazon voucher worth Rs. 500 on making the 1st txn (within the first 30 days)
- Gift vouchers worth ₹500 on spends of ₹30,000 or more every 90 days
Benefits of Railway Lounge Access
Following are the facilities mentioned on the IRCTC website which must be given for complimentary access. Generally, these lounges have been outsourced to private catering companies or hotels and the quality of facilities may vary.
- Two hours of lounge stay in normal seating
- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner as per the time of visit and as per the offering by the lounge operator at that particular time of visit
- Unlimited tea & coffee with cookies
- Free Wi-Fi
- Newspaper & magazine
**Any additional services availed like recliners/more will be charged separately by the operator at their actual cost of service.
Credit Cult Recommendation
If you’re seeking value-for-money credit cards that provide railway lounge access at an annual fee of ₹500 or less, we recommend the following:
IDFC FIRST Credit Cards: The IDFC FIRST Select, Millennia, and Wealth credit cards stand out as lifetime-free options that offer railway lounge access without any annual fee. These cards are ideal if you’re an occasional traveler and want to enjoy lounge benefits without extra costs.
- SBI Bank IRCTC RuPay Credit Card: For those who travel frequently by train, this card offers not only a 10% value back on IRCTC ticket bookings but also access to IRCTC premium lounges once per quarter. It’s a great choice for frequent travelers who want to combine cost savings with regular lounge access.
Select the card that aligns with your travel needs and preferences. Enjoy your journey with the right card from Credit Cult! Safe travels!
FAQs: Railway Lounge & Credit Cards
1. What are the best credit cards with railway lounge access in India?
Answer: The best credit cards offering railway lounge access in India include the IDFC First Select/Millennia/Wealth credit card, AU Bank Altura Credit Card, BOB IRCTC Credit Card, SBI IRCTC RuPay Credit Card, AU Bank Altura Plus Credit Card, MMT ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card, ICICI Bank Coral Platinum Credit Card, HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card, and more. These cards provide complimentary access to railway lounges and a range of other benefits tailored for frequent travelers.
2. How does railway lounge access work with credit cards?
Answer: Railway lounge access with credit cards typically allows cardholders to enter premium waiting areas at train stations. This benefit is often available through partnerships between credit card issuers and railway operators. Cardholders can usually access lounges by presenting their credit card and a valid train ticket. Some cards offer a limited number of free visits per year.
3. Are there any credit cards offering railway lounge access without an annual fee?
Answer: Most credit cards that offer railway lounge access are premium cards that come with an annual fee. However, IDFC FIRST Select, IDFC FIRST Millennia, and IDFC FIRST Wealth credit cards are notable exceptions, as they offer railway lounge access with no annual fee. Due to this unique benefit, these cards are ranked #1 on our list for providing lifetime-free railway lounge access in India.
4. How can I apply for a credit card with railway lounge access?
Answer: To apply for a credit card with railway lounge access, you can visit the website of the credit card issuer or apply directly through this website. Look for cards that specifically list railway lounge access as one of their benefits. You can also check eligibility criteria, benefits, and application procedures on the issuer’s website or contact their customer service for detailed information.
5. What are the benefits of having a credit card with railway lounge access?
Answer: Benefits of having a credit card with railway lounge access include a comfortable waiting environment, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi connectivity at railway stations. These perks enhance travel comfort and convenience, especially during long waits or transit periods.
6. How do I find the nearest railway lounge I can access with my credit card?
Answer: To find the nearest railway lounge you can access with your credit card, you can refer to the card issuer’s website or app, which typically provides a list of partner lounges and their locations. Additionally, some credit card companies offer lounge locator tools or customer service assistance to help you find accessible lounges.
Credit Cult Conclusion
In summary, finding the right credit card for railway lounge access involves balancing cost with benefits. Lifetime-free IDFC FIRST credit cards offer a no-annual-fee solution for occasional travelers, ensuring you can access lounges without additional expense. On the other hand, if you’re a frequent railway user, the SBI Bank IRCTC RuPay Credit Card provides both value back on bookings and periodic lounge access, offering a more tailored experience for regular journeys.
Evaluate your travel habits and preferences to select the best card that aligns with your needs. Enjoy enhanced comfort and convenience on your travels with Credit Cult’s top recommendations. Safe and pleasant journeys await!
Hey Readers, we hope we helped you choose the best credit card with railway lounge access in India. We also recommend you to read this post in which we shared 5 best lifetime credit cards in India. Happy Spending!