Best Railway Lounge Access Credit Card

A railway lounge access credit card allows you access to most of the railway lounges in India. It is of great value for those who frequently travel by railway. Some railway lounges provide free Wi-Fi, food, air conditioning, etc. which makes the wait for the train easy. Let us analyze what are the best railway lounge access credit cards available in India.

Best Railway Lounge Access Credit Card

We have sorted some of the best credit cards for railway lounge access. Let us look at their joining and renewal fee first as that often is a deciding factor when you shop for a credit card.

 

IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card Features and Benefits

1. Railway lounge program – Avail of 4 complimentary railway lounge access in a year, maximum 1 per quarter. 
2. Welcome gift - 350 bonus reward points as a welcome gift on a transaction of Rs. 500 in the first 45 days of card issuance.
3. Value back benefits – Up to 10% value back as reward points on buying tickets through the irctc official website for the categories – AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC CC.
4. IRCTC travel offers – 
   1. Save on 1% transaction charges on ticket bookings via the official irctc website. 
   2. Book accommodation at more than 5,000 hotels over 350 cities.
   3. Avail of tailor-made packages for different tours.
5. Fuel surcharge waiver – Avail of a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions of Rs. 500 – Rs. 3,000, on all petrol pumps across India.

IRCTC SBI Platinum Credit Card Features and Benefits

1. Railway lounge program – Avail of 8 complimentary railway lounge access in a year, maximum 2 per quarter. 
2. Welcome gift - 1500 bonus reward points as a welcome gift on payment of the first annual fee.
3. Value back benefits – Up to 10% value back as reward points on buying tickets through the irctc official website for the categories – AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC CC.
4. IRCTC travel offers – 
   1. Save on 1% transaction charges on railway ticket bookings via the official irctc website. 
   2. Save on 1.8% transaction charges on airline bookings via the official airline irctc website. 
   3. Book accommodation at more than 5,000 hotels over 350 cities.
   4. Avail of tailor-made packages for different tours.
5. Fuel surcharge waiver – Avail of a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions of Rs. 500 – Rs. 4,000, on all petrol pumps across India.

HDFC Bank RuPay IRCTC Credit Card

1. Railway lounge benefits - Avail of 8 complimentary railway lounge access in a year, maximum 2 per quarter.
2. Welcome gift – Gift voucher worth Rs. 500 on activating the card within the first 37 days of card issuance.
3. Value back benefits – Get 5 reward points on every Rs. 100 spent on the IRCTC official website and app.
4. IRCTC travel offers – 
   1. Save on 1% transaction charges on railway ticket bookings via the official irctc website and rail connect app.
   2. Save on 1.8% transaction charges on airline bookings via the official airline irctc website. 
   3. Avail of an additional 5% cashback on train ticket bookings via HDFC Smartbuy.
5. Fuel surcharge waiver – Avail of a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions of Rs. 500 – Rs. 4,000, on all fuel stations across India.

IDFC First Classic Credit Card

1. Railway lounge benefits - Avail of 4 complimentary railway lounges in a quarter. Applicable for participating lounges only. Facilities include –
   1. Two hours of lounge stay in an air-conditioned setting
   2. 1 buffet meal
   3. Access to Wi-Fi
   4. Newspapers and Magazines
   5. Tea and coffee 
2. Welcome gift – Gift voucher worth Rs. 500 on spending Rs. 15,000 within 90 days of the issuance of the credit card.
3. Value back benefits – Get 10X reward points on incremental spending of Rs. 20,000 every month and on your birthday.
4. Fuel surcharge waiver – Avail of a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions at all fuel stations across India on transactions between Rs. 200 to Rs. 5,000.

IDFC First Select Credit Card

1. Railway lounge benefits - Avail of 4 complimentary railway lounges in a quarter. Applicable for participating lounges only. Facilities include –
   1. Two hours of lounge stay in an air-conditioned setting
   2. 1 buffet meal
   3. Access to Wi-Fi
   4. Newspapers and Magazines
   5. Tea and coffee 
2. Welcome gift – Gift voucher worth Rs. 500 on spending Rs. 15,000 within 90 days of the issuance of the credit card.
3. Value back benefits – Get 10X reward points on incremental spending of Rs. 25,000 every month and on your birthday.

5. Fuel surcharge waiver – Avail of a 1% fuel surcharge waiver on transactions on all fuel stations across India on transactions between Rs. 200 to Rs. 5,000.

ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card

Railway lounge benefits - Avail of 1 complimentary railway lounge in a quarter. Applicable for participating lounges only. 

ICICI Bank Rubyx Credit Card

Railway lounge benefits - Avail of 2 complementary railway lounges in a quarter. Applicable for participating lounges only.

MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card

Railway lounge benefits - Avail of 1 complimentary railway lounge in a quarter. Applicable for participating lounges only. 

MakeMyTrip ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card

Railway lounge benefits - Avail of 1 complimentary railway lounge in a quarter. Applicable for participating lounges only. 

Conclusion

Railway lounge access credit cards are great for people who travel frequently by Indian railways. The lounges generally offer free Wi-Fi, complimentary buffet meals, air-conditioned seating, tea and coffee, newspapers and magazines, and other paid services as well which make the waiting time a little more productive and enjoyable. It is highly advisable to apply for the above credit cards if you are a frequent railways traveler.

FAQ of Railway Lounge Access Credit Card

1. What are railway lounge access credit cards in India?

Railway lounge access credit cards in India are credit cards specifically designed to provide cardholders with access to exclusive lounges at railway stations. These lounges offer a comfortable and relaxing environment for cardholders to wait for their train departures.

2. How do railway lounge access credit cards work?

Railway lounge access credit cards work by providing cardholders with access to designated lounges at railway stations across India. Cardholders can present their credit cards at the lounge entrance to gain entry. The lounges typically offer amenities such as comfortable seating, Wi-Fi access, complimentary refreshments, newspapers, and magazines.

3. Which banks offer railway lounge access credit cards in India?

Several banks in India offer railway lounge access credit cards, including leading banks like the State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDFC Bank, and others. Each bank may have its specific credit card offerings that include lounge access benefits.

4. Can I use a railway lounge access credit card at any railway station in India?

No, railway lounge access credit cards are generally valid only at designated lounges at select railway stations. These lounges are often available at major railway stations in different cities across India. It is recommended to check with the credit card issuer or refer to their website to know the specific railway stations where lounge access is applicable.