The world of credit cards is often crowded with high-fee, high-reward options that promise to offer you the moon and the stars, but often fall short when it comes to real value. Yet, amidst all the noise, there’s a humble contender that has, for me at least, proven to be an absolute game-changer—the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card. Let me walk you through why this card stands out, even though it doesn’t get the recognition it truly deserves.
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of its pros and cons, let’s start with my story—how I discovered this card and why I feel it is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated cards on the market.
A Personal Journey with the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card
As someone who travels frequently, especially for work, I’ve always found it challenging to juggle the costs and conveniences of booking train tickets, not to mention dealing with the chaos of various loyalty programs, complicated redemption processes, and the ever-increasing fees on premium cards. But then I stumbled upon the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card, and my perspective changed entirely.
Now, it may not be the flashiest card, and it doesn’t come with a jaw-dropping array of features, but it offers something far more valuable—consistent, practical benefits. This card makes my travel easier, cheaper, and gives me a handful of rewards that add up over time.
The Good: Why I’m So Happy with My SBI IRCTC Platinum Card
Let’s get straight to the point: this card packs a punch when it comes to value. It may not have the bells and whistles of other cards in the market, but it delivers exactly what it promises—and more.
Affordability and Free for 2 Years
The SBI IRCTC Platinum Card has an annual fee (AF) of just ₹300. That’s ridiculously low compared to most cards with similar offerings. And here’s the best part: you can actually get this card for free for two years if you apply via a referral. Along with this, you’ll also receive an Amazon voucher worth ₹500. Essentially, you’re getting two years of benefits without spending a single penny on the annual fee.
Fantastic Value Back on Amazon SBI Offers
If you love shopping on Amazon like I do, then this feature will blow your mind. I’ve been using this card for months now and have already saved around ₹7,000 through various SBI Amazon offers. From discounts to cashback, the card gives you exclusive offers that you won’t find on many other cards. Whether it’s the festive season sales or the flash discounts on various products, this card ensures you never miss out on great savings.
Unbeatable Train Travel Benefits: 10% Value Back
Now, let’s talk about the feature that I personally value the most—the 10% value back on AC train bookings. I travel by train at least once a week, and having this benefit is a godsend. For someone who spends so much on train travel, getting 10% back on AC coach bookings makes a noticeable difference in my travel costs. The benefit is straightforward—simply book your train tickets and get back 10% of the amount spent. It’s a recurring reward that truly adds value to your travel routine.
Decent Railways Lounge Access
Another hidden gem of this card is the railway lounge access. You get four complimentary visits to railway lounges every year. This feature, although not revolutionary, is certainly a pleasant perk. Whether you’re waiting for a train or just need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of a busy station, having access to a lounge is a small luxury that makes a big difference.
The Bad: A Few Drawbacks You Should Know
No card is perfect, and the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card is no exception. While it offers incredible value, there are a few hiccups, particularly when it comes to the redemption process for train bookings.
Redemption Process: Tedious but Manageable
Here’s where things get a little tricky. To redeem your points for train bookings, you first need to have an IRCTC loyalty account. Unfortunately, this account is not automatically created upon card activation. Instead, it took me around four days after receiving my card to get this account set up, and I had to follow up with the bank each day. This process could have been smoother, especially since the card details are already available at the time of activation.
Once your IRCTC loyalty account is up and running, you need to link it to the card, which also takes a few extra steps. Once all the technicalities are sorted, things become easier, but the initial setup could have been less cumbersome.
Challenges in Name Editing on Tickets
Another limitation is that you cannot edit your name on the ticket when booking. The name you enter during the booking process must match the one on the card. This may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it could be problematic if there’s a mismatch, or if you need to change the name due to an error.
No Points + Pay Option for Redemption
When redeeming points, the full value of the ticket must be covered by your points. For instance, if you want to book a ₹500 ticket, you must have 500 points. The option to combine points with cash doesn’t exist, which makes the redemption process a bit restrictive. While I understand the need to prevent misuse by travel agents, this could be a major drawback for people who want flexibility in their redemptions.
The Ugly: None to Report!
I was half-expecting to encounter a “dealbreaker” feature with this card, but much to my relief, there’s nothing truly ugly about it. There are a few minor irritations, especially related to the redemption process, but they are far from being a dealbreaker. If you’re someone who values simplicity, the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card delivers with straightforward benefits.
Is the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card Right for You?
Let me put it simply: if you’re a regular train traveler, especially one who prefers to travel by AC coaches, then this card is an absolute no-brainer. If you book train tickets at least twice a month, then the benefits of the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card will more than cover its cost.
Moreover, if you want to get an SBI card for the offers but don’t want to pay through the nose, then this is definitely a better option than the SBI SimpliClick or SBI SimpliSave cards. Since it’s not in high demand, there’s a solid chance of converting it to Lifetime Free (LTF) status down the line. This means you’ll enjoy all the benefits without paying a dime for the card.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card
If you’ve made it this far and you’re convinced, here’s a simple guide on how to apply for the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card:
Apply for the Card
Visit the official SBI Card website or use a referral link to apply. Don’t forget to check for any ongoing offers, as applying through a referral could get you an Amazon voucher worth ₹500 along with the 2 years free benefit.
Wait for Your Card
Once you’ve applied, the card should be delivered within 7-10 business days. While waiting for the card, start gathering the documents required for verification.
Set Up Your IRCTC Loyalty Account
Once you’ve received your card, call SBI customer care or visit their website to set up your IRCTC loyalty account. This will take around 4 days to process.
Link Your Account
Once your IRCTC loyalty account is active, you need to link it to your card. This is an essential step to start earning points on train bookings.
Step 5: Enjoy the Benefits
Now that your card is active and linked to your loyalty account, you can begin booking train tickets and enjoy the 10% value back on AC bookings and other exclusive perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits does the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card offer?
The SBI IRCTC Platinum Card is packed with travel-related perks, including cashback on IRCTC bookings, discounts on train tickets, free lounge access, and earning reward points on all purchases. It’s ideal for frequent travelers who use IRCTC for booking train tickets.
How can I earn reward points with the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card?
You earn 10 reward points for every ₹100 spent on IRCTC-related transactions like booking train tickets, hotels, and catering services. For general spending, you earn 1 reward point for every ₹100 spent. These points can be redeemed for travel-related benefits or merchandise.
Are there any annual fees for the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card?
Yes, the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card comes with an annual fee, but the cost can be offset through the rewards you earn and the benefits you receive. Additionally, the card offers a welcome benefit in the form of a cashback on IRCTC transactions, which can help reduce the annual fee burden.
What is the interest rate on the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card?
The interest rate on the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card can vary depending on the outstanding balance and the cardholder’s credit profile. Typically, it is around 3.35% per month (40% annually) on any carried-over balances. It’s advisable to pay your bills on time to avoid interest charges.
How can I apply for the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card?
You can apply for the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card online through the SBI Card website or by visiting an SBI branch. The application process is straightforward, requiring you to provide basic personal, financial, and identification details. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria, including a good credit score.
Conclusion
Absolutely! For anyone who regularly travels by train, particularly in AC coaches, the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card is a must-have. With its affordable annual fee, exclusive offers on Amazon, and fantastic train travel benefits, this card easily delivers more value than most premium cards at a fraction of the cost.
Despite a few hiccups in the redemption process, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or simply someone looking for a card with great value for money, the SBI IRCTC Platinum Card is definitely worth considering.
