Travel frequently by train? The IRCTC SBI Co-Branded Credit Cards are popular among Indian Railways travelers for their savings and privileges.
Starting 26th December 2024, SBI Card has introduced updates to these cards. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing.
IRCTC SBI Platinum Card – Renewal Fee Update:
The renewal fee for both Visa and RuPay variants will now be ₹500 + GST, up from the previous ₹300 + GST.
However, upon paying the renewal fee, 500 Reward Points (1 Reward Point = ₹1) will be credited to your account.
Reward Points on Ticket Purchases:
Points will now be earned based on the total booking amount, which includes:
- The primary cardholder’s fare
- Fares of other passengers booked on the same ticket
This ensures better clarity and potential for higher rewards on group bookings.
Reward Points Expiry:
Reward Points earned on IRCTC SBI Credit Cards will now have a validity of 2 years.
Make sure to redeem your points before they expire!
Core Benefits Remain Intact:
The core features of the IRCTC SBI Credit Cards remain unchanged:
- Earn Reward Points on rail travel.
- Complimentary railway lounge access for added comfort.
IRCTC SBI Credit Card Variants:
Both cards continue to cater to frequent train travelers with their focused benefits on rail spending.
What Does This Mean for Cardholders?
While the increase in renewal fee might seem like a downside, the introduction of 500 Reward Points as a renewal benefit offsets this cost effectively.
Cardholders should also take note of the 2-year reward expiry and plan their redemptions accordingly.
These updates are not a major revaluation or devaluation of the cards but ensure transparency and slight tweaks to the reward structure.
If you frequently travel by train, these cards remain valuable options for savings and perks.