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Comparison · हिन्दी

SBI Miles vs IRCTC SBI Premier

Both cards compared on real rupee returns for best entry SBI travel credit card India train vs flexible miles. We ran the numbers so you can make the right call.

Updated · Terms checked by Prashant Parikh
SBI
CARD MILES
ASHOK KUMAR
VS
SBI
IRCTC CARD PRE
ASHOK KUMAR
Our verdict
IRCTC SBI Card Premier wins for most people
IRCTC SBI Premier wins with ₹229 annual benefit versus SBI Miles' -₹839 loss. Despite identical fees, IRCTC's 10% train ticket rewards and welcome bonus significantly outperform SBI Miles' modest travel credits for this spend profile.
Side-by-side comparison
SBI Card MILES IRCTC SBI Card Premier ✓
Annual benefit -₹839 ₹229
Annual feeThe yearly fee a bank charges for holding the card, often waived if you spend enough in a year.Full definition → ₹1,499 + taxes (waived on ₹6,00,000/year spend) ₹1,499 + taxes (waived on ₹2,00,000/year spend; 1,500 RP welcome bonus = ₹1,500 offsets joining fee)
Reward rateCashback pays you directly in rupees; reward points need converting first, and their real value depends on the redemption ratio.Full definition → 2 Travel Credits per ₹200 on travel spends (0.5%); 1 Travel Credit per ₹200 on all others (0.25%); 25 airline/hotel transfer partners 10% value back on AC train tickets via IRCTC; 5% on IRCTC air tickets; 2.4% on dining and utility; 0.8% base
Lounge accessFree entry to airport lounges, usually limited to a set number of visits per quarter or year.Full definition → 4 domestic visits/year (1 per quarter); 2 international visits/year (1 per quarter) via Priority Pass 8 railway lounge visits/year (2 per quarter)
Forex markupThe extra fee your bank adds on top of the real exchange rate for any spend in a foreign currency.Full definition → 3.5% 3.5%
Best for Entry-level airline-agnostic travel card with 25 transfer partners at the lowest fee Frequent train and air travellers who book via IRCTC and want lounge access
Min. incomeThe minimum income, credit score, and other conditions a bank requires before approving your application.Full definition → ₹25,000/month (salaried) ₹25,000/month (salaried)
Credit scoreYour 3-digit credit score (300-900), higher scores make approval easier and can unlock better cards.Full definition → 700+ 750+
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When each card wins
SBI Card MILES
SBI Miles suits travelers booking flights/hotels through transfer partners rather than IRCTC, or those confident of exceeding ₹6,00,000 annual spend to waive fees entirely.
IRCTC SBI Card Premier
IRCTC SBI Premier excels for frequent train travelers booking via IRCTC platform, or those making ₹2,00,000+ annual spend to waive the joining fee quickly through welcome bonus.
Who should get which card
Get SBI Card MILES if you…
· Prefer airline/hotel booking flexibility across 25 global partners
· Plan to maximize annual spend for fee waiver eligibility
· Value airline lounge access and travel insurance benefits
Get IRCTC SBI Card Premier if you…
· Book AC train tickets regularly via IRCTC platform
· Combine train and flight bookings on IRCTC
· Dine frequently and want rewards on restaurant spends
· Can easily cross ₹2,00,000 annual spend threshold
Partner offer
IDFC FIRST Ashva Credit Card
Frequent travellers who book hotels and flights through the IDFC FIRST Bank app specifically, where the real redemption value is highest; weak for everyday spending outside the app
Apply now →
IDFC
ASHOK KUMAR

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Related guides
SBI Card MILES vs SBI Card Miles ELITE →IRCTC SBI Platinum vs IRCTC SBI Card Premier →IRCTC SBI Card Premier vs Air India SBI Signature →Best Travel Credit Cards →Best Premium Credit Cards →Best Super Premium Credit Cards →
Frequently asked questions
Based on our analysis, IRCTC SBI Card Premier offers better annual returns for most spend profiles.
SBI Card MILES has an annual fee of ₹1,499 + taxes (waived on ₹6,00,000/year spend). IRCTC SBI Card Premier has an annual fee of ₹1,499 + taxes (waived on ₹2,00,000/year spend; 1,500 RP welcome bonus = ₹1,500 offsets joining fee).
SBI Card MILES offers 2 Travel Credits per ₹200 on travel spends (0.5%); 1 Travel Credit per ₹200 on all others (0.25%); 25 airline/hotel transfer partners. IRCTC SBI Card Premier offers 10% value back on AC train tickets via IRCTC; 5% on IRCTC air tickets; 2.4% on dining and utility; 0.8% base.
SBI Card MILES lounge access: 4 domestic visits/year (1 per quarter); 2 international visits/year (1 per quarter) via Priority Pass. IRCTC SBI Card Premier lounge access: 8 railway lounge visits/year (2 per quarter).
SBI Card MILES charges 3.5% forex markup. IRCTC SBI Card Premier charges 3.5% forex markup.