IRCTC HDFC Bank Credit Card vs Kotak Mojo RuPay Platinum Credit Card: Which is Better in 2026?

Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card vs Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card

In short: HDFC IRCTC has the lower annual fee (₹500 vs ₹1,000); HDFC IRCTC includes 8 airport lounge visits, Kotak Mojo 8 airport lounge visits a year; both charge a 3.5% forex markup.

Key factsHDFC IRCTCKotak Mojo
Annual fee₹500₹1,000
Joining fee₹500₹1,000
Annual fee waivedOn ₹1.5 lakh annual spendOn ₹1 lakh annual spend
Lounge access8 airport lounge visits8 airport lounge visits a year
Forex markup3.5%3.5%

From issuer benefit data, checked 23 Oct 2026. Rewards, milestones and welcome benefits are in the full table below.

The Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card and Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card are both Rupay network cards tailored for different spending habits. The Irctc Hdfc Bank card focuses on travel rewards specifically for IRCTC spends, while the Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum card offers broader rewards with accelerated points on online spends and quarterly milestones. Both cards have similar forex markup fees and provide domestic lounge access, but their fee structures and reward redemption values differ.

Comparison notes and quick badges use AI, grounded in the benefit data shown in the table. Confirm details on each issuer’s site.

Last updated:

Best for rewards → Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card
Best for travel → Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card
Best for low fee → Too close to call
Best for beginners → Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card
Feature Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card
BankHDFC BankKotak Mahindra Bank
NetworkRupayRupay
Joining feeJoining Fee of Rs.500Joining Fee of Rs.1000
Annual / renewal feeRenewal Fee of Rs.500Annual Fee of Rs.1000
Annual fee waiverSpend Rs.1.5 Lakhs For Renewal Fee WaiverSecond Year Fee Waived Upon Spending Rs.1 Lakhs
Reward rate (headline)Earn 1 Reward Points per Rs.100Earn 1 Mojo Points on every Rs.100
Lounge — domestic8 Complimentary IRCTC Executive LoungesEnjoy 8 Complimentary Airport Lounge Access Per Year
Welcome benefitWelcome Gift Voucher Rs.500 on Card Activation—
Milestone benefit—Earn 2500 Mojo Points Every Quarter on Spending Rs.75000
Foreign currency markup3.50% - Foreign Currency Transactions3.5% - Foreign Currency Transactions

Which is better for rewards?

When it comes to rewards, the Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card offers a more versatile points system with 1 Mojo Point per Rs.100 spent and an accelerated 2.5 points on online purchases. It also features quarterly milestone bonuses, which can significantly boost rewards for regular users. In contrast, the Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card provides 1 reward point per Rs.100 on general spends and 5 points per Rs.100 specifically on IRCTC transactions, making it more niche-focused. Redemption values favor Kotak’s card, where 1 Mojo Point equals Rs.0.25 or up to Rs.0.40 against statement balance, whereas Irctc Hdfc Bank’s points are redeemable at Rs.1 per point but only against train tickets.

Which is better for travel?

For travel benefits, the Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card is tailored for train travelers with 8 complimentary IRCTC Executive Lounges, enhancing the travel experience specifically for IRCTC users. Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum offers 8 complimentary airport lounge accesses per year, which is broader in scope but not IRCTC-specific. Neither card provides international lounge access. Therefore, if your travel is predominantly by train via IRCTC, the Irctc Hdfc Bank card holds an advantage; for general airport lounge access, Kotak’s card is preferable.

Which has lower effective cost?

Both cards have similar foreign exchange markup fees at 3.5%, which is standard for many credit cards. The Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card has a lower joining and renewal fee of Rs.500 each, with a renewal fee waiver on spending Rs.1.5 lakhs. The Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum card charges Rs.1000 for joining and renewal, with the second-year fee waived upon spending Rs.1 lakh. Card replacement fees differ, with Kotak charging Rs.100 and HDFC Rs.199. Overall, the effective cost depends on your annual spend and fee waiver eligibility, making both cards comparable in fee structure.

Reward Redemption Flexibility

Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card allows redeeming points against statement balance at a rate of 1 Mojo Point = Rs.0.40, which can be more valuable than the Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card’s redemption limited to train tickets at 1 point = Rs.1. This makes Kotak’s card more flexible for general spending needs.

Milestone Benefits

Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum offers quarterly milestone rewards of 2500 Mojo Points on spending Rs.75,000, providing an additional incentive for consistent spending. The Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card offers a Rs.500 gift voucher on spending Rs.30,000 within 90 days of card issuance but lacks ongoing milestone benefits.

Lounge Access Type

The Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card provides access to 8 IRCTC Executive Lounges, which is beneficial for train travelers. Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum offers 8 complimentary airport lounge accesses per year, catering more to air travelers. Neither card offers international lounge access.

Who should pick Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card?

Consider Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card if you frequently travel by train and book tickets through IRCTC, as it offers accelerated rewards on IRCTC spends and access to IRCTC Executive Lounges. It is also suitable for beginners due to its lower joining and renewal fees and a straightforward fee waiver condition based on higher spending.

Who should pick Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card?

Consider Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card if you prefer a more versatile rewards program with accelerated points on online spends and quarterly milestone bonuses. It is better suited for users who want broader airport lounge access and more flexible reward redemption options, especially if you can meet the Rs.1 lakh spend to waive the second-year fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the joining and renewal fees for these cards?

Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card charges Rs.500 for both joining and renewal, with a renewal fee waiver on spending Rs.1.5 lakhs. Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card charges Rs.1000 for joining and renewal, with the second-year fee waived upon spending Rs.1 lakh.

Which card offers better rewards on IRCTC spends?

Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card offers 5 reward points per Rs.100 spent on IRCTC, which is higher than Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum’s standard earn rate and does not have accelerated IRCTC rewards.

Do these cards provide lounge access benefits?

Yes, Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card offers 8 complimentary IRCTC Executive Lounges access, while Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card provides 8 complimentary airport lounge accesses per year. Neither card includes international lounge access.

What is the forex markup fee on these cards?

Both cards charge a forex markup fee of 3.5% on foreign currency transactions.

Are there any milestone benefits on these cards?

Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card offers a quarterly milestone benefit of 2500 Mojo Points on spending Rs.75,000. Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card provides a Rs.500 gift voucher on spending Rs.30,000 within 90 days of card issuance but no ongoing milestones.

How can I redeem reward points on these cards?

Irctc Hdfc Bank Credit Card points can be redeemed against train tickets at a rate of 1 point = Rs.1. Kotak Mojo Rupay Platinum Credit Card points can be redeemed for products or cashback, with up to Rs.0.40 per point against the statement balance.