IRCTC SBI Premier vs HDFC Marriott Bonvoy
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
IRCTC SBI Premier wins 6-3. Frequent rail travelers — 10% IRCTC train ticket value back. HDFC Marriott Bonvoy is still the right call if marriott loyalists — every ₹150 = 8 bonvoy points on marriott + 2 elsewhere..
Side-by-side
| Criterion | IRCTC SBI Premier | HDFC Marriott Bonvoy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | ₹1,499 | · ₹3,000 |
| Joining fee | ₹1,499 | · ₹3,000 |
| Top reward rate | 10% (travel) | · 8% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | · 1% | 2% |
| Forex markup | · 4% | 1.99% |
| Welcome bonus | = 1,500 IRCTC reward points | = 1 free night at any Marriott property + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status |
| Fee waiver threshold | ₹200,000 / yr | · ₹800,000 / yr |
| Min income | ₹360,000 | · ₹1,500,000 |
| Min credit score | 720 | · 770 |
| Editorial rating | · 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
IRCTC SBI Premier
- 10% rewards on IRCTC train ticket bookings
- 4 reward points per ₹125 on dining + groceries
- Up to 5% railway lounge access discount
- 8 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits/year
- 4% forex markup (high — not for international)
HDFC Marriott Bonvoy
- 8 Bonvoy points per ₹150 on Marriott
- 4 Bonvoy points per ₹150 on travel + dining
- 2 Bonvoy points per ₹150 on everything else
- 1 free night annually at Marriott (up to 15K Bonvoy point value)
- Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status (15 elite night credits)
- 8 international + 8 domestic lounge visits/year
FAQ
›IRCTC SBI Premier vs HDFC Marriott Bonvoy: which is better?
IRCTC SBI Premier wins on more dimensions (6 vs 3). But the right answer depends on your specific spending pattern — see the calculator below.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use IRCTC SBI Premier for its best categories, HDFC Marriott Bonvoy for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
IRCTC SBI Premier: 1,500 IRCTC reward points. HDFC Marriott Bonvoy: 1 free night at any Marriott property + Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status.