HDFC Bank has partnered with IRCTC Authorised Partner for booking train tickets via SmartBuy online. The Products/Services are offered solely by IRCTC Authorised Partner, and HDFC Bank is not selling/rendering any of these Products/Services. The advantages of booking train tickets on IRCTC Authorised Partner via SmartBuy are:
The best deals and offers for customers making reservations via SmartBuy. As per the applicable Terms and Conditions, the customer may get Rewards Points, Cash-back, or an instant discount.
• The convenience of digital booking with secure payment instruments from HDFC Bank
- How can I book my train tickets on SmartBuy ?
Log in on SmartBuy using your SmartBuy account credentials and follow the steps below:
• Enter source station, destination, date of journey and submit the information
• Check the class of travel, click on the preferred train and check the seat availability for the proposed date(s).
• Enter your IRCTC Authorised Partner user ID or create an IRCTC Authorised Partner account if you don’t have one already.
• Submit the traveler’s details.
•Make the payment
• Once the payment is done, it is mandatory to enter the correct IRCTC Authorised Partner password to complete the booking successfully
- What are the advantages of reserving a train seat on IRCTC Authorised Partner via SmartBuy?
IRCTC Authorised Partner is responsible for powering the train reservation category on SmartBuy. The main advantages provided to customers are:
- • Getting the best deals and offers for train reservations, as per the terms and condition of the promotions applicable at the time of booking.
•The convenience of online booking
•Trust worthy payment instruments from HDFC Bank
•Huge range of filters to make your booking experience convenient.
- How do I check the results for a different date or class?
You can search for the following by clicking on the train name. The next screen will show the results for the next few days as well. Availability for other classes can also be checked on the same screen. If seats are not available for the preferred travel date(s), return to the home page and re-enter the preferred details, i.e. source, destination, date and class to search again.
- How can I check my PNR status ?
- What are the different modes of payments accepted ?
Only HDFC Bank Credit Cards, Debit Cards and Net banking are accepted for train ticket bookings.
- What are SmartBuy PG charges ?
These charges are levied by the bank directly as payment gateway charges to facilitate online payments. Such charges are applicable on online payments on all sites, including at IRCTC Authorised Partner.
- Where can I find the applicable charges ?
You can check the applicable charges on the review page. Please find below the additional charges applicable on SmartBuy:
(a) IRCTC Authorised Partner Processing Charges - INR 15 for non-AC class and INR 30 for AC class (excluding GST)
(b) SmartBuy Agent Charges - NIL charges for non-AC class and AC class (including GST)
(c) SmartBuy PG charges - Dynamic
a. Payment through Credit Card – 1% (excluding GST) for all HDFC Bank Domestic Credit Cards
b. Payment through Debit Card – Nil up to Rs. 1 lakh for all HDFC Bank Domestic Debit Card
c. Payment through NetBanking – Rs. 10/- (excluding GST)
- I have booked a ticket for Rs. 200/- on IRCTC Authorised Partner with my Credit Card and separately via NetBanking, but have been charged extra on my card and account statement. Why?
This is because PG charges would be applied additionally on your Credit Card over and above the transaction value. For example,
Ticket Fare | Rs. 162/- |
Travel Insurance | Rs. 0.49/- |
Convenience Fee (IRCTC Authorised Partner Processing Charges) | Rs. 17.70/- |
SmartBuy Charges (Agent Charges) | NIL |
Net Amount | Rs. 180.19/- |
In this case, the payment gateway will charge an additional fee of 1%+GST on Rs. 180/- for HDFC Bank Domestic Credit Cards and Rs. 10/- + GST for NetBanking transactions. Please find the sample calculations provided below:
| For all HDFC Bank Domestic Credit Card | For HDFC NetBanking |
Net Amount | Rs. 180.19/- | Rs. 180.19/- |
PG Charges | Rs. 1.80/- | Rs. 10/- |
GST | Rs. 0.32/- | Rs. 1.80/- |
Total Amount | Rs. 182.31/- | Rs. 191.99/- |
- I filled in and submitted my payment details while booking a ticket and then nothing happened/ the website did not respond/I could not proceed with the booking. What do I do?
We suggest checking with your bank if the payment has been deducted from your account/charged to your card. In case the amount has been deducted or charged to your account, we will automatically refund the full amount and the same will reflect in your account/card statement within 10 to 15 working days. If you do not receive the refund, you may reach to our customer support number at
1860 425 1188,or email us at
support@smartbuyoffers.co.
- I am not able to file a TDR and opt for the Vikalp option. Why?
You can file your TDR or opt for Vikalp post your booking under My Profile.
Please go to My Profile > My Orders / Bookings > View Details. In case you are not able to proceed with filing your TDR, then please send an email to
etickets@irctc.co.in , from your registered email ID stating the reason for filing the TDR. IRCTC will file TDR on your behalf. TDR filing request received except on “
etickets@irctc.co.in” e-mail ID will not be entertained. For any assistance, kindly reach out to our concierge.
- Can I use PNRs to search for train bookings made outside of the SmartBuy portal?
Unforatunately, you cannot search for train bookings made outside of the SmartBuy portal. However, the information for train bookings made on SmartBuy will be available on IRCTC Authorised Partner so you may use your PNR to search/confirm the reservation. Please note that the PNR of a ticket booked outside of the SmartBuy portal cannot be searched for under the “missing” status.
- What are the different time periods during which train booking is not allowed in SmartBuy?
Train functionality on SmartBuy will not be functional between 11:45 PM to 00:15 AM due to system downtime from the Railways' end. Also note that passengers will not be able to book non-tatkal tickets between 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM for general classes (for Advance Reservation Period tickets, once the booking opens – 120 days), 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM for Tatkal AC classes, and 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM for Tatkal non-AC classes.
- How can I cancel my train ticket ?
Please follow the steps below to cancel a train ticket booked on SmartBuy:
- Login to your SmartBuy account - Locate your booking under Manage account >’Trains Transaction History’.
- Select the passenger name whose ticket is to be cancelled - Click on ‘Cancel’.
- The cancellation will be confirmed online and the refund amount would be refunded to your source account.
- Which tickets can I cancel myself?
You can cancel any type of ticket online on SmartBuy any time before the chart preparation. Post chart preparation, you can file a TDR to request a cancellation. (Refer TDR Conditions).
- I have booked a train tickets for 6 travelers, but would like to cancel 2. Is it possible?
Yes, you can cancel the ticket partially on SmartBuy.
- Can I cancel an e-ticket offline, at the railway reservation counter ?
Unfortunately, cancelling an e-ticket is only possible online. Login to SmartBuy and access the “My Order” section to cancel your booking.
- Can I cancel my ticket on the IRCTC Authorised Partner website ?
Unfortunately, an e-ticket can only be cancelled on the SmartBuy portal. Login to SmartBuy and access the “My Order” section to cancel your booking.
- Can I cancel a ticket booked under the Tatkal quota ?
- Can I cancel my train ticket after the train departs?
Unfortunately, an e-ticket cannot be cancelled after the departure of the train. However, you can file the TDR request online.
- Can I cancel my train ticket after the chart preparation ?
- Why is the cancellation facility for IRCTC Authorised Partner not available after 11:45 PM?
IRCTC Authorised Partner does not allow any transaction to take place between 11:45 PM to 12:15 AM IST. Reservation systems remain open for transactions between 12:15 AM to 11:45 PM IST. Please keep in mind you cannot cancel your booking from 11:45 PM- 12:15 AM IST. However, you can search for trains.
- Why can’t I create a new user ID or change/reset my password with regards to rail booking at 4 PM ?
IRCTC Authorised Partner does not allow any user related activity (including, but not limited to) New User Creation, Change/Reset IRCTC Authorised Partner password, etc. between 4:45 PM to 5:45 PM IST. However, you can check search for trains, book a ticket or cancel a ticket during this time.
IRCTC Authorised Partner FAQs
Disclaimer - - The IRCTC Authorised Partner FAQs information are hereby updated basis the latest update received from IRCTC Authorised Partner as on 11th December, 2019. Any FAQ information on the HDFC Bank/SmartBuy website (or the section thereof to which you will be directed) regarding the Merchant or Products/Services offered have not been verified by HDFC Bank. HDFC Bank shall not be held liable or responsible for the information given.
- What is the maximum number of people I can book seats for in a single train ticket booking?
You can book tickets for up to 6 people during a single booking. For tatkal tickets, the maximum number of reservations is 4 per booking. Two children below the age of 5 are allowed per booking, but they will not be ticketed. The details of these travelers are also to be specified while booking, though the information will not be explicitly mentioned in the tickets.
- Are children charged for train tickets?
Children below the age of 5 are exempted from tickets in Indian Railways. Children between 5-12 years need to compulsorily obtain a train ticket with 50% discount to reserve a seat that does not include the berth. If you need a berth seat for your child (between 5-12 years), the full amount will need to be paid.
- Is there any concession for booking train tickets for senior citizens?
As per the rules set by Indian Railways (IRCTC Authorised Partner), male senior citizens (minimum 60 years) and female senior citizens (minimum 58 years) are granted Senior Citizen concessions for fares across all classes for Mail / Express / Rajdhani / Shatabdi / Jan-Shatabdi / Duronto trains. The element of concession is 40% for men and 50% for women. An option will be available to select senior citizen concession in the traveler’s details section. Please note that no concessional tickets are permitted for Garib Rath, Gatimaan, Vande Bharat, Suvidha and Humsafar Train/Quota/Class
- Can I avail a senior citizen discount on my tatkal booking?
Unfortunately, senior citizen discounts are not applicable on tatkal bookings.
- I have entered the incorrect age for one of the passengers while booking. Can I change the age now?
Unfortunately, the age of the traveler cannot be altered as per Indian railway rules post ticket booking.
- What is the concession criteria ?
- What are the Tatkal booking guidelines ?
The Advance Reservation Period (ARP) of the Tatkal scheme is one day, excluding the date of departure from the train originating station. A maximum of four passengers per PNR can be booked for Tatkal e-tickets.
• Once the Ticket Reservation page opens, check whether the Train and Station’s name, Date of journey, Class, Quota, Boarding Point etc. visible on the top of the page match your requirements.
• Enter the name, age, sex, and berth preference of the passenger(s). The maximum length of name should be limited to 15 characters.
• Senior citizen concessions are not allowed for the Tatkal Quota
• The booking for Tatkal Non-AC opens at 11:00 AM on the IRCTC Authorised Partner platform, and opens at 11:50 AM on the SmartBuy platform.
• The booking for Tatkal AC opens at 10:00 AM on the IRCTC Authorised Partner platform, and opens at 10:50 AM on the SmartBuy platform.
For more details, you can also refer to
http://contents.irctc.co.in/en/TatkalBooking.html.
- Which ID can I use as proof while traveling in the train?
Please carry atleast one form of government issued ID proof. The following are accepted by IRCTC Authorised Partner:
• Passport
• Aadhar Card
• Driving license
• PAN card
• Voter’s ID card
• Photo ID card issued government to their employees
• Student ID card with photograph issued by recognized School/College For Non-Indians, their Country's Passport will constitute as the sole authorized ID. Ration cards will be accepted as proof of identity for undertaking a journey under the Tatkal scheme only if the passenger who is travelling has a photograph attached to the ration card. Passengers not carrying a valid photo ID (original ID) will be treated as travelling without a ticket and shall be dealt with as per extant Railway Rules.
Passengers not carrying a valid photo Id (original ID) will be treated as travelling without ticket and shall be dealt with as per extant Railway Rules.
- Can I carry the photocopy of the required identity proofs ?
Although you could carry a photocopy as back-up, it is necessary to carry the valid original identity as proof during the journey. As per extant railway rules, you may be denied to board by the TTE in case you are unable to produce the original ID proof.
- What is the Flexi fare charge option in IRCTC Authorised Partner ?
The flexi fare system is applicable for the Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi. The base fares will increase by 10 percent with every 10 percent of berths sold subject to a prescribed ceiling limit. There will be no change in the existing fare for 1AC and EC class of travel. Other supplementary charges (reservations, superfast, catering and service taxes) will be levied separately.
What to keep in mind:
• Base fares will increase by 10% with every 10% of berths sold subject to a prescribed ceiling limit.
• There will be no change in the existing fare for 1AC and EC class of travel.
• No Premium Tatkal Quota provided for these trains.
• Tatkal will be available at 150% of base fare. However, no additional charges as “Tatkal charges” will be levied.
- What is TDR (IRCTC Authorised Partner / Indian Railways Refund)?
TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is the process of claiming a refund for the booked ticket from Indian Railways (IRCTC Authorised Partner).
- Rules of Refund and TDR filing:
- What happens if the train is cancelled on the Railway’s end?
In this scenario, a full refund will be automatically initiated and will appear in your bank account within 10-15 working days, subject to receipt of refund from Indian Railways. You can file an online TDR request for the same within the stipulated timelines to claim the refund.
- How long does it take to get IRCTC Authorised Partner TDR refund?
- What is CR registered status in IRCTC Authorised Partner TDR?
The acronym 'CR' stands for "Claim Refund," wherein you can obtain a refund for the ticket purchased if you have not boarded the train. You could also check on the TDR status from time to time. If the status reads “Admin Approved,” your case is eligible for a refund as approved by the IRCTC Authorised Partner Corporate/IRCTC Authorised Partner Zonal Office.
- How much would be refunded if the passenger has not travelled or boarded the train, under the TDR refund scheme?
The refunded amount would vary depending on the reason you have filed for TDR. Below is a list of examples as well as the refund amounts:
If you have filed a TDR for the reason "Train later than 3 hours and passenger not travelled," the full refund of reservation cost will reflect within 60 days.
If you have filed a TDR for the reason "Ticket converted from wait list to RAC and passenger unable to travel," the full refund will reflect within 60 days.
If you have filed a TDR for the reason "AC not working properly," which is provided by the TTE in the train, it may take up to 1 year to receive a confirmation or rejection of a refund amount. Essentially, your TDR application requires the approval of the zonal manager and the timeline for a reply will differ depending on your reason. Do keep in mind that, in some cases, TDR’s can be rejected as well.
- Can I choose my own seat/berth or coach ?
Unfortunately, Indian Railways (IRCTC Authorised Partner) does not allow for a passenger to book a seat/berth based on their own preference. However, you can certainly request your preference for a seat/berth, but do keep in mind that the same cannot be guaranteed.
- What is the latest I can reserve a train ticket before it departs?
A train ticket can be booked up to 4 hours before the train’s scheduled departure time, or before the chart preparation for the journey is set.
- What is Travel Insurance and can it be booked via SmartBuy ?
Travel Insurance is a contingency plan that is designed to pay for unexpected costs that may arise while travelling, such as emergency hospital/medical costs, trip cancellations, lost baggage and accidental death insurance, and is a service that is provided by SmartBuy. You can opt for travel insurance while creating a fresh booking on SmartBuy. Please note that Rs. 0.49/- will be applicable per person and not per booking. This amount will be added as an addition to your ticket fare. IRCTC Authorised Partner will provide the insurance details to the mobile number/email address entered while booking the ticket.
- Why is the fare different on the booking page versus the search results page?
The price on the search page excludes the charges listed below. However, the following will be reflected in the price listed on the booking page:
(a) IRCTC Authorised Partner Processing Charges - INR 15/- (non-AC classes)/INR 30/- (AC classes), excluding GST
(b) SmartBuy Agent Charges – NIL (non-AC/ AC classes), including GST
(c) SmartBuy PG charges - Dynamic
a. Payment through Credit Card – 1% (excluding GST) for all HDFC Bank Domestic credit cards
b. Payment through Debit Card – INR 0/- to INR 1 lakh/- for all HDFC Bank Domestic Debit Cards
c. Payment through NetBanking – INR 10/- (excluding GST) Please note that the above charges are non-refundable.
- Do I get a copy of my e-ticket in my inbox?
Absolutely! A copy of your ticket will be sent to the email registered while booking the ticket.
- How can I reconfirm my train departure time?
You can confirm your scheduled departure time by calling 139 from your landline or mobile number. We would advise that you reconfirm your train timings 12 hours prior to your train departure. Please note that SmartBuy is not responsible for any schedule change by the Indian Railways.
- I am unable to book a ticket at 8:00 AM for reservations made available today morning.
Indian Railways (IRCTC Authorised Partner) does not allow for any ticket reservations opened at 8:00 AM to be booked on the SmartBuy platform until 8:50 AM. Please try to search/book a seat after 8:50 AM. Please note that this is applicable only for trains/dates/tickets opened at 8:00 AM IST.
- How will I know if my ticket has been confirmed or rejected if I am on the Waitlist or RAC?
You can confirm your status on SmartBuy’s Train section anytime by entering your PNR number in the section “PNR status.”
- Who is authorized to board a train?
Only passengers with Confirmed PNR’s are authorized to board the train. Please note that only passengers with confirmed seats will be allowed to travel in case of Partially Waitlisted/Confirmed status.
- What happens to my waitlisted ticket after the chart preparation?
After the chart preparation, your waitlist ticket may change to the following statuses:
• Confirmed- Your ticket status may change from Waitlist to fully confirmed.
• Partially Waitlisted/Confirmed/RAC- Your ticket status may change into partially WL/confirmed, wherein the status for some passengers will show as waitlisted and others as confirmed/RAC.
• Fully waitlisted ticket- Your ticket status after chart preparation may remain fully waitlisted.
- If I have a partially confirmed ticket, (some passengers confirmed and some waitlisted) will the waitlisted passengers get a seat/berth ?
In this particular scenario, the waitlisted passengers will not get a seat/berth. However, if the TTE permits, the waitlisted passengers may share the seat with the passengers confirmed under the same ticket.
- If my ticket remains Fully Waitlisted after the chart preparation and I am not allowed to board the train, will I be refunded?
- How will I know if I have been allotted a seat/berth under RAC ?
If, after chart preparation, the ticket status remains RAC, the status will appear as R, followed by coach name and berth number. For example, a confirmed RAC ticket status will appear as RS7 20, S7 being the coach and 20 being the berth number 20. In short, the RAC status for seat/berth number will be prefixed by R.
- I have completed the payment and have been redirected to the IRCTC Authorised Partner password input page but was unable to complete authentication. What will happen to my train booking status?
In this case, your train booking order will not be processed. The debited amount will be refunded and initiated within 3 working days.
- What is NOSB?
The acronym “NOSB” Stands for “No Seat Berth.” No seats/berths will be provided for children between the ages of 5-11 on a confirmed train ticket and half fare will be collected as per the IRCTC Authorised Partner rules. Please refer to Q.47 to clarify the following doubt.
- Are there any service charges for commercial and business cards ?
Yes, IRCTC levy 2.25% + GST as service charges for commercial and business card customers. Whereas, for other Credit cards it is 1% + GST.