| Overview: Yes, you can book train tickets on the Bajaj EMI card through IRCTC for bookings above ₹3,000. The Airtel Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card offers zero down payment, flexible EMI tenures up to 24 months, and instant approval for seamless rail travel booking with easy EMI options. |
The Reality of EMI-Based Travel Payments in India
Over 23 million Indians book rail tickets online monthly through IRCTC, with premium route fares often exceeding ₹4,500 per ticket. This creates significant financial pressure for families planning group travel or business trips.
Since May 2023, Bajaj Finserv has partnered with IRCTC to enable train ticket purchases using their EMI Network Card. This development addresses the growing demand for instalment-based travel payments, particularly among urban households where immediate cash outflow for travel can strain monthly budgets.
Understanding the Bajaj EMI Network Card for Railway Bookings
The question of booking train tickets on the Bajaj EMI card has become increasingly relevant as travellers seek flexible payment solutions.
What Makes This Card Different
The Airtel Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card functions as a pre-qualified loan offer amount of up to ₹3,00,000, specifically designed for EMI conversions. Unlike traditional credit cards, it doesn’t require fresh credit approval for each transaction, making train tickets on the Bajaj EMI card instantly accessible.
| Pro Tip: Check your available loan amount before booking expensive group tickets, as transactions exceeding your loan offer amount will be declined automatically. |
Key Features for Railway Bookings:
- Minimum booking value must be ₹3,000.
- Maximum EMI tenure is 24 months for IRCTC.
- Zero down payment requirement.
- Easy EMI for eligible transactions.
- Instant approval through OTP verification.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Age | 21-60 years |
| CIBIL Score | Ideally 720+ |
| Income | Salaried/self-employed with stable income |
| KYC | Complete documentation required |
| Loan offer amount | Up to ₹3,00,000 pre-qualified loans |
Step-by-Step Process for Booking Train Tickets on the Bajaj EMI Card
- Login to IRCTC: Access the official IRCTC website or mobile application.
- Select Journey Details: Choose your preferred train, class, and travel dates.
- Enter Passenger Information: Fill in all required passenger details accurately.
- Choose Payment Method: Select ‘EMI’ from available payment options.
- Select Bajaj EMI Card: Choose Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card from the list.
- Set EMI Tenure: Pick your preferred repayment period (3-24 months).
- Confirm Transaction: Complete OTP verification for instant approval.
- Receive Confirmation: Get your ticket confirmation and EMI schedule.
Real-World Booking Scenario
The Sharma family are planning their Durga Puja trip from Delhi to Kolkata. Their AC 2-tier tickets cost ₹18,000 for four people. Instead of paying the full amount upfront, they use train tickets on the Bajaj EMI card booking:
EMI Calculation:
- Total ticket cost: ₹18,000
- Chosen tenure: 12 months
- Monthly EMI: ₹18,000 ÷ 12 = ₹1,500
- Down payment: ₹0
- Processing fee: Nil (easy EMI)
EMI Calculation Methods and Cost Analysis
This approach preserves their monthly cash flow while securing confirmed railway reservations.
For easy EMI scenarios (most IRCTC bookings):
EMI = Total Ticket Price ÷ Number of Months
For interest-bearing EMIs:
EMI = [P × r × (1+r)^n] ÷ [(1+r)^n – 1]
Where:
- P = Principal amount (ticket price)
- r = Monthly interest rate
- n = Number of EMI instalments
| Booking Method | Upfront Payment | Interest Cost | Flexibility |
| Airtel Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card | ₹0 | ₹0 (easy EMI) | High |
| Credit Card EMI | ₹0 | 18-36% annually | Medium |
| Debit Card | Full amount | ₹0 | Low |
| Net Banking | Full amount | ₹0 | Low |
Benefits and Limitations of Railway EMI Bookings
Explore the benefits and limitations of booking railway tickets on EMI with the Airtel Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, and learn how it simplifies travel payments while maintaining financial flexibility.
Financial Benefits:
- Zero Down Payment: No immediate cash outflow required.
- easy EMI: No additional interest for eligible bookings.
- Flexible Tenure: Choose a repayment period based on your cash flow.
- Credit Building: Timely payments improve your CIBIL score.
- Instant Approval: No waiting period for transaction confirmation.
Operational Benefits:
- Digital Process: Complete booking from home.
- Secure Transactions: Advanced encryption protects your data.
- Immediate Confirmation: Tickets confirmed instantly upon approval.
Transaction Restrictions:
- Minimum booking value of ₹3,000 required.
- Limited to the available pre-qualified loan offer amount.
- IRCTC-specific tenure restrictions (maximum 24 months).
Financial Considerations:
- Late payment charges apply for overdue EMIs.
- CIBIL impact if payments are missed.
- Limited to Bajaj Finserv partner network.
| Did You Know? If you prepay your EMI after the first instalment, Bajaj Finserv doesn’t charge any foreclosure fees for train ticket bookings. |
Comparing EMI Solutions: Airtel Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card vs Alternatives
Compare EMI solutions and check Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card options directly on the Airtel Finance portal to find the best plan for your needs.
| Feature | Bajaj EMI Network Card | Traditional Credit Cards | Airtel Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card |
| Pre-qualified loan offer amount | Up to ₹3,00,000 | Loan amount based | Up to ₹3,00,000 |
| Down Payment | Zero | Zero | Zero |
| Interest Rate | easy EMI available | 18-36% annually | easy EMI available |
| IRCTC Integration | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Instant Approval | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Benefits | Travel-focused | Reward points | Airtel ecosystem rewards |
Making the Right Choice for Your Travel Needs
Here are the ideal scenarios where you can use your EMI cards for train bookings:
- Group travel exceeding ₹10,000
- Monthly budget constraints
- Preserving emergency funds
- Building credit history
- Seasonal travel planning
Alternative Considerations:
- For smaller bookings under ₹3,000, use direct payment methods.
- If you have surplus cash, consider the opportunity cost of EMIs.
- Evaluate your monthly repayment capacity before committing.
Wrapping Up
The ability to book train tickets on the Airtel Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card represents a significant advancement in travel payment flexibility. With IRCTC’s integration, zero down payment options, and easy EMI facilities, this solution addresses genuine financial planning needs for Indian families.
The key lies in understanding your repayment capacity and using this facility responsibly to maintain healthy credit behaviour while enjoying convenient travel arrangements.
For those seeking additional financial flexibility beyond travel, exploring comprehensive EMI solutions like Airtel Finance can provide broader purchasing power across various categories while maintaining the same principles of responsible borrowing and timely repayment.
FAQs
1. Can I book train tickets on the Bajaj EMI card for any amount?
No, you need a minimum booking value of ₹3,000 to use the Bajaj EMI card for train ticket purchases on the IRCTC platform.
2. What is the maximum EMI tenure for train tickets on the Bajaj EMI card?
IRCTC allows a maximum EMI tenure of 24 months when booking train tickets using the Bajaj EMI Card.
3. Are there any interest charges for train tickets on the Bajaj EMI card?
Most train ticket bookings qualify for easy EMI, meaning you pay no additional interest charges beyond the actual ticket price.
4. Can I cancel or modify train tickets booked using the Airtel Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI card?
Yes, standard IRCTC cancellation rules apply, but you’ll need to continue EMI payments until the loan is cleared through refund adjustment.
5. What happens if I miss an EMI payment for train tickets on the Bajaj EMI card?
Late payment charges apply, and missed EMIs negatively impact your CIBIL score, affecting future loan eligibility and interest rates.
