The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has revolutionized the way we book train tickets in India. One of the most powerful features it offers is the IRCTC eWallet, which streamlines the payment process for ticket bookings. If you often travel by train, adding money to your eWallet can save you time and enhance your booking experience. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of adding money to your IRCTC eWallet using the mobile app, along with some useful tips to optimize your experience.
What is IRCTC eWallet?
IRCTC eWallet serves as a prepaid account that allows users to make quick payments while booking train tickets online. Instead of entering your payment details every time you book a ticket, you can load money into your eWallet and use it for seamless transactions. This feature is not only convenient but also secure, reducing the chances of payment failures and fraud.
Pre-requisites
Before you start the process of adding money to your IRCTC eWallet, make sure you have:
- An active IRCTC account
- The IRCTC mobile app installed on your smartphone
- A valid payment method such as a debit card, credit card, or net banking details
- A registered mobile number linked to your IRCTC account for verification purposes
Steps to Add Money to IRCTC eWallet via Mobile App
Follow these steps carefully to add money to your IRCTC eWallet:
Step 1: Open the IRCTC Mobile App
Launch the IRCTC mobile application on your smartphone. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, depending on your device, and search for “IRCTC Rail Connect.”
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
Enter your login credentials, which includes your username and password. If you are a first-time user, you can create a new account directly from the app by following the prompts.
Step 3: Navigate to eWallet
Once you are logged in, look for the ‘eWallet’ option in the menu. This is usually found in the main navigation bar or the account section of the app.
Step 4: Select “Add Money”
After navigating to the eWallet section, select the “Add Money” option. This will take you to the page where you can enter the amount you wish to load into your eWallet.
Step 5: Enter the Amount
Input the desired amount you want to add to your eWallet. IRCTC provides options for various amounts, and users can choose one or enter a custom amount within the allowed limits.
Step 6: Choose a Payment Method
Select your preferred payment method. The IRCTC app typically supports different payment modes including:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
Step 7: Enter Payment Details
Depending on the payment method you chose, you will need to enter the relevant details. For debit or credit cards, input your card number, expiry date, CVV, and OTP (One-Time Password) as received on your registered mobile number. For net banking, log in to your bank account and authorize the payment.
Step 8: Confirm the Transaction
After filling in the payment details, review all the information to ensure it is accurate. Once verified, confirm the transaction. The app will process your request and add the money to your eWallet.
Step 9: Confirmation of Transaction
Upon successful transaction, the app will display a confirmation message along with a transaction reference number. You should also receive an SMS/email confirming the addition of funds to your eWallet.
Step 10: Check Your eWallet Balance
Return to the eWallet section of the app to verify that the amount has been successfully added. This balance will now be available for your next ticket booking on the IRCTC platform.
Tips for a Better eWallet Experience
To optimize your experience with the IRCTC eWallet, consider the following tips:
- Keep Your Details Updated: Ensure that your mobile number and email are up-to-date in your IRCTC profile to receive transaction alerts.
- Check For Offers: Occasionally, IRCTC runs promotional offers where you can earn cashback or discounts when you use your eWallet for payments. Keep an eye out for these.
- Maintain a Minimum Balance: To speed up the booking process, consider keeping a minimum balance in your eWallet at all times.
- Security First: Always log out after using the app, especially on shared devices, and ensure you have a strong password for your IRCTC account.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While adding money to your IRCTC eWallet is generally a smooth process, some users may encounter issues. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:
- Transaction Failed: If a transaction fails, ensure that your bank details are accurate, and check if your internet connection is stable.
- Delayed eWallet Credit: Occasionally, it may take some time for the amount to reflect in your eWallet. Waiting for a little while and checking again can usually resolve this issue.
- App-Wise Issues: If the IRCTC app crashes or behaves unexpectedly, try clearing the app cache or reinstalling it. This often resolves minor glitches.
By following these instructions, you can easily add money to your IRCTC eWallet using the mobile app, ensuring that your travel planning remains smooth and hassle-free. Whether you are a regular traveler or planning a one-time journey, making use of the eWallet feature will enhance your booking experience significantly.
