BOBCARD offers two co-branded credit cards for travelers: the BOBCARD Etihad Guest Credit Card and the BOBCARD Etihad Premium Credit Card. The fundamental difference lies in their target audience and the range of benefits offered; while the standard card targets the frequent flyers who mostly travel to the Middle East. On the contrary, the premium version is designed for an elite segment seeking luxury perks, accelerated miles, and better global privileges.
This comparison will highlight the key differences between the standard and premium cards; the information will help potential consumers decide which card best suits their needs. In this article, we will compare annual and joining fees, airport lounge privileges, reward-earning potential, and travel perks, such as low forex charges.
Fees & Charges
When comparing both cards, one of the most important considerations is the difference in their fees and charges. Understanding the fee structure of both the premium and standard versions is essential for making the right decision. The Etihad Guest Premium Card’s value is only justified if its benefits are worth the price.
| Features | BOBCARD Etihad Guest | BOBCARD Etihad Guest Premium |
| Annual Charges | ₹2,500 + GST | ₹5,000 + GST |
| Spend-based waiver | Spend ₹3,00,000 Lakh Or More To Get An Annual Fee Waiver | Spend ₹5,00,000 Lakh Or More To Get An Annual Fee Waiver |
| Foreign Currency Markup | 1% | Zero |
| Interest Rate | 45% Per Annum And (3.75% Per Month) | 45% Per Annum And (3.75% Per Month) |
| Fuel Surcharge | 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver Up to ₹250 | 1% Fuel Surcharge Waiver Up to ₹250 |
| Cash Advance Charges | 2.5% or ₹500, Whichever Is Higher | 2.5% or ₹500, whichever is Higher |
In the clear comparison above, the only benefit of the extra price charged for the premium card is a reduction in foreign exchange charges. However, if viewed from the perspective of a frequent traveler who uses Etihad Airways and makes many international transactions, zero Forex markup charges could significantly reduce costs.
Welcome Benefits
| Features | BOBCARD Etihad Guest | BOBCARD Etihad Guest Premium |
| Etihad Tier Upgrade | Fast Track to Silver Tier | Fast Track to Gold Tier |
| Welcome Benefits | 5,000 Etihad Guest Miles Upon Completing The Minimum Spending of ₹25,000 Within 60 Days. | 10,000 Etihad Guest Miles Upon Completing the Minimum Spending of ₹25,000 Within 60 Days. |
Both cards offer many welcome benefits. However, the premium card offers more benefits than the regular card. A premium card can get you access to the Gold Tier of Etihad Airways.
Airport Lounge Access
This section could be a major differentiator between the standard and premium cards, as it can significantly increase access to the lounges offered on the premium card. Another important positive aspect is that the annual income requirement for both cards is the same at ₹18 lakh per annum.
| Features | BOBACRD Etihad Guest | BOBCARD Etihad Guest Premium |
| Domestic Airport Lounge Access | 8 Domestic Lounge Access (2 Per Quarter) | 12 Domestic Lounge Access (3 Per Quarter) |
| International Airport Lounge Access | 4 International Lounge Access (1 Per Quarter) | 8 International Lounge Access (2 Per Quarter) |
There is a significant increase in the number of accesses for the premium card compared to the standard one, which justifies the higher annual fees. The premium card definitely outperforms the standard card.
Reward Earnings And Redemption
The core value provided by both cards lies in how much a card is capable of rewarding you with Etihad Guest Miles on everyday spending. Both cards allow you to redeem Etihad Guest Miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. However, the rate at which you earn these miles and the associated redemption perks vary significantly, directly aligning with their premium and non-premium costs.
Below is a comparison of the reward-earning and redemption systems of both cards.
| Features | BOBCARD Etihad Guest | BOBCARD Etihad Guest Premium |
| Reward Redemption | Redeem Miles With Etihad | Redeem Miles With Etihad |
| Reward Redemption Rate | 3 Miles/₹100 On Etihad Airways And 1 Mile/₹100 On Other Domestic Flights And Cross-Border Spending | 6 Miles/₹100 On Etihad Airways And 2 Miles/₹100 On Other Domestic Flights And Cross-Border Spending |
The premium card offers double the miles, which is undoubtedly a key reason for choosing it over the standard card. However, the reward redemption options are not very flexible for either card, which can be a drawback. Furthermore, redemption outside the Etihad ecosystem or the Airways gives significantly low rewards for both cards.
One thing to keep in mind is that both these credit cards come with several spend exclusions, so users should be careful while making spends to ensure they earn rewards and milestone benefits properly.
Bottom Line
Both BOBCARD Etihad Guest and BOBCARD Etihad Guest Premium are excellent options for frequent travelers who prefer flying with Etihad Airways. Premium card charges may seem a bit high for those who don’t travel much or who cannot meet the minimum annual spending threshold of ₹5,00,000 to waive the yearly charges.
A premium card is a reasonable option for business owners or frequent travelers. These additional benefits, such as extra airport lounge access, no forex markup charges, double reward miles with Etihad, and other perks, justify the premium card’s higher fees.
2 comments
harsh
What are the exclusions? Kindly mention that too please.
Faruk Patel
I would like to get a etihad guest credit card