BOBCARD Eterna Review: The "Lifetime Free" Glitch You Must Catch

The "Pricing Error" of 2026?

In the credit card world, banks sometimes make "mistakes". They launch a product that is too good to be true to acquire customers fast. We saw it with the HDFC Millennia in 2020. We saw it with the Axis Magnus in 2023.

In 2026, the "glitch" is the BOBCARD Eterna.

Normally, this card comes with a joining fee of ₹2,499 + GST. But right now, Bank of Baroda is offering it as Lifetime Free (LTF) for select applicants. If you see the LTF offer on the application page, grab it. It is arguably the highest-value separate you can hold in your wallet today for zero cost.

Benefit 1: The 3.75% Reward Rate (Mathematical Breakdown)

Unlike the complicated reward systems of HDFC or Axis, BOBCARD is relatively simple.

• Base Rate: 3 Points per ₹100 spent (0.75% value).
• Accelerated Rate: 15 Points per ₹100 spent on Online Shopping, Travel, and Dining.

Value of 1 Point = ₹0.25 (Cashback/Statement Credit).

The Calculation:

If you spend ₹10,000 on Amazon/Flipkart/Myntra/Flights:
Points Earned = 1,500 Points
Value = 1,500 * ₹0.25 = ₹375

Net Return = 3.75% on almost all online spending.

Benefit 2: Unlimited Domestic Lounge Access

This is where the "Lifetime Free" aspects becomes insane. Most cards today look like this:

• HDFC Regalia Gold: 12 Visits/Year (Subject to spend criteria).
• SBI Cashback: 0 Visits.
• ICICI Sapphiro: 4 Visits/Quarter (If you spend ₹5,000).

BOBCARD Eterna Offer: Unlimited Domestic Lounge Access.
Yes, Unlimited. For the primary cardholder. There is no "spend ₹50,000 in previous quarter" nonsense for the first few months (though checking current T&C is advised as banks tweak this often). Even with spend criteria, getting an Unlimited Lounge card for ₹0 annual fee is a steal.

Benefit 3: Low Forex Markup (2%)

Most credit cards charge 3.5% + GST (Total 4.13%) on international usage.
Eterna charges 2% + GST (Total 2.36%).

While it is not "Zero Forex" (like AU Ixigo or Scapia), it is significantly cheaper than standard HDFC/ICICI cards. Plus, you earn 3.75% rewards on international spends, which offsets the markup completely, making it effectively net-positive.

Comparison: BOBCARD Eterna vs The Titans

Feature	BOBCARD Eterna	SBI Cashback	HDFC Regalia Gold
Annual Fee	₹0 (LTF Offer)	₹999 + GST	₹2,500 + GST
Online Rewards	3.75% (Points)	5% (Cashback)	~1.3% to 6.5% (Varies)
Lounge Access	Unlimited Domestic	None	12/Year
Forex Markup	2.0%	3.5%	2.0%
Verdict	Best All-Rounder	Best for Pure Shoppers	Best for Air Miles

The Verdict: Should You Apply?

If you are being offered this card Lifetime Free, you should have applied yesterday.

Even if you have the SBI Cashback card, the BOBCARD Eterna fills the gaps (Lounge Access + Forex + Rupay/Visa offers) perfectly. It is the perfect "Secondary Card" to carry in your wallet.