To attract the premium customers, Bank of Baroda recently launched a couple of premium & super premium debit cards in the name of Sapphire & opulence respectively.
The BOB Sapphire debit card is targeted at the premium segment with affordable annual fee and the Opulence debit card with metal form factor is targeted at the affluent segment with 9.5K INR annual fee.
Here we’re gonna have a look at the quick review of Bank of Baroda Sapphire debit card which is already live and is in the circulation at the moment.
Table of Contents
Overview
| Type | Premium Debit Card |
| Reward Rate | Nil |
| Joining / Annual Fee | 750 INR +GST |
| Welcome Benefit | 750 INR Lifestyle Gift Card |
| Eligibility | BOB SB Ac with AQB >10K INR |
| USP | Airport transfer benefit |
BOB Sapphire debit card is the first debit card in India (or) in the world for that matter that gives airport transfer benefit at affordable pricing and NRV.
Design
BOB Sapphire debit card comes in 2 designs: one for “him” and the other for “her”. Here’s a closer look at the “her” design.
It looks classy without a doubt but the “bob world” logo feels unwanted and the big “debit” section could have been smaller.
And it seems going forward we won’t be seeing the name in the front of the card, as I noticed the same with the recently launched IndusInd Avios Credit Card as well, probably because they wanted to simplify the printing process.
Airport Lounge Access
| ACCESS TYPE | VIA | LIMIT |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Lounge Access | Visa | 2/Qtr |
Just like most other Visa Signature credit & debit cards, this debit card too comes with 2 airport lounge access per quarter.
Airport Transfer Benefit
| ACCESS TYPE | VIA | LIMIT |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Transfer Service | Visa | 1/Qtr |
While Airport lounge access benefit is quite common on debit cards, airport transfer service is rare to find even on credit cards.
So it’s quite an aggressive move by BOB & Visa to introduce the airport transfer service on a debit card.
Point to note is that the service is taken care by Visa Concierge directly and it means we may likely see more Visa cards with this benefit in the coming days.
Booking Airport Transfer
You can either book over Whatsapp Chat (or) by Calling Visa Concierge line. Here are the contact details just incase if you’re wondering.
I’ve already tried the service and it’s quite smooth. The service was provided by “Eco Rent a Car” and the concierge calls up to verify if the pick-up/drop was done.
If I’ve to compare it with the airport transfer service on Axis Reserve that uses the same Cab service most of the time, I would say that BOB is slightly better, because I had the driver details like ~12 hrs prior to the trip, while Axis sends it only 2-3 hrs prior. This may of-course vary with airport and other factors, which I’m unsure of.
Here are the list of cities covered under the service.
BOB A/c Opening Process
If you’re interested in this debit card and wanted to apply for the card along with the new BOB savings account, below is the procees:
- Apply for the savings account with the help of BOB branch executive, digitally via Aadhaar authentication. Takes about 15 mins.
- Account will be activated by the branch within few hours, else ask.
- Fund the account with >10K INR, via NEFT/IMPS
- Ask the same branch executive to apply for the Sapphire card for your account
- Virtual card will be visible on the app (without CVV) within 3 days of applying. They take a week or more to deliver the physical card.
In my case, they did not send the card even after 3 weeks, so I had to call branch to issue it.
However the virtual card was sufficient to book the airport transfer, so didn’t care much about the delay.
That said, better don’t try to setup the internet banking account, as it lacks most features which are otherwise available on the mobile app.
Welcome Kit
The debit card comes in a small welcome kit with a mini catalog & a welcome voucher (750 INR Lifestyle gift card). The gift card can be redeemed online (or) offline.
The PIN for the gift card is sent over SMS, which they should as well send over email, as SMS might not get delivered at times which often happens with SBICard.
Bottomline
- Cardexpert Rating: 5/5
Overall BOB Sapphire debit card is easy to get and easy to use. If you’re new to BOB, opening an a/c is pretty quick as well.
It’s quite a surprise to see Bank of Baroda launching premium debit cards with aggressive benefits which even the private banks doesn’t have.
That said, I’m hoping to see new BOB “Credit” Cards with similar features soon. Until then, enjoy the benefits!
Make hay while the sun shines!
Do you hold Bank of Baroda Sapphire debit card? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
Great article and very useful
Whats the difference between Opulence and Sapphire?
Opulence requires 10L AQB & gives 2 transfers per Qtr.
Sapphire requires 10K AQB & gives 1 transfer per Qtr
International Lounge Access is available in Opulence Card in addition to Domestic Lounge Access
Wow, thanks for quick reply. I just opened the Sapphire one today 👍🏻🙂
I have a BOB savings account and maintaining a balance of 2000/- as I got it along with my car loan. I just added 25000/- balance as it is the middle of the quarter and to ensure the AQB of 10000/- is met.
But I don’t see the option to apply for the Sapphire Visa debit card in the BOB mobile app. Customer support is saying I should visit my home branch instead.
I visited the branch and submitted an application for the Visa Sapphire debit card. It wasn’t approved until I sent a reminder email and the AQB was increased by adding funds.
I can see the new debit card details (masked) in the netbanking and mobile app. Any idea how long would it take for delivery? Customer support says 15 working days!
How many people can go in 1 booking?
As many as a car can accommodate.
Is this your mother’s debit card?
Any update on a superior credit card coming anytime soon above Eterna?
I have salary account with BoB. Does it auto qualify for Opulence?
Can an existing BOB savings account customer apply for the same if meeting AQB requirements?
Yes
Hi Sid,
Good to know info. What about the distance limit? How many kms covered?
Any idea on that?
Usually 40Km as per the standard, have covered that in detail on the airport transfer article.
Last month I availed thru Axis reserve in Bangalore. My home is 62kms from Bangalore and the service was available with no issues.
Cool, I’ve got till 55Km as well in BLR but 62Km is good to know. Yet 40Km is the usual commitment, beyond which they may (or) may-not honour the booking.
Hi Sid,
Thanks for the update. So usually all the banks follow the same 40kms limit as a standard. I stay nearly 54kms.away from the airport.
They should have added some rewards, nevertheless great one from BoB after Eterna.
They asked me to fill 4 page form 🤦♂️ and they said they will open account using tab after form filling.
Kuch bhi matlab.
Yes, form is for reference only.
P.S. For any a/c opening in future, inform prior to visit that you’re not interested in filling any forms. Works always. 🙂
Pick up drop means will they do both or anyone? This is real crazy deal because in hyderabad airport drop cost around 800 which is overpriced might be due to extra tax for Uber ola for distance of 23 km. In Chennai it’s around 400 for same distance. Debit card fee gets covered with just one drop.
Is there any condition like we will have to book flight tickets using that sapphiro debit card? The only con would be I will have to park 10k in their bank account.
Also what is the guarantee this service would remain minimum 1 year.
Are separate cards issued and separate airport transfer limits applicable in case of opening a joint account? Meaning, would you get 1 transfer/Qtr or 2?
The access is based on no of cards. Yes, you can get separate cards on joint Ac as verbally said by the executive.
I just availed the service today with a 56 km distance in Bangalore without any issues. The transfer type is sedan only (not luxury transfer)
Is the airport transfer service need to be availed from registered address or it can be from anywhere to Airport(within 40 KM)
Anywhere to/from airport.
How do existing BOB customers meeting AQB requirements apply for this card? It does not show up in internet banking.
Via Branch.
Hi Sid,
I opened the account with them , but they are not able to locate this sapphire debit card in their drop down option .
can you please help me .
The branch is not much aware about it .
thanks
Unfortunately I’m unaware what the branch guys did to apply for this from their end but it’s definitely a simple process, maybe via email if not on system.
Just one question !
Is it for existing account holder or for new one ??
thanks
Hi Sid,
Is there any specific variant of savings account we need to open? I opened account with 10000 MAB requirement but when branch people try to apply for the card they got an error saying AQB should be 10000.
If it’s the middle of the quarter, then you need to add more funds until the AQB becomes more than 10000/-
I added close to 2 lakhs and the AQB increased to 12000/- within 2-3 days. You can check AQB in the mobile app under account details.
Which account variant you opened? They are asking for 1 lac AQB account. They said they don’t have any account 10K AQB varinat.
Please guide.
While opening digitally, they can open any a/c (like the Platinum a/c) and then later they’ll change it at the branch. These should be taken care by the staff, sad to see that some are not aware.
anyone know any good branch in bangalore, where employees knows how to do it? having so much problem with 2 branches. they are not even listening to what we want.
Marathalli Branch I could open. Please contact Ms Priyanka
Which account type you opened and what is your initial deposit?
Today I tried to apply this card, but branch said it’s only for radiance customers 🙁 then I shown them bob portal where it says 10K AQB. Reluctantly agreed and asked me to fill a form and submit… No acknowledgement or whatever and I forgot to take photo as well.
Anyways to see the progress? Do we get any sms or mail? I’m existing account holder, regular SB account but maintain around 1 Lakh balance.
Opened an account with BOB and mentioned that need only Sapphire card and executive confirmed that after a day of account activation he will apply for the card. Transferred 15k also to the account and now he is saying only if I maintain the balance for 1 month then only he can apply for the card as the system is not allowing. One of the reasons why some product fails even though its good because its in the wrong hand. Right product at the wrong place
Looks like a new change maybe?
Meanwhile, I did 25K transfer and not sure if that helped.
Sid,
Issue is resolved now ,after multiple requests bank executive said it cant be done and all stories..
Raised online complaint and mentioned the reference number in twitter also then branch manager called and he resolved the issue
Time and again ,raising issue in Twitter resolves lot of issues
Good to know. Hope banks don’t leave Twitter, like the ongoing attempt by Amex.
Did you get the card already or its applied now? Is there a way to see the progress?
Haven’t received the card yet but branch manager shared the card application status and once dispatched will get the tracking details
On the BOB page, I am not able to find the Welcome Benefit of 750 INR Lifestyle Gift Card, can anyone confirm if they received this?
Yes but they send along with the card. PIN via SMS.
I haven’t received the PIN in SMS/mail. How to get the pin? Any idea?
My branch is struggling to find out scheme code eligible for this card. Call centre does not have a clue as well . Could someone who have got this card just confirm scheme code for SB account please ?
@Guru, any savings account having more than 10K QAB is eligible for this card. Mine is basic Advantage account, but in their system card name is not sapphire and that is why most of the branch people getting confused, keep saying it’s not showing in our account. Actual card name in their system is “Visa Sign Male” or Visa Sign Female and Bin number is 4026.
@Sid, can you please confirm that bin number for this card is 402657.
Maybe you can add this information along my previous post about card name in your original topic, so that people will not have confusion.
Replying my own post, I’ve received the card.
This card bin number indeed 4026 and its called Visa signature male in BoB system.
Great informative articles 😊 I have applied and received my Saphire debit card through branch. Is my existing old debit card will be deactivated after Saphire card activation or both debit cards will be in active?
Is it available with any savings account or particular sb account like super savings account?
yes. its available for any savings account but if you are depositing 10k today, you can apply for the card tomorrow as the Average balance will be showing as 10k next day and the system allows the bank rep to apply for this card
Requested Airport transfer in kolkata around 34 kms. Request was smooth but instead of BMW they are sending Etios SEDAN. Any way to request them to send premium vehicle in tier 1.
Anyone tried to open the savings account recently?
I tried and the bank RM said they can’t see an offer to apply for this card.
Has anything changed?
Just open an account and apply for This card. If they will not be able to find the card in their portal, ask to apply for visa signature card. This is the only card available in signature. To me they told that saphire is not applicable for my account then they ask that signature is available. I told them to go ahead. Finally I got saphire card.
Interesting. Thanks for the tip Vikas.
I am a NRI, I applied for sapphire Debit Card during my visit to India recently. There were 2 issues . Firstly, I got welcome voucher (750 INR Lifestyle gift card) along with Welcome Kit, but till date did not receive the PIN via SMS or mail. BoB call center or Branch manager also not aware about the PIN.
Secondly, I booked for airport drop a week before my travel. Just 2 days before travel, the Service Provider called me and casually informed me that my airport drop cannot be done due to the year end rush. After blasting them left and right, the Service Provider finally confirmed airport transfer booking.
I went to my Bob branch to apply this. The lady asked me to fill the application form and she was informative regarding the product. She knew it will come in system as male/female variant and applied instantly. Received lifestyle code with card 2 days back and pin delivered today via SMS. So overall a good experience with BOB!!
Hi
Recently I have availed an airport pickup service in Mumbai T2. They provided a Toyota Etios.
Is this an downgrade by the card?
It’s dynamic mostly.
BOB Sapphire generally do not provide luxury/executive car transfers and even Axis sometimes send low end cars.
He Siddharth how can I book pick up and drop with this card