Imagine this: you’ve just landed after a tiring flight, and instead of dragging your bag and waiting at a crowded gate, you step into a comfy lounge with snacks, soft seats, and free Wi-Fi. Sounds perfect, right? Well, starting January 1, 2025, Bank of Baroda (BOB) is making that perk a little harder to get—but not impossible.
Why the Change?
BOB credit cards used to offer free domestic airport lounge access without any extra spending. But from January 1, 2025, they’re adding a condition: you must spend a certain amount in the previous calendar quarter to qualify. This rule doesn’t apply if your card was issued in that same quarter — that first one’s spent requirement is waived.
What Cards Need How Much Spend?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
High-End Cards (₹40,000 per quarter)
These premium cards now require a minimum spend of ₹40,000 in the preceding quarter for lounge access:
- Eterna (including Eterna – FD)
- Tiara
- Varunah Premium
- ICAI Exclusive
- ICMAI One
- ICSI Diamond
Mid-Range Cards (₹20,000 per quarter)
For these cards, the spend requirement is ₹20,000 in the past quarter:
- Varunah Plus
- The Sentinel
- Rakshamah
- Yoddha
- Corporate
- Premier (also referred to as Premier-FD)
- HPCL Energie
Quick Reference Table
| Card Tier | Lounge Visits | Minimum Spend Required (Last Quarter) |
|---|---|---|
| High-End (Eterna, Tiara, etc.) | Unlimited or 3 per quarter | ₹40,000 |
| Mid-Range (Premier, HPCL, etc.) | 1 per quarter | ₹20,000 |
New cards issued within the current quarter get a first-quarter spend waiver.
What This Means for You
- Frequent travelers: If you’re often at the airport, choosing a high-end BOB card can still work—just be sure to hit ₹40,000 in the quarter.
- Still useful for occasional travel: Cards like Premier help you get at least one lounge visit for ₹20,000 quarterly spend.
- New card benefit: If you’re applying now, enjoy automatic lounge access in your card’s issuance quarter — spend-free!
Added Value You Didn’t Expect
BOB offering this tiered benefit system is still competitive. Other banks, such as ICICI, already require huge spends like ₹100,000 for just one lounge pass. BOB’s ₹20,000–₹40,000 threshold is more affordable.
Helpful Tips
- Check the fine print — Not sure about your current card? Login to your BOBCARD portal or app to double-check your required spend and eligibility.
- Plan your spending — If lounge access matters to you, aim to meet the required threshold every quarter.
- New card strategy — If you frequently travel, consider applying before a quarter ends to use the lounge access without spending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What if my card is issued mid-quarter?
A: You automatically get lounge access for that quarter without needing to meet the spend requirement.
Q: How do I know which tier my card falls into?
A: Cards like Eterna and ICAI Exclusive are in the ₹40,000 tier; Premier and HPCL are in the ₹20,000 tier. See the table above for clarity.
Q: What if I miss the spend?
A: You’ll lose lounge access for the next quarter. To avoid it, plan your expenses carefully before the quarter ends.
Q: Why did BOB make this change?
A: To manage increasing costs and encourage spending patterns that support their loyalty programs. Other banks have also tightened their lounge access rules.
Easy Example
You have a BOB Premier card:
- In Q1 (Jan–Mar), you spend ₹25,000 → you get one lounge visit in Q2.
- In Q2, you spend only ₹15,000 → you lose access in Q3.
- In Q3, you spend ₹22,000 → you regain one lounge visit in Q4.
Stay on track quarterly, and you’ll keep your perk.
Free airport lounge access isn’t gone — it just comes with a new rule: spend a minimum in the prior quarter. BOB cards still offer value, especially if you travel often. Want the most flexibility? Go for a card like Eterna and plan to spend ₹40,000. For less frequent travelers, a mid-tier card with ₹20,000 spend still works well.
