Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna vs Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank
A field-by-field comparison of fees, reward rates, accelerated categories, caps, exclusions, lounge access and forex markup, using each issuer's own published terms. Affiliate payout never decides the verdict.
Short answer
Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna and Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank differ first on recurring cost: Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna has an annual fee of ₹2,499 + GST against ₹3,000 + GST for Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank, so Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna is cheaper to hold. On rewards, Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna earns 3 RP/₹100 (worth ₹0.75 as cashback) while Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank earns 2 Marriott Bonvoy Points per ₹150 on eligible purchases. Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna has the lower forex markup at 2%. Neither card wins outright: the better choice depends on which accelerated categories match your spend, the monthly caps, the exclusions and issuer approval fit.
Source: CardMasters issuer-evidence catalogue, release 2026-08-01. Confirm final terms with the issuer.
| Feature | Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna | Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) | HDFC Bank |
| Joining fee | ₹2,499 + GST | ₹3,000 + GST |
| Annual fee | ₹2,499 + GST | ₹3,000 + GST |
| Fee waiver | ₹2,50,000 annual eligible spend | No waiver recorded |
| Base rewards | 3 RP/₹100 (worth ₹0.75 as cashback) | 2 Marriott Bonvoy Points per ₹150 on eligible purchases |
| Accelerated routes | 15 RP/₹100 (worth 3.75% as cashback) | Marriott hotels · travel/dining/entertainment |
| Reward exclusions | fuel, rent, wallet load, cash withdrawal, emi, grocery, insurance, education, government, charity, agriculture | fuel, rent, wallet load, gift card, prepaid card load, voucher, cash advance, government, fees, outstanding balance |
| Forex markup | 2% | 3.5% |
| Domestic lounge | unlimited for primary + add-on (₹75K net spend in prior calendar quarter, effective 15 July 2026) | 12/yr (combined domestic + international terminals in India) |
| International lounge | none complimentary | included in the 12 visits |
| Card networks | Visa Signature | Diners Club |
| Best suited to | online shopping, domestic lounge, fitness, value premium | marriott loyalists, hotels, travel |
| Issuer evidence | Checked 2026-07-28 | Checked 2026-08-01 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna better than the Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank?
Neither is universally better. Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna charges ₹2,499 + GST a year and earns 3 RP/₹100 (worth ₹0.75 as cashback); Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank charges ₹3,000 + GST and earns 2 Marriott Bonvoy Points per ₹150 on eligible purchases. The better card is the one whose accelerated categories, caps and exclusions match your actual spending, after subtracting the annual fee and GST.
Which of the two has the lower annual fee, Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna or Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank?
Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna has the lower recorded annual fee at ₹2,499 + GST. A spend-based waiver may reduce the effective cost of the other card, so check the waiver threshold before deciding.
Which is better for international spending, Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna or Marriott Bonvoy HDFC Bank?
Bank of Baroda (BOBCARD) Eterna publishes the lower forex markup at 2% versus 3.5%. Also confirm whether international transactions earn rewards, since some issuers exclude them.
Can I hold both cards together?
Yes, provided each is approved on its own merits and you can pay both statements in full. Holding both makes sense only when their accelerated categories do not overlap; otherwise the second card adds an annual fee without adding rewards.