Bank of Baroda Gift Card (Physical Variant) – Benefits, Fees & Eligibility

Introduction

The Baroda Gift Card is a physical, pre-loaded gift card issued by Bank of Baroda and powered by the RuPay network. Classified as a closed-loop instrument, it serves as an ideal gifting solution for various occasions such as Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, New Year, Raksha Bandhan, Birthdays, and Marriages. It provides the recipient with the freedom and choice to purchase items at merchant outlets or through online/e-commerce platforms across India, acting as a convenient substitute for cash.

Format & Denominations

• Available Format: Physical Plastic Card with a magnetic stripe.
• Loadable Amount Range:
  • Minimum load: Rs. 500/-
  • Maximum load: Rs. 10,000/-
• Specific Denominations/Ranges and Issuance Fees (excluding GST):
  • For load amounts from Rs. 500/- to Rs. 2,000/-, an issuance fee of Rs. 50/- applies.
  • For load amounts from Rs. 2,001/- to Rs. 10,000/-, an issuance fee of Rs. 100/- applies.
• RBI Load Caps: The card is a single-load instrument, and top-up/reloading is not permitted as per current Reserve Bank of India guidelines.
• Minimum Activation Amount: The minimum card activation amount is Rs. 500/-.

How to Redeem & Usage Rules

• Acceptance: The card is accepted across India at over 2.6 million merchant outlets that accept RuPay Cards and for online/e-commerce transactions.
• Usage Procedure:
  • For physical transactions, swipe the card at merchant establishments with an electronic point of sale (POS) terminal displaying the RuPay logo.
  • For online/e-commerce transactions, use a secure one-time password (OTP).
• Security Measures:
  • Sign on the signature panel on the back of the card immediately upon receipt.
  • At merchant outlets, sign on the charge slip, which the merchant will match with the signature on the card.
  • Change your PIN or memorize it and destroy the PIN Mailer. Do not write your PIN on the card.
• Activation: The card will be activated within 24 hours after the purchaser's funds are received.
• Partial Redemption: The card can be used for multiple transactions until the balance becomes NIL.
• PIN Management:
  • To generate a new PIN or in case of a forgotten PIN, visit https://bobprepaid.yappay.in and use the "Forget PIN No" option. An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number to facilitate new PIN generation.

Fees, Validity & Revalidation Terms

• Issuance Fees (excluding GST):
  • Rs. 50/- for load amounts between Rs. 500/- and Rs. 2,000/-.
  • Rs. 100/- for load amounts between Rs. 2,001/- and Rs. 10,000/-.
• Card Replacement Charges (Lost/Physically Damaged): Rs. 100/- plus GST.
• Revalidation Charges: Rs. 100/- plus GST.
• Validity Duration: The card is valid for 1 year from the date of issue or until the "Valid Upto" date printed on the card, whichever is earlier.
• Revalidation Procedure for Expired Cards:
  • Visit the nearest Bank of Baroda Branch.
  • Submit the original expired card along with valid KYC documents.
  • A new card will be issued, and the available balance will be transferred to it.
  • This transfer is contingent on the available balance being more than the card revalidation charges plus applicable taxes.
  • If the available balance is less than the minimum card activation amount (Rs. 500/-) combined with revalidation charges and applicable taxes, the customer must pay the difference to revalidate the card.
• Usage Fees: Usage of the card at merchant locations (Point Of Sale) is free of charge, however, merchants may levy a surcharge on certain card transactions.
• Charges are subject to change at the Bank’s discretion.

Gift Card Review

• Pros

  • Wide Acceptance: Accepted at over 2.6 million RuPay certified merchant outlets across India and for online/e-commerce transactions.
  • Convenient Gifting: Offers the gift of choice, allowing recipients to purchase items of their preference.
  • Security: Transactions are secured by a one-time password (OTP) for online use and signature verification for physical purchases.
  • Customer Support: 24/7 customer service is available for any support.
  • Transparency: Instant SMS alerts are provided for all transactions.
  • Easy Purchase: Available off-the-shelf at all Bank of Baroda branches, without requiring a Bank of Baroda account.

• Cons

  • Non-Reloadable: It is a single-load card, and top-ups are not permitted as per RBI guidelines.
  • No Cash Withdrawal: ATM cash withdrawal is strictly not permitted.
  • No Fund Transfers: Transfer of funds between gift cards is not allowed.
  • Replacement Limitations: Replacement for lost/stolen cards can only be done by the purchaser at the Base Branch (where the card was issued).
  • Fees: Issuance, replacement, and revalidation charges apply.

• Ideal User Profile

  This card is ideal for individuals seeking a secure and flexible gifting option for various occasions, providing recipients with purchasing freedom within the RuPay network. It suits those who prioritize convenience and wide acceptance for shopping over features like cash withdrawal or reloadability.

• Final Value Verdict

  The Baroda Gift Card offers a practical and widely accepted solution for gifting, providing recipients with choice and convenience. While it lacks advanced features like reloadability or cash withdrawal, its broad acceptance and security features make it a valuable option for its intended purpose.

Important Product Details

• Key Highlights

  • Powered by RuPay, ensuring pan-India acceptance.
  • Can be used at merchant outlets and online/e-commerce platforms.
  • Provides 24/7 customer service and instant SMS alerts for transactions.
  • Instant card activation within 24 hours of funding.
  • Comes in a sealed welcome kit including the card, welcome letter, PIN mailer, and Terms & Conditions.

• PIN/Security Requirements

  • A PIN is provided in the welcome kit, which should be memorized and the mailer destroyed.
  • Online transactions require a secure One Time Password (OTP).
  • Physical transactions require the user's signature on the card and on the charge slip for verification.
  • Users are advised to sign on the signature panel on the back of the card immediately upon receipt.

• Refund Limitations

  In case of a physically damaged or lost/stolen card, a replacement card can be issued, and the available balance will be transferred to the new card, less any applicable charges.

Terms & Conditions Highlights

• Non-Reloadable Status

  The Baroda Gift Card is a single-load card and cannot be reloaded or topped up, in adherence to current Reserve Bank of India guidelines.

• Strictly No Cash Withdrawals or Bank Transfers

  • ATM cash withdrawal facility is explicitly not available.
  • Transfer of funds from one Gift Card to another is not permitted.

• Lost Card Liability Policies

  • In the event of a lost or misplaced card, immediate reporting to the Customer Care toll-free number (1800 1039 586) or any nearest Bank Branch is mandatory to hotlist the card and prevent unauthorized usage.
  • Replacement for lost/stolen cards can only be initiated by the original purchaser at the Base Branch (the branch where the card was issued), requiring a lost card report and KYC documents.

• KYC Requirements

  Bank of Baroda is required to keep records of the card user for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) purposes, hence details of the recipient are requested. KYC documents are also required for card replacements and revalidation.

• Unauthorized Usage

  Any usage of the card other than electronic use (e.g., swiping where no electronic terminal exists) will be deemed unauthorized, and the cardholder will be solely responsible for such transactions.

• Changes to Charges

  All applicable charges are subject to change at the Bank’s discretion.

Other Details

• Customer Assistance

  • Missed Call Service: 84680 01111
  • Email Support: bobsupport@cardbranch.com
  • Toll-Free Number: 1800 102 77 88 (General), 1800 1039 586 (Customer Care for lost cards/balance enquiry)

• Balance Enquiry

  • Online portal: https://bobprepaid.yappay.in
  • 24-hour Customer Care toll-free number: 1800 1039 586
  • Email: bobsupport@yappay.in (provide card Kit Number and identification)

• Purchasing the Card

  The Baroda Gift Card can be purchased off-the-shelf at any Bank of Baroda Branch. A Bank of Baroda account is not required for purchase.

• Card Kit Number

  This is a 10-digit numeric number located on the face of the card at the left-hand bottom side, important for identification and inquiries.

• What to do when balance is NIL

  Once the card balance becomes NIL, cut the card into four pieces and hand them over to the nearest Bank of Baroda branch.

• Bank Agents

  The Bank may utilize agents for sales and marketing activities, who might contact customers to promote digital awareness and adoption.