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BOBCARD Empower Credit Card VS BOBCARD ICSI Diamond Credit Card

A detailed, side-by-side look at 2 leading credit cards. Analyze the features that matter most to you and make an informed choice.
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Last updated: 21 July 2026

Both BOBCARD Empower Credit Card and BOBCARD ICSI Diamond Credit Card suit business-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. BOBCARD Empower Credit Card is lifetime-free and earns 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 spent on all eligible Merchant Category Codes. BOBCARD ICSI Diamond Credit Card is lifetime-free and earns up to 5 Reward Points per ₹100 on dining, online & utility bills; 1 RP per ₹100 on others. BOBCARD Empower Credit Card also brings air accidental death cover worth ₹15 lakhs and non-air accidental death cover worth ₹5 lakhs, while BOBCARD ICSI Diamond Credit Card counters with 12 complimentary access passes annually (3 per quarter), subject to ₹40k spend from Jan 2025. Weigh the fee against the reward rate above to see which fits your spending pattern better.

Fees & Charges

Joining FeeFree (1st year)
Joining FeeLifetime Free
Renewal Fee₹250 + GST
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Spend Based WaiverThe annual/renewal fee is waived on spending ₹50,000 or more in the previous anniversary year.
Spend Based WaiverNot applicable as the card is lifetime free.
Foreign Transaction Fees3.5% of the total transaction amount.
Foreign Transaction Fees2% of the total transaction amount.
Interest Rate (APR)3.75% per month (45% per annum).
Interest Rate (APR)3.49% per month.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusEarn 500 Reward Points on spending ₹5,000 or more within the first 60 days of card issuance.
Welcome BonusComplimentary 6-month FitPass Pro membership. 500 bonus Reward Points on spending ₹5,000 or more within 60 days.
Rewards Rate5 Reward Points for every ₹100 on utility payments (max 1,000 points/cycle); 1 Reward Point for every ₹100 on other retail spends.
Rewards RateEarn 1 RP on every ₹100 retail spend; 5x RP on dining, online, utility bills (capped).
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNil
Reward Redemption FeeNil

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access
Domestic Lounge Access12 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses annually (3 per quarter).
International Lounge Access
International Lounge Access
Travel Benefits
Travel Benefits12 complimentary domestic lounge accesses annually; reduced 2% forex markup fee.
Movie Benefits
Movie Benefits
Dining Benefits
Dining BenefitsEarn 5x Reward Points on dining spends (capped at 1000 RP/cycle).
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on transactions ₹400-₹5,000, capped at ₹250/month. GST applicable.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on fuel spends between ₹400-₹5,000, capped at ₹250 per month.

Security & Other

Insurance BenefitsComplimentary insurance covers (details not specified).
Insurance BenefitsAir accident death cover (₹15L), non-air accident death cover (₹5L), professional indemnity (₹5L).
Cash Advance Charges2.5% of withdrawn amount or ₹500, whichever is higher.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% (min ₹300) domestic; 3% (min ₹300) international.
Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

BOBCARD Empower Credit Card

BOBCARD ICSI Diamond Credit Card

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Zero joining fee and an annual fee that is easily waived with moderate spending.

Earn 5X Reward Points on utility payments, maximizing savings on essential bills.

Benefit from up to 50 days of interest-free credit, aiding business cash flow management.

Includes a 1% fuel surcharge waiver, providing savings on regular fuel expenses.

Offers business-centric features like expense tracking and personalized card embossing.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Lifetime free card with zero joining and annual fees, offering great value.

Accelerated 5x Reward Points on dining, online, and utility bill payments.

Enjoy 12 complimentary domestic airport lounge accesses annually for travel convenience.

Reduced foreign currency markup of 2% makes international transactions more affordable.

Comprehensive insurance coverage provides financial security for cardholders.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Lacks premium lifestyle benefits such as lounge access, movies, dining, or travel perks.

Reward points are not earned on fuel transactions, limiting overall reward accumulation.

Details regarding the complimentary insurance covers are not explicitly specified.

A slight discrepancy in the stated annual fee (₹250 + GST vs. ₹500) exists.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

5x accelerated rewards are capped at 1000 Reward Points per statement cycle.

Complimentary lounge access will become spend-based from January 1, 2025.

No Reward Points are earned on fuel transactions, limiting benefits in this category.

UPI transactions only earn core Reward Points, missing out on bonus rewards.

Card is exclusively available only for active members of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

How We Compare These Cards

Every comparison on CardsForYou is built from the same verified data set we use across the site - joining and renewal fees, reward rates, forex markup, lounge access, and insurance benefits - sourced directly from each issuer and refreshed regularly. We highlight the lower-cost option on fees automatically, but "best" always depends on your own spending pattern: a card that wins on annual fee may lose on reward rate for a heavy spender, and vice versa. Use the table above alongside your own typical monthly spend to judge real value, not just the headline numbers.

Ready to Choose?

Based on your comparison, select the credit card that best matches your spending habits and financial goals.