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ICAI Exclusive BOBCARD Credit Card VS LIC Platinum EMV 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 ICAI Exclusive BOBCARD Credit Card and LIC Platinum EMV Credit Card suit utilities-focused spenders, but they earn and cost differently. ICAI Exclusive BOBCARD Credit Card is lifetime-free and earns 5 Reward Points per ₹100 on dining, online & utility; 1 RP per ₹100 on other spends. LIC Platinum EMV Credit Card is lifetime-free and earns 1 Reward Point for every ₹150 spent on eligible categories; 1 Reward Point = ₹0.50 value. ICAI Exclusive BOBCARD Credit Card also brings get 12 complimentary access passes (3 per quarter) to domestic airport lounges, spend-based from Jan 2025, while LIC Platinum EMV Credit Card counters with personal Accident Insurance; Credit Shield up to ₹50,000 for permanent disability; Purchase Protection up to ₹50,000 for accidental loss/damage within 60 days. If premium spending matters more, go with ICAI Exclusive BOBCARD Credit Card; if shopping is the priority, LIC Platinum EMV Credit Card fits better.

Fees & Charges

Joining FeeLifetime Free
Joining FeeLifetime Free
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Renewal FeeLifetime Free
Spend Based WaiverLounge access subject to ₹40,000 spend in preceding calendar quarter (effective 1st Jan, 2025).
Spend Based WaiverNot applicable.
Foreign Transaction Fees2% of the total transaction amount.
Foreign Transaction FeesNot applicable.
Interest Rate (APR)3.49% per month.
Interest Rate (APR)3% per month (36% p.a.) on revolving credit; 16% p.a. for EMI <6 months, 18% p.a. for EMI >6 months on purchases converted to EMI.

Rewards & Benefits

Welcome BonusComplimentary 6-month FitPass Pro membership. 500 bonus Reward Points on spending ₹5,000 within 60 days.
Welcome BonusNo joining or renewal fees; lifetime-free card. No specific welcome voucher or bonus points mentioned.
Rewards RateEarn 1 RP per ₹100 on retail spends; 5x RP on dining, utility, online purchases (capped at 1000 RP).
Rewards Rate1 Reward Point for every ₹150 spent on eligible categories; 1 Reward Point = ₹0.50 value.
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward TypeReward Points
Reward Redemption FeeNil.
Reward Redemption Fee₹30 per redemption request.

Travel & Lifestyle

Domestic Lounge Access12 complimentary domestic lounge access passes annually, capped at 3 visits per quarter.
Domestic Lounge Access
International Lounge Access
International Lounge Access
Travel Benefits12 complimentary domestic lounge access annually (3 per quarter); low 2% forex markup on international transactions.
Travel Benefits
Movie Benefits
Movie Benefits
Dining BenefitsEarn 5x Reward Points (5 Reward Points per ₹100) on dining spends, capped at 1000 RP per cycle.
Dining Benefits
Golf Benefits
Golf Benefits
Fuel Surcharge Waiver1% waiver on fuel purchases between ₹400-₹5,000, capped at ₹250 per statement cycle.
Fuel Surcharge Waiver2.5% fuel surcharge waiver on all fuel transactions across petrol pumps in India.

Security & Other

Insurance Benefits₹15 lakhs air accident cover, ₹5 lakhs non-air accident death cover, and ₹5 lakhs Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Insurance BenefitsPersonal Accident Insurance; Credit Shield up to ₹50,000 for permanent disability; Purchase Protection up to ₹50,000 for accidental loss/damage within 60 days.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% (min ₹300) at domestic ATMs; 3% (min ₹300) at international ATMs.
Cash Advance Charges2.5% on withdrawal amount (minimum ₹200); cash withdrawal limited to 10% of assigned credit limit.
Best valueHigher costHighlights apply to Joining Fee and Renewal Fee only.

ICAI Exclusive BOBCARD Credit Card

LIC Platinum EMV Credit Card

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

Pros

Key benefits and features.

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

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

Complimentary 12 domestic lounge access passes annually enhance travel.

Low 2% foreign currency markup makes international transactions cost-effective.

Comprehensive insurance benefits provide significant financial security.

Pros

Key benefits and features.

Lifetime-free with zero joining and renewal fees, ideal for cost-conscious users seeking a simple card.

Temporary credit limit enhancement up to 30% provides short-term flexibility for larger purchases.

Revolving credit and flexible payment choices allow Minimum Amount Due, partial, or full payments each cycle.

VISA Bill Pay for over 120 billers simplifies utility and service payments with a single card.

Balance transfer and EMI conversion options add repayment flexibility for eligible purchases after one year.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

5x rewards on dining, utility, and online purchases are capped at 1000 RP per cycle.

Lounge access benefit requires a minimum spend of ₹40,000 in the preceding quarter.

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

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

Card is exclusive to ICAI members, limiting its accessibility to a wider audience.

Cons

Key drawbacks and limitations.

Limited reward value at ₹0.50 per point with no accelerated or milestone rewards to boost earnings.

No movie, dining, travel, or lounge benefits, making it unsuitable for premium lifestyle seekers.

EMI options require one year of satisfactory account operations, delaying access for new users.

Cash advance fees and interest rates are high, increasing costs for cash withdrawals and revolving credit.

Reward redemption incurs a ₹30 fee per request and requires a 500-point minimum, reducing small redemptions.

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.