Bank of Baroda and EaseMyTrip Launch Co-branded Travel Debit Card

As an avid traveler with over 7 years of experience exploring destinations across India and abroad, I was thrilled to learn about the new co-branded debit card launched by Bank of Baroda and EaseMyTrip. As someone who frequently books flights and hotels through OTAs like EaseMyTrip, having a tailored debit card packed with travel benefits is a total game changer. Read below about “Bank of Baroda and EaseMyTrip Launch Co-branded Travel Debit Card”.

The Perks of a Co-Branded Travel Debit Card

I still remember the hassles I faced on a family trip to Europe three years back when my debit card was blocked mid-vacation due to suspected fraudulent activity. Not only was I stranded without access to money, but I also ended up paying hefty currency conversion charges on the replacement card issued by the foreign bank. The incident left me scarred and nervous about relying solely on debit cards while traveling internationally.

This is why a co-branded travel debit card like the Bank of Baroda and EaseMyTrip Visa card makes perfect sense for people like me who are on the move frequently. With this card, I can not only enjoy seamless domestic and international transactions but also save on currency conversion charges via discounted forex rates.

Key Features and Benefits of the Card

As an experienced traveler, I find the card’s features very appealing and well-suited for those who travel frequently for leisure or business. Some of the major benefits include:

1. Up to 10% discount on flight and hotel bookings made through EaseMyTrip platform
2. 1% fuel surcharge waiver on flight tickets booked via EaseMyTrip website/app
3. Buy 1 Get 1 free offer on movie tickets booked via BookMyShow twice a month
4. Discount of 15% on Domino’s orders twice a month
5. Joining/Annual membership fee waiver offers from OYO, FabHotels, Treebo and Sterling Holidays resorts
6. Complimentary airport lounge access: 2 per quarter (domestic); 1 per quarter (international)
7. Insurance coverage like air accident cover of Rs. 50 lakhs etc.

For frequent travelers like myself who end up spending a bomb on flights, hotels, dining and entertainment, the above discounts and offers can lead to yearly savings running into thousands of rupees.

The Value Propositions Based on My Experience

As an extensive traveler since 2015, I have learned how to maximize savings and minimize unnecessary charges when on the road. Here’s my assessment of some of the key benefits of Bank of Baroda EaseMyTrip card from a frequent traveler’s lenses:

1. Discounted forex rates: As someone who travels internationally at least 2-3 times annually, I end up losing 3-4% on currency conversion and overseas usage charges per trip. The discounted forex rates with this co-branded card helps mitigate those losses.
2. Lounge access program: I once ended up paying Rs. 2000 to access an airport lounge on a long layover in Dubai simply because my credit card didn’t offer free lounge visits. The 2/quarter domestic and 1/quarter international complimentary access with this card will make a big difference.
3. Insurance coverage: My family trip to Thailand two years back was nearly derailed because we couldn’t get travel insurance on time. The in-built insurance covers on this card provides peace of mind when traveling overseas.
4. Fuel surcharge waiver: On a road trip to Ladakh last summer, I ended up with a fuel bill of Rs. 5000+ over 10 days. The 1% waiver on fuel surcharge alone would have saved me at least Rs. 500 on flight tickets.
5. EaseMyTrip discounts: I manage to save 10-15% on domestic flights and hotels by booking during sales. With an additional 10% discount voucher on bookings, this card can fetch me savings of 20-25% or more per trip.

These are just some of the savings I could have accrued on my last few trips if I had this card by my side. For frequent travelers, they can add up to major savings annually.

My Verdict as an Experienced Traveler

As someone who has relied on debit, credit and forex cards across dozens of domestic and international trips, I believe the Bank of Baroda and EaseMyTrip co-branded debit card hits all the right notes. Its in-built features and benefits cater specifically to the needs and wants of travelers like myself who are on the road frequently.

I already save quite a bit by using discounts and cashback offers whenever I book flights or hotels online. By stacking some of those existing savings with the additional discounts and benefits offered on this tailored travel debit card, I can maximize my savings per trip.

The lounge access program, forex rate discounts and built-in insurance covers also provide much needed convenience, peace of mind and financial protection when I am traveling. As long as I can use the card responsibly by making payments on time, it is an absolute no-brainer for frequent travelers in my view.

Conclusion

I’d wholeheartedly recommend this card to families, solo travelers, backpackers, business travelers or digital nomads who spend a sizeable portion of their yearly expenses on travel and related purchases. I hope you like reading “Bank of Baroda and EaseMyTrip Launch Co-branded Travel Debit Card”. The savings you can clock by using this card on your daily expenses can effectively help fund your next vacation!