The Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card by Al-Futtaim, issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), offers a range of benefits designed to cater to both everyday spending and exclusive lifestyle perks. Here’s a detailed review:
Key Benefits
- Cashback and Rewards:
- 5% Cashback in Al-Futtaim FAB Rewards for every AED 1 spent at Al-Futtaim brands, such as IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and Toys ‘R’ Us.
- Up to 1% Cashback In other places for every AED 1 spent.
- Additional 1% Cashback when the card is registered and used via the Blue App at the time of payment.
- Welcome Offer:
- AED 1,000 Cashback: Receive up to AED 1,000 cashback in Al-Futtaim FAB Rewards by spending AED 10,000 or more in the first 60 days.
- Payment Plans:
- 0% Easy Payment Plans: Available on purchases at Al-Futtaim showrooms and brands.
- 0% Balance Transfer: Complimentary for up to 12 months when applied within 90 days of card issuance.
- Travel Benefits:
- Six Airport Transfers per annum from AED 40 (intra-city) or AED 100 (intercity).
- Global Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access for the cardholder and a guest at over 1,000 airport lounges.
- Travel Insurance: Multi-trip travel insurance coverage for the cardholder and family.
- Lifestyle Perks:
- Movie Tickets: Up to eight tickets per month from AED 15 on weekdays and AED 20 on weekends at select cinemas.
- Exclusive Offers: Various offers and discounts at Al-Futtaim brands and participating outlets.
Fees and Rates
- Interest Rate: 1.66% per month for the first year, increasing to 3.75% per month from the second year.
- Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 40,000 per month.
- Annual Fee: First year is free.
Additional Benefits
- Visa Infinite Privileges: Includes 24-hour concierge service, discounts on global travel bookings, and extended warranties on purchases.
Pros and Cons of the Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card by Al-Futtaim
Pros:
- High Cashback Rewards:
- 5% Cashback when you buy from Al-Futtaim brands such as IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and Toys ‘R’ Us.
- 1% Cashback on all other purchases, plus an extra 1% when you use the Blue App, provided the card is registered and used during payment.
- Welcome Bonus:
- AED 1,000 Cashback for new cardholders who spend AED 10,000 or more in the first 60 days.
- Flexible Payment Plans:
- 0% Easy Payment Plans on purchases at Al-Futtaim showrooms and brands.
- 0% Balance Transfer for 12 months when applied within 90 days of receiving credit card.
- Travel Benefits:
- Six Airport Transfers per year at discounted rates.
- Complimentary Airport Lounge Access for cardholders and a guest at over 1,000 lounges worldwide.
- Multi-Trip Travel Insurance for cardholders and their families.
- Lifestyle Perks:
- Up to eight movie tickets per month at reduced prices at select cinemas.
- Exclusive offers and discounts at various Al-Futtaim brands and participating outlets.
- No Annual Fee:
- AED 0 annual fee for the first year, making it cost-effective initially.
- Visa Infinite Privileges:
- Includes 24-hour concierge service, global travel booking discounts, extended warranties on purchases, and more.
Cons:
- High Minimum Salary Requirement:
- A minimum monthly salary of AED 40,000 is required, making it accessible only to high-income individuals.
- Interest Rate Increase:
- While the introductory interest rate is 1.66% per month, it increases to 3.75% per month from the second year, which can be high for those carrying a balance.
- Limited Benefits Outside Al-Futtaim Brands:
- The highest rewards and benefits are heavily skewed towards spending at Al-Futtaim brands, which might not be as appealing for those who shop more broadly.
- Complexity in Earning and Redeeming Rewards:
- The need to register the card on the Blue App and use it at the time of payment to maximize cashback might be cumbersome for some users.
- Geographical Limitation:
- Some benefits, such as specific retailer discounts and travel perks, might be more useful to residents of the UAE and less beneficial to international travelers or expatriates.
Point by point comparison of Blue FAB infinite card against rival cards
1. Cashback and Rewards
- Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: 5% cashback on Al-Futtaim brands, 1% cashback elsewhere with an additional 1% via Blue App, AED 1,000 welcome cashback with a spend of AED 10,000 in the first 60 days.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card: Every time you spend you earn Skywards Miles, up to 75,000 Skywards Miles on first purchase, no specific cashback offer.
- ADCB Infinite Credit Card: Earn TouchPoints when you shop, no specific cashback offer, up to 200,000 TouchPoints as a welcome bonus.
2. Easy Payment Plans and Balance Transfers
- Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: 0% easy payment plans at Al-Futtaim brands, 0% balance transfer for 12 months if applied within 90 days.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card: 0% installment plans at selected partners, balance transfer offers vary; no standard 0% for 12 months.
- ADCB Infinite Credit Card: Easy payment by installments at selected merchants, balance transfer offers available, terms may vary.
3. Travel Benefits
- Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: Six airport transfers per annum, complimentary airport lounge access for cardholder and guest.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card: Unlimited complimentary lounge access for cardholder and guest, up to four complimentary airport transfers per year.
- ADCB Infinite Credit Card: Complimentary airport lounge access globally, discounts on airport transfers.
4. Lifestyle Perks
- Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: Up to eight movie tickets per month at reduced prices, exclusive offers at Al-Futtaim brands.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card: Discounts on dining and shopping via Skywards Miles, complimentary golf access up to two rounds per month.
- ADCB Infinite Credit Card: Discounts on dining, shopping, and wellness via TouchPoints, complimentary rounds at select golf courses.
5. Fees and Rates
- Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: Interest rate of 1.66% per month for the first year, increasing to 3.75% thereafter; minimum salary requirement of AED 40,000; no annual fee for the first year.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card: Interest rate around 3.25% per month, minimum salary requirement of AED 30,000, annual fee of AED 2,500 (waived for high spenders).
- ADCB Infinite Credit Card: Interest rate around 3.25% per month, minimum salary requirement of AED 30,000, annual fee of AED 2,625 (waived for high spenders).
6. Visa Infinite Privileges
- Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: Includes 24-hour concierge service, discounts on global travel bookings, extended warranties, and travel insurance.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card: Similar privileges, but with a focus on Skywards partners and travel benefits.
- ADCB Infinite Credit Card: Similar privileges but with a focus on TouchPoints partners and lifestyle benefits.
How does the Blue FAB Infinited Credit Card compare?
The Al-Futtaim Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card is good at offering high cashback rewards, particularly for purchases made at Al-Futtaim brands, with up to 5% cashback and an additional 1% via the Blue App. This makes it highly advantageous for regular shoppers at these stores. Additionally, it offers a generous welcome bonus of AED 1,000 cashback, attractive travel benefits such as six airport transfers per year, and complimentary airport lounge access for cardholders and their guests. Furthermore, the card provides 0% easy payment plans at Al-Futtaim brands and a 0% balance transfer option for 12 months, adding to its financial flexibility.
However, the card has a high minimum salary requirement of AED 40,000, which limits its accessibility to high-income earners. The interest rate increases significantly after the first year, from 1.66% to 3.75% per month, which could be a drawback for those carrying a balance. In comparison to the Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card and the ADCB Infinite Credit Card, the Blue FAB card’s benefits are heavily skewed towards Al-Futtaim brands, which may not be as appealing to users who prefer a more versatile rewards program. The other cards offer broader travel and lifestyle perks, such as unlimited complimentary lounge access and higher welcome bonuses in the form of Skywards Miles or TouchPoints. Overall, while the Blue FAB card provides excellent value for frequent shoppers at Al-Futtaim brands and offers strong travel benefits, its high salary requirement and interest rate increase are notable downsides compared to its rivals.
Conclusion
The Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card by Al-Futtaim is highly rewarding for high-income earners who frequently shop at Al-Futtaim brands and can benefit from the travel and lifestyle perks. However, the high minimum salary requirement and the interest rate increase after the first year are significant considerations. The card’s value is maximized when used strategically, particularly through the Blue App and at affiliated brands.
The Blue FAB Infinite Credit Card by Al-Futtaim is an excellent choice for high-income earners looking to maximize rewards on their spending at Al-Futtaim brands, along with enjoying extensive travel and lifestyle benefits.