The Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card by Al-Futtaim, issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), is designed to offer a combination of rewards, travel benefits, and lifestyle perks, tailored to meet the needs of mid to high-income earners. This detailed review covers its features, benefits, fees, and how it compares to similar cards in the market.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Cashback and Rewards: The Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card provides substantial cashback rewards, especially for loyal customers of Al-Futtaim brands:
- 5% Cashback on all purchases made at Al-Futtaim brands, such as IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and Toys ‘R’ Us.
- 1% Cashback on all other purchases.
- Welcome Bonus: Earn up to AED 500 cashback on spending AED 5,000 in the first 60 days of card issuance.
2. Payment Flexibility:
- 0% Easy Payment Plans (EPP): Available on purchases at Al-Futtaim showrooms and brands, allowing users to spread the cost of large purchases without incurring interest.
- 0% Balance Transfer: Free for up to 12 months when applied within the first 90 days, facilitating debt consolidation and management.
3. Travel Benefits:
- Four Airport Transfers per Annum: Cardholders can enjoy discounted airport transfers, adding convenience to their travel plans.
- Complimentary Airport Lounge Access: Access to a network of airport lounges worldwide, providing a comfortable travel experience.
4. Lifestyle Perks:
- Movie Ticket Discounts: Up to six tickets per month at reduced prices (AED 20 on weekdays and AED 25 on weekends) at select cinemas.
- Exclusive Offers: Various discounts and promotions at Al-Futtaim brands and participating outlets, adding value to everyday spending.
5. Visa Platinum Privileges:
- 24-Hour Concierge Service: Phone or online Help with travel bookings, restaurant reservations, and event tickets.
- Extended Warranties: Double repair guarantee. If the manufacturer offers 6 months then it is one year if the manufacturer offers 1 year then it is 2 years. warranty for up to one year.
- Global Travel Discounts: Savings on hotel bookings, car rentals, and more through Visa’s travel partners.
Fees and Rates
- Interest Rate: 2.25% per month initially, with an increase to 3.25% per month after the first year.
- Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 15,000 per month, making it accessible to a broad range of earners.
- Annual Fee: AED 500, which is waived if a minimum annual spend of AED 30,000 is achieved.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High Cashback Rewards: Especially beneficial for frequent shoppers at Al-Futtaim brands.
- Generous Welcome Bonus: Attractive cashback offer for new users.
- Comprehensive Travel Benefits: Including airport transfers and lounge access.
- Lifestyle Perks: Savings on movie tickets and special deals.
Cons:
- Interest Rate Increase: From 2.25% to 3.25% after the first year, which could be a disadvantage for those carrying a balance.
- Geographical Limitation: Some benefits are more relevant to UAE residents and may not appeal to international users.
- Annual Fee: AED 500, though it can be waived with sufficient spending.
Point-by-Point Comparison of the Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card by Al-Futtaim with Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card and ADCB Platinum Credit Card
1. Cashback and Rewards
- Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: 5% cashback on purchases at Al-Futtaim brands. 1% cashback on all other purchases.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: Earn Skywards Miles on every spend. No specific cashback offer.
- ADCB Platinum Credit Card: Earn TouchPoints on every spend. No specific cashback offer.
2. Welcome Bonus
- Blue FAB Platinum: AED 500 cashback on spending AED 5,000 in the first 60 days.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum: Welcome Bonus: Up to 50,000 Skywards Miles on first purchase.
- ADCB Platinum: Welcome Bonus: Up to 150,000 TouchPoints.
3. Easy Payment Plans and Balance Transfers
- Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: 0% Easy Payment Plans (EPP) at Al-Futtaim brands. 0% balance transfer for 12 months if applied within 90 days.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: 0% installment plans at selected partners. Balance transfer offers vary; no standard 0% for 12 months.
- ADCB Platinum Credit Card: 0% installment plans at selected merchants. Deals on Balance transfer when requested.
4. Travel Benefits
- Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: Four airport transfers per annum. Free airport lounge access globally.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: Unlimited free lounge access for cardholder and guest. Four free airport transfers per year.
- ADCB Platinum Credit Card: Free airport lounge access globally. Discounts on airport transfers.
5. Lifestyle Perks
- Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: Up to six movie tickets per month at reduced prices. Exclusive offers at Al-Futtaim brands.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: Discounts on dining and shopping via Skywards Miles. Free golf sessions, up to two rounds per month.
- ADCB Platinum Credit Card: Discounts on dining, shopping, and wellness via TouchPoints. Free rounds at selected golf courses.
6. Fees and Rates
- Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: Interest rate of 2.25% per month initially, increasing to 3.25% thereafter. Annual fee of AED 500, waived if annual spend exceeds AED 30,000.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: Interest rate around 3.25% per month.Annual fee of AED 700, waived for high spenders.
- ADCB Platinum Credit Card: Interest rate around 3.25% per month. Annual fee of AED 500, waived for high spenders.
7. Minimum Salary Requirement
- Blue FAB Platinum:AED 8,000 per annum
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum: AED 12,000 per annum
- ADCB Platinum: AED 12,000 per annum
8. Visa Platinum Privileges
- Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: Includes 24-hour concierge service, discounts on global travel bookings, extended warranties, and travel insurance.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: Similar privileges with a focus on Skywards partners and travel benefits.
- ADCB Platinum Credit Card: Comparable privileges with a focus on TouchPoints partners and lifestyle benefits.
How does the Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card compare?
The Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card by Al-Futtaim stands out for its high cashback rewards, offering 5% cashback on purchases at Al-Futtaim brands and 1% on other purchases. This is superior to the Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum and ADCB Platinum cards, which do not provide specific cashback offers. Instead, the Emirates NBD card focuses on earning Skywards Miles, which benefits frequent Emirates flyers, while the ADCB card rewards TouchPoints for versatile spending.
In terms of travel benefits, the Blue FAB card provides four airport transfers per year and free global airport lounge access. While this is comparable to the ADCB card’s offerings, the Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum card goes further by providing unlimited lounge access and up to four free airport transfers annually, making it more appealing for extensive travelers.
For lifestyle perks, the Blue FAB card offers up to six discounted movie tickets monthly and exclusive offers at Al-Futtaim brands. In contrast, the Emirates NBD card provides discounts on dining and shopping through Skywards Miles and free golf access, while the ADCB card offers a broader range of discounts on dining, shopping, wellness, and free golf rounds.
Regarding fees and rates, the Blue FAB Platinum card features an initial interest rate of 2.25% per month, increasing to 3.25% after the first year. It has a minimum salary requirement of AED 15,000 and an annual fee of AED 500, which is waived if the annual spend exceeds AED 30,000. The Emirates NBD card has a similar interest rate but a lower minimum salary requirement of AED 12,000 and a higher annual fee of AED 700. The ADCB card matches the Blue FAB card’s interest rate and salary requirement, with an annual fee of AED 500, which can also be waived for high spenders.
Conclusion
The Blue FAB Platinum Credit Card by Al-Futtaim is an excellent choice for mid to high-income earners who frequently shop at Al-Futtaim brands and seek substantial travel and lifestyle benefits. While the card offers significant rewards and perks, its high-interest rate after the first year and geographical focus on the UAE market might be considered drawbacks. However, for those who can maximize its benefits, especially through spending at Al-Futtaim brands, this card provides considerable value.