The Blue FAB Signature Credit Card by Al-Futtaim, offered by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), is a versatile credit card designed to cater to the needs of high-income earners with a penchant for rewards, travel benefits, and exclusive lifestyle perks. This review provides a detailed look into its features, benefits, and drawbacks to help potential users make an informed decision.
Key Features and Benefits
1. Cashback and Rewards: The Blue FAB Signature Credit Card excels in offering substantial cashback and rewards:
- 5% Cashback Get 5% back when you shop at Al-Futtaim brands including IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and Toys ‘R’ Us.
- 1% Cashback on all other purchases, with an additional 1% via the Blue App when the card is registered and presented at the time of payment.
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn up to AED 1,000 cashback in Al-Futtaim FAB Rewards by spending AED 10,000 or more within 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 manage their expenses more effectively.
- 0% Balance Transfer: Complimentary for up to 12 months if applied within 90 days of card issuance, helping users consolidate debt without incurring high-interest charges.
3. Travel Benefits:
- Six Airport Transfers per Annum: Cardholders can enjoy discounted airport transfers, making travel more convenient.
- Complimentary Airport Lounge Access: Access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide for the cardholder and a guest, enhancing the travel experience with comfort and convenience.
- Multi-Trip Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance coverage for the cardholder and their family, providing peace of mind during trips.
4. Lifestyle Perks:
- Movie Ticket Discounts: Up to eight movie tickets per month at reduced prices (AED 15 on weekdays and AED 20 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 Infinite Privileges:
- 24-Hour Concierge Service: Phone and online help with travel bookings, restaurant reservations, and event tickets.
- Extended Warranties: Your repair warranty is doubled. If the manufacturer gives you 6 months we extend it to a year. If the manufacturer gives you one year we extend it to two.
- Global Travel Discounts: Savings on hotel bookings, car rentals, and more through the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection and other travel partners.
Fees and Rates
- Interest Rate: 2.08% per month initially, with an increase to 3.75% per month after the first year.
- Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 15,000 per month, making it accessible to a wider range of high-income earners.
- Annual Fee: AED 0 for the first year, making it cost-effective initially.
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, lounge access, and travel insurance.
- Lifestyle Perks: Money off movie tickets and special deals.
Cons:
- Interest Rate Increase: From 2.08% to 3.75% after the first year, which could be a disadvantage for those carrying a balance.
- Complex Rewards System: Requires registration and use of the Blue App for maximum cashback.
- Geographical Limitation: Some benefits are more relevant to UAE residents and may not appeal to international users.
Point-by-point comparison of the Blue FAB Signature Credit Card by Al-Futtaim with the Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card and the ADCB Infinite Credit Card:
1. Cashback and Rewards
- Blue FAB Signature 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: Accumulate Skywards Miles with every purchase, up to 75,000 Skywards Miles on your first purchase, without any particular cashback offer.
- ADCB Infinite Credit Card: Earn TouchPoints on every spend, no specific cashback offer, up to 200,000 TouchPoints as a welcome bonus.
2. Easy Payment Plans and Balance Transfers
- Blue FAB Signature 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: 0% installment plans at selected merchants, balance transfer offers available, terms may vary.
3. Travel Benefits
- Blue FAB Signature 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 Signature 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 Signature Credit Card by Al-Futtaim: Interest rate of 2.08% per month for the first year, increasing to 3.75% thereafter; minimum salary requirement of AED 15,000; 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 Signature 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: Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card: Comparable benefits with an emphasis on Skywards partners and travel perks.
- ADCB Infinite Credit Card: Similar benefits with an emphasis on TouchPoints partners and lifestyle rewards.
How does The Blue FAB signature Credit Card Compare?
The Blue FAB Signature Credit Card stands out with its high cashback rewards, particularly for purchases at Al-Futtaim brands, and generous welcome bonus. However, its benefits are somewhat limited geographically to the UAE. The Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card is ideal for frequent Emirates flyers, offering significant Skywards Miles rewards and extensive travel perks, though it has a higher salary requirement and annual fee. The ADCB Infinite Credit Card offers a versatile reward system with comprehensive travel and lifestyle benefits but also comes with a high annual fee and salary requirement. Each card is tailored to different lifestyles and spending habits, making it essential for users to choose based on their specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
The Blue FAB Signature Credit Card by Al-Futtaim is a highly rewarding option for high-income earners who frequently shop at Al-Futtaim brands and seek extensive travel and lifestyle benefits. While it offers substantial cashback and exclusive perks, the high-interest rate after the first year and the requirement to use the Blue App for maximum rewards may be considered drawbacks. Overall, this card is well-suited for those who can leverage its benefits effectively, particularly within the UAE.
This review provides a balanced perspective on the Blue FAB Signature Credit Card, helping potential users evaluate its suitability based on their spending habits and financial needs.