The CBD One Credit Card offers a range of attractive features and benefits tailored to various spending habits and lifestyles. Here’s an in-depth review of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Double Cashback Offer:
- Enjoy double cashback up to AED 1,000 for the first 60 days on select categories such as food delivery, travel, fitness, and coffee.
- Customizable Plans:
- Choose from four different plans, each with its own card design and cashback benefits:
- One Plan: Up to AED 135 regular monthly cashback (AED 270 during the double cashback promotion) with a minimum spend of AED 5,000.
- One Plus Plan: Up to AED 250 regular monthly cashback (AED 500 during the double cashback promotion) with a minimum spend of AED 8,000.
- One VIP Plan: Up to AED 500 regular monthly cashback (AED 1,000 during the double cashback promotion) with a minimum spend of AED 15,000.
- Starter Plan: Free for life with no cashback benefits.
- Choose from four different plans, each with its own card design and cashback benefits:
- No Monthly Fees Initially:
- The first 36 months are free for the One and One Plus plans, with fees waived thereafter if spending thresholds are met.
- Entertainment and Lifestyle Perks:
- 50% discount when you visit VOX, Reel, and Novo cinemas.
- Complimentary valet parking at select malls and airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Four complimentary rounds of golf monthly at Trump International Golf Club.
- Up to 8 free accesses to airport lounges annually.
- Payment Flexibility:
- Options to pay in installments with a 0% Easy Payment Plan.
- Balance transfer facility to pay off other bank credit cards.
- Quick cash access when needed.
- Global Benefits:
- Access to various global benefits offered by Visa.
Cons:
- Spending Requirements:
- High minimum spend requirements to qualify for the maximum cashback and to waive monthly fees after the initial period:
- AED 5,000 for One Plan.
- AED 8,000 for One Plus Plan.
- AED 15,000 for One VIP Plan.
- High minimum spend requirements to qualify for the maximum cashback and to waive monthly fees after the initial period:
- Conditional Benefits:
- The most attractive benefits are tied to meeting specific spending thresholds, which might not be feasible for everyone.
- Fees After Initial Period:
- Monthly fees apply after the first 36 months unless spending criteria are met:
- AED 39 for One Plan.
- AED 69 for One Plus Plan.
- AED 99 for One VIP Plan (if spending criteria are not met).
- Monthly fees apply after the first 36 months unless spending criteria are met:
- Limited Cashback Eligibility:
- Cashback is only available on transactions with selected brands, which might limit the card’s overall appeal depending on individual spending habits.
- Promotion Limitations:
- Customers who have closed a CBD One Credit Card within the last 6 months are not eligible for the promotion.
- Potential Financial Risk:
- As with any credit card, failing to meet repayment obligations can lead to arrears, affecting credit ratings and future access to financing.
Point-by-Point Comparison of CBD One Credit Card to Similar Credit Cards
Here’s a detailed comparison of the CBD One Credit Card against similar credit cards in the market:
1. Annual Fees
CBD One Credit Card
- First 36 Months: Free for One and One Plus plans
- After 36 Months: AED 39/month for One Plan (waived with AED 8,000 monthly spend), AED 69/month for One Plus Plan (waived with AED 15,000 monthly spend)
- One VIP Plan: AED 99/month if minimum spend of AED 22,000 is not met
- Starter Plan: Free for life with no cashback benefits
Emirates NBD LuLu 247 Credit Card
- Annual Fee: AED 400 (waived for the first year)
- Waiver: Subsequent years waived with minimum spend of AED 15,000 per year
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
- Annual Fee: AED 315 (first year free)
- Waiver: Waived with minimum annual spend of AED 18,000
ADCB SimplyLife Cashback Credit Card
- Annual Fee: AED 200
- Waiver: No waiver based on spend
2. Cashback Rewards
CBD One Credit Card
- Double Cashback: Earn up to AED 1,000 within the first 60 days
- Regular Monthly Cashback: Up to AED 500 after the 3rd month onward
- Eligible Categories: Food deliveries, travel, fitness, coffee, and more (specific brands listed)
Emirates NBD LuLu 247 Credit Card
- Cashback: Get 7% cashback when you shop at at LuLu stores, get 4% back on petrol/diesel, get 2% back on utility bills, and 1% on any other purchases
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
- Cashback: Up to 5% on dining, 2% on international spends, 1% on other spends
ADCB SimplyLife Cashback Credit Card
- Cashback: 1.25% on all retail spends
3. Lifestyle Benefits
CBD One Credit Card
- Cinema Tickets: 50% off at VOX and Reel cinemas
- Valet Parking: Complimentary at selected malls and airports
- Golf: Four complimentary rounds at Trump International Golf Club
- Airport Lounge Access: Up to 8 free visits annually
Emirates NBD LuLu 247 Credit Card
- Cinema Tickets: 50% off at VOX cinemas
- Valet Parking: Complimentary valet parking at select locations
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
- Cinema Tickets: Not specified
- Valet Parking: Complimentary valet parking
ADCB SimplyLife Cashback Credit Card
- Cinema Tickets: Not specified
- Valet Parking: Complimentary valet parking
4. Travel Perks
CBD One Credit Card
- Airport Lounge Access: Up to 8 free visits annually
Emirates NBD LuLu 247 Credit Card
- Airport Lounge Access: Over 10 airport lounges in the UAE available free to use.
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
- Airport Lounge Access: Over 10 airport lounges in the UAE available free to use.
ADCB SimplyLife Cashback Credit Card
- Airport Lounge Access: Free use of over 10 local Airport Lounges.
5. Payment Flexibility
CBD One Credit Card
- 0% Easy Payment Plan: Available for converting purchases to installments
- Balance Transfer: Available
- Quick Cash: Available
Emirates NBD LuLu 247 Credit Card
- 0% Easy Payment Plan: Available
- Balance Transfer: Available
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
- 0% Easy Payment Plan: Available
- Balance Transfer: Available
ADCB SimplyLife Cashback Credit Card
- 0% Easy Payment Plan: Available
- Balance Transfer: Available
6. Eligibility and Spending Requirements
CBD One Credit Card
- Minimum Spend for Double Cashback: AED 5,000 for One Plan, AED 8,000 for One Plus Plan, AED 15,000 for One VIP Plan
- Monthly Fee Waiver Spend Thresholds: AED 8,000 for One Plan, AED 15,000 for One Plus Plan
Emirates NBD LuLu 247 Credit Card
- Annual Spend for Fee Waiver: AED 15,000
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
- Annual Spend for Fee Waiver: AED 18,000
ADCB SimplyLife Cashback Credit Card
- No spend-based fee waiver
Summary
CBD One Credit Card stands out for its customizable plans and high initial cashback offer. It’s suitable for individuals who can meet the high spending thresholds to unlock its benefits. Its extensive lifestyle perks, including cinema discounts and complimentary golf rounds, make it a versatile choice.
Emirates NBD LuLu 247 Credit Card offers strong cashback on LuLu spends and practical perks like fuel and utility bill cashback, but its lifestyle benefits are more limited.
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card provides good cashback on dining and international spends, making it appealing for frequent diners and travelers.
ADCB SimplyLife Cashback Credit Card offers straightforward cashback on all retail spends, but lacks the higher-tier lifestyle and travel benefits.
Choosing the best card depends on your spending habits and the specific benefits you value most.
Conclusion: The CBD One Credit Card is an excellent choice for individuals who can meet the required spending thresholds to unlock its generous cashback rewards and numerous lifestyle benefits. Its customizable plans and initial fee waivers make it an appealing option for diverse spending habits. However, the high spending requirements and conditional nature of benefits may not suit everyone. Potential cardholders should carefully consider their ability to meet the spending criteria to maximize the card’s value.