The CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card is designed for those seeking premium lifestyle and travel benefits. Here’s a breakdown of its features and perks:
Features and Benefits:
- Welcome Bonus: Spend AED 20,000 within 30 days of receiving your card to get AED 2,000 cashback. This offer is valid for applications between March 29, 2024, and June 30, 2024, with approvals by July 10, 2024.
- Annual Fee: No fee for the first year. Subsequent years are also free if you spend AED 100,000 annually.
- Rewards Program: Earn up to 3 CBD Rewards Points per AED spent. Points can be redeemed for Skywards Miles, cashback, vouchers, and more.
- Complimentary Golf: Enjoy four free rounds of golf per month at Trump International Golf Club with a minimum monthly spend of AED 7,500.
- Movie Perks: Enjoy half price discount on up to 4 movie tickets each month at VOX, Reel, or Novo cinemas. Additionally, receive a 20% discount on food and beverages at Reel Cinemas with a minimum purchase of AED 20.
- Valet Parking: Three free valet services per month across the UAE, including Dubai and Al Maktoum International Airports, with a minimum monthly spend of AED 5,000.
- Travel Benefits:
- Airport Lounge Access: 12 complimentary visits per year to over 1,000 lounges worldwide. An additional guest counts as two visits.
- Multi-trip Travel Insurance: Coverage up to USD 1,000,000 for you and your family.
- Exclusive Offers: Get an 8% discount on reservations through Booking.com and save up to 12% on AGODA.com bookings. Additionally, take advantage of discounts at a variety of Emaar attractions.
- Additional Perks:
- Xperience App: Access 2-for-1 offers through the Entertainer app.
- Credit Shield: Protect your credit card balance with insurance for a monthly fee of 1%.
- Purchase Protection and Extended Warranty: Extra coverage for purchases.
- Balance Transfer and Cash on Call: Transfer balances or get cash advances with low interest rates and flexible repayment plans.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 21-65 years for UAE Nationals, 21-63 years for UAE residents.
- Income: Minimum salary of AED 15,000 for salaried individuals.
- Documents: National ID or valid passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, and salary certificate for salaried individuals. If you’re self-employed individuals you’ll need to provide a valid trade license.
Caution: Ensure timely repayments to avoid arrears and potential impacts on your credit rating.
The CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card is ideal for high spenders who can take full advantage of its luxury perks and rewards.
Pros and Cons of the CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card
Pros:
- Generous Welcome Bonus:
- Earn AED 2,000 cashback by spending AED 20,000 within the first 30 days.
- No Annual Fee:
- The first year is free, and subsequent years are also free with an annual spend of AED 100,000.
- Reward Points:
- Earn up to 3 CBD Rewards Points per AED spent, redeemable for travel miles, cashback, and more.
- Exclusive Lifestyle Benefits:
- Complimentary access to top-tier golf courses with four free rounds per month at Trump International Golf Club.
- Cinema tickets are half price and 20% off on food and beverage at Reel Cinemas.
- Travel Perks:
- Up to 12 airport lounge visits a year for free.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance for You and Your Family on Every Trip.
- Discounts on hotel bookings via Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- Additional discounts at Emaar attractions like KidZania, Dubai Aquarium, and more.
- Convenience:
- Free valet parking services three times per month at key locations including airports.
- Additional Protections:
- Secure Your Purchases with Protection and Extended Warranty for Extra Peace of Mind.
- Credit shield insurance to cover outstanding balances in case of unforeseen events.
- Balance Transfer and Cash on Call:
- Low-interest rates on balance transfers and cash advances with flexible repayment plans.
Cons:
- High Spending Requirements:
- The benefits are most useful for high spenders, with significant minimum spending thresholds to unlock many perks (e.g., AED 20,000 for the welcome bonus, AED 100,000 annually to avoid the annual fee).
- Conditional Benefits:
- Complimentary services like valet parking and golf access require a minimum monthly spend (e.g., AED 7,500 for golf, AED 5,000 for valet parking).
- Limited Complimentary Lounge Visits:
- Only 12 free visits per year, and each guest counts as an additional visit. Additional visits or failure to meet spending criteria incur a USD 32 fee per person.
- Complex Eligibility and Documentation:
- Requires a minimum salary of AED 15,000 and various documents, which might not be accessible to everyone.
- Potential Fees:
- If spending requirements are not met, users might face charges for services that would otherwise be free (e.g., valet parking).
- Interest and Fees on Balance Transfers and Cash Advances:
- While promotional offers exist, there are processing fees (1.99% for 6-month plans, 4% for 12-month plans).
Overall, the CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card is best suited for individuals with a high income and spending capacity who can fully leverage its extensive perks and benefits. However, for those who may not meet the spending thresholds, the card’s advantages may be less accessible and come with higher costs.
Point-by-point comparison of the CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card against similar premium credit cards:
1. Annual Fees
CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card
- First Year: Free
- Subsequent Years: Free with AED 100,000 annual spend
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- Annual Fee: AED 1,500 (can be waived with high annual spending)
Citi Prestige Credit Card
- Annual Fee: AED 1,500 (can be waived with high annual spending)
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Annual Fee: AED 1,575 (can be waived with high annual spending)
2. Welcome Bonus
CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card
- AED 2,000 cashback for spending AED 20,000 within the first 30 days
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- Skywards Miles upon first purchase
Citi Prestige Credit Card
- Reward points or miles upon spending a specified amount within the first few months
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Reward points or cashback on first purchase
3. Rewards Program
CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Up to 3 CBD Rewards Points per AED spent, redeemable for Skywards Miles, cashback, and more
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- Skywards Miles for every spend, higher rates on Emirates Airlines purchases
Citi Prestige Credit Card
- Citi Rewards Points on every spend, bonuses for international purchases
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Reward points on every spend, higher rates for dining and hotel bookings
4. Lifestyle Benefits
CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Complimentary golf rounds (four per month)
- Half price cinema tickets and 20% off food and drinks at Reel Cinemas
- Free valet parking services (three times per month)
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- Complimentary golf
- Airport transfer services
- Fine dining discounts
Citi Prestige Credit Card
- Complimentary golf rounds
- Luxury hotel stays
- Exclusive event invitations
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Exclusive dining and golf privileges
- Valet parking services
5. Travel Perks
CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card
- 12 complimentary airport lounge visits per year
- Multi-trip travel insurance (up to USD 1,000,000)
- Discounts on Booking.com (8%) and Agoda.com (12%)
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- Unlimited complimentary airport lounge access
- Free multi-trip travel insurance
- Priority check-in with Emirates
Citi Prestige Credit Card
- Unlimited complimentary airport lounge access
- Complimentary 4th night stay at hotels
- Global concierge service
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Unlimited airport lounge access
- Travel insurance
- Discounts on travel bookings
6. Protection
CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty
- Credit shield insurance
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- Purchase protection
- Travel accident insurance
Citi Prestige Credit Card
- Extended warranty
- Purchase protection
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty
7. Convenience
CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Balance transfer and cash advance options with low interest rates
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- Similar convenience features (not specifically highlighted)
Citi Prestige Credit Card
- Similar convenience features (not specifically highlighted)
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card
- Similar convenience features (not specifically highlighted)
8. Eligibility and Spending Requirements
CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card
- High spending requirements for benefits (e.g., AED 20,000 for welcome bonus, AED 100,000 annually for no annual fee)
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- Higher income and spending thresholds
Citi Prestige Credit Card
- Higher income and spending thresholds
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card
- High spending requirements for benefits (similar to CBD Visa Infinite)
Summary
- Annual Fees: CBD Visa Infinite stands out with potential for zero annual fees with high spending, unlike its competitors which have high fees that can be waived.
- Welcome Bonus: Competitive welcome bonus with substantial cashback for initial spending.
- Rewards: Offers versatile rewards, whereas competitors like Emirates NBD focus more on travel miles.
- Lifestyle Benefits: Robust benefits including golf, cinema discounts, and valet parking, similar to other premium cards.
- Travel Perks: Good travel benefits, though Citi Prestige and Emirates NBD offer unlimited lounge access.
- Protection: Comprehensive protection offerings comparable to competitors.
- Convenience: Similar features across all cards, though CBD highlights balance transfer and cash advance options.
- Eligibility: Similar high spending requirements, making it suitable for high-income individuals.
The CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card is a strong contender for those who can meet the high spending requirements, offering a balance of rewards, lifestyle, and travel benefits. Competitors may offer more specialized perks, particularly for frequent travelers.