Introduction
The CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card is designed for those seeking a versatile credit card with a robust rewards program and lifestyle benefits. This card offers the convenience of being free for life, making it an attractive choice for many.
Card Features
- Free for Life: Enjoy the convenience of no annual fee for the primary cardholder and supplementary cards.
- Rewards Program:
- International Spends: Earn up to 1.5 reward points per AED spent.
- Domestic Spends: Earn up to 1 reward point per AED spent.
- Rewards Redemption: Redeem points for a variety of options including Skyward Miles, shopping vouchers, electronics, cashback, and flights through the CBD Mobile app.
Lifestyle Benefits
- Cinema Discounts: Half price movie tickets at Novo Cinemas.
- Payment Flexibility:
- 0% Easy Payment Plan: Convert large purchases into easy monthly installments at no additional cost.
- Balance Transfer & Quick Cash: Transfer balances and get cash at competitive rates.
- Visa Benefits: Access a wide range of travel, hospitality, dining, wellness, and lifestyle benefits through Visa’s network. For more details, visit Visa Middle East.
- Dining and Lifestyle Offers: Access over 500 dining and lifestyle offers through the CBD Mobile app.
- Credit Shield: Protect your card balance with insurance against unforeseen events.
Annual Fee
- Free for Life: No annual fee for both primary and supplementary cards, adding to the card’s long-term value.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: Applicants must be between 21 and 63 years old.
- Salary: A minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 is required.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No Annual Fee: The card is free for life, reducing the long-term cost of ownership.
- Generous Rewards Program: Earn points on both domestic and international spends, with flexible redemption options.
- Cinema Discounts: 50% off on Novo Cinema tickets enhances entertainment value.
- Payment Flexibility: 0% Easy Payment Plan and competitive balance transfer rates.
- Comprehensive Lifestyle Benefits: Access to numerous dining and lifestyle offers, plus extensive Visa benefits.
- Credit Shield Protection: Safeguard your card balance against unexpected events.
Cons:
- Earning Rates: While competitive, the earning rates may not be as high as those offered by some premium cards.
- Specific Partner Offers: Cinema discounts are limited to Novo Cinemas, which might not be convenient for all users.
- Eligibility Requirements: The card requires a minimum salary of AED 5,000, which may not be accessible for all potential applicants.
CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card vs. Similar Rival Cards in the UAE
Annual Fee:
- CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card:
- Free for life, no annual fee for primary and supplementary cards.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card:
- Annual fee of AED 525 (But fee when you spend AED 30,000 or more).
- Emirates NBD Platinum Credit Card:
- AED 700 (waived with annual spend of AED 15,000).
- HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card:
- AED 299 (waived first year).
Rewards Program:
- CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card:
- 1.5 reward points per AED on international spends.
- 1 reward point per AED on domestic spends.
- Points redeemable for Skyward Miles, shopping vouchers, electronics, cashback, flights, and more.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card:
- 1 TouchPoint per AED on domestic spends.
- 2 TouchPoints per AED on international spends.
- Points redeemable for a wide range of rewards including flights, hotels, shopping, and bill payments.
- Emirates NBD Platinum Credit Card:
- 1 Plus Point per AED on domestic spends.
- 2 Plus Points per AED on international spends.
- Pay for flights, hotel stays, shopping vouchers, and more with your points.
- HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card:
- 0.6 Air Miles per AED on domestic spends.
- 1.2 Air Miles per AED on international spends.
- Miles redeemable for flights, hotel stays, and shopping vouchers.
Cinema Discounts:
- CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card:
- 50% off on Novo Cinemas tickets.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card:
- 50% off on VOX Cinemas tickets.
- Emirates NBD Platinum Credit Card:
- No specific cinema discounts.
- HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card:
- No specific cinema discounts.
Payment Flexibility:
- CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card:
- 0% Easy Payment Plan for large purchases.
- Balance transfer and quick cash at competitive rates.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card:
- Easy Payment Plans and balance transfer options available.
- Emirates NBD Platinum Credit Card:
- 0% Installment Payment Plans and balance transfer options.
- HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card:
- Easy Payment Plans and balance transfer options.
Lifestyle Benefits:
- CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card:
- Access to 500+ dining and lifestyle offers through the CBD Mobile app.
- Various travel, hospitality, dining, wellness, and lifestyle benefits through Visa’s network.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card:
- Large range of restaurant and entertainment discounts through ADCB’s rewards program.
- Emirates NBD Platinum Credit Card:
- Access to the Bon Appétit dining program with discounts at various restaurants.
- Various lifestyle offers through Emirates NBD’s partner network.
- HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card:
- Discounts on dining, travel, and entertainment through HSBC’s partner network.
Travel Benefits:
- CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card:
- Comprehensive travel benefits through Visa, including travel insurance and airport lounge access.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card:
- Travel insurance and airport lounge access.
- Emirates NBD Platinum Credit Card:
- Free use of more than 900 airport lounges worldwide.
- Travel insurance and concierge services.
- HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card:
- Travel accident and inconvenience insurance.
- Access to select airport lounges.
Credit Shield Protection:
- CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card:
- Credit Shield to protect against unforeseen events.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card:
- Credit Shield Plus available.
- Emirates NBD Platinum Credit Card:
- Credit Shield and Credit Shield Plus available.
- HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card:
- Credit Shield available.
How does it compare, overall?
The CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card stands out with its no-annual-fee feature, making it a cost-effective option for users. Its robust rewards program, offering up to 1.5 points on international spends and 1 point on domestic spends, is comparable to other cards but is uniquely versatile in redemption options. The cinema discount at Novo Cinemas, extensive lifestyle benefits, and easy payment plans further add to its appeal. While some rival cards offer higher reward points or additional lifestyle benefits, the CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card’s free-for-life feature and comprehensive benefits make it a competitive choice for many users in the UAE.
Conclusion
The CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card is an excellent option for those looking for a no-fee card with a solid rewards program and valuable lifestyle benefits. Its flexibility in rewards redemption and comprehensive range of offers make it a worthwhile choice for many. However, potential users should consider their spending habits and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria to fully benefit from what this card offers.