The FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card, offered by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), is designed to provide significant rewards, travel benefits, and lifestyle perks to its users. This detailed review explores the card’s features, benefits, fees, and how it compares to similar cards in the market.
Key Features and Benefits
- Cashback and Rewards: The FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card has an awesome cashback program. You can earn up to 5% cashback when you shop at SHARE partner brands like Carrefour, VOX Cinemas, and Magic Planet. You can use your cashback at different SHARE partner stores, making it super versatile. Plus, new cardholders get a sweet welcome bonus of AED 500 in SHARE points after hitting the spending goals.
- Payment Flexibility: The card offers 0% Easy Payment Plans (EPP) at selected merchants, allowing users to manage their expenses without incurring interest. Balance transfer offers vary, with some promotional periods offering 0% interest on balance transfers for a limited time.
- Travel Benefits: You get free access to over 1,000 airport lounges all around the world, making your trips super comfortable and luxurious. Comprehensive travel insurance coverage is provided for cardholders and their families, ensuring peace of mind during trips. Additionally, discounted rates on airport transfers add convenience to travel plans.
- Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy discounts on movie tickets at VOX Cinemas, enhancing your entertainment experience. Various discounts and promotions at SHARE partner brands add value to everyday spending. The card also offers 24/7 concierge services to assist with travel bookings, dining reservations, and event tickets.
- Visa Platinum Benefits: On purchases with this card, it doubles the original manufacturer’s warranty repair period, giving you up to an extra year of coverage. Global travel discounts on hotel bookings, car rentals, and more are available through Visa’s travel partners. Purchase protection is provided against theft or damage on eligible purchases.
Fees and Rates
- Interest Rate: 3.25% per month, which is competitive compared to other cards in its category.
- Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 15,000 per month, making it available to people on lower incomes.
- Annual Fee: AED 500, which is justified by the extensive benefits and rewards offered.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent cashback rates, especially good for shopping at SHARE partner brands.
- Generous welcome bonus offering attractive initial rewards for new users.
- Lots of travel perks, like free airport lounge access and travel insurance.
- Versatile lifestyle perks, such as discounts on movie tickets and exclusive offers at partner brands.
Cons:
- Interest Rate: 3.25% per month is relatively high, which could be a disadvantage for those carrying a balance.
- Partner-Specific Rewards: The highest rewards are skewed towards SHARE partner brands, which may limit appeal for users who shop more broadly.
Point-by-Point Comparison of the FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card with Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card, ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card, and Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card
1. Cashback and Rewards
- FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card: The FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card offers up to 5% cashback on purchases at SHARE partner brands, such as Carrefour, VOX Cinemas, and Magic Planet, with the flexibility to redeem cashback at various SHARE partner stores.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: The Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card focuses on earning Skywards Miles on every spend without specific cashback offers.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card: The ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card rewards users with TouchPoints on all spending but does not offer direct cashback.
- Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card: The Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card provides Salaam Points on every spend, with flexible redemption at a variety of merchants but lacks specific cashback offers.
2. Welcome Bonus
- FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card: New cardholders can enjoy a welcome bonus of AED 500 in SHARE points upon meeting the spending criteria.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: This card offers up to 50,000 Skywards Miles as a welcome bonus on the first purchase.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card: Cardholders receive a generous welcome bonus of up to 150,000 TouchPoints.
- Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card: Offers a welcome bonus of up to 50,000 Salaam Points for new users.
3. Easy Payment Plans and Balance Transfers
- FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card: The FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card features 0% Easy Payment Plans (EPP) at selected merchants and offers balance transfer options that vary, with some promotional periods offering 0% interest on balance transfers for a limited time.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: This card provides 0% installment plans at selected partners, with varying balance transfer offers and no standard 0% for 12 months.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card: Offers 0% installment plans at selected merchants with variable terms for balance transfers.
- Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card: Includes 0% easy payment plans at participating merchants and promotional balance transfer rates.
4. Travel Benefits
- FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card: Provides complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance coverage for cardholders and their families, and discounted rates on airport transfers.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: Offers unlimited complimentary lounge access for cardholders and a guest, comprehensive travel insurance, and up to four complimentary airport transfers per year.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card: Includes complimentary lounge access globally at selected airports, comprehensive travel insurance, and discounted airport transfer rates.
- Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card: Provides complimentary access to over 900 airport lounges worldwide, extensive travel insurance coverage, and complimentary airport transfers.
5. Lifestyle Perks
- FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card: Cardholders enjoy discounts on movie tickets at VOX Cinemas, various exclusive offers at SHARE partner brands, and 24/7 concierge services for assistance with travel, dining, and events.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: Provides discounts on dining and shopping via Skywards Miles, complimentary golf access up to two rounds per month, and 24/7 concierge services.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card: Offers discounts on dining, shopping, and wellness via TouchPoints, complimentary golf rounds at select courses, and 24/7 concierge services.
- Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card: Provides discounts and offers across dining, shopping, and travel, complimentary golf access at select courses, and 24/7 personal assistance through concierge services.
6. Fees and Rates
- FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card: Has an interest rate of 3.25% per month, a minimum salary requirement of AED 15,000, and an annual fee of AED 500.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: Features an interest rate of around 3.25% per month, a lower minimum salary requirement of AED 12,000, and an annual fee of AED 700.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card: Has a similar interest rate of around 3.25% per month, the same minimum salary requirement of AED 15,000, and an annual fee of AED 500.
- Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card: Also has an interest rate of around 3.25% per month, a minimum salary requirement of AED 12,000, and a higher annual fee of AED 750.
7. Visa Platinum Privileges
- FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card: Includes extended warranties up to one year, global travel discounts through Visa’s partners, and purchase protection against theft or damage.
- Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card: Offers similar extended warranties, global travel discounts, and purchase protection.
- ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card: Provides extended warranties up to one year, global travel discounts, and purchase protection.
- Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card: Offers comprehensive extended warranties, global travel discounts, and purchase protection.
Summary
The FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card stands out with its excellent cashback rewards, particularly at SHARE partner brands, making it highly attractive for frequent shoppers at these outlets. It offers substantial travel benefits and versatile lifestyle perks, although its high-interest rate may be a drawback for some users. Compared to the Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum Credit Card, which is ideal for Emirates flyers with significant Skywards Miles rewards and more extensive travel perks, the ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Card provides a balanced mix of rewards and lifestyle benefits. The Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card offers comprehensive travel insurance and additional airport lounge access but comes with a higher annual fee. Each card has unique advantages, catering to different spending habits and preferences.
Conclusion
The FAB SHARE Platinum Credit Card offers excellent cashback rewards, particularly for purchases at SHARE partner brands, and provides substantial travel benefits and lifestyle perks. Its generous welcome bonus and flexible redemption options make it a strong contender for mid to high-income earners. However, its high-interest rate and partner-specific rewards could be seen as limitations. Compared to the Emirates NBD Skywards Platinum and ADCB TouchPoints Platinum Credit Cards, the FAB SHARE card provides a unique value proposition for those who frequently shop at SHARE partner brands and seek extensive travel and lifestyle benefits.