Introduction

Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) on Wednesday announced a record net profit of Dh2.65 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, up 45.2 per cent year-on-year. This outstanding performance was driven by exceptional revenue contribution across net interest and other operating income, backed by robust loan growth. Notably, higher market interest rates played significant role in boosting revenue.

The bank attributed its strong financial results to the positive business activity and confidence in the UAE, supported by robust domestic non-oil business activity. Additionally, CBD anticipates further growth in key economic sectors and an increase in the number of people and businesses migrating to the country, further bolstering its performance.

CBD, one of the UAE's leading national banks, reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable future by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Visa, a global leader in digital payments. This MoU represents the continuation of a longstanding partnership between CBD and Visa, with both parties committing to collaborate on sustainable initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability, specifically carbon awareness, engagement, and offsetting.

CBD has been recognized with several prestigious awards in recent years, including the Best Digitization Initiatives award at the ME Banking AI Awards in 2023. In 2022, CBD was named the Number One Bank in the UAE in the Forbes World's Best Banks report, and in 2021, it received the "Best Local Bank in UAE"; award at the EMEA Finance Middle East Banking Awards. The bank's commitment to customer-oriented transformation was recognized in 2020 with the Transformers Award for "Best Customer-oriented Transformation."

In 2022, CBD received the "Best Technological Innovation in Financial Services" Award at the Seamless Middle East Awards ceremony for its CBD Investr app. This app, powered by smart algorithms, is the first robo-advisory investment solution in the region offered by a bank. It actively manages investment portfolios to deliver optimal risk-adjusted performance.

Established in 1969, CBD has grown to become a key player in the UAE's banking sector, offering a wide range of banking products and services, including retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, and wealth management. The bank's retail banking division provides a comprehensive suite of products such as savings accounts, current accounts, credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, and wealth management services. CBD also serves businesses through its corporate banking division, offering services like corporate finance, tradefinance, treasury services, and cash management solutions.

Embracing digital transformation in banking, CBD offers various digital banking services, including online banking platforms, mobile banking apps, and digital payment solutions, ensuring convenience and accessibility for its customers. Known for its strong customer service culture and commitment to excellence, CBD focuses on building long-term relationships with its customers by delivering personalized financial solutions and excellent customer support.

Beyond its core banking operations, CBD actively engages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, supporting community development programs, education initiatives, and environmental sustainability projects across the UAE. Through its CSR activities, CBD demonstrates its commitment to giving back to society and contributing to the welfare of the communities it serves.

In summary, CBD's record net profit for 2023 reflects its strong performance and commitment to excellence in the UAE's banking sector. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, CBD continues to play a vital role in driving economic growth and development in the country.

The CBD offers several credit card options with various features and benefits:

1. CBD Visa Signature Card:

- Type: Cash Back, Points/Rewards, Travel/Air Miles

- Premium: No

- Annual Fee: AED 525

- Features: Unlimited access to airport lounges worldwide, golf offers, dining discounts, valet parking, cinema ticket discounts, travel insurance, extended warranty, purchase protection, etc.

- Welcome Offer: 30,000 CBD reward points

- Key Features: No annual fee for the first year, CBD Points Rewards Program, complimentary access to Pharaoh's Wafi Club, free valet parking, discounts on golf courses and cinema tickets,        airport lounge access, etc.

- Minimum Salary: AED 12,000

- Things to be Aware of: Minimum spend of AED 5,000 per month required for some benefits

2. CBD Visa Infinite Card:

- Type: Points/Rewards

- Premium: Yes

- Annual Fee: AED 787.5

- Features: Similar to Visa Signature but with additional premium lifestyle and travel benefits like higher travel insurance coverage, more valet parking services, higher cinema ticket discounts,       etc.

- Welcome Offer: AED 2,000 cashback

- Key Features: No annual fee for the first year with high spending, higher rewards points, premium lifestyle benefits, airport lounge access, etc.

- Minimum Salary: AED 15,000

- Things to be Aware of: Minimum spend of AED 5,000 per month required for some benefits

3. CBD Visa Platinum Card:

- Type: Cash Back, Points/Rewards, Travel/Air Miles

- Premium: No

- Annual Fee: Free for life

- Features: Similar to Visa Signature but with fewer premium benefits and lower annual fee, offers balance transfer, discounts on cinema tickets, extended warranty, purchase protection, etc.

- Welcome Offer: 0% balance transfer offer for 12 months, 50% discount on 2 cinema tickets at Novo cinemas per month

- Key Features: No annual fees ever, CBD Points Rewards Program, discounts on cinema tickets, DragonPass 'Dine & Fly' airport dining program, purchase protection, extended    warranty, etc.

- Minimum Salary: AED 5,000

- Things to be Aware of: Some categories of spend earn fewer points, minimum spend required for welcome bonus

4. CBD Smiles Visa Signature:

- Type: Points/Rewards

- Premium: No

- Annual Fee: AED 999

- Features: Offers smiles points, discounts on dining and cinema tickets, valet parking, airport lounge access, travel insurance, purchase protection, etc.

- Welcome Offer: First year free with various benefits and rewards points

- Key Features: Smiles rewards program, complimentary valet parking, discounts on cinema tickets, airport lounge access, multi-trip travel insurance, extended warranty, etc.

- Minimum Salary: AED 12,000

- Things to be Aware of: Minimum spend required for quarterly bonus, minimum retail spend required to avail VOX offer

5. CBD Smiles Visa Platinum:

- Type: Points/Rewards

- Premium: No

- Annual Fee: AED 208.95

- Features: Similar to Smiles Visa Signature but with fewer benefits and lower annual fee, offers smiles points, discounts on cinema tickets, airport lounge access, extended warranty, purchase       protection, etc.

- Welcome Offer: First year free with various benefits and rewards points

- Key Features: Smiles rewards program, discounts on cinema tickets, airport lounge access, multi-trip travel insurance, extended warranty, etc.

- Minimum Salary: AED 5,000

- Things to be Aware of: Minimum spend required for quarterly bonus, minimum retail spend required to avail VOX offer

6. CBD Yes Rewards:

- Type: Points/Rewards

- Premium: No

- Annual Fee: Free for life

- Features: Offers Yes rewards points, discounts on cinema tickets, valet parking, airport lounge access, travel insurance, purchase protection, balance transfer, etc.

- Welcome Offer: 40,000 Yes Rewards points

7. CBD One:

- Type: Points/Rewards

- Premium: No

- Annual Fee: AED 0

- Features: Offers cashback, discounts on cinema tickets, valet parking, golf, airport lounge access, installment plans, balance transfer, etc.

- Welcome Offer: Double cashback for the first two months

- Key Features: Four plans offered, regular monthly cashback, discounts on cinema tickets, valet parking, golf, airport lounge access, installment plans, balance transfer, etc.

- Minimum Salary: AED 5,000

- Things to be Aware of: Minimum spend required for various benefits, different plans with varying benefits and fees.

These CBD credit cards offer a range of benefits including rewards programs, discounts on various purchases, travel benefits, and more, catering to different lifestyles and spending habits.

CBD credit cards come with a suite of complimentary offers designed to enhance the lifestyle of their customers. From golf aficionados to movie lovers, CBD credit cardholders can enjoy a variety of leisure and lifestyle benefits. With these cards, customers can experience complimentary rounds at premier golf courses, substantial discounts at cinemas, and the convenience of valet services at various locations. Additionally, travelers can savor moments of tranquility with complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide. The protection offers also add an extra layer of comfort, ensuring peace of mind during travels and purchases. These perks collectively make CBD credit cards a gateway to a range of exclusive experiences tailored to the desires and needs of discerning clients.

Golf offers on CBD Credit Cards

Golf enthusiasts holding a CBD credit card have a treat waiting for them at the Trump International Golf Course, Dubai. Both the CBD Visa Infinite and the Smiles Signature cards offer the same lush package—‘4’ complimentary rounds of golf each calendar month. This luxury is available provided the cardholder meets a minimum spend of AED 7,500 on their credit card during the month.

Here's the catch: if you indulge in the complimentary rounds but don't hit the minimum spend, or you exceed the monthly game limit, you'll be facing a 'non-qualifying fee'. This isn't just a slap on the wrist; it's a hefty AED 800 per game. So, if you're not meeting that spending threshold, the greens could end up costing you more than you bargained for.

The Super Saver and Yes Rewards cards follow suit with identical offers, painting the same picture of leisurely afternoons on the golf course, if your spending keeps pace. The One card rounds out the ensemble, extending the same privileges.

It's a fantastic benefit for those who frequent the fairways and can consistently meet the spending criteria. However, cardholders need to be mindful of their spending habits to ensure they're not caught off-guard by the fees. It's a balance between the luxury of the game and the practicality of spending, making these cards a potentially great choice for the regular golfer with a corresponding budget.

Before applying for one of these cards, consider how often you play golf and how comfortably you can reach the spending requirement. It's an excellent offer for the right person, but it's important to make sure that person is you to avoid unexpected fees.

Cinema offers on CBD Credit Cards

If you're a movie buff with a CBD credit card, you're in for a treat with their cinema offers. CBD's suite of credit cards, including Visa Infinite, Smiles Signature, and others, provide a delightful package for family outings at the movies. Here's a review of the CBD credit cards' cinema offers:

For cards like the CBD Visa Infinite, Smiles Signature, Yes Rewards, Al Islami Visa Infinite, Mastercard World, Visa Signature, and One, you get a generous 50% discount on up to 4 tickets across VOX, Reel, or Novo cinemas each calendar month. Pair that with a 20% discount on food and beverages at Reel Cinemas (minimum spend of AED 20), and you've got yourself a premium cinematic experience at a fraction of the cost. The required monthly spend to avail of these offers is AED 5000 on these cards.

However, it’s important to note that the 50% ticket discount is only applicable when using the VOX cinema online site, mobile app, or digital kiosk, and you won't be able to get this discount over the counter. To avail of the discount, you'll need to log in to the VOX Cinemas website or app with your credentials, select the CBD 50% discount offer, and pay with your eligible CBD card.

For the Visa Platinum, Al Islami Visa Platinum, and Mastercard Titanium cards, the offer is slightly different. You still enjoy the 20% F&B discount at Reel Cinemas, but the 50% ticket discount applies to 2 cinema tickets per calendar month. Additionally, the monthly spend required to avail yourself of this offer drops to AED 2,000, making it more accessible if you're spending less.

This array of offers is well-suited to anyone looking to combine their love of movies with smart spending.

Keep in mind that the offers are crafted to encourage both loyalty and spending on your CBD card, so they're most beneficial if you're already meeting the spending requirements through your usual expenses. As always, make sure to read the fine print and stay updated on any changes to terms and conditions to make the most of these offers.

Valet offers on CBD Credit Cards

The valet offers associated with the CBD credit cards bring a touch of luxury and convenience to the cardholders' experience. The CBD Visa Infinite and Smiles Signature cards stand out by offering three complimentary valet services per month through Valtrans, subject to a minimum spend of AED 5,000. This not only adds an element of prestige but also simplifies the journey, especially for those frequenting valet-required venues.

Moving on to the Yes Rewards and Visa Signature cards, which offer two complimentary valet services per month, we see a more reserved but still very attractive offering, perfect for the cardholder who appreciates added value without excess.

The Mastercard World card ups the ante with four complimentary valet services, resonating well with those who may have more frequent needs for valet services and who can comfortably meet the spend requirement.

The Smiles Visa Platinum card provides a unique advantage, offering three complimentary valet parking services each month at over 30 locations across the UAE. This offer enhances the card's utility significantly, especially for those who frequent multiple locations where valet parking is available.

Lastly, the One card, like the Yes Rewards and Visa Signature, offers two complimentary valet services and holds its own with the same spend requirement, rounding off a suite of cards that cater to a variety of needs and spending habits.

In summary, CBD credit cards with valet offers are thoughtfully designed to enrich the cardholder's lifestyle by blending utility with luxury. However, the spend requirement of AED 5000 per month is crucial and should be met to avail of these benefits, emphasizing responsible spending.

Complimentary Airport Lounge Offers on CBD Credit Cards

The CBD credit card line appears to be particularly attractive for frequent travelers with its array of lounge access benefits across various card types, each providing a portal to comfort during transit.

The CBD Visa Infinite stands out with a generous offer of up to 12 complimentary lounge visits annually, accessible at over 1,000 lounges worldwide through Lounge Key. This benefit is extended per cardholder, meaning both primary and supplementary card members enjoy the same privilege. An enticing feature here is the ability to bring a guest, although it's important to note that a guest visit will count as one of the allotted 12. This card's requirement of a minimal spend of just 1 USD to unlock the benefit makes it highly accessible.

For the Smiles Signature cardholders, the offer is slightly more modest but still quite appealing with 8 complimentary lounge visits. It strikes a balance for those who may not travel monthly but still want the assurance of lounge access when they do.

The Yes Rewards card emphasizes the comfort aspect of traveling by offering access to the same extensive network of lounges, although the exact number of visits is not specified. The details would be crucial to understand its value proposition fully.

Similarly, the Smiles Visa Platinum also offers up to 8 complimentary visits, providing a solid option for the regular traveler, affording them a space away from the bustle of the airport crowd.

Lastly, the One card maintains the theme with up to 8 free lounge accesses. It appears to be a card aimed at delivering relaxation and a touch of luxury for the traveler, allowing for an escape from the typical airport environment up to 8 times a year.

Across all cards, the Lounge Key program is a recurring feature, suggesting that CBD prioritizes providing consistent access to comfort across their range. For a frequent flyer, these offerings can translate to significant savings and a more enjoyable travel experience. The key will be to align the card choice with individual travel habits and to ensure the lounge benefits are maximized relative to the card’s costs and usage requirements.

Complimentary Insurance/ Protection offers on CBD credit Cards

The protection offers on CBD credit cards provide a significant layer of security and peace of mind, which is a standout feature for cardholders. Each card comes with its own set of protective measures to guard against various mishaps that can occur during ownership of products or while travelling.

Starting with the CBD Visa Infinite, the protection is quite comprehensive. The doubling of the repair period offered by the original manufacturer’s warranty, up to 1 year, is a notable benefit that enhances the value of your purchases. Furthermore, it provides substantial cover against theft or accidental damage not just for the cardholder but also for their family, valid for 90 days from the date of travel, with coverage up to a maximum of USD 1,000,000. This high coverage limit indicates a strong emphasis on ensuring cardholders' and their families’ well-being and financial safety.

The Smiles Signature card offers similar protections but with a maximum coverage amount of USD 500,000. It extends the original manufacturer’s warranty and covers the cardholder and their family for theft or accidental damage during travel. This level of protection is quite generous and provides a good balance between extensive coverage and peace of mind.

For the Super Saver cardholders, the card maintains the same protective stance as the Smiles Signature, including the doubling of the manufacturer's warranty period, along with protection from theft or accidental damage for the cardholder and their family, for the same duration and with the same maximum coverage amount.

The Yes Rewards card adds a different dimension by focusing on the travel aspect, ensuring that cardholders are automatically covered for travel accident and travel inconvenience insurance for trips of up to 90 days. This removes the hassle and additional cost of organizing separate travel and medical insurance. Furthermore, it offers double the original manufacturer's warranty and includes purchase protection, which provides an added layer of confidence with every purchase.

Lastly, the Smiles Visa Platinum offers complimentary insurance benefits like 'Purchase Protection' and 'Extended Warranty,' which are provided by Visa. These benefits safeguard new purchases and extend the life of warranties, ensuring that cardholders can shop and enjoy their products with less worry about the unexpected.

In essence, these protective features reflect CBD’s dedication to offering their customers not only financial tools but also robust safety nets to protect against unforeseen events, be it in their shopping experiences or during their travels. This suite of protections underscores CBD’s position as a customer-centric institution that values the assurance and satisfaction of its cardholders.

Other complimentary offers on CBD Credit Cards

The suite of CBD credit cards comes with a variety of attractive offers that significantly enhance the lifestyle experience of cardholders. Here’s a review of the "other" complimentary offers provided by different CBD credit cards:

CBD Visa Infinite

This card caters to the luxurious side of life, offering up to 8% discount on accommodation bookings, making it a valuable companion for the avid traveler. Additionally, it provides up to 12% off at over 985,000 hotels and vacation rentals worldwide. The card also grants holders discounts and added value at Emaar attractions, which include:

- 20% off regular admission to various Emaar entertainment venues like KidZania®, Dig It, and more.

- 15% discount at Dubai Ice Rink.

- Bonus credits at VR Park Dubai, allowing for enhanced virtual reality experiences.

Smiles Signature

Cardholders can enjoy a range of discounts at Emaar attractions:

- 20% off regular admission tickets to KidZania®, E-Kart Zabeel, and the Underwater Zoo Penguin Cove.

- Additional discounts at the Dubai Ice Rink and Zabeel Sports District.

- Bonus credits at Play DXB with credit purchases, expanding entertainment options further.

Super Saver

This card is designed for maximizing experiences with value:

- Access to 2-for-1 offers via the ENTERTAINER app.

- A 20% discount on various attractions and leisure activities.

- Bonus credits at Play DXB, ensuring cardholders get more bang for their buck.

Al Islami Visa Infinite

Offers similar value as the Smiles Signature, with the added edge of being part of the Al Islami series:

- Discounts on a range of entertainment and sports venues.

- Bonus credits at Play DXB, enriching the gaming and fun experiences for cardholders.

Visa Platinum

This card focuses on delivering a mix of lifestyle enrichments:

- Exclusive dining, lifestyle, and entertainment offers accessible through the CBD App, ensuring that weekends and leisure times are filled with enjoyable experiences.

Smiles Visa Platinum

Cardholders are entitled to enjoy Emaar attractions discounts similar to the Smiles Signature:

- 20% off on regular admission tickets to popular destinations.

- Incentives at Play DXB, increasing the entertainment quotient for family outings.

Overall, CBD's credit cards are not just financial tools but lifestyle enhancers, offering a plethora of discounts and benefits that cater to diverse preferences, from travel to leisure to sports. These benefits ensure that CBD cardholders are poised to enjoy a plethora of experiences while also saving on expenses, striking a perfect balance between indulgence and smart spending. Whether it's planning a staycation or a day out at entertainment venues, CBD credit cards seem to offer something for every occasion.

Please note that the information provided here regarding the offers associated with CBD credit cards has been taken from the bank's official channels as of 12th April. Offers such as discounts, complimentary services, and insurance benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the bank at the time of the cardholder's use of the card. These details may change over time, and the bank's current offers may differ from what is listed above. Cardholders are advised to check with the bank for the most up-to-date information and ensure they understand the terms and conditions associated with their credit card.