Marriott Bonvoy ADIB Visa Cards Launch
Marriott Bonvoy has launched two new Visa co-branded credit cards in the UAE with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, offering welcome points, elite status
Marriott Bonvoy has launched two new Visa co-branded credit cards in the United Arab Emirates in partnership with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB). The cards, named the Marriott Bonvoy ADIB Visa Infinite Card and the Marriott Bonvoy ADIB Visa Signature Card, offer welcome bonus points, elite status benefits, and points on spending, according to a release from the companies.
This launch introduces Visa-based cards to complement the existing two Mastercard options issued by Emirates NBD for the UAE market. The new cards are Sharia-compliant and come with significant annual fees and foreign exchange charges.
Card Benefits and Features
The two cards offer different tiers of benefits, with the Visa Infinite positioned as the premium product. Both provide a pathway to elevated Marriott Bonvoy elite status and include elite night credits, which count toward annual status qualification.
A limited-time offer provides the welcome bonuses. The Visa Infinite card offers up to 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points upon activation. It also grants Gold Elite status immediately, with a fast-track to Platinum Elite after spending $25,000 annually. The Visa Signature card offers 50,000 welcome points and Silver Elite status, with a path to Gold Elite after spending $15,000 each year.
| Card | Welcome Points | Annual Status Fast-Track Spend | Elite Night Credits | Annual Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy ADIB Visa Infinite | Up to 200,000 | $25,000 for Platinum | 15 | 2,500 |
| Marriott Bonvoy ADIB Visa Signature | 50,000 | $15,000 for Gold | 10 | 499 |
Earning Rates and Fees
Points are earned on everyday spending at different rates depending on the card and purchase category. The source notes that cardholders can redeem points across Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of over 30 brands and 10,000 destinations, or transfer them to over 40 airline partners.
| Card | Marriott Hotels (per USD) | Foreign Spend (per USD) | Domestic Spend (per USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Infinite | 8 points | 5 points | 3 points |
| Visa Signature | 3 points | 2 points | 1.5 points |
Both cards carry a 3.75% monthly profit rate, which the source describes as the Islamic finance equivalent of an interest rate. The source cautions that this rate is extremely high and advises cardholders to avoid carrying a balance. A significant foreign exchange charge also applies to non-AED transactions.
Executive Commentary
Amit Malhotra, Global Head of Retail Banking at ADIB, stated the partnership aims to connect with customer lifestyle aspirations. Andrew Watson, Chief Commercial Officer for EMEA at Marriott International, said the cards reflect a commitment to enhancing the travel journey for members in the highly engaged UAE travel community.
Salima Gutieva, Visa’s Vice President and Country Manager for the UAE, highlighted Visa's role in delivering a secure payment experience accepted at over 150 million merchants globally. The companies positioned the cards as tools for unlocking travel experiences and lifestyle privileges, including potential airport lounge access and dining offers.
More information is available at Adib.ae/Marriott.
