FAB Rewards explained: how to earn, redeem and avoid point expiry is essential reading for anyone using First Abu Dhabi Bank’s cards and banking products in the UAE.
Understanding how FAB’s loyalty program works can make a big difference in your effective returns.
In this guide, you will learn how to accumulate Reward points, the various ways you can redeem them, what rules govern point expiration, and strategies to ensure that your hard-earned points don’t go to waste.
What Is FAB Rewards?
FAB Rewards is the loyalty programme offered by First Abu Dhabi Bank, where customers earn points for eligible banking activities and card spending.
You can earn FAB Rewards through credit and debit card transactions, account balances, and sometimes via financing products like personal, auto, or home loans when processed via FAB’s digital channels.
The programme includes redemption options like cashback, vouchers, travel-related benefits, miles conversions, and shopping via the dedicated FAB Rewards Shop.
There is also a FAB Islamic version of the rewards programme, which applies to Islamic banking products and gives rewards based on different spending categories.
How to Earn FAB Rewards
Here are the main ways users in the UAE can earn FAB Rewards:
Card Spending:
Most common path: using your FAB credit or debit card for purchases. You earn points per AED spent.
Rates differ depending on card type, whether the spending is domestic or international, and whether it falls into special categories.
For instance, under the FAB Islamic scheme, certain spending categories such as beauty or fragrance earn higher rewards (for example, 15 rewards per AED 1), while general spending in AED might earn 5 rewards.
Account Balances & Bank Products:
FAB Rewards can also accrue from maintaining certain account balances or using FAB’s digital banking channels, and from loans or finance products initiated via FAB’s digital banking.
Promotional Bonuses:
Occasionally, FAB runs promotions awarding bonus points for particular actions such as registering digital banking, making a transfer, or meeting spending thresholds.
How to Redeem FAB Rewards
Once you accumulate points, here are the main redemption options available in the UAE:
- Cashback: Convert rewards into cashback credited to your card statement. Minimum redemption typically happens in multiples (e.g. AED 50).
- Vouchers / Gift Cards / Shopping: Redeem points for vouchers or goods in the FAB Rewards Shop. You can also combine points + card payment (FlexPay). Often at least 5% of payment must be in points.
- Offset / “Pay with FAB Rewards”: Use rewards to reimburse past purchases or apply them directly at checkout in partner stores.
- Utility / Bill Payments: Pay bills (water, electricity, telecom, Salik) with points if eligible.
- Miles & Travel Benefits: Convert FAB Rewards to Emirates Skywards or Etihad Guest miles through exchange partners.
- Instant Point-of-Sale Redemption: Use points at participating partner merchants directly at checkout.
Avoiding Point Expiry
Expiry Policy
FAB Rewards points typically have an expiration date. Some sources indicate they expire after about three years from the date earned.
The FAB app/dashboard includes a “History” or “Rewards expiring soon” section to track points nearing expiry.
Strategies to Prevent Expiry
- Redeem regularly instead of waiting to accumulate large balances.
- Redeem for small vouchers early.
- Stay active with weekly/monthly transactions.
- Monitor expiry alerts via app notifications.
- Convert to miles or stable assets before expiry.
- Use points for everyday bills or purchases.
Examples & Tips for Maximizing FAB Rewards
- Use FAB cards on categories with higher multipliers (beauty, fragrance, travel).
- Redeem via Rewards Shop with FlexPay for large purchases.
- Leverage promotional bonuses.
- Convert to airline miles if you travel often.
- Avoid letting points expire expired rewards usually cannot be recovered.
- Check points-to-value ratio before redeeming for maximum benefit.
Conclusion
When you follow FAB Rewards explained: how to earn, redeem and avoid point expiry, you can fully leverage the benefits of the FAB loyalty program in the UAE.
By wisely earning points through card spending, account balances, and promotional offers, and then choosing the right redemption path be it cashback, vouchers, utility offsets, or miles you maximize value.
Most importantly, understanding and acting before your points expire is critical. Use them proactively, keep an eye on expiration alerts, and redeem smartly so your rewards don’t vanish into thin air.