Masdar and First Gulf Bank launch eco-friendly credit card

The Abu Dhabi bank will contribute up to 0.6 per cent of the value of each transaction towards a fund that supports environmental projects.

First Gulf Bank Masdar Card’s Platinum benefits include premium upgrades at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. Ravindranath K / The National

It seems that green is good in the world of retail banking products these days, with First Gulf Bank (FGB) and Masdar launching a co-branded environmentally friendly credit card in the Emirates.

The Abu Dhabi lender says the biodegradable First Gulf Bank Masdar Card will allow users to become more involved in environmentally sustainable initiatives.

For every purchase on the card, which is available in either the Infinite or Platinum premium categories, FGB will contribute on behalf of the customer up to 0.6 per cent of the transaction value towards a fund that supports environmental and sustainable projects.

The card offers a First Green Rewards loyalty programme, which will allow users to earn up to 1.5 First Green points for every dirham spent and can be redeemed against a variety of eco-friendly products or green merchants.

"We are inspired by the great vision of our leaders to offer socially conscious products and initiatives that meet genuine needs of the environment," says Andre Sayegh, the bank's chief executive. "At FGB, we believe that every product should benefit the community and address the basic issues of health, education and financial literacy and are proud to add First Gulf Bank Masdar Credit Card to our range of innovative and environmentally conscious products."

The card, which is to be launched at next week's World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, also offers the usual Infinite and Platinum benefits, such as premium upgrades at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Hilton Honors gold memberships, global airport lounge access and discounts at Harrods in Knightsbridge, London.

"The card will enable the local community to be more engaged in contributing to the UAE's environmental protection and sustainable development, which lies at the heart of leadership's objectives," says Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the chief executive of Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company.

Go to www.fgb.ae for details.