Best Credit Cards in UAE
Choosing the right credit card in the UAE can feel overwhelming with so many options available. You want a card that rewards your spending, fits your lifestyle, and offers real value without hidden costs. This guide breaks down the top credit cards in the UAE to help you find the perfect match.
How to Choose the Right Credit Card in the UAE
Before jumping to the best cards, think about what you need. A great card for one person might not be right for you. Keep these three simple things in mind.
Know Your Spending Habits
Do you spend most of your money on groceries, dining out, or travel? Match the card’s rewards to your spending. A cashback card is great for daily expenses, while a travel card is perfect for frequent flyers.
Check the Salary Requirement
Most credit cards in the UAE have a minimum monthly salary requirement. Be sure to check this before you apply to avoid having your application rejected. These can range from AED 5,000 to over AED 30,000 per month.
Understand the Fees
Some of the best cards come with an annual fee. Make sure the benefits you get from the card are worth more than the fee you pay. Also, look out for foreign transaction fees if you travel often.
Top Credit Cards in the UAE: A Quick Comparison
Here is a quick look at some of the best options available right now. This table helps you compare them easily.
Card Name Best For Minimum Salary (AED) Key Perk
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Air Miles 30,000 Fast-track to Emirates Skywards Silver Tier
FAB Cashback Credit Card Cashback 5,000 Up to 5% cashback, uncapped
ADCB 365 Cashback Card Everyday Savings 5,000 Cashback on groceries, dining, and utilities
HSBC Black Credit Card Luxury & Travel 40,000 Unlimited airport lounge access for 2 people
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Best for Earning Air Miles
If you love to travel, an airline credit card is a must-have. These cards help you earn miles on your daily spending, which you can use for free flights and upgrades.
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Card
This is the ultimate card for frequent flyers with Emirates. While the salary requirement is high, the benefits are unmatched for travelers.
Earn Miles Fast: Get up to 2 Skywards Miles for every USD 1 spent.
Instant Silver Status: Enjoy Emirates Skywards Silver Tier membership, giving you extra baggage and priority check-in.
Lounge Access: Get unlimited complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide for you and a guest.
For the latest terms and to see if you qualify, it’s best to visit the official Emirates NBD website.
Best for Getting Cashback
Cashback cards give you a percentage of your spending back as real money. They are simple, straightforward, and perfect for saving on everyday expenses.
FAB Cashback Credit Card
This card is a fantastic choice because its cashback is not limited. The more you spend, the more you earn, with no caps.
High Cashback Rates: Earn 5% on supermarket and fuel spending, 2% on utilities, and 1% on everything else.
No Cap: Unlike other cards, there is no limit to how much cashback you can earn each month.
Low Salary Requirement: It’s accessible to more people with a minimum salary of just AED 5,000.
Check the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) website for the most current offers and details.
Best for Lifestyle & Everyday Perks
Some cards offer a mix of benefits that fit a modern lifestyle, from movie tickets to dining discounts.
ADCB 365 Cashback Credit Card
This card from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) is designed for your daily life in the UAE. It offers great savings where you spend the most.
Focused Savings: Get 3% cashback at supermarkets and groceries, and 2% on utility bill payments.
Cinema Perks: Enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free offer on movie tickets at VOX Cinemas.
Easy to Get: The low salary requirement makes it a popular choice for many residents.
Final Tips Before You Apply
Getting a new credit card is a big financial step. Make sure you are ready by following these final tips.
Read the Fine Print: Always review the terms and conditions, especially regarding interest rates and late payment fees.
Look for Welcome Offers: Many banks offer huge welcome bonuses, like thousands of air miles or hundreds of dirhams in cashback for new customers.
Check Your Credit Score: A good credit score with the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) will increase your chances of approval for the best cards.
By matching a card’s benefits to your personal spending, you can unlock amazing rewards and make your money work harder for you.