10+ Best Credit Card in UAE for December 2024

In our digital age, credit cards are necessary as they offer opportunities to make purchases without having cash on hand. In the UAE, numerous credit cards are available, all of which are excellent. However, finding the best credit card in UAE is difficult.

Credit cards help you purchase items, travel, or even dine without paying cash. Many credit cards, such as cashback, rewards, and travel cards, benefit cardholders differently in the form of cashback, discounts, or travel rewards.

Since there are many credit cards, the question arises which is the best?

This guide will list the 12 best credit card in UAE, the requirements, and the process to apply for credit cards in UAE.

Compare the best credit card in UAE

To choose the best credit card, you can compare credit cards in UAE, differencing their type, minimum salary required, and the key features of each credit card.

Credit Cards	Credit Card type	Minimum Salary	Key Features of Credit Cards
Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card	Travel Credit Card	7000	Free airport travel in UAE and the middle east
HSBC Platinum Select credit card	Air Miles Credit Card	10,000	Best Air miles rewards
FAB Visa Platinum Credit Card	Travel Credit Card	8000	Best Buy one Get one free reward
Emirates NBD Titanium Credit Card	Travel Credit Card	5000	1 point reward for every 100 AED purchase
Adib Cashback Visa Platinum	Cashback credit card	10000	Cash withdrawal up to 100% of cash limit
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card	Cashback credit card	5000	Up to 20% Cashback offers
Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit Card	Reward Credit Card	36,750	25,000 Airmiles as a sign-up bonus
Citi Cashback Credit Card	Cashback credit card	7000	Discounts on movie tickets and shopping
Standard Chartered Mastercard Platinum Card	Cashback credit card	5000	2% cash back on every purchase
CBD Super Saver Credit Card	Rewards Credit Card	8000	Up to 10% Cashback
Standard Chartered Manhattan Rewards+ Credit Card	Rewards credit card	10000	Rewards Points per expense
RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card	Cashback credit card	10000	5% Cashback on every purchase

12 best credit card in UAE for December 2024

We have compiled a list of twelve top credit cards in UAE to get you started. Check them out below.

1. Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card – Overall best credit card in UAE

Mashreq Platinum Elite credit card is mainly beneficial for people who like to travel frequently. Mashreq Platinum credit card provides Salaam points for every purchase you make, locally or internationally, which users can redeem for extra cashback or rewards. ^[1]Mashreq Platinum, “Salaam points, https://www.mashreqbank.com/en/uae/personal/cards/credit-cards/platinum-elite-credit-card/#:~:text=Salaam%20Points%20on,locally%20or%20abroad”

Another benefit of the Mashreq Platinum Elite credit card for travelers is lounge access. If you have at least spent AED 7,000 in the previous business cycle, you will get access to 1000 airport lounges which you can take advantage of up to 8 times in a year.

So if you find this card exciting and are considering acquiring it, you will have to earn at least AED 7,000 as minimum income to apply. Similarly, you need to pay an annual fee of AED 650 with 5% VAT for a primary credit card and AED 149 and 5% VAT for a supplementary card. You also have to pay 0.99% as a pay to protect insurance and 5% interest as a service charge on your monthly balance. ^[2]Mashreq Bank, “Fees and charges on a credit … Continue reading

Features of Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card

Let’s examine some more exciting features of the Mashreq Platinum Elite credit card.

• Get three free transfers from Abu Dhabi and Dubai airport every year.
• Get a 50% discount on every movie ticket.
• Freedom of buy now and pay later benefit.
• Free multi-trip travel insurance plan benefits.
• Get access to 8 free trips to fitness first per month.

2. HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card – Best credit card in UAE for air miles reward

The HSBC Platinum select credit card is easily accessible to people living in UAE. You will receive many exciting benefits and discounts if you are an HSBC Platinum credit card cardholder.

If you are a frequent traveler, you will get 1 Airmiles reward for every 4 AED you have spent. You will also get a 10 % discount on air tickets at British airways. Likewise, you can get over 10,000 dining offers and buy 1 get one free movie ticket offers from VOX cinemas to watch 2D, 3D, or 4D movies.

If you are looking forward to getting this card, you should be a UAE resident, over 21 years and your monthly salary must be at least 10,000 AED. ^[3]HSBC Platinum, “Minimum salary,https://www.hsbc.ae/credit-cards/products/visa-platinum-select/#:~:text=minimum%20monthly%20salary%20of%20AED%2010%2C000″

Features of HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card

Here are some fantastic features of the HSBC Platinum card.

• Get up to 30% discounts on dining and shopping at 19,000 outlets in 160 countries.
• No annual fees for a lifetime.
• Receive your HSBC credit card within 24 hours.
• Receive a 15% discount on flights from UAE to the UK, Canada, USA, etc.
• Save interest costs by transferring balances of another card to your HSBC credit card.

3. FAB Visa Platinum Credit Card

The FAB Visa Platinum credit card is a must-have for those who live and work in the UAE. One of the benefits of the card is that it gives you free access to more than 25 airport lounges worldwide. Additionally, you will also get free airport pick-up and drop services.

If you acquire a FAB Visa Platinum card, you will get a welcome bonus equal to your first annual fee; however, you have to spend it in the first 30 days. Additionally, if you spend 1 AED, then you will get 3 FAB rewards. ^[4]FAB Visa Platinum, “Welcome rewards, https://www.bankfab.com/en-ae/personal/cards/platinum-credit-card#:~:text=Rewarding%20in%20every%20way”

Once you acquire the FAB Visa Platinum card, you do not have to worry about security issues, as all FAB cards have advanced Chip and Pin technology. This technology will authenticate your transaction by confirming your personal PIN no.

To acquire this credit card, you must have a minimum salary of AED 8,000 monthly.

Features of FAB Visa Platinum Credit Card

Here are some more amazing features of this credit card.

• Buy one get one free movie ticket in VOX cinemas.
• Get free travel insurance if you use your FAB Platinum Visa Card to book your tickets.
• Get two free air tickets per.
• Two free airport transfers per year.
• Get hundreds of Visa and Mastercard offers.

4. Emirates NBD Titanium Credit Card

Emirates NBD Titanium credit card provides many amazing benefits for cardholders. Regarding benefits, whenever you spend AED 100, you will receive 1 Plus point.

For every spending on supermarkets, insurance, grocery, and car dealership, you will earn 0.4%, whereas 0.2% on utility, education, and real estate expenses.

Suppose you wish to acquire this credit card. In that case, you must earn a minimum salary of AED 5000 per month. Similarly, you need to submit documents like an Original copy of your passport and Emirates ID, a Trade license for non-individuals, Past month’s salary certificate, Bank statements for the last three months, and a security cheque. ^[5]Emirates NBD Titanium, “Requirements and Documents, … Continue reading

Features of Emirates NBD Titanium credit card

Here are some more exciting benefits of this card

• Get a 20% discount on dining at over 2000 restaurants.
• Get a 5% discount on air tickets.
• Get up to 10% discount on holiday packages.
• Enjoy a cash withdrawal of up to 50% of the credit limit.
• Get free access to over ten airport lounges throughout the Middle East.

5. Adib Cashback Visa Platinum – Best credit card in UAE for cash withdrawal

Another top credit card in UAE is ADIB Cashback Visa Platinum. This card gives you excellent cashback opportunities, usually 1% on each purchase, anytime, anywhere.

This card is beneficial for shopping and equally luxurious for travelers, as they can access airport lounges across the world with the help of the Veloce Lounge key.

To apply for this credit card you must pay an annual fee of AED 1,000. Additionally, you will also have to pay a monthly interest rate of 2.99% if your salary is transferred or 3.09% if it hasn’t. ^[6]ADIB Cashback credit, “Fees and charges,https://www.adib.ae/en/personal/cards/cashback-cards/adib-cashback-visa-platinum-card””

Features of ADIB Cashback credit card

Here are some more features of this credit card

• Repay your outstanding loan within 55 days grace period.
• Get four free supplementary cards for your family.
• Get discounts on all purchases and school expenses.
• Get free roadside assistance three times a year.
• Withdraw the maximum amount of cash that your credit limit will allow.

6. Mashreq Cashback Credit Card

The Mashreq Cashback credit card is one of the best credit cards in the UAE. If you apply for the Mashreq Cashback credit card for the first time, you will receive a welcome bonus of AED 500. However, if you already have another Mashreq credit card, you will receive a joining bonus of AED 100 when you apply for the Cashback credit card.

You can get tons of cashback rewards if you have this credit card which you can redeem from Mashreq Online Banking. However, your minimum spending must be AED 100 to get these cashback rewards.

To get this credit card, you must have a monthly income of AED 5000. Also, there are no annual fees, but you will have to pay 3.33% interest for the first six months. After that, it goes up to 3.69% each month. ^[7]Mashreq Cashback, “Monthly … Continue reading

Features of Mashreq Cashback credit card

Here are some more amazing features of the Mashreq Cashback credit card.

• Get 1% cash back on every local purchase and 2% on international expenses.
• Get up to 20% cashback on all Netflix and Zomato for the first six months.
• Earn 0.33% cash back on government payments, utilities, education, charity, fuel, rental, and telecom spending.
• Receive a 5% unlimited cash back on every dining expense.
• Get travel discounts up to AED 5,000.
• Buy now and pay later easy payment plan.

7. Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit Card

When you apply for the Emirates Citibank Ultima credit card, you will receive a metal credit cardholder. Moreover, this credit card benefits travelers as they can earn up to 2.5 skywards miles for every AED spent. However, if you spend on non-AED currency, you will only earn 1.5 skywards miles and only one skywards on every local currency expense. ^[8]Emirates Citibank, “Skywards Rewards,https://www1.citibank.ae/credit-cards/travel/emirates-citibank-ultima-mastercard#:~:text=Earn%20Skywards%20miles%20faster”

If you are excited about this credit card and are considering applying for an Emirates Citibank credit card, you must have a monthly income of AED 36,750 and pay an annual fee of AED 3,000. You must also be over 21 years old to apply for this credit card.^[9]EmiratesCitibankcreditcard, “Monthly income,https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/skywards/partners/citibank/#:~:text=Monthly%20income%20requirement%3A%20AED%2036%2C750″

When you first get this credit card, you will get 25,000 free skyward miles. Once you pay your annual fee in full, you will get 10,000 additional skywards miles which will help you get rewards and discounts when traveling.

Features of Emirates Citibank Ultima credit card

Here are some other enticing features and benefits of the Emirates Citibank Ultima credit card.

• Purchase now and pay later in short installments.
• Get a loan in cash with an instant click of a button.
• Get discounts on famous restaurants in 95 different countries.
• Get complimentary Buy 1, Get one movie tickets at VOX cinemas.
• With 150 free Voucherskout credits, you may save 50% on food delivery and dine-in expenses.
• Marhaba airport lounge meets and greets feature.

8. Citi Cashback Credit Card

The Citi cashback credit card is a great credit card to have in UAE. One of the best benefits of acquiring this credit card is getting many cashback offers.

You will receive 3 % cashback on non-AED spending, 2% cash back on supermarket spending, and 1 % cash back on all other spending. ^[10]Citi cashback, “Cashback offers, https://www1.citibank.ae/credit-cards/cashback/citi-cashback-credit-card#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20Citi%20Cashback%20Credit%20Card”

Interestingly, you do not have to pay any annual fee in the first year of applying for the card, and in the second year, if your expenses are below AED 9000, the annual fees are waived.

To get a Citi Cashback credit card, your minimum income must be AED 8,000, and you must be over 21 years old. Additionally, you must also submit the necessary documents in a valid Emirates ID, Passport, and UAE Visa copy. ^[11]Citibank.ae, “Eligibility, https://www1.citibank.ae/credit-cards/cashback/citi-cashback-credit-card#:~:text=More%20miles%2C%20less%20hassle”

Features of the Citi cashback credit card

Some more amazing features of the Citi cashback credit card are listed below.

• Get over 50% discount with 50 free VoucherSkout credits, and save on food delivery or dine-in.
• Get an Instant cash loan with the help of a credit card with a click of a button.
• Easy installment plan where you buy now and pay later in installments.
• Get the Tap n Pay feature, where you can pay without cash.
• Buy discounts on dining, shopping, and entertainment.

9. Standard Chartered Mastercard Platinum Card

Another top credit card in UAE is the Standard Chartered Cashback credit card. With this credit card, you will receive tons of amazing cashback offers, mainly 2% cashback on international spending and 1 % on local spending.

You can only apply for this credit card if you earn a minimum salary of AED 8000 and are over 21 years old. If you meet these requirements, submit your application with the required documents: A copy of your passport, visa, Emirates ID, and Salary Transfer Letter or Bank Statement/Salary Certificate. Refer. ^[12]Standard Chartered Cashback, “Required eligibility and documents, https://www.sc.com/ae/credit-cards/cashback/#:~:text=Application%20Eligibility,form%20for%20details”

Features of Standard Chartered Cashback Credit Card

Here are some more amazing features of the Standard Chartered Cashback credit card.

• Get buy 1 get one free coupon on Costa coffee.
• Get 30% off every travel purchase with the Cleartrip travel feature.
• Get huge cash discounts on hotels.com.
• With the DragonPass feature, you’ll get special savings of up to 20% off more than 200 airport restaurants worldwide.
• Get complimentary access to 1000+ airport lounges worldwide in over 300 cities with eight visits per year.

10. CBD Super Saver Credit Card

The CBD Super saver credit card is a new high-quality credit card from the CBD bank. This card is perfect for anyone who wants cashback on their purchases.

You can earn up to 10% Cashback on monthly utility bills, education payments, and supermarket purchases. You are also eligible for base cashback rates of 0.5% – 1% on rentals, insurance premiums, retail items, and restaurant tabs.

You must have a salary of 8000 AED to get this credit card. The annual charge for this card is AED 800. However, the first year of the card is free for all users. ^[13]CBD Super saver,”Minimum salary, https://www.cbd.ae/personal/borrow/credit-cards/super-saver#:~:text=minimum%20salary%20of%20AED%208%2C000%C2%A0″

Features of CBD Super Saver Credit Card

Some more enticing features of this credit card are listed below:

• If your costs reach AED 7,500 per month, you’ll receive four complimentary rounds of golf at Trump International Golf Club each month.
• Receive free Valtrans valet parking services at over 15 locations twice a month.
• Visit any of the 1,000+ airport lounges around the world up to 8 times per year – free of charge.
• Supplementary cards for a family over 15 years are free.
• You are entitled to a 50% discount on four cinema tickets at VOX, Reel, or Novo cinemas per month.

11. Standard Chartered Manhattan Rewards+ Credit Card 

The Standard Chartered Manhattan Rewards credit card is one of the best cards in the UAE. You will receive 360-degree reward points for every dollar you spend internationally or locally and access to airport lounges worldwide.

To get this card, you must be over 21 years old and have a minimum salary of AED 8,000. The required documents to apply are a copy of your Emirates ID, passport or visa, and salary transfer letter or bank statement. ^[14]Standard Chartered Bank, “Eligibility of credit card,https://www.sc.com/ae/credit-cards/manhattan-rewards/#:~:text=UAE%20Residents%20(Expats”

In terms of fees and charges, your annual fee will be free for the first year; however, you will be charged AED 525 for the second year. Additionally, you must pay a retail interest charge of 3.45% per month and AED 157 from the third supplementary card onwards. ^[15]Standard Chartered Manhattan, “Fees and Charge, https://www.sc.com/ae/credit-cards/manhattan-rewards/#:~:text=Annual%20fee%20for,3.45%25%20per%20month”

Features of Standard Chartered Manhattan Rewards Credit Card

Here are some more exciting features of this credit card.

• Purchase items with your earned and obtained reward points.
• Access to over 1,000 airport lounges for free eight times a year.
• Buy 1, Get one offer on Costa coffee.
• Buy 1, Get one offer on movie tickets at VOX cinemas.
• Enjoy VIP guest status over 900 international properties.
• With DragonPass, get up to 20% off your bill at any 200+ participating airport restaurants.

12. RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card

The RAKBANK Titanium credit card is regarded among the best in UAE as it offers many discounts and cashback on cafe, dining, takeaway, and traveling expenses.

You can earn up to 5% cashback on shopping and 50% on cinemas when you spend at least AED 5000. However, you will only earn a maximum cashback of AED 150 on supermarkets and dining and AED 70 on movie tickets. ^[16]RAKBANK Titanium Credit card, “Cashback rate,https://rakbank.ae/wps/portal/retail-banking/cards/personal/titanium-credit-card”

With this credit card, you will also get unlimited complimentary access to over 10 VIP lounges in airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Kuwait, and Jordan. Similarly, get tons of buy 1 get one free offers in various restaurants, supermarkets, dining, and entertainment venues across the middle east.

Features of RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card

Let’s look at some more enticing features of this credit card.

• Get 1 % standard cashback on expenses up to 14,999 and 2 % on AED 15,000 and over.
• Pay installments every 55 days instead of 30 days.
• Credit shield benefit.
• Get 20% off at Kidzania.
• Get an advance cash feature of up to 80% of your Credit Limit.
• Get up to 20% off Avis Car rental and a complimentary upgrade with every rental.
• Get free purchase protection and travel accident insurance.

How to apply for credit cards in UAE?

You might want to apply for a credit card in the UAE for several reasons. Maybe you want to build up your credit history, or perhaps you want to take advantage of the many perks and rewards that credit cards offer. Whatever your reason, applying for a credit card in the UAE is relatively simple. Let’s take a look at them.

You can visit your bank or go online to apply for a credit card. Many UAE banks encourage people to apply for online credit cards by issuing welcome bonuses, discounts, or cash back. Whatever the option, the process of applying for a credit card is relatively the same and straightforward. Please check them out below.

Step 1: The first process is to choose the credit card that offers the best benefits for you, whether it is rewards, cashback, shopping, or traveling.

Step 2: Now check the eligibility criteria to apply for the card, such as minimum age, salary, required documents

Step 3: Fill out the application form.

Step 4: Submit the application form along with the necessary documents

Step 5: If your application and documents are legit, you will receive your credit card.

Types of credit cards

Credit cards are becoming increasingly popular in the UAE, as they offer a convenient way to make purchases and earn rewards.

Different types of credit cards are available, each designed for a different type of user. Some cards are only for people who live in the UAE, while others are suitable for people who travel to foreign countries frequently. Some are suitable for discounts on dining, and cashback on shopping, while others are beneficial for taking loans or paying debts.

So let’s take an in-depth look .

Cashback credit cards

Cashback credit cards offer cash back on purchases made online or offline. However, the amount of cashback you get may vary from bank to bank, the amount spent on purchases, the types of items you purchase, and the number of purchases you are allowed to make.

Some popular cashback credit cards are CBD Super Saver Credit Card, Mashreq Cashback Credit Card, and Adib Cashback Visa Platinum.

Air Miles Credit Card

Air miles credit cards give people rewards for traveling through the air. Cardholders can earn loyalty points when they use their cards in airports. They can use these points to get discounts on air tickets in the United Arab Emirates.

Different types of Air Miles credit cards can be used in different ways. Some cards can only be used for airline miles, while others are airport lounge access credit cards used in airport lounges. However, these rewards are not related to air miles specifically.

Some Air Miles credit cards are Standard Chartered Manhattan Rewards+ Credit Card, RAKBANK Emirates Skywards World Elite, Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit Card,

Islamic credit card

Islamic credit cards are top-rated and popular in Islamic regions such as UAE. Normally, Islamic credit cards are just like other credit cards that provide cashback, rewards, and miles, but they must comply with Shariah law. Shariah law prohibits cards from being issued in interest or by overcharging.

You cannot use an Islamic credit card to pay for gambling, alcohol, or anything Islam forbids. The most famous Islamic credit cards used in the UAE are Etihad Guest Signature Card, Platinum Credit Card, and Gold.

Travel credit card

Travel credit cards are another type of credit card that provides loyalty rewards or prizes for traveling or making purchases related to travel.

Once you purchase many items, you will eventually accumulate points which can later be redeemed to get cheap deals on flights or hotel stays.

Some excellent travel credit cards in UAE are ADCB Traveller Credit Card, RAKBANK Mastercard World, CBD Smiles Visa Platinum, etc.

Zero credit card

If you have a zero percent interest rate, you can pay off your purchases over time without paying any interest. This is good because you will pay less in terms of the value you have taken the credit amount.

Zero credit card is mainly beneficial for businesses that make massive purchases now and can pay later on small investments amount. Some zero credit cards are HSBC Zero Credit Cards.

Fees for the best credit card in UAE

Credit card companies take various charges while issuing or after issuing credit cards. Let’s look at some fees you may have to pay when applying for your credit card.

Annual fee: Annual fees are a cost that your credit card provider charges you so that you can keep your account open.

Every year credit card companies or banks charge a certain fee to renew your credit card services. However, you do not have to pay any annual fees for some credit cards.

Late payment fee: You will have to pay a late payment fee if you do not pay your credit card bill. This can even make it more expensive if you continue to miss payments, as you may have to pay interest in addition to the late payment charges.

Cash advance fee: A cash advance fee is a fee you incur when you withdraw your cash instantly. The interest rate for this fee is from 3 to 5% per withdrawal. Cash advances are a great way to access quick cash, but they come with a price. The fees associated with cash advances can be costly, so it’s essential to understand what you’re getting into before you agree to one.

Returned Payment fee: If you do not have enough money in your account during the scheduled payment, your payment will be returned, and in return, you must pay the return payment fee, which varies from bank to bank.

Balance transfer fee: When you move debt from one credit card to another due to the balance transfer facility of a credit card, you’ll have to pay a fee. This fee is usually 3% to 5% of the monthly balance transfer amount.

Eligibility of Credit Card

The eligibility for a credit card is different according to different banks and the card type.

Generally, you will be eligible for a credit card in UAE if you fulfill the eligibility criteria listed below.

• The applicant must be above 21 years old.
• If you are a resident of the UAE.
• The annual fee of AED 5000 is mandatory.

More Related Stories

• If you are an ex-pat, check our guide on Best Credit Card in UAE for Expat.
• Similarly, if you are looking for cash back in flights and airports or just regular cash back at various places, check these guides – the best credit card for flight booking in UAE and the best cashback credit card in UAE.
• Or, check our guide on the best credit card for low income in UAE if you are looking for minimum salary requirement credit cards.

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FAQs

Final thoughts

There are many credit cards to choose from, depending on your preference. If you ever wanted to know which is the best credit card in UAE, we hope our guide gave you sufficient answers.

However, the easy way to find which card is the best is to compare credit cards in UAE based on rewards, fees, charges, and required salary.

Share this guide with your friends and family if you find it helpful.