Expats are people from other countries who live in the UAE. If you’re an ex-pat currently living in UAE, finding a credit card suitable for you can be challenging, so that you might be looking for the best credit card for expats in UAE.
This guide will help you find the top credit card for expats in UAE to choose the right one. We will also cover how to apply for these credit cards.
So, if you want to find out which is the best credit card for ex-pats in UAE, keep reading until the end.
Compare the best credit card for expats in UAE
You can compare credit cards for expats in UAE from the following table.
| Name | Type | Minimum Salary | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Platinum Card | Travel card | 10,000 | Modern pin and chip technology to secure transfer |
| Emirates NBD Titanium Card | Cashback Credit card | 5,000 | Earn 1 point for every AED spent |
| Standard Chartered Bank Platinum Credit Card | Shopping Credit card | 5,000 | Unlimited cashbacks on unlimited spend |
| RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card | Shopping credit card | 8,000 | No Annual fee ever |
| HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card | Rewards Credit card | 5,000 | Complimentary HSBC Entertainer application |
| Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card | Rewards Credit card | 7,000 | Feature of pay protection |
| Citi Cashback Credit Card | Cashback credit card | 8000 | Get Automatic Cashback offers |
| Standard Chartered Platinum Visa Credit Card | Shopping Credit card | 5,000 | No need to have bank account |
| Emirates Islamic Skywards Infinite Credit Card | Travel credit card | 25,000 | Up to 2 Skywards Miles per USD |
| NAJM One Cashback Credit Card | Cashback credit card | 8,000 | 55 days and you will need to pay at least 5% or 100 AED interest |
| Standard Chartered Platinum X Card | Travel Credit Card | 5,000 | Easy payment plan as you can pay in small installments |
| FAB Gems Titanium Credit Card | Rewards Credit Card | 5,000 | Complete reimbursements on children’s school fees |
12 best credit card for expats in UAE
If you are looking to find some of the best credit cards for ex-pats in UAE, it may be tricky. However, to get you started, we have compiled a list of some of the best ones down below.
1. ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Platinum Card
The ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Platinum credit card is a great way to save money and get discounts on travel and shopping. One of the best benefits of the ADIB Etihad card is that you can also earn miles every time you use it. When you sign up for the card, you will receive a bonus of 250,000 Etihad Guest miles that you can use to get exciting travel discounts and air tickets. [1]ADIB Etihad Guest, “Bonus rewards, https://www.adib.ae/en/personal/cards/etihad-cards/adib-etihad-visa-platinum-card#:~:text=250%2C000%20Etihad%20Guest%20Miles”
Similarly, you can earn up to 3 Etihad Guest Miles for every AED 4 you spend on your ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Platinum Card. You can earn a maximum of 100,000 Miles each month this way. However, you must pay an annual fee of AED 2,000 to apply for the credit card. [2]ADIB, “Annual fee, https://www.adib.ae/en/personal/cards/etihad-cards/adib-etihad-visa-platinum-card#:~:text=Covered%20Card%20Annual%20Fee%202000″
Features
- Pay your annual fees with your earned Etihad Guest Miles.
- Access to over 850 VIP airport lounges via lounge key.
- Free roadside assistance three times a year.
- Get a free companion ticket voucher if a minimum of AED 150,000 is spent.
- Buy now, pay later payment plan.
- Get free valet parking services at select partner locations.
2. Emirates NBD Titanium Card
Emirates NBD is another amazing cashback and discount credit card in UAE. With the help of this credit card, you will be access to discounts of up to 20% at over 2000 restaurants around UAE.
If you are eager to get a hand on this credit card, you must earn a minimum salary of AED 5000, and your job loss cover for the past twelve months must be AED 60,000. [3]Emirates NBD, “Minimum salary, … Continue reading
Features
- Complimentary access to airport lounges across ten countries.
- 5 to 10 % discounts on air tickets and holiday packages.
- Contactless shopping or payments with compatible phones such as Google pay, Apple pay, and more.
- Buy 1 get one offer on thousands of brands in the middle east and Africa.
- Get a 40% discount on golf courses in over 100 different locations.
3. Standard Chartered Bank Platinum Credit Card
The Standard Chartered Bank Platinum Credit Card is among the UAE’s best credit cards for foreigners. This card is the ultimate cashback card, as you can get unlimited 1 % cashback on domestic and 2 % on international expenses with no minimum spending. [4]Standard Chartered Bank, “Cashback offers, https://www.sc.com/ae/credit-cards/platinum/#:~:text=Never%20stop%20earning%20cashback%20on%20everyday%20spends”
So if you are excited about the Standard Chartered credit card and decide to acquire it, you must earn a minimum monthly income of at least AED 5,000 and be 21 to 60 years old. If you are eligible, you have to submit a Copy of your passport and Visa copy, Emirates ID card, Salary Transfer Letter, or Bank Statement/Salary Certificate. [5]Standard Chartered, “Eligibility and Documents, https://www.sc.com/ae/credit-cards/platinum/#:~:text=Eligibility%20%26%20Documents”
Features
- Unlimited free access to twenty domestic and international airport lounges.
- Get 50% off on Expedia when you spend a minimum of USD 1200.
- Get a 20% discount on every Careem ride.
- Cashless payments from your mobile phone with Apple pay and Samsung pay.
- Fixed payment plan payable up to 48 months period.
- Get up to 30% discount on travel with Cleartrip.
- Purchase online securely thanks to 3D Secure TM powered by VISA and Mastercard.
4. RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card
The RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card is one of the UAE’s best credit cards for ex-pats. One of the best benefits of the RAKBANK credit card is the cashback opportunities. You can earn up to 50% cashback on movie tickets and 5% on shopping and dining when you spend at least AED 5000. [6]RAKBANK Titanium Credit card, “Cashback rate, https://rakbank.ae/wps/portal/retail-banking/cards/personal/titanium-credit-card”
Regarding standard cashback, you will get 1% on expenses up to 14,999 and 2 % on cashback on expenses more than 15,000. However, the maximum cashback amount must not exceed AED 1500. To redeem cashback for the Titanium card, you must have an accumulated AED 100 or more balance. [7]RAKBANK Titanium Credit, “Standard cashback, https://rakbank.ae/wps/portal/retail-banking/cards/personal/titanium-credit-card”
In terms of charges, there are no annual fees; however, you have to pay a minimum monthly payment of 3%. [8]RAKBANK Titanium card, “Fees and Interest,https://rakbank.ae/wps/portal/retail-banking/cards/personal/titanium-credit-card”
Features
- Get 15% discounts on IHG Hotels and Resorts
- Get credit without interest for 55 days.
- Receive a cash advance of up to 80% of your limit.
- Unlimited access to over 10 VIP lounges in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kuwait, Jordan, and Cairo airports.
- 20% discounts on Avis car rental booking.
- Buy now, pay later feature with 0% interest.
5. HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card
The HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card is a great credit card for people who live in UAE. This card gives you 1 Airmiles reward for every 4 AED you spend. You also get a 10% discount on British Airways tickets. [9]HSBC Platinum, “benefits, https://www.hsbc.ae/credit-cards/products/visa-platinum-select/#:~:text=Why%20choose%C2%A0a%20Platinum%20Select%20Credit%20Card%3F”
To acquire this credit card, you must earn a minimum salary of at least AED 10,000, be a UAE resident, and be over 21 years old. [10] HSBC Platinum, “Minimum salary, https://www.hsbc.ae/credit-cards/products/visa-platinum-select/#:~:text=monthly%20salary%20of%20AED%2010%2C000″
Furthermore, the balance transfer feature of the HSBC Platinum credit card is exceptional as you do not have to pay any interest while transferring the balance from your other cards to the HSBC Platinum card. [11]HSBC cashback, Balance transfer, “https://www.hsbc.ae/credit-cards/products/visa-platinum-select/#:~:text=Convenience-,Balance%20transfers,-Transfer%20balances%20from”
Features
- With Dragonpass’s dining and travel program, you may dine at over 200+ restaurants in 100+ countries.
- Enjoy delicious meals at over 400 restaurants at a 30% discount.
- Get over 10,000 offers across dining, leisure, retail, and wellness. That includes over 260 delivery offers.
- Get up to 10% off airfares on British airways.
- HSBC Entertainment mobile app feature to get discounts on dining and VOX cinemas.
- Complementary supplementary cards for your friends and family.
6. Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card
Mashreq Platinum card is one of the best credit cards for ex-pats in UAE that provides many features. If you get a Mashreq Credit Card for the first time, you will get an AED 2000 welcome bonus. If you already have another Mashreq credit card, you will get an AED 200 bonus. [12]Mashreq Platinum Elite, “Welcome bonus, … Continue reading
Likewise, you must pay annual fees of AED 650 + 5% VAT for primary credit cards and AED 149 + 5% VAT for supplementary cards. You also have to pay 0.99% as pay to protect insurance and 5% interest as a service charge on your monthly balance. [13]Mashreq Bank, “Fees and charges on a credit card, … Continue reading
If you are still excited about acquiring a Mashreq Platinum credit card, you must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 7,000. [14]Mashreq, “Minimum salary, … Continue reading
Features
- Access to over 1,000 airport lounges across the globe.
- Enjoy 0% interest rates on every purchase.
- Up to 8 visits a month in your complimentary visits to Fitness First.
- Earn salaam points on all expenses in UAE or abroad.
- Get Free airport services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Enjoy 50% discounts on all VOX, NOVO, and Reel movie tickets.
7. Citi Cash Back Credit Card
The Citi Cashback credit card is one of the UAE’s top credit cards for ex-pats. One of the best benefits of acquiring this credit card is its cashback opportunities.
You will receive 3% cashback when you spend on non-AED expenditure, 2% cashback when you spend money in supermarkets, and 1% cashback when you spend money on other expenses. [15]Citi cashback, “Cashback offers, https://www1.citibank.ae/credit-cards/cashback/citi-cashback-credit-card#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20Citi%20Cashback%20Credit%20Card”.
To get this card, you must be over 21 years old and have a minimum salary of AED 8,000. If you fulfill these eligibility criteria, just submit documents such as a valid Emirates ID, Passport, and UAE Visa copy. [16]Citibank, “Eligibility, https://www1.citibank.ae/credit-cards/cashback/citi-cashback-credit-card#:~:text=More%20miles%2C%20less%20hassle”
Features
- Get 50% off food delivery or dine-in bills at over 500 outlets with 50 free VoucherSkout credits.
- Easy installment plan where you buy now and pay later in installments.
- Get cashback on Careem rides, cinema discounts, and more.
- Get access to airport lounges in the UAE, the middle east, and worldwide.
8. Standard Chartered Platinum Visa Credit Card
The Standard Chartered Cashback credit card is an excellent option for expats seeking cashback offers. You’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases made outside of the UAE and 1% cash back on purchases made inside the UAE.
If you want this credit card, you need to do the following: earn a minimum salary of AED 8000 and be at least 21 years old. If you meet these requirements, you can apply with the required documents. This includes a copy of your passport, visa, Emirates ID, Salary Transfer Letter, or Bank Statement/Salary Certificate Referral form (if applicable.) [17]Standard Chartered Cashback, “Required eligibility and documents, https://www.sc.com/ae/credit-cards/cashback/#:~:text=Application%20Eligibility,form%20for%20details”
Features
- Receive a “buy 1 get one free coupon on Costa coffee.
- Get complimentary access to 1000+ airport lounges worldwide in over 300 cities with eight visits per year.
- Get 30% off every travel purchase with the Cleartrip travel feature.
- With the DragonPass feature, you’ll get special savings of up to 20% off more than 200 airport restaurants worldwide.
9. Emirates Islamic Skywards Infinite Credit Card
Emirates Islamic is one of the UAE’s best credit cards for ex-pats. This credit card is perfect for getting travel miles and skyward miles. For every USD spent, you will receive 2.5 Skywards and upgrade your account to Skywards Silver Membership which provides even more travel benefits.
You will also get a welcome bonus of 75,000 skywards miles immediately after joining the Emirates Islamic Skywards credit card and complimentary access to 1000+ airport lounges. [18]Emirates Islamic Skywards, “Benefits, … Continue reading
In terms of fees and interests, you do not have to pay any annual fee; however, you have to pay an interest rate of 3.49 monthly profit. [19]Emirates Islamic Skywards, “Fees and interest, https://www.emiratesislamic.ae/eng/soc/cards/#:~:text=Emirates%20Islamic%20Expo%20Credit%20Card”
Features
- Enjoy up to 3 “Buy 1 Get 1” complimentary Reel cinemas movie tickets each month if your monthly minimum spending is AED 5,000.
- 5% cashback on all travel-related purchases
- 2% discount on clubs in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
- You and one guest can access over 1000 airport lounges for free.
- Enjoy up to 2 complimentary Marhaba Meet & Greet services per year if the minimum monthly spending is AED 5,000.
10. NAJM One Cash back Credit CarARE
The NAJM One credit card is among the best in the UAE and the world. It offers exclusive travel benefits and cashback on shopping and other expenses for expats.
As your number of transactions increases, you will receive more cashback., which is the only feature of NAJM’s one cashback card. [20]NAJM One Cashback, “Cashback offers, … Continue reading
Features
- Get direct cashback credited to your bank account
- 30% off on dining, shopping, travel, and entertainment experiences from over 450 partners around UAE.
- Get up to 10% cashback on any spending anywhere in the world.
- Automatically extended warranty period up to a year.
11. Standard Chartered Platinum X Card
Standard Chartered Platinum X card is another top credit card for ex-pats in UAE. As you don’t have to pay an annual fee to get a Standard Chartered Platinum credit card. With this card, you can get 10% cashback on online, foreign, and mobile wallets. [21]Standard Chartered Platinum X, “Cashback offers, https://www.sc.com/ae/credit-cards/platinum-x-cashback/#:~:text=You%20can%20now%20save%20up%20to%2010%25″
To apply for the Standard Chartered card, you must have a salary of AED 5000 and be at least over 21 years old. [22]Standard Chartered Bank, “Eligibility and Documents, https://www.sc.com/ae/credit-cards/platinum-x-cashback/#:~:text=Eligibility%20%26%20Documents”
Regarding charges, Standard Chartered, you have to pay annual fees of AED 525 from the second year, an Annual supplementary card charge of AED 105 from the third card, and a finance charge of 3.45% per month. [23]Standard Chartered, “Fees and Charge,https://www.sc.com/ae/credit-cards/platinum-x-cashback/#:~:text=FIND%20OUT%20MORE-,Fees%20and%20charges,-Fees%20and%20charges”
Features
- Get an instant loan equal to the available credit limit.
- Cardholders can make digital payments through the mobile app or tap-and-go feature.
- Get a 30% discount on travel on the Cleartrip with Mastercard.
- Pay with Apple pay, Google pay, and Samsung pay without touching your wallet.
12. FAB Gems Titanium Credit Card
The FAB Gems Titanium Credit Card falls under one of the best credit cards for ex-pats in UAE. One of the best attractions of the FAB Gems credit card is the 4.25% discount on school fees when you pay school fees in advance with the credit card.
In addition, you will receive an easy payment plan with 0 interest for school fees and an education Protection cover of AED 500,000 per child. [24]FAB Gems, “Discount on School fees, https://www.bankfab.com/en-ae/personal/cards/gems-titanium#:~:text=Back%20to%20Cards-,GEMS%20Titanium%20Credit%20Card,-Up%20to%204.25″
If you want to acquire this credit card, you only have a salary of AED 5000 to apply for this card. [25]FAB Gems Credit card, Minimum salary, https://www.bankfab.com/en-ae/personal/cards/gems-titanium#:~:text=terms%20and%20conditions.-,Min%20Monthly%20Salary,-AED%205%2C000″
Features
- Transfer other credit card balances to FAB card to clear debts.
- Get two movie tickets per month for AED 15 during weekdays and AED 20 during weekends at Cine Royal, Reel Cinemas, and Oscar Cinema.
- Access to over ten airport lounges in the middle east without prior booking.
- Get 2.5 FAB Rewards for every 1 AED expense.
How to apply for the best credit card for expats in UAE?
If you want to apply for a credit card, you need to follow some steps. Let’s take a look at what you need to do.
Step 1: To apply for a credit card, you need to meet the eligibility criteria, which are:
- The minimum age must be 21 years old
- The applicant must be a United Arab Emirates resident.
- The minimum salary must be AED 5000.
Step 2: You must submit all the documents required, such as ID Proof, address proof, proof of income, and proof of valid residency.
Step 3: Submit a Memorandum of Association for business or employee salary slips.
Step 4: Apply for the credit card that is best for you.
Related Stories
- Check our complete guide on the best credit card in UAE.
- Similarly, if you are looking for cash back at various places, check our guide – the best cash back credit card in UAE.
- Or, check our guide on the best low income credit card in UAE if you are looking for minimum salary requirement credit cards.
FAQs
Can expats get a credit card in Dubai?
Yes, Ex-pats can get a credit card in Dubai. They must be eligible for the credit card and must follow the same procedure to apply for the credit card.
Which bank gives credit card easily in UAE?
RAKBANK gives credit cards in UAE as they do not have annual fees. They also do not charge any unnecessary purchases or traveling costs. Furthermore, the bank offers a quick turnaround for credit card approvals – usually within 48 hours.
Which is the best credit card for expats in UAE?
The best credit card for ex-pats in UAE is ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Platinum Cardfor its amazing discounts on traveling, shopping, and even school fees. ADIB cards also offer extra perks, such as free roadside assistance and access to over 850 VIP airport lounges. This is great for ex-pats, as they like to keep traveling.
Which are the best credit cards for foreigners in UAE?
The best credit cards for foreigners in UAE are RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card, HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card, and more. Many foreigners want to be secure about their online purchases, so they prefer Advance chip and pin technology which protects them while buying online products.
Final thoughts
It is essential to know the best credit card for expats in UAE. Since there are many options to choose from, we hope our compilation gave you some idea of how and where to get started.
Credit cards are necessary for ex-pats as it is easier to buy or pay for goods and services without searching for cash.
This guide can also be helpful for ex-pats who are wondering how to apply for credit cards and what the requirements are, as you can find all the answers above.
So if you are familiar with some of the top credit card for expats in UAE, please share this with your friends and family.
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About the author
Mohamed Yousuf
Mohamed Yousuf is a personal financial advisor based in the UAE. He helps people save money, shop smarter, and manage their finances. He has over a decade of experience as a financial adviser and is committed to helping his clients reach their financial goals. He is also actively involved in the community, volunteering his time to help those in need.
