Best Credit Card in UAE for January 2020

A credit card is indeed a very useful financial instrument that acts as a savior when you don’t have enough cash in your wallet. Be it travelling, shopping, or fulfilling in any other financial requirements, this plastic instrument stands by you especially when the cash in hand and at bank become null & void. And when you look at the list of credit cards available in the UAE market, it is uncountable. There is a wide range of credit cards right from travel credit cards and cash back credit cards to rewards credit cards, balance transfer credit cards, and more.

In such a case, opting for the best credit card can be a very daunting task as each credit card come with its own set of features & benefits. Considering this difficulty in mind, we have come with a list of best credit cards in UAE based on their key features and benefits we think these cards are the most appropriate cards for the different set of needs. So, take a glimpse of this elusive list of credit cards and choose the best credit card that suits your spending habits and lifestyle needs the most.

List of Best Credit Cards in the UAE (January 2020)

Here are the best credit cards in UAE, categorized with cashback, travel rewards, cinema offers, rewards and balance transfer features.

Cashback Credit Cards

• Citibank Citi Cashback Credit Card
• Standard Chartered Platinum Credit Card
• RAK BANK Titanium Credit Card
• CBD Super Saver Credit Card
• Najm Platinum Plus Cashback Credit Card

Travel Credit Cards

• ADCB Traveller Credit Card
• Najm Voyager Signature Credit Card
• ADIB Etihad Visa Platinum Credit Card
• Deem MasterCard Platinum Miles Up Credit Card
• Emirates NBD Skywards Signature Credit Card

Cinema Offers Credit Cards

• Mashreq Novo Credit Card
• Emirates NBD Go4it Gold Card
• CBD Smiles Visa Signature Credit Card
• RAKBANK World Credit Card
• Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit Card

Rewards & Offers Credit Cards

• ADCB Touchpoint Infinite Credit Card
• ADIB Value+ Credit Card
• HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card
• Emirates Islamic Flex Elite Credit Card

Balance Transfer Credit Cards

• Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card
• HSBC Black Credit Card
• Emirates Islamic Skywards Infinite Credit Card
• ADCB Etihad Guest Platinum Credit Card
• Deem MasterCard Titanium Cash Up Credit Card

Best Cash back Credit Cards in the UAE

Cash back credit card is a rewarding credit card that pays its card member back some percentage of their purchases or transactions in the form of cash. Few banks offer a credit back to the card account while some bank provides the card member an option of redeeming the cash back points for discounts, offers, and other services. Cash back can be offered either monthly or annually. Well, it may vary from one bank to another.

Now, let’s have a look at some of the best cash back credit cards available in the UAE:

1. Citibank Citi Cashback Credit Card

Citi Cashback credit card is one of the best cash back credit cards that you can choose in order to make the most of your every spending.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• Unlimited automatic cash back on all spends.
• 3% cash back on foreign spend
• 2% cash back on local spend
• 1% cash back on all other spends
• There is no minimum spend, no caps, and no redemption process with this card.
• Access to more than 1,000 airport lounges globally on a complimentary basis.
• 50 complimentary VoucherSkout offering the 50% off on total bills at more than 500 outlets (i.e. worth AED 250).

Annual Membership Fee: AED 300*

*Free for the first year. The annual fee is waived from the second year onwards upon meeting the minimum spend requirement.

Minimum Monthly Income: AED 8000

2. Standard Chartered Platinum Credit Card

Standard Chartered Platinum Credit Card is among the best credit card in UAE for cash back. It enables its card members to earn up to 10% cash back on everyday spends from supermarket shopping to utility bills, including school fees.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 10% cash back on utility bills, school fees, and supermarket spend.
• Unlimited free access to more than 20 domestic & international airport lounges.
• Buy one get one free at Costa Coffee
• Can avail three 20% discounted Careem rides every month
• A maximum of 30% discount on travel with Cleartrip
• A maximum of 10% discount when booked through Hotels.com

Annual Membership Fee: AED 525

Minimum Monthly Income: AED 5000

3. RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card

RAKBANK Titanium credit card offers umpteen benefits and rewards that are unmatched by any other credit card in the UAE. More than that, it offers high cash back on everyday purchases.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 5% cash back on dining and supermarket spends globally
• A maximum of 50% cash back on cinema spends globally
• 2% cash back can be earned on all local and international retail purchase transactions, internet transactions & international cash advances.
• A maximum of 55 days no interest credit
• Exciting offers on jewellery, dining, furnishing, holidays, electronics, furnishing, and a lot more.
• Unlimited free access to more than 10 VIP airport lounges in certain airports.

Annual Membership Fee: Free for life                     

4. CBD Super Saver Credit Card

CBD is amongst the best credit card in UAE for cash back. It allows its card member to accumulate cash back on all qualifying transactions on their card during the calendar month.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 10% cash back can be earned on retail spend categories that include bills, transport, supermarket, and education, capped at AED 200 per category every month.
• A maximum of 1% cash back can be earned on every AED 2 on all other spends with no caps.
• 50% off on movie tickets booked through VOX Cinemas throughout the UAE.
• Complimentary Valtrans valet parking two times every month
• Up to 8 free visits at 1000+ airport lounges globally through LoungeKey in a calendar year.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 840*

*Free for the first year. Annual membership will be applicable only from the second year onwards.

Minimum Monthly Income: AED 8000

5. Najm Platinum Plus Cashback Credit Card

The Najm Cash Back Platinum Plus Credit Card is one of the most rewarding cards that is available for everyday spending purpose. Loaded with a wide range of exclusive benefits and privileges, this card is offered at low annual fees.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 10% cash back at Carrefour and 5% cash back everywhere else for the initial two months.
• 6% cash back can be earned at Carrefour every Tuesday.
• 3% cash back can be earned at Carrefour every day.
• 5% cash back can be earned everywhere Visa Cards are accepted.
• Monthly cash back savings a maximum of AED 500.
• Exciting offers as well as dedicated checkout at Carrefour.
• Buy one get one free on movie tickets and popcorn through VOX Cinema.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 420

Best Travel Credit Cards in the UAE

If you are a frequent traveler or travelling is your hobby then you would already know how expensive it to bear all the travel related expenses is. From booking air tickets to make hotel bookings, travel expenses can cost you a fortune at times. Considering the travel needs in mind, some of the leading banks and financial institutions offer travel credit cards that offer a host of travel privileges such as free airport lounge access, air miles, skyward miles, complimentary travel insurance, discount on flight tickets and hotel bookings, and much more.

Here are some of the best travel credit cards available in the UAE:

1. ADCB Traveller Credit Card

If you are an avid traveler then this card is especially designed for you. With its incredible offers and discounts, you can stay for less, fly for less, and make the most of your travel.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• Unlimited free access at 900+ airport lounges globally.
• 20% discount on air tickets when booked through Cleartrip.
• 20% discount on hotel bookings
• A maximum of 6 complimentary night stays at selected hotels globally
• Exclusive discount on Starwood Hotels & Resorts
• Free travel insurance
• 20% discount on Careem rides

Annual Membership Fee: AED 1050

2. Najm Voyager Signature Credit Card

The Najm Voyager Signature Credit Card is amongst the best travel credit card UAE that enables the cardholder to travel with ease, convenience and flexibility while earning the highest rewards.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 12 free visits across more than 1000 airport lounges globally via Visa Loungekey.
• A maximum of 50% off on travel, cinema, dining, and entertainment.
• 3 Voyager rewards can be earned for every AED spent internationally.
• 2 Voyager rewards can be earned for every AED spent domestically.
• 1 Voyager reward can be earned for every AED spent on school fees, utility bill payments, fuel purchases, and e-government spends.
• Complimentary multi-trip travel insurance for a maximum of US$ 500,000

Annual Membership Fee: AED 523.95

3. ADIB Etihad Visa Platinum Credit Card

This Etihad Visa Platinum Credit Card offered by the ADIB (Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank) enables its cardholders to enjoy umpteen travel-related perks and benefits.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 50,000 Etihad Guest Miles as a sign up bonus.
• 3 Etihad Guest Miles can be earned on each AED 4 spent internationally.
• 2 Etihad Guest Miles can be earned on each AED 4 spent locally.
• Complimentary companion ticket
• Complimentary airport lounge access with LoungeKey.
• Complimentary valet parking at some specific locations across the UAE.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 700

4. Deem MasterCard Platinum Miles Up Credit Card

The Deem MasterCard Platinum Miles Up Credit Card is a perfect partner for travelling. It helps its card members to enjoy a plethora of travel-related perks such as airport lounge access, hotel& flight bookings, valet parking, and various other MasterCard benefits.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 3x Miles Up can be earned on flight tickets, hotel reservations, and shopping
• 1x Miles Up can be earned on all retail spends globally
• Free valet parking
• Access to more than 25 airport lounges in the Levant and the Middle East.
• A maximum of 30% off with Cleartrip.
• 20% off on three Careem rides per month
• A maximum of 15% discount on Avis car rentals globally

Minimum Monthly Income: AED 10,000

Annual Membership Fee: Free for life

5. Emirates NBD Skywards Signature Credit Card

This credit card lets its cardholders to enjoy a world of lifestyle and more specifically travel benefits.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• A maximum of 40,000 Skywards Miles as a welcome bonus.
• Free access to 1,000+ airport lounges globally through Loungekey.
• A maximum of 1.5 Skywards Miles can be earned on every USD spent.
• 4 free valet parking services
• International travel and medical assistance
• Travel insurance
• 3% off on flight tickets and a maximum of 7% off on holiday packages.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 700

Best Cinema Offers Credit Cards in the UAE

Several banks and financial institutions in the UAE offer Cinema offers credit cards. Such types of credit cards usually offer Buy 1 Get 1 free offer on movie tickets and discounts on refreshments. Below is a list of top 5 cinema offers credit cards that offer you the best deal on movie tickets.

1. Mashreq Novo Credit Card

The Mashreq Novo Credit card is specifically designed for the movie-goers as it offers a special discount on movie tickets.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• Offers a 50% discount on cinema tickets.
• A maximum of 8 discounted cinema tickets per month.
• Exclusive counter for the cardholder at the ticketing as well as the F&B section across all NOVO cinemas.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 300

2. Emirates NBD Go4it Gold Card

The Emirates NBD Go4it Gold Card is one of its kinds in the UAE region that lets you enjoy exclusive offers on cinema tickets along with other lifestyle benefits.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 5 Plus Points can be earned for every AED 400 spent.
• Exclusive rate of AED 47.25 for 2 regular 2D VIP and 2D Standard movie tickets at VOX Cinemas.
• 50% discount on movie tickets when booked at VOX Cinemas using the Visa credit card.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 99

3. CBD Smiles Visa Signature Credit Card

It is one of the best cinema offers credit cards in the UAE that enables its card members to avail lucrative movie offers as well as other lifestyle privileges.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 50% off on movie tickets when booked through VOX Cinema throughout the UAE.
• Welcome bonus of 50,000 Smiles Points
• Quarterly Bonus of 15,000 Smiles Points
• A maximum of 3 Smiles Points on foreign spent and a maximum of 2 Smiles Points on local spent

Annual Membership Fee: AED 999

Minimum Monthly Income: AED 15,000

4. RAKBANK World Credit Card

With the RAKBANK World Credit Card, your world just got more rewarding. Right from cinema offers to travel and lifestyle offers, this credit card helps you to make the most of every spending.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 50% discount on movie tickets when booked through VOX Cinema
• Exclusive dining privileges at leading restaurants on a host of cuisines.
• Free access at 1000+ airport lounges globally
• Discount on chauffeur rides with Careem
• Free nights at 200+ participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels

Annual Membership Fee: AED 999

5. Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit Card

The Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit card is amongst the best cinema offers credit card in UAE that opens a world of entertainment for its card members.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• Buy one get one free movie ticket at Reel & VOX cinemas per month.
• Free Marhaba meet & greet two times in a year.
• Entertainment & dining discount domestically and throughout 95 countries.
• Free access to more than 1000 airport lounges globally

Annual Membership Fee: AED 3,000

Minimum Monthly Income: AED 36,750

Best Rewards & Offers Credit Cards in the UAE

Rewards and offers credit cards offer lucrative benefits and privileges to its cardholders unlike basic credit cards. That is why they are one step ahead of the ordinary credit cards. Such type of cards usually offers rewards in the form of cash back, air miles, lifestyle discounts and much more for the amount that the cardholder spend with their card.

Below specified are the top 5 rewards and offers credit cards that are offered by the leading banks in the UAE:

1. ADCB Touchpoint Infinite Credit Card

The ADCB TouchPoint Infinite Credit Card lets you enjoy the umpteen rewards and offers. Right from the complimentary stay and entertainment deals to online food delivery discounts and much more, this card will compliment your lifestyle.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 5 TouchPoints can be earned on every AED 1 spent with this card.
• On spending AED 15,000 per month, you can earn 15,000 TouchPoints as a bonus.
• Free 2 nights’ stay at Hotels.com across the world
• Buy 1 Get 1 free on a maximum of 4 cinema tickets
• Free golf access
• Unlimited access at 850+ airport lounges globally on a complimentary basis
• 4 free airport chauffer rides with Careem

Annual Membership Fee: AED 1050

2. ADIB Value+ Credit Card

The ADIB Value+ Credit Card offers the best and the most flexible rewards program in order to suit the lifestyle needs of its card members.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 1 Reward Point can be earned on each AED 1 spent locally
• 2 Reward Points can be earned on each AED 1 spent internationally
• Unlimited airport lounge access on a complimentary basis across the GCC/MENA region.
• Exclusive priceless Arabia offers across sports activities, dining, travel, shopping, and much more.

Annual Membership Fee: Free for life

3. HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card

Cardholders of the HSBC Platinum select credit card can enjoy a host of rewards and offers across dining, entertainment, and cinema. In addition to this, they can earn Air Miles rewards on their everyday spends.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 1 air mile can be earned for every AED 4 spent on the card
• Buy one get one free cinema ticket offers throughout the UAE.
• Attractive offers on dining, shopping, entertainment, & leisure at 19,000 outlets in 160 countries.
• A maximum of 12% discount across 985,000 hotels & vacation rentals worldwide at Agoda.
• 15% discount for 4 Careem rides per month
• 2 Buy one get one free movie tickets through VOX Cinemas per month

Annual Membership Fee: Free for life

Minimum Monthly Income: AED 5,000

4. Emirates Islamic Flex Elite Credit Card

Loaded with a wide range of exclusive offers and rewards, the Emirates Islamic Flex Elite Card is among the best credit card in UAE you can opt for.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• A maximum of 3.75 EI SmartMiles can be earned on every AED 1 spent.
• 75,000 EI SmartMiles as a welcome bonus upon paying an annual fee for the 1^st
• Free unlimited access at 1000 airport lounges
• 2 complimentary valet parking facility every month
• Unlimited rounds of golf at any day in a week.
• Free airport chauffeur ride with Careem
• Exciting Visa infinite offers

Annual Membership Fee: AED 700

Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards in the UAE

A balance transfer credit card helps its card member to transfer the high interest outstanding debt from one card to another at a low rate of interest. Now have a look at the top 5 balance transfer credit cards available in the UAE:

1. Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card

You can pay off your other card’s outstanding balance with the Mashreq Platinum Credit card and enjoy the flexibility of paying back in equal monthly installments.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• A maximum of 75% amount of the available credit limit can be transferred.
• Favorable rate of interest
• No need to submit income documentation.
• Repayment of such transfers can be done in monthly installments of up to 36 months.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 682.5

2. HSBC Black Credit Card

The HSBC Black Credit Card comes with a balance transfer facility. Members of this card can transfer their outstanding balance to this card at a favorable interest rate.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• 0% rate of interest is charged for the initial 12 months on balance transfers.
• Helps in saving on the interest amount
• Helps in controlling your finances by consolidating & repaying your outstanding balances easily.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 1500

3. Emirates Islamic Skywards Infinite Credit Card

With the Emirates Islamic Skywards Infinite Credit Card balance transfer facility, you can easily repay your outstanding balance and save big time.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• Opportunity to clear off the outstanding balance you owe to other banks with this card.
• No profit rate is levied on the balance transfer.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 2000

4. ADCB Etihad Guest Platinum Credit Card

The ADCB Etihad Guest Platinum Credit Card also offers the balance transfer facility. Moreover, this facility is available within three months of registration of the card.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• The balance transfer facility offered by this card can be taken for tenors of up to 24 months.
• The interest rate is charged as per the tenor.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 525

5. Deem MasterCard Titanium Cash Up Credit Card

The Deem MasterCard Titanium Cash Up Credit card is loaded with extraordinary features and one such feature is a balance transfer. This amazing feature helps its card members to pay off their other bank’s card outstanding balance using this Deem credit card at a low interest rate.

Key Features & Benefits of this card:

• Interest rate is charged on the amount that is transferred.
• Helps in saving on the interest amount
• Helps in controlling your finances by consolidating & repaying your outstanding balances easily.

Annual Membership Fee: AED 200*

*Free for the first year. The annual fee is waived from the second year onwards upon meeting the minimum spend requirement.  

Final Words

As you can see, there is a plenty of best credit card in UAE offering distinctive features and benefits to meet the different spending patterns and fulfilling various lifestyle needs of its customers. It is very imperative to opt for the right credit card or else you might end up losing on a lot of exclusive privileges and benefits. Make sure, you compare different credit cards based on their features, benefits, rewards, fees & charges. This will enable you to choose the best credit card as per your usage pattern.