Credit Card

A credit card is a plastic card that allows its user to make transactions within the credit limit offered by the card provider bank. The funds borrowed on a credit card act as the loan amount and the credit limit as the maximum loan amount available. Credit cards in UAE offer a line of credit to be used in making a purchase provided the loan is paid back during a specific period. While using credit card, the cardholder needs to pay the minimum payment at least by the due date.

Compare Credit Cards in Dubai & UAE?

It is important to compare credit cards UAE before applying for one. Different kinds of credit cards may have different features. Some of the cards are free, whereas some of them charge an annual fee. Each available credit card option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Therefore, making a comparison between the available options becomes essential. In this digital world, an applicant can compare different cards online without any hassle. Here are some of the basic factors for making the comparison.

• Interest Rate: In order to attract more customers, the card providers promise to charge low rates of interest. However, the applicant must compare rates of interest on different cards and find out the lowest possible option.
• Other Fee and Charges: Every credit card involves a few compulsory charges that the cardholder has to bear. The applicant must read the fine print thoroughly so that they are aware of the fee and charges applicable on the concerned card.
• Minimum Income: To be eligible to apply for a credit card in the UAE, the applicant must be earning a certain amount of monthly income. They must earn at least 5,000 dirhams to be eligible to apply for the card.
• Rewards and Benefits: Before applying for credit cards in Dubai, the applicant must check the rewards and benefits offered on different cards. They must choose the card that is loaded with the set of benefits that are the most suitable for them.

Most Popular Credit Cards in UAE

 

Bank	Credit Card	Minimum Salary (AED)	Annual Fee (AED)	Reward Value (AED)
Emirates NBD	ENBD Lulu Mastercard Titanium Credit Card	5,000	Free For Life	5,286
CBD	CBD One Starter Visa Signature Credit Card	8,000	Free For Life	1,020
Emirates NBD	ENBD Diners Club Duo Credit Card	8,000	400	16,940
CBD	CBD One Visa Signature Credit Card	8,000	39	3,840
FAB	FAB Cashback Credit Card	5,000	315	NA
Deem	Deem Platinum Cash Up Credit Card	10,000	Free for Life	13,128
RAKBANK	RAKBANK Red Credit Card	5,000	Free For Life	4,821
Emirates NBD	ENBD Lulu Mastercard Platinum Credit Card	15,000	250	21,166
Mashreq Bank	Mashreq Platinum Elite Mastercard Credit Card	10,000	650	7,407
Deem	Deem Titanium Cash Up Credit Card	6,500	200	4,333
CBD	CBD Super Saver Credit Card	8,000	420	13,867
ADIB	ADIB Spice Credit Card	12,000	199	7,176

Types of Credit Cards in UAE

There are different types of plastic money in the Emirates, each catering to a different type of card user. In order to find the most suitable one and consequently pick the best credit card offers in UAE, it is important to familiarize themselves with the various categories to better.

Here are the different types of credit cards offered in UAE:

• Air Miles Credit Cards
• Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards
• Balance Transfer Credit Cards
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Travel Credit Cards
• Cinema Offers Credit Cards
• Golf Credit Cards
• Free For Life Credit Cards
• Rewards & Offers Credit Cards
• Shariah Compliant Credit Cards

In order to cater to customers from different income brackets, banks offer a variety of credit cards, each with its own eligibility criteria and credit limit. From free credit cards to premium ones, the following are the types of cards to be considered:

Air Miles Credit Cards

Air miles, also known as travel points and frequent flyer miles, are a part of a loyalty program offered by the air miles credit cards. Ideally, the cardholder accumulates a set amount of air miles based on how much they spend on the credit card which can be further redeemed for booking flight tickets for free. There are two types of air miles credit cards are available in the UAE. Airline Miles, which are airline-specific reward miles and the other one is Airline ME, which are not linked with any specific airline and can be redeemed in a number of ways.

Top 5 Air Miles Credit Cards in UAE

Bank	Credit Card Name	Annual Fee (AED)	Minimum Salary (AED)
Deem	Deem Mastercard World Miles Up	500	25000
Emirates Islamic	Emirates Islamic Bank Skywards Signature	700	10000
RAKBANK	RAKBANK Emirates Skywards World Elite	700	25000
FAB	FAB Etihad Guest Infinite Islamic	2500	30000
Emirates NBD	Emirates NBD Skywards Signature	700	15000

Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards

Regardless of the purpose of travel, airport lounge access credit cards can always come in handy. There are several credit cards available in the UAE that offer complimentary airport lounge access to its cardholder where they can relax and unwind before taking off.

Top 5 Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards in UAE

Bank	Credit Card Name	Annual Fee (AED)	Minimum Salary (AED)
Mashreq	Mashreq Bank Solitaire	1500	25000
Deem	Deem Mastercard Titanium Cash Up	200	6500
Emirates Islamic	Emirates Islamic Bank Flex Elite	700	25000
FAB	FAB Cashback Card	315	5000
Citibank	Citibank Emirates Citibank Ultima	3000	36750

Balance Transfer Credit Cards

A balance transfer credit card helps the cardholder to transfer the high-interest debt from one credit card to another with a low interest rate. Credit cards that offer a balance transfer facility can help the cardholder to save a lot on the high rate of interest by paying off the outstanding debt.

Top 5 Balance Transfer Credit Cards in UAE

Bank	Credit Card Name	Annual Fee (AED)	Minimum Salary (AED)
CBD	CBD Super Saver	420	8000
Emirates NBD	Emirates NBD Lulu Mastercard Titanium	Free for Life	5000
FAB	FAB Elite Infinite	Free for Life	40000
HSBC	HSBC Zero Credit Card	Free for Life	10000
United Arab Bank	United Arab Bank Visa Titanium	300	6000

Cashback Credit Cards

Cashback credit cards pay its cardholder back some percentage of their purchases or transactions in cash. The bank rewards the card member for the purchase made using a credit card by offering rewards in terms of cashback. However, the cashback amount differs from one credit card to another depending on the type of purchases & monthly caps, plus factoring in minimum spends requirements.

Top 6 Cashback Credit Cards in UAE

Bank	Credit Card Name	Annual Fee (AED)	Minimum Salary (AED)
Mashreq	Mashreq Bank Cashback Card	Free for Life	10000
Emirates Islamic	Emirates Islamic Bank Cashback Card	350	8000
FAB	FAB Cashback Card	315	5000
Citibank	Citibank Citi Cashback Card	300	8000
ADCB	ADCB SimplyLife Cashback Card	Free for Life	5000
ADIB	ADIB Cashback Visa Platinum	1000	10000

Travel Credit Cards

Frequent travelers would already know how expensive it is to bear all the travel expenditures. From flight tickets to hotel bookings, travel expenses can be very high at times. Keeping travel needs in mind, some of the banks and financial institutions offer travel credit cards that are exclusively designed for avid travelers.

Top 5 Travel Credit Cards in UAE

Bank	Credit Card Name	Annual Fee (AED)	Minimum Salary (AED)
ADCB	ADCB Traveller Credit Card	1050	20000
Deem	Deem Mastercard Titanium Cash Up	200	6500
Standard Chartered	Standard Chartered Platinum	525	8000
CBD	CBD Smiles Visa Platinum	366.45	8000
RAKBANK	RAKBANK Mastercard World	750	20000

Cinema Offers Credit Cards

Who does not love watching a movie in the theatre after a long working week? What better way to enjoy this if one can avail free movie tickets or discounts on booking cinema tickets? To reward its customers, some of the credit card lenders or banks in the UAE have tied up with cinemas such as VOX cinema and Reel Cinema that enables the cardholder to avail great discounts and offers on movie tickets such as complimentary movie tickets, discount on tickets as well as refreshments. Getting cinema offers credit cards especially for a movie lover is not less than a treat since it is a smart way to save money on movie tickets.

Top 5 Cinema Offers Credit Cards in UAE

Bank	Credit Card Name	Annual Fee (AED)	Minimum Salary (AED)
Emirates Islamic Bank	Emirates Islamic Bank Etihad Guest Platinum	199	8000
FAB	FAB Cashback Card	315	5000
Citibank	Citibank Citi Prestige Card	1500	30000
CBD	CBD Super Saver	420	8000
Standard Chartered	Standard Chartered Bank Manhattan Platinum	525	8000

Golf Credit Cards

UAE is home to some of the finest golf courses in the world and also golf has become more than a sport in the country. It is no wonder that most of the banks and financial institutions offer golf credit cards that offer benefits to the customers who are either part-time or full-time golfers.

Top 5 Golf Credit Cards in UAE

Bank	Credit Card Name	Annual Fee (AED)	Minimum Salary (AED)
Mashreq	Mashreq Bank Solitaire Card	1500	25000
Emirates Islamic	Emirates Islamic Bank Skywards Signature	700	10000
Citibank	Citibank Emirates Citibank Ultimate	800	18000
Standard Chartered	Standard Chartered Bank Manhattan Platinum	525	8000
Emirates NBD	Emirates NBD Skywards Signature	700	15000

Free For Life Credit Cards

While plenty of luxury credit cards in the UAE come with an annual membership fee, there is a wide range of top tier credit cards that offer ample benefits and rewards without charging an annual membership fee for a lifetime. Such types of credit cards are known as free for life credit cards or lifetime free credit cards.

Top 5 Free For Life Credit Cards in UAE

Bank	Credit Card Name	Annual Fee (AED)	Minimum Salary (AED)
ADCB	ADCB SimplyLife Cashback Card	Free for Life	5000
ADIB	ADIB Value Card	Free for life	5000
Mashreq	Mashreq Bank Cashback Card	Free for life	10000
Emirates Islamic	Emirates Islamic Emirati Card	Free for life	5000
Deem	Deem Mastercard Platinum Miles Up	Free for Life	10000

Rewards & Offers Credit Cards

Rewards & offers credit cards are one step ahead of the basic credit cards since they offer extraordinary benefits to its cardholders. Such type of credit cards usually provide rewards in terms of cash back, air miles, discounts, and other privileges for the amount that the card members spend with their credit card.

Top 5 Rewards & Offers Credit Cards in UAE

Bank	Credit Card Name	Annual Fee (AED)	Minimum Salary (AED)
Bank	Credit Card Name	Annual Fee (AED)	Minimum Salary (AED)
Mashreq	Mashreq Bank Solitaire Card	1500	25000
Emirates Islamic	Emirates Islamic Bank Skywards Signature	700	10000
RAKBANK	RAKBANK Emirates Skywards World Elite	700	25000
FAB	FAB Cashback Card	315	5000
Deem	Deem Mastercard Titanium Cash Up	200	6500

Shariah Compliant Credit Cards

According to shariah law, Muslim people are not permitted to do business with any organization or take part in any sort of financial practice that levies interest i.e. Riba.  

On the basis of Shariah law, few banks and financial institutions in the UAE offer Shariah Compliant Credit Cards. This type of Islamic credit card strictly follows shariah principles that charge profit rate instead of interest rate since Riba is strictly prohibited as per the shariah-Islamic law. However, Shariah Islamic credit card functions similarly like a traditional credit card but with slight differences in the offered benefits and features.

Features of Credit Cards

Here are some features to keep in mind while looking for this plastic money:

The applicant can opt for the card of their choice after making credit card comparisons in UAE on the basis of the following factors & benefits:

• The Credit Limit: Credit limit is its defining characteristic. The credit limit is the maximum amount of money the cardholder can spend using this card. This limit may vary depending upon the card chosen. The best credit cards offer high credit limit. Banks offer different types of credit cards in UAE. Different cards attract a different rate of interest, late fees, etc. Therefore, it is important to compare credit cards on the basis of their offered credit limits.
• Grace Period: The grace period of a specific card can be found on the credit document. The grace period is the tenure given to the cardholder to pay back the credit card bill, including interest (if any). Not paying the card bill within the grace period makes the cardholder a defaulter. As a result, they have to pay heavy fines and/or an increased rate of interest.
• Annual Percentage Rate: It is the rate of interest on the amount the cardholder has to pay after the expiry of the grace period. Not clearing the dues during grace period makes the cardholder a defaulter. It can increase the annual percentage rate payable by them. Some credit cards in UAE have a variable annual percentage rate, which can change multiple times in a year. In case there is any change in the annual percentage rate, the cardholder will be notified by the bank.
• Annual Fees: An annual membership fee is charged for the privilege of using the credit card. The benefits of this card can be availed after paying the annual fees. Typically, higher the credit limit, higher will be the annual membership fee charged. If the applicant spends a fixed minimum amount per year using the card, certain credit cards in UAE don’t attract any annual fees. These may often be referred to as credit cards without a fee or as fee-free cards. While the cards do not attract any annual membership fees, interest is charged on the borrowed amounts (typically from the day of the transaction itself).
• Offered Benefits: Credit cards in UAE also offer some spectacular benefits. These benefits are offered through loyalty programs. Under these programs, the cardholders earn points when they use the card to make a purchase. The points can be redeemed for amazing rewards as per the terms and conditions.

Benefits of Credit Cards in UAE

Here are some of the most commonly offered benefits:

• Cash Back: Every time the cardholder makes a transaction using this card, they earn reward points. These reward points can then be redeemed as cash, which is credited directly into their account. Some credit cards in UAE offer cashback benefits. These cash back cards offer a return on every single transaction made using the card. While making any credit card comparisons in UAE, the applicant must keep these card-specific benefits in mind.
• Air Miles: For the cardholder who flies a lot, whether for business or for pleasure, the air miles is the most beneficial feature to be availed with these plastic cards. Some of the best credit cards in UAE reward the cardholder with air miles per unit of currency spent (which is usually higher on foreign currency). These miles can be redeemed for booking flight tickets, flight tickets upgrade from economy to business or business to first-class, and even for shopping at selected venues.
• Airport Lounge Access: The cardholder can spend their waiting time at an airport in luxurious lounges across thousands of locations with certain credit cards. Depending on which credit card the cardholder has opted for, they may also be entitled to bring a guest along with them. The card member can compare credit cards to find the most suitable one, which offers lounge access to the nearby airport, as it will probably be utilized the most.
• Cinema Offers: Many credit cards offer ‘buy one- get one free’ schemes to the cardholder. It let the cardholder avail complimentary movie tickets. The card offers exclusive benefits for the cardholder who is an avid movie-goer. If the applicant wishes to apply for a credit card through the bank’s website, they ought to check the benefits offered in details at the individual product page and compare credit cards before applying.
• Golf Benefits: UAE is home to some of the most stunning golf courses in the world. By opting for gold benefits credit card, the cardholder can avail the golf benefits. Depending on the type of card, the they can access the manicured greens at prestigious golfing locations across the country.
• Travel Gains: For a well-travelled card member, the best credit card is the one that offers travel benefits. Starting from cash backs on hotel bookings all over the world, these credit card benefits also let the cardholder rack up reward points overnight on hotel stays and avail amazing deals on international events and cuisine.  Furthermore, travel benefits may also include discounted car rentals and complimentary travel insurance.
• Rewards & Offers: From discounts on high-end gourmet meals to promotions on furniture and grocery shopping, many credit cards in UAE offer an impressive variety of spending options and extremely flexible reward systems. These rewards and offers are updated regularly too so that the cardholder can make the best of their cards. If the cardholder wants, they can use the reward points to redeem the annual membership fee of the credit card.
• Security Advantage: In order to monitor and protect all the issued credit cards in UAE, early warning fraud detection programs are a must for every bank. Most banks also offer a zero liability policy on lost credit cards. It ensures that cardholder does not have to bear charges on lost or stolen cards.
• Purchase Protection: The benefit of purchase protection is offered on selected cards. Such cards offer coverage for new purchases in case any newly purchased item is damaged or stolen within a certain period of time from the date of purchase. The damaged/ stolen good is either replaced or reimbursed for the full value, as per the bill.

Eligibility Criteria

The following factors could affect the chances of an applicant of qualifying for a credit card in UAE:

• Age: When it comes to being eligible for a credit card, age is an important factor. Most banks offer plastic cards to applicants between the age of 21 years to 60 years. But it is still possible to get a card as early as 18, if the applicant can show a source of independent income. Applicants under the age of 18 years require a legal guardian to co-sign their application.
• Income: The applicant cannot obtain a credit card without showing a source of income. Monthly income also determines the type of card one can qualify for.
• Credit History: While it is possible for applicants with low credit scores to obtain a credit card, they will be given very limited options such as that of fee-free cards. In order to qualify for the best credit cards in UAE, it is a must to have an impeccable credit history which should ideally be between 300-900 score. Simply put, the applicant with the best credit history will get the best card with extensive offers.
• ID Proof: A valid ID proof is an essential requirement for availing this card. UAE Nationals must show their Emirates ID, while expatriates must show relevant documents such as their passport and visa.
• Address Proof: When it comes to applying for plastic money, an address proof is a must. Some banks may even reject the application of those living in isolated places with little connectivity.
• Nationality: Certain credit cards in UAE are offered exclusively for UAE nationals. In such cases, nationality also becomes a criterion for eligibility. Moreover, even the Emirate an applicant resides in can make an impact on the application. For example, for a credit card in Dubai, online applications may be favored more as compared to those in the other Emirates.

Note- The best credit cards in Dubai and the rest of the UAE have the strictest eligibility criteria. To increase the chances of credit card eligibility in UAE for the best card offers, the applicant ought to maintain a good credit history and bank balance.

How to Apply for a Credit Card in the UAE?

The applicant can apply for a credit card either by visiting a branch of the preferred card provider or through the bank’s online portal (if available). Online comparison is the best way to opt for the right plastic card, where one can easily compare credit cards as well. Online credit card is the safest and less time-consuming process where the applicant can get additional offers from the respective banks.

Documents Required to Apply for a Credit Card in the UAE

The applicant will require the following documents to apply for a credit card:

• Application Form: A duly filled and signed application form is necessary. Most online credit card applications accept a digital signature.
• ID Proof - For Emiratis, this would be the Emirates ID. Expats will need to present their original passport.
• Address Proof - The banks ask for a proof of address from both, expats as well as Emiratis.
• Proof of Income -As mentioned earlier, the credit card eligibility in UAE depends on the minimum monthly income. The bank statement or salary slip can be used as a proof of income. Certain banks may also ask for an entire year’s statement to determine whether the applicant has a stable source of income or not. The applicant applying for the best credit cards will also be required to maintain a minimum balance in their account.

How Can Applying with Policybazaar.ae Help?

Applying for a credit card in UAE can be a time-consuming process, especially with the similar rewards and rates of interest offered by different cards. Here, Policybazaar.ae helps the applicant to save time and zero down on the right card of their choice. Here is why they should opt for Policybazaar.ae to initiate their research:

• Compare available Cards -As an aggregator website, Policybazaar.ae offers its customers a platform to compare different types of credit cards in UAE. There is no better place to compare credit cards than Policybazaar.ae and get the right one in a hassle-free manner.
• Unbiased Approach -ae doesn’t favor any specific brand. The card comparison results are strictly statistic based. Policybazaar.ae follows an unbiased approach by aiming for an accurate representation of all credit card offers in UAE, to help make the decision easier for the applicant.
• Accuracy -In order to provide accurate results, the comparison results are updated on a regular basis. By sharing accurate and up to date figures on annual membership fees, interest rates and more, Policybazaar.ae helps the individuals to come across the best credit card in UAE and makes the credit card application an easy victory.
• Customer-First -ae’s customer-first approach has earned the reputation of a friendly and approachable organization, dedicated to the welfare of the customers. Whether a user is unsure about how to apply for such plastic money or just wants to learn about the credit card offers available in UAE, Policybazaar.ae’s executives are always willing to answer such queries of their customers.

How Credit Card is different from a Debit Card?

The basic difference between any debit and credit card is that the former takes funds from the checking account of the card member, while the latter makes use of the money of the issuer and bills the cardholder later. The table below clearly describes the difference between a debit and a credit card.

Debit Cards	Credit Cards
This type of plastic card offers the cardholder an easy method of withdrawing funds from their checking account directly.	A credit card provides credit to the cardholder for making balance transfer, purchases, and cash advances. They will have to repay this credit amount in the future.
Since these funds are not borrowed or taken as loan, no rate of interest is levied on them.	Since funds are borrowed in case of credit cards, the cardholder has to pay the interest. They will also have to bear interest charges on cash advance and balance transfer.
There is no need to make a minimum monthly payment.	They will have to make the minimum payment at least before or on the payment due date.
The banks usually not charge any annual fee on debit cards.	The banks charge an annual fee on a credit card in UAE. However, there are some “free for life” cards available.
The cardholder, however, must take care that they do not charge more funds than what is available in their account.	The credit card member will have to take care that they do not exceed the credit limit as determined by their bank.

Credit Card FAQs