UAE credit cards can be genuinely excellent: strong rewards, airport lounge access, and travel miles. Here is what is worth having in your wallet.
Once you have 3-6 months of UAE banking history, you become eligible for credit cards. The UAE credit card market is competitive; banks offer generous rewards to attract salary-credited customers. The best cards here often outperform their UK equivalents significantly.
Minimum salary (most cards)
AED 5,000 - 10,000 / mo
Annual fee rangePremium cards are often waived with spend
Free - AED 2,000
UAE credit score required
Builds over 6 - 12 months
Standard credit limitStarting point; increases with history
2 - 3× monthly salary
Best for Travel Miles
Emirates Skywards cards
Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite
Best miles card
Emirates NBD
Annual fee
AED 1,575 (often waived year 1)
Min. salary
AED 20,000 / mo
Earn rate
3 Skywards Miles per AED 1 on Emirates; 1.5 on all spend
+4 complimentary Marhaba lounge visits / year
+Emirates business class companion ticket (with annual spend target)
+Comprehensive travel insurance
+Global Assist concierge 24/7
ADCB Travellers Credit Card
Mid-tier value
ADCB
Annual fee
AED 300
Min. salary
AED 5,000 / mo
Earn rate
3× Touchpoints on travel spend; 1× on all other
+4 international lounge visits / year
+Travel insurance included
+No forex fee on USD transactions
Best for Cashback
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
No-fee pick
Mashreq
Annual fee
Free
Min. salary
AED 5,000 / mo
Cashback rate
5% cashback on dining; 2% on groceries; 1% on all spend
+Zero annual fee
+Strong dining rewards across Dubai restaurants
+Cashback credited automatically monthly
FAB Cashback Card
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Annual fee
AED 300
Min. salary
AED 7,000 / mo
Cashback rate
5% cashback on fuel; 3% dining; 1.5% on all spend
+Uncapped cashback, no monthly ceiling
+Fuel savings particularly valuable in car-dependent Dubai
+Purchase protection and extended warranty on all spend
+Access to HSBC Premier benefits network globally
FAB World Elite Mastercard
First Abu Dhabi Bank
Annual fee
AED 1,500 (waived with AED 120K annual spend)
Min. salary
AED 25,000 / mo
Earn rate
3 Air Miles per AED 1 on all spend
+Unlimited Marhaba + Priority Pass lounge access
+Complimentary golf rounds at partner courses in Dubai
+Luxury hotel benefits (room upgrades, late checkout)
+Dedicated concierge and restaurant reservation service
Foreign Currency: Using Cards Abroad
Most UAE cards charge a 1.5-3% foreign currency fee on non-AED transactions. If you travel frequently or spend in GBP or EUR, this adds up significantly. Cards with no forex fee are worth seeking out, particularly if you visit the UK regularly.
HSBC Premier World EliteOn all international spend
No forex fee
FAB World Elite
No forex fee
Standard UAE cardsRead the small print carefully
1.5 - 3% forex fee
Revolut (UK card)Keep your UK Revolut, useful for UK trips
No fee up to monthly limit
Building Your UAE Credit
Start with your salary bank
Your best chance of approval is with the bank that receives your salary. They can see your income in real time, which significantly reduces their risk. Apply here first.
Pay in full every month
UAE cards typically charge 3-3.75% per month interest (36-45% APR). Never carry a balance. Set up autopay for the full statement amount the moment you get the card.
Your AECB score builds over time
Check your score for free once per year at aecb.gov.ae. After 6-12 months of responsible use, you become eligible for significantly better products and higher limits.
Avoid applying everywhere at once
Multiple applications in a short period leave hard enquiries on your AECB record and signal risk to lenders. Apply for one card, build history, then upgrade after 12 months.
Card offers, fees, and earn rates change frequently. Always verify current terms directly with the bank before applying. Information current as of 2026.
