Many cards offer more than just a way to pay. They come with extras like air miles, lounge access, shopping discounts, and cash back. The best card for you depends on your income and what you need. In this guide, I’ll help you compare and pick the best credit cards in Dubai for expats.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card
Before you apply for a credit card, think about what works for your lifestyle. Look at your monthly income, whether you want to transfer your salary, how much you usually spend, and any debts you already have. Here are the main things to keep in mind:
Income and eligibility
UAE banks have minimum salary requirements for each card. If you earn AED 5,000–8,000 per month, you can usually get entry-level cards with basic perks. If your salary is AED 15,000 or more, you can apply for premium cards that offer travel rewards, concierge services, and higher credit limits.
Salary transfer requirements
Some cards require you to transfer your salary to their bank. This might get you a higher credit limit or lower interest, but it also means you’re tied to that bank. If you prefer to keep your salary in another account or you change jobs often, try to find cards that don’t need a salary transfer.
Minimum spend and welcome bonuses
A lot of cards give you a sign-up bonus like cash back or air miles if you spend a certain amount soon after getting the card. Make sure your normal spending is enough to qualify. Don’t buy things you don’t need just to get the bonus.
Annual fees and hidden charges
Annual fees in the UAE range from nothing to over AED 5,000. Premium cards can be worth it if you use the perks a lot. Look out for hidden fees like late payment charges, over-limit fees, and foreign transaction costs. Some cards are free for the first year, but start charging after that.
Foreign transaction costs
If you travel often or shop online in other currencies, be aware of foreign exchange fees. UAE banks typically charge 2–4% on foreign transactions, and card networks add another 1.15%. Paying in local currency rather than AED at overseas merchants avoids dynamic currency conversion.
Note: If you’re unsure which bank is right for you, check out our in-depth guide on the best bank accounts for expats, where we break down the top options, fees, and key benefits to help you choose with confidence.
Top Cashback Credit Cards for Expats
Cashback cards are a favourite with expats because you earn rewards on your everyday spending. Here are some of the best options for 2025.
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card (Free for Life)
Mashreq Bank’s cashback card is a solid pick for salaried expats who want rewards without paying annual fees. Here’s what you get:
- 5 % cashback on international and local dining
- 1 % cashback on other international spends and up to 1 % on local spends
- 0.33 % cashback on government payments, utilities, education, charity, fuel, rent, and telecom bills
- AED 500 welcome bonus for new customers who spend AED 5,000 in the first two months
- Free for life – there are no annual fees for primary or supplementary cards
Minimum income: AED 5,000 per month
Why it works for expats: The low salary requirement and no annual fee make this card easy to qualify for. The dining and international rewards are great if you eat out or travel often. Just keep in mind that cashback on bills is low, and the interest rate is high at 3.85% per month.
Citi Cash Back Credit Card (Citibank)
Citibank’s cashback card is a strong option if you spend a lot on groceries or shop in foreign currencies. Here’s what it offers:
- 3 % cashback on non‑AED spending
- 2 % cashback on groceries and supermarket purchases
- 1 % cashback on other spends
- No annual fee in the first year; from year two onwards, the fee is waived if you spend at least AED 9,000 per year
- Eight complimentary airport lounge visits per year via Mastercard Travel Pass
Minimum salary requirement: AED 8,000
Why it works for expats: The high cashback on foreign spending is helpful if you travel or send money home. Lounge access is a nice extra. Just remember, the salary requirement is higher, and you’ll need to spend enough each year to keep the card free after the first year.
Ajman Bank ULTRACASH Mastercard (Cashback with Salary Transfer)
This card is best if you make a lot of specific purchases and transfer your salary to Ajman Bank. Here’s what you get:
Welcome bonus: UAE nationals get AED 500; expatriates get AED 300
Cashback rates: Fuel and other primary categories (fuel, online shopping, supermarkets, and school fees) earn 5% cashback for expats; UAE nationals enjoy 10% for the first three months, after which it drops to 5%. All other spends earn 1 % cashback
Annual fee: AED 300
Minimum salary: AED 10,000, and a salary transfer is required
Why it works for expats: The high cashback on fuel, groceries, and school fees is great for families. You’ll save the most if you spend a lot in these areas. The required salary transfer and higher income make it less practical for lower-income expats.
Emirates NBD Noon One Visa Card (E‑commerce & Everyday Spending)
This Visa card is co-branded with the online marketplace Noon and is all about shopping perks. Here’s what you get:
- Up to 20 % back as noon credits on purchases across noon’s platforms (noon, noon Food, noon Minutes, Namshi, NowNow and Supermall)
- 1 % back on all other spends
- Welcome bonus of AED 500 when you spend AED 5,000 in the first two months
- Buy‑one‑get‑one‑free movie tickets, 0 % instalment plans and dining/entertainment discounts
- No annual fee; the card is free for life
Minimum salary: AED 5,000
Why it works for expats: With no annual fee and a low salary requirement, this card is a great everyday choice for online shoppers. The 20% back on noon purchases can help with living costs. Just note that rewards are limited to the Noon platforms, and other spending only earns 1%.
Best Travel Credit Cards for Expats
If you travel a lot, whether to visit family or see new places, a travel credit card can help you save on flights and get extra perks.
Emirates Islamic Skywards Black Credit Card
This premium card is best for high-income travelers who often fly with Emirates or flydubai. Instead of cashback, you earn Skywards Miles for your spending. Here’s what you get:
- Up to 3.5 Skywards Miles per USD 1 spent on Emirates, flydubai and Emirates Holidays purchases
- Up to 2 Miles per USD on foreign currency spends and up to 1.5 Miles on local spends
- Automatic Emirates Skywards Silver status and fast‑track to Gold
- Unlimited complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges for cardholder and a guest
- Complimentary valet parking, golf privileges and concierge service
Annual fee: AED 5,500; minimum monthly income: AED 35,000
Why it works for expats: If you fly Emirates often, the high earning rate and luxury perks can make up for the high annual fee. Skywards Miles are useful for upgrades and free flights. This card is really only an option for expats with high incomes.
FAB Travel Card
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has a travel card with big perks for flights and hotels, but you’ll need to spend a lot to get the most out of it.
- Free return flight each year to over 15 destinations when you spend approximately AED 300,000 annually.
- 12 % cashback in FAB Rewards on flight and hotel bookings through the FAB Travel portal (capped at AED 1,800 per month) if you spend at least AED 5,000 monthly
- No foreign transaction fees on overseas purchases
- Free global airport lounge access for the cardholder and two guests, plus airport transfers and fast‑track security
- Earn 3 FAB Rewards per AED 1 spent locally and 0.5 Reward on everyday categories. Rewards can be converted to Etihad Guest Miles
- Complimentary travel insurance
Annual fee: AED 1,500; minimum salary: around AED 25,000 (information from FAB and MoneyLuna). A monthly spend of AED 5,000 is required to unlock the full cashback benefits
Why it works for expats: If you travel often and can meet the high spending requirement, you’ll get value from the free flight and travel cashback. No foreign transaction fees also help if you spend abroad. If you don’t spend much, the high annual fee and spend requirement may not be worth it.
ADCB Traveler Credit Card
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) has a travel card that gives you cashback and no foreign transaction fees. Here’s what it offers:
- 10 % cashback on airline tickets and hotel stays
- 50 % cashback on movie tickets purchased online
- 1.5 % cashback on all other domestic AED spends
- 0 % foreign currency fees on overseas card usage
- AED 2,000 Expedia.ae hotel voucher as a welcome bonus when you pay the annual fee and spend AED 15,000 in the first 60 days
- 14 complimentary lounge visits per year for you and supplementary cardholders, with one free guest per visit
- Four free airport transfers annually with Careem rides
Annual fee: AED 1,575 (incl. VAT); minimum spend: AED 5,000 per month to qualify for cashback ; cashback cap: AED 1,500 per month
Why it works for expats: The ADCB Traveler card gives you a straightforward 10% cashback on flights and hotels, plus no foreign transaction fees. Lounge access and Careem rides are nice extras. The high annual fee and monthly spend mean it’s best for frequent travelers who can meet the requirements.
Everyday & Digital Lifestyle Cards
Wio Credit Card (Digital Bank with Cashback)
Wio Bank is a digital-only bank in the UAE. Its personal account combines savings, multi-currency wallets, and a credit card. Here’s what you get with the Salary and Plus plans:
- Up to 2 % cashback on credit card spends
- Monthly interest rate as low as 2.49 % on credit
- Free local and international transfers and a free multicurrency account
- Plan pricing: The Salary plan is free if you transfer your salary to Wio; the Standard and Plus plans cost AED 25 and AED 49 per month respectively but can be waived if you maintain minimum balances
- Multi‑currency accounts mean you can pay abroad without currency conversion fees
Why it works for expats: Wio is great for digital natives and freelancers. The numberless card and app controls add security. If you get your salary in AED and want to avoid going to a branch, you’ll like the convenience. Just note that rewards are capped and may not be as high as premium cards.
Summary Table of Major Cards
| Mashreq Cashback | 5% Dining, No Annual Fee | AED 5,000 |
| Citi Cash Back | 3% Foreign Spend, 2% Groceries | AED 8,000 |
| Ajman ULTRACASH | 5% Fuel/School/Grocery (Salary Transfer) | AED 10,000 |
| ENBD noon One | 20% Noon Credits, Free for Life | AED 5,000 |
| EI Skywards Black | High Miles, Skywards Status | AED 35,000 |
| FAB Travel | 12% Travel Cashback, No FX Fees | ~AED 25,000 |
| ADCB Traveller | 10% Tickets/Hotels, No FX Fees | AED 5,000 (Min Spend) |
| Wio Credit | 2% Cashback, Multi-currency | Salary Transfer |
Best Credit Cards in Dubai with No Annual Fee
Annual fees can cut into your rewards fast, so many expats look for cards that are free for life. Some UAE banks offer permanent fee waivers, but always check if you need to spend a minimum amount to keep the waiver. Here are some top picks for 2025.
CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card
Commercial Bank of Dubai’s Visa Platinum card is one of the most accessible no‑fee cards. The official CBD site emphasises that the card is free for life for both primary and supplementary cardholders. It earns up to 1.5 reward points per AED spent on international purchases and 1 point on local spends.
Cardholders can enjoy 0 % interest balance transfers for up to 12 months and hundreds of lifestyle discounts through the CBD mobile app. Eligibility is straightforward: applicants must be aged 21–63 and earn at least AED 5,000 per month.
Blue FAB Infinite (Al‑Futtaim) Credit Card
First Abu Dhabi Bank’s partnership with Al‑Futtaim offers a premium card that does not charge an annual fee. Cardholders earn generous cashback: the MyMoneySouq details mention up to 9 % cashback on Al‑Futtaim brands, 4 % on school fees and automotive purchases, and 1 % on other spends.
Additional perks include 0 % balance transfers for 12 months, discounted movie tickets and lounge access at airports. The trade‑off is a high minimum salary of around AED 40,000 and a monthly interest rate near 3.99 %.
RAKBANK Titanium Card
RAKBANK’s Titanium, Red and Business Titanium credit cards have no joining or annual fee according to the bank’s service and price guide. Interest (finance charge) is about 3.65 % per month, while official benefits are hard to access online.
Aggregators note that cardholders receive up to 50 % cashback on entertainment, along with discounts on car rentals, VIP airport lounge access and travel insurance. The approximate salary requirement is AED 8,000, making it a mid‑tier option.
ADCB Talabat Platinum Credit Card
This co‑branded card from Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and delivery app Talabat is free for life. Cardholders get 35 % back on their first 10 Talabat orders each month (capped at AED 35 per order) and 1.25 % back on other purchases.
Additional perks include unlimited free delivery through Talabat Pro with a minimum order of AED 50 and a welcome bonus of up to AED 750 when you spend AED 5,000 in the first 45 days. The card is marketed as free for life, and eligibility requires applicants to be at least 21 years old with either a minimum salary of AED 5,000 or a credit limit of AED 3,500.
Emirates NBD LuLu 247 Titanium Card
The LuLu 247 Titanium card, issued by Emirates NBD, is explicitly advertised as free for life; the bank’s campaigns page notes that no annual fee applies and the annual percentage rate is roughly 39 % per year (≈3.25 % per month).
Cardholders earn 3.5 % in LuLu points on spends at LuLu stores, 2 % on fuel and 1 % on utility bills. Points can be redeemed for vouchers or discounts within the LuLu ecosystem. The minimum income requirement is around AED 5,000, and supplementary cards are free.
CBI Rewards Platinum Credit Card
Commercial Bank International’s Rewards Platinum Mastercard provides benefits such as 100 % cashback on up to four movie tickets per month, complimentary airport lounge access and free supplementary cards.
Aggregators note that the card has no annual fee and charges around 3.45 % interest. The minimum salary requirement is AED 15,000, positioning it between entry‑level and premium tiers
HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card
According to the MyMoneySouq aggregator, HSBC’s Platinum Select card charges no annual fee and offers an interest rate around 3.69 %. Benefits include Air Miles rewards, up to 56 interest‑free days, discounted movie tickets, complimentary lounge access and extended warranty and purchase protection insurance. Applicants must have a minimum salary of AED 5,000, making it accessible to many expats
DIB Prime Signature Card
Dubai Islamic Bank’s Prime Signature card is a Sharia‑compliant card with no annual membership fee and a profit rate of up to 3.25 % per month. Benefits include unlimited airport lounge access, valet parking, concierge services, purchase protection and multi‑trip travel insurance.
The minimum salary requirement varies by source; some aggregators list AED 25,000 while others suggest lower thresholds. Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Table: No-Annual-Fee Cards Comparison
| CBD Visa Platinum | 1.5 pts International Spends, Free for Life | AED 5,000 |
| Blue FAB Infinite | 9% Al-Futtaim Cashback, 4% School Fees | AED 40,000 |
| RAKBANK Titanium | 50% Cinema Cashback, VIP Lounges | AED 8,000 |
| ADCB Talabat Platinum | 35% Talabat Cashback, Free Delivery | AED 5,000 |
| ENBD LuLu 247 | 3.5% LuLu Points, 2% Fuel | AED 5,000 |
| CBI Rewards Platinum | 4 Free Movie Tickets/Mo, Lounge Access | AED 15,000 |
| HSBC Platinum Select | Air Miles, Movie Discounts | AED 5,000 |
| DIB Prime Signature | Valet Parking, Travel Insurance | AED 25,000 |
Even if a card has no annual fee, watch out for other costs like monthly interest and foreign transaction fees. Always read the details and make sure the card’s perks fit your spending and income.
Tips for Using Your Credit Card Wisely
Pay in local currency when abroad. MoneyLuna explains that choosing AED at the point of sale triggers dynamic currency conversion, giving you a poor exchange rate and extra fees.
Avoid cash withdrawals: FX and ATM fees can quickly stack up.
Monitor your spending: Keep track of your monthly spend to maximise cashback without overspending to chase rewards.
Pay the balance in full: UAE credit cards often have high monthly interest rates. Avoid carrying a balance to prevent interest charges.
Check the fine print: Rewards on specific categories (e.g., government payments, utilities) may be lower, and cashbacks can expire if not redeemed within a particular time.
Common Credit Cards Dubai FAQs
What is the minimum salary required to get a credit card in Dubai?
It depends on the card. Entry‑level cards, such as the Mashreq Cashback and Emirates NBD Noon One card, require a minimum income of AED 5,000, while premium travel cards, like the Emirates Islamic Skywards Black card, require AED 35,000 per month.
Are there credit cards with no annual fee for expats?
Yes. Cards such as the Mashreq Cashback Card, Citi Cash Back Card (fee waived if you spend AED 9,000 per year), and the Emirates NBD Noon One Visa Card are free for life. However, always check the renewal terms; the fee may be waived only if you meet specific spending criteria.
Which credit card is best for foreign transactions?
The Citi Cash Back Card gives 3 % cashback on non‑AED spending, while the ADCB Traveler Card offers 10 % cashback on airline tickets and hotel stays paid in any currency and zero foreign currency fees. The FAB Travel Card also waives foreign transaction fees.
What documents do expats need to apply for a credit card?
Banks typically require a valid Emirates ID, a passport, and a copy of the UAE visa. Citibank explicitly lists an Emirates ID, a passport, and a copy of the UAE visa, and notes a minimum age of 21. You may also need proof of income (a salary certificate or payslips) and a salary transfer arrangement, depending on the card type.
How can expats maintain a good credit score in the UAE?
Pay your bills on time, keep your credit utilisation low (don’t max out your card), and avoid multiple credit card applications within a short time. Paying more than the minimum due each month an
