Compare credit cards in Bahrain. Find cards with cashback, rewards points, airport lounge access, and travel benefits from NBB, BBK, Ithmaar, and other leading banks.
43 live credit cards offers tracked across 9 Bahraini providers, with annual fees from BHD 0 /year. Data current as of 23 October 2026 and updated daily from the Giraffy database.
43 live offers compared from 9 providers, from BHD 1 /month. Updated daily.
BHD 0 /year
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BHD 1 /month
BHD 5.50 /year
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BHD 16.50 /year
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BHD 27.50 /year
BHD 33 /year
BHD 44 /year
BHD 55 /year
BHD 55 /year
BHD 55 /year
BHD 82.50 /year
BHD 82.50 /year
BHD 82.50 /year
BHD 85 /month
BHD 385 /year
BHD 1080 /year
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BHD 3060 /year
BHD 5400 /year
BHD 6000 /year
BHD 14500 /year
BHD 30000 /year
Giraffy compares 41 credit cards from 9 Bahraini banks and card issuers. Around 20 of them list a BD 0 annual fee — most of the CrediMax range, NBB Mastercard World, Visa Signature and Mastercard Platinum, ila Blue and ila Switch, all four Khaleeji Bank cards and the BisB Mastercard Cashback card. Paid cards start at BD 5.5 a year (BBK Platinum and Signature) and premium cards such as NBB Visa Infinite and CrediMax Infinite list BD 82.5.
For cashback, compare the fee-free BisB Mastercard Cashback with the CrediMax Platinum Cashback (BD 16.5 a year). For travel, CrediMax World, NBB Mastercard World and Khaleeji Bank Infinite all list unlimited airport lounge access with no annual fee, and the ila Gulf Air card (BD 55) earns Gulf Air miles. Monthly interest rates on most listed cards run from 1.65% to 2.99%, most cards charge a 3.30% international transaction fee (Al Salam Bank lists 2.71%), and the lowest listed minimum salary is BD 300. Also compare bank accounts and personal finance in Bahrain.
Credit cards in Bahrain offer a convenient and flexible way to manage your spending, make purchases both locally and internationally, and access a range of benefits from cashback rewards to travel perks. Bahrain's banking sector provides a diverse selection of credit cards designed to suit different lifestyles, spending patterns, and financial needs, whether you prioritize earning rewards, enjoying travel benefits, or simply having a reliable payment method.
The credit card market in Bahrain includes both conventional cards that operate on standard interest-based models and Islamic credit cards that are structured to comply with Sharia principles. This variety ensures that all residents can access credit card facilities that align with their financial preferences and personal values.
Rewards credit cards allow you to earn points, miles, or cashback on your everyday spending. These cards are ideal for people who regularly use their credit card for purchases and want to accumulate benefits over time. Rewards may be redeemable for merchandise, travel bookings, statement credits, or other valuable items depending on the specific program.
Travel credit cards are designed for frequent travelers and typically offer benefits such as complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance coverage, preferential foreign exchange rates, and accelerated rewards earning on travel-related purchases. Premium travel cards may include concierge services and exclusive booking privileges.
Cashback credit cards return a percentage of your spending directly to you, either as statement credits or deposits to your account. These straightforward rewards are easy to understand and provide tangible value without the complexity of points programs.
Islamic credit cards operate without interest charges, instead using Sharia-compliant mechanisms such as Tawarruq or Murabaha. Monthly service fees replace interest charges, making these cards suitable for customers who wish to avoid riba (interest) in their financial dealings.
Annual fees vary significantly between cards, from zero-fee basic cards to premium cards charging hundreds of dinars annually. Consider whether the benefits and rewards offered justify the fee, and look for welcome offers or fee waivers that may be available.
Interest rates matter if you ever carry a balance from month to month. Cards with lower interest rates will cost you less in finance charges, while higher rates can significantly increase the cost of revolving debt.
Credit limits determine your maximum spending capacity and vary based on your income, credit history, and the specific card. Consider whether the offered limit meets your needs while ensuring it does not tempt overspending.
Rewards structures differ between cards in terms of earning rates, redemption options, and any caps or exclusions that may apply. Choose a card whose rewards align with your spending patterns to maximize value.
Leading banks offering credit cards in Bahrain include National Bank of Bahrain, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, Ahli United Bank, CrediMax (the specialized card issuer owned by BBK), Bahrain Islamic Bank, and international banks such as HSBC and Standard Chartered. Each issuer offers multiple card tiers targeting different customer segments.
It depends on how you spend. Giraffy compares 43 cards from 9 Bahraini issuers: cashback cards (such as the BisB Mastercard Cashback and CrediMax Platinum Cashback), travel cards with airport lounge access, and airline cards such as the ila Gulf Air card. Pick the reward you will actually use, then compare the annual fee, monthly interest rate and minimum income.
Around 20 cards on Giraffy list a BD 0 annual fee, including most CrediMax cards, NBB Mastercard World, Visa Signature and Mastercard Platinum, ila Blue and ila Switch, the Khaleeji Bank range and the BisB Mastercard Cashback card. Several of them still include airport lounge access and travel insurance.
Look at lounge access and the foreign transaction fee. Cards such as CrediMax World, NBB Mastercard World and the Khaleeji Bank Infinite card list unlimited lounge access with no annual fee. Most Bahraini cards charge a 3.30% international transaction fee; Al Salam Bank's cards list 2.71%.
Minimum score requirements vary by card and issuer. In Bahrain, scores are reported by your national credit bureau. Premium rewards and travel cards typically require a good-to-excellent score, while secured or entry-level cards are available with lower or no credit history. Checking eligibility with a soft search won't affect your score.
Giraffy tracks 43 credit cards across 9 banks in Bahrain. Use the 'No Foreign Fees' filter on the card detail to find cards that don't charge for overseas spending — useful if you travel or shop in foreign currencies online.
A balance transfer moves your existing credit card debt to a new card, often at 0% interest for an introductory period. You typically pay a one-off transfer fee (1–3%). If you can repay the balance before the 0% period ends, you save on interest — check the revert rate carefully.
Rewards cards earn points, miles, or cashback on every purchase. Cashback is the simplest — a percentage of spending returned as cash. Points and miles can be worth more if redeemed for flights or hotels, but require more active management. Annual fees are often offset if you spend above a certain threshold.
If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay zero interest. Interest only applies to carried balances, cash advances, or missed payments. The representative APR shown on each card covers all standard purchase interest — compare APRs when choosing a card you might not always pay off in full.
Your credit limit is the maximum you're allowed to borrow at any time. Your available balance is what's left after deducting current transactions. Staying well below your limit — ideally under 30% — helps maintain a healthy credit utilisation ratio, which is a key factor in your credit score.