Find the best credit cards in the United Arab Emirates—compare rewards, cashback, annual fees, and profit rates from leading banks. Discover exclusive offers and benefits tailored to your lifestyle.
38 live credit cards offers tracked across 16 UAE providers, with annual fees from AED 0. Data current as of 4 November 2026 and updated daily from the Giraffy database.
Live offers
38 live offers compared from 16 providers, from AED 1 /year. Updated daily.
Giraffy compares 38 credit cards from 16 UAE banks, including 25 cards with full fee tables from ADCB, Emirates NBD and FAB. Twelve cards charge an AED 0 annual fee, among them noon One Visa, talabat ADCB, the two LuLu cards and Visa Platinum. The highest listed fee is AED 2,100 for ADCB's Betaqti card, followed by four cards at AED 1,575: ADCB's ALL Infinite, Marriott Bonvoy World Elite, U By Emaar Infinite and Emirates NBD Visa Infinite.
Monthly finance charges are 3.25%–3.49% at Emirates NBD, 3.69% at ADCB and 3.99% at FAB, with a 5% minimum payment on every listed card. For travellers, the Marriott Bonvoy World Mastercard at AED 315 includes lounge access and travel insurance, while noon One, U By Emaar Family and Visa Platinum list no lounge access. Rule of thumb: if you clear the balance in full, compare annual fees and rewards; if you carry a balance, compare the finance charge first. See also bank accounts and all UAE banking products.
Introduction: Understanding Credit Cards in the UAE
Credit cards help you manage expenses, earn rewards, and enjoy special perks. UAE banks offer a wide range of options, from Sharia-compliant Islamic cards to premium travel and cashback options. Understanding how these cards work will help you choose the best fit.
What is a Credit Card?
A credit card lets you borrow money up to a limit and pay it back later. If you don’t pay the full balance by the due date, you’ll incur interest or profit charges. Key features include:
Credit Limit: The maximum you can spend before paying down your balance.
APR or Profit Rate: Interest or Sharia-compliant profit on unpaid balances.
Grace Period: Pay on time to avoid interest.
Rewards Programs: Earn points, miles, or cashback on purchases.
Top Credit Card Providers in the UAE
Emirates NBD: A leading bank offering a variety of rewards and lifestyle cards.
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB): Known for travel and co-branded airline credit cards.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB): Offers a wide range of cashback and rewards cards.
Mashreq Bank: Provides innovative products including points-based and cashback cards.
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB): Sharia-compliant cards with profit rates instead of interest.
How to Apply for a Credit Card in the UAE
Requirements often include:
Valid Emirates ID or residency visa
Minimum age (21+)
Proof of income
Good credit history
Apply online or in-branch, submit required documents, and wait for approval.
Types of Credit Cards in the UAE
Travel & Airline Miles Cards: Earn miles to redeem on flights and upgrades.
Cashback Cards: Get a percentage back on your spending.
Islamic Credit Cards: Follow Sharia principles with profit-sharing models instead of interest.
Premium/Platinum Cards: Offer luxury perks like lounge access, concierge services, and insurance coverage.
Managing Your Credit Card Wisely
Pay your full balance to avoid interest.
Monitor your spending and set alerts.
Use rewards strategically and redeem before they expire.
Security Tips
Never share your PIN or card details.
Shop on trusted websites.
Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
Conclusion
Choosing the right credit card in the UAE can enhance your financial flexibility, reward your spending, and provide valuable perks. Compare features, read the fine print, and use your card responsibly.
FAQs
What is the APR or profit rate? The annual interest or profit charged if you carry a balance.
Can I use my UAE credit card abroad? Yes, most UAE credit cards are accepted internationally.
What is an Islamic credit card? A Sharia-compliant card using profit-sharing instead of interest.
How can I increase my credit limit? Use your card responsibly and pay on time, then request a limit review after several months.
Credit Cards in United Arab Emirates — FAQ
What is the best credit card in the UAE?
Giraffy compares 38 credit cards from 16 UAE banks, with listed annual fees from AED 0 up to AED 2,100 (ADCB's Betaqti card). The best one depends on where you spend: shopping cards such as noon One, talabat and LuLu; travel and hotel cards such as Marriott Bonvoy, dnata and ALL – Accor Live Limitless; or the U By Emaar range. If you might carry a balance, the monthly finance charge matters more than the rewards.
Which UAE credit cards have no annual fee?
Twelve cards list an AED 0 annual fee: from ADCB, the LuLu Platinum and Titanium, TouchPoints Platinum and Titanium/Gold, and talabat ADCB cards; from Emirates NBD, noon One Visa, U By Emaar Family, Visa Flexi, Visa Platinum and the Priority Banking Visa Infinite; and from FAB, the Manchester City Titanium and FAB Rewards Indulge cards.
What is the monthly finance charge on a UAE credit card?
Listed finance charges are monthly: 3.25%–3.49% on Emirates NBD cards, 3.69% on ADCB cards and 3.99% on FAB cards, with a 5% minimum monthly payment on every listed card. Pay the full statement balance by the due date and no finance charge applies; missed payments are reported to the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB).
Which UAE credit card is best for travel and airport lounges?
Emirates NBD's Marriott Bonvoy World Mastercard costs AED 315 a year and includes lounge access via Mastercard Travel Pass, travel insurance and Marriott hotel benefits. Higher-fee options are dnata World (AED 1,048.95), ADCB's ALL Signature (AED 1,050) with Accor hotel benefits and Marriott Bonvoy World Elite (AED 1,575). noon One, U By Emaar Family and Visa Platinum list no lounge access.
Which UAE credit cards are linked to shopping and delivery?
Emirates NBD's noon One Visa for noon purchases, talabat ADCB with unlimited free talabat delivery, and ADCB's LuLu Platinum and Titanium cards — all with an AED 0 annual fee. The U By Emaar cards run from AED 0 (Family) to AED 262.50 (Signature) and AED 1,575 (Infinite).
How do I apply for a credit card in the UAE?
You normally need a valid Emirates ID and a salary certificate or bank statement, and the bank checks your AECB credit report. Most banks take applications in their app or website, and each card on this page links to the issuer's own application page.
