With over 12,100 monthly searches for "credit cards in UAE," it's clear that finding the right financial tools remains a top priority for the 8.84 million expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates. As we move through 2025, UAE banks continue to compete aggressively for expat customers, offering increasingly attractive perks, cashback programs, and flexible eligibility requirements.
For expatriates navigating life in the UAE, the right credit card can provide significant financial advantages—from managing everyday expenses to accessing premium travel benefits. However, with dozens of options available across various banks, comparing features, fees, and requirements can be overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide examines the best credit cards for expats in UAE in 2025, focusing on key factors like annual fees, cashback rates, airport lounge access, and minimum salary requirements. Whether you're seeking no annual fee credit cards in UAE or premium options with extensive benefits, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.
Top 7 Credit Cards for UAE Expats in 2025
1. Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
Bank: Emirates NBD
Official URL: Emirates NBD Credit Cards
Annual Fee: AED 1,499 (waived if spending exceeds AED 200,000 annually)
Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 30,000 per month
Key Perks:
- Up to 2.5 Skywards Miles per USD spent
- Complimentary Emirates Skywards Gold membership
- Unlimited airport lounge access worldwide through LoungeKey
- Buy 1 Get 1 free offers on dining, entertainment, and wellness through the ENTERTAINER app
- Complimentary golf access at select courses in the UAE
- Free travel insurance with coverage up to USD 500,000
- 0% installment plans for up to 12 months
This premium card is ideal for frequent travelers who can maximize the Skywards Miles program and extensive travel benefits.
2. FAB Etihad Guest Signature Credit Card
Bank: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
Official URL: FAB Credit Cards
Annual Fee: AED 1,000 (waived for the first year)
Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 20,000 per month
Key Perks:
- Earn up to 2.2 Etihad Guest Miles per AED 1 spent
- 50,000 welcome bonus miles
- Complimentary Etihad Guest Silver status
- Two complimentary access passes to Etihad lounges annually
- Free valet parking at major UAE malls
- Up to 20% discount on Etihad Airways flights
- Complimentary travel insurance
This card offers excellent value for those who frequently fly with Etihad Airways and can utilize the airline-specific benefits.
3. RAKBANK Cashback Credit Card
Bank: RAKBANK
Official URL: RAKBANK Credit Cards
Annual Fee: AED 500 (waived if spending exceeds AED 50,000 annually)
Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 8,000 per month
Key Perks:
- Up to 5% cashback on international spends
- Up to 3% cashback on domestic spends
- No cashback caps or category restrictions
- Flexible payment plans with 0% interest for up to 24 months
- Discounts on dining, entertainment, and shopping
- Free roadside assistance
- Complimentary airport transfers twice a year
This card stands out for its straightforward cashback program without complex category restrictions, making it one of the best cashback credit cards in UAE.
4. HSBC Visa Platinum Credit Card
Bank: HSBC
Official URL: HSBC Credit Cards
Annual Fee: AED 0 (No annual fee)
Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 15,000 per month
Key Perks:
- No annual fee for life
- Up to 3% cashback on international purchases
- Up to 2% cashback on local purchases
- Complimentary airport lounge access (4 visits per year)
- Buy 1 Get 1 movie tickets
- Flexible installment plans
- Global emergency assistance
- Purchase protection insurance
This card offers a good balance of benefits with no annual fee, making it one of the top no annual fee credit cards UAE options for expats with mid-range salaries.
5. ADCB Etihad Guest Platinum Credit Card
Bank: Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
Official URL: ADCB Credit Cards
Annual Fee: AED 750 (waived for the first year)
Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 10,000 per month
Key Perks:
- Earn up to 2 Etihad Guest Miles per AED 1 spent
- 30,000 welcome bonus miles
- Fast-track to Etihad Guest Silver status
- Two complimentary Etihad lounge access passes annually
- Free valet parking at select locations
- Dining discounts at over 300 restaurants
- Complimentary travel insurance
This mid-tier card provides good value for Etihad Airways travelers with more accessible salary requirements than premium alternatives.
6. Mashreq Neo Credit Card
Bank: Mashreq Neo
Official URL: Mashreq Neo Cards
Annual Fee: AED 0 (No annual fee)
Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 5,000 per month
Key Perks:
- Up to 5% cashback on specific categories (online shopping, groceries, dining)
- Unlimited 1% cashback on all other spends
- Digital-first experience with instant virtual card
- Free international money transfers
- Cinema ticket discounts
- Flexible payment plans
- No foreign transaction fees
This digital-focused card offers excellent cashback rates with no annual fee and lower salary requirements, making it accessible to a wider range of expats.
7. CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card
Bank: Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)
Official URL: CBD Credit Cards
Annual Fee: AED 1,000 (waived if spending exceeds AED 120,000 annually)
Minimum Salary Requirement: AED 25,000 per month
Key Perks:
- Earn up to 3.5% cashback on international spends
- Earn up to 2% cashback on local spends
- Unlimited airport lounge access through LoungeKey
- Complimentary golf access at select UAE courses
- Free valet parking at major malls
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Concierge services
This premium card offers high cashback rates and extensive travel benefits, including credit cards with airport lounge access UAE expats frequently seek.
Comparison Table: UAE Credit Cards for Expats (2025)
| Bank | Card Name | Annual Fee | Cashback/Rewards | Lounge Access | Min. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates NBD | Skywards Infinite | AED 1,499 (waivable) | Up to 2.5 Skywards Miles per USD | Unlimited worldwide | AED 30,000 |
| FAB | Etihad Guest Signature | AED 1,000 (first year free) | Up to 2.2 Etihad Miles per AED | 2 Etihad lounge passes | AED 20,000 |
| RAKBANK | Cashback Card | AED 500 (waivable) | Up to 5% international, 3% domestic | None | AED 8,000 |
| HSBC | Visa Platinum | AED 0 | Up to 3% international, 2% local | 4 visits per year | AED 15,000 |
| ADCB | Etihad Guest Platinum | AED 750 (first year free) | Up to 2 Etihad Miles per AED | 2 Etihad lounge passes | AED 10,000 |
| Mashreq | Neo Credit Card | AED 0 | Up to 5% on categories, 1% on all else | None | AED 5,000 |
| CBD | Visa Infinite | AED 1,000 (waivable) | Up to 3.5% international, 2% local | Unlimited worldwide | AED 25,000 |
How to Choose the Right Credit Card as an Expat
Selecting the ideal credit card in the UAE requires careful consideration of several factors:
1. Assess Your Spending Patterns
Analyze your monthly expenses to determine where you spend the most. If you frequently dine out, look for cards with high restaurant cashback. For frequent travelers, prioritize cards with travel rewards and lounge access.
2. Consider Your Salary and Eligibility
UAE credit cards have minimum salary requirements ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 30,000+ monthly. Be realistic about your eligibility before applying to avoid rejection, which can temporarily impact your credit score.
3. Evaluate Annual Fees vs. Benefits
While no annual fee credit cards UAE options exist, premium cards with fees often provide benefits that outweigh the cost—if you use them. Calculate whether you'll utilize enough perks to justify any annual fees.
4. Understand Currency Conversion Fees
As an expat, you likely make international purchases or send money home. Some cards charge up to 3% on foreign currency transactions, while others offer reduced or zero foreign exchange fees.
5. Check Reward Redemption Options
Ensure the rewards program aligns with your lifestyle. Miles programs are valuable for frequent travelers, while cashback offers more flexibility for everyday spenders.
6. Read the Fine Print
Pay attention to:
- Interest rates (typically 36-42% annually in the UAE)
- Grace periods (usually 25-55 days)
- Late payment fees
- Minimum payment requirements
- Balance transfer options
Conclusion: Maximizing Value from UAE Credit Cards
The best credit cards for expats in UAE 2025 offer significant opportunities to save money and access valuable benefits. By strategically selecting a card that aligns with your spending habits and lifestyle needs, you can:
- Earn substantial cashback or miles on everyday purchases
- Access premium travel benefits like airport lounges
- Take advantage of dining and entertainment discounts
- Build a positive credit history in the UAE
Remember that responsible credit card usage is essential. Pay your balance in full each month to avoid high interest charges, and don't apply for multiple cards simultaneously, which can negatively impact your credit assessment.
Useful Resources
For the most current information on credit card offerings, visit these official bank websites:
- Emirates NBD Credit Cards
- First Abu Dhabi Bank Credit Cards
- RAKBANK Credit Cards
- HSBC Credit Cards
- ADCB Credit Cards
- Mashreq Neo Cards
- Commercial Bank of Dubai Credit Cards
- PaisaBazaar UAE Credit Card Comparison
Note: All information in this article is based on official UAE bank websites as of 2025. Credit card terms and conditions may change, so always verify the latest details directly with the bank before applying.
Take Action
Now that you've compared the top credit cards in UAE for expats, take the time to evaluate which option best suits your financial situation and lifestyle. Consider your spending habits, salary, and the specific benefits that would provide the most value to you.
Before applying, carefully review the complete terms and conditions on the bank's official website. Remember that responsible credit card usage is key to building a strong financial foundation during your time in the UAE.
Have you found a UAE credit card that works particularly well for your expat lifestyle? What features do you value most? Share your experiences in the comments below!
