Best Credit Cards for Expats in UAE

Can Expats Get Credit Cards in the UAE?

Yes, expats in the UAE can get credit cards if they meet the bank’s eligibility requirements. Most UAE banks require a valid Emirates ID, a passport with a valid residence visa, a minimum monthly salary, and proof of income, even for expats. 

Note that eligibility and required documents can vary by bank.

Why Do Expats Need Credit Cards in UAE?

Expats in the UAE use cards to benefit from their cashback and air miles reward systems. The best expat credit card in the UAE helps build credit history in the country and manage living costs. These cards also offer security for large, international, or emergency expenses. 

The other reasons as to why expats need credit cards in UAE include: 

• Rewards & Lifestyle Perks: Many cards offer cashback, dining discounts, air miles, and free valet parking
• Convenience & Safety Assured: These cards help you make reservations, do online shopping, and more from the convenience of home. Moreover, you get various features that protect you against fraud.
• Suitable for International Travel & Remittance: Some credit cards for expats offer reduced foreign exchange fees, making their use cost-effective for frequent flyers. Others, meanwhile, may help in managing expenses back home.
• Building Credit History: Using your credit card responsibly can help you build your credit score and credit profile in the UAE.
• Emergency & Large Purchase Support: As an expat, you can use your card as a financial safety net for emergency expenses or for major purchases as you settle in the UAE.

Types of Credit Cards Suitable for Expats in UAE

As an expat in the UAE, the best credit cards offer rewards for international travel, lifestyle benefits, and high cashback on everyday purchases. Here are different types of credit cards for expats. 

Cashback Credit Cards

These cards, suitable for daily expenses, offer direct money for utility bills, groceries, and dining.

Travel Credit Cards

This type of credit card in UAE is particularly useful for expats who travel to and from their home country and need air miles, airport lounge access, and travel insurance.

Lifestyle and Shopping Credit Cards

If you are seeking rewards for shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle purchases, these cards can be a good choice. Most bank-specific reward cards offer points that can be redeemed flexibly. 

Entry-Level Credit Cards 

Usually, these basic cards are free for life, which is a good option for new expats or expats looking for a secondary card. 

Benefits of Applying for an Expat Credit Card in UAE

When you apply for the best card for expats, you get access to rewards like foreign currency transactions, air miles for travel, and free access to international airport lounges. 

The key benefits of the best credit cards for expats in the UAE include:

• International Rewards: Many of the best credit cards for expats offer cashback on online/offline foreign currency spends and international expenses. 
• Essential and Lifestyle Savings: Expats can benefit from cashback on utility payments, fuel payments, and rewards on school fees. Cashbacks like these help them save on essential expenses in expensive cities like Dubai.
• Exclusive Travel Perks: The best expat credit cards often provide free priority access to more than 1,000 global airport lounges and comprehensive travel insurance. 
• Reduced Costs: Several cards offer 0 foreign transaction fees or reduced FX spreads, while allowing for yearly fee waivers based on minimum spending. 
• Financial Flexibility: Such cards for expats include no or low foreign transaction fees or reduced foreign exchange spreads. 

Credit Cards for Different Types of Expats in UAE

As an expat in the UAE, you can select cards customised to your spending habits, with rewards like high cashback travel perks for frequent flyers, or low fees for newcomers. 

Credit Cards for New Expats

The best credit cards for expats new to the UAE are those that offer fast approval, minimal documentation, and initial setup perks. These cards have low or no annual fees, higher approval rates, and instant rewards. 

Credit Cards for High-Income Expats

These credit cards are suitable for expats with high incomes and a premium lifestyle. These are high spenders who prefer luxury dining and travel for leisure. 

These cards often have high welcome bonuses, unlimited airport lounge access, elite travel insurance, and complimentary hotel stays. 

Credit Cards for Frequent Travellers

These credit cards for expats are suitable for people who fly to and from their home country frequently, spend internationally, and require airport lounge access. Such cards have 0 foreign currency fees, high cashback on travel, air miles, and more. 

Credit Card for Families

Expat families can also opt for the best credit cards for expats. These cards are largely suitable for people with high monthly expenses, grocery shopping, school fees, and lifestyle perks. 

You can get high cashback on supermarket, utility bills, and fuel, along with discounts on dining and cinema. 

Credit Card for Low-Salary Expats

Several credit cards for expats cater to the budget-conscious individuals, with a focus on cashback for essential purchases to maximise income. These cards are known for their low or no annual fees, minimum salary requirements, and rewards on essential shopping. 

How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Expats in UAE?

Choosing the best expat credit cards in the UAE involves matching the rewards with your spending habits. The key aspects to consider when choosing the right card include:

Understanding Your Spending Needs

Before finalising or even comparing the cards, analyse your spending patterns. Understand where your money goes every month. You can break down your expenses into key categories — groceries and supermarkets, travel, dining and food delivery, utilities, telecom, fuel, and other expenses. 

Compare Your Options 

After analysing your spending pattern, use websites like Paisabazaar.ae to compare your options. Compare the annual fee to the credit card benefits. Review all the feasible options that align with your budget.

Look Out for Hidden Charges

Before applying for the card, always review its schedule of fees. Also, read the fine print, like terms and conditions, fees, or the tariff guide. 

This way, you can become aware of those hidden foreign transaction mark-ups and no-usage charges that can harm you in the long run.

Figure Out the Reward Structure You Want

Find out what reward structure works the best for you. Cashback is suitable for your daily expenses, such as groceries, dining, and utilities. Travel perks and air miles are better for frequent travellers.

Evaluate the Eligibility Criteria

Check the salary requirements. The entry-level cards require a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 to AED 8,000. In contrast, premium credit cards require a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000.

Common Challenges Expats Face When Applying for Credit Cards in UAE

Expats who apply for credit cards in the UAE can face challenges, particularly due to strict rules on local credit history, minimum salary thresholds, and stringent paperwork requirements.

Some of the most common challenges are discussed below. 

Things Expats Should Know Before Using a Credit Card in UAE

To make the most of the best credit card for expats, you need to know how to use the product the right way and avoid unnecessary costs and legal issues. Here are some common things expats should be aware of. 

• Legal Consequences of Non-Payment of Credit Card Balance: The UAE banking industry is particular about debt repayment. Missing repayment of your card balance can lead to high interest imposition and even grave legal consequences like travel bans. 
• Keep Your Credit Utilisation Ratio below 30%: You should use less than 30% of your overall credit card limit to maintain a good credit score. 
• Pay Your Balance in Full: Understand that interest on credit cards is high. Thus, try to pay your card balance in full to avoid the interest charges. 
• Monitor Your Spending: Keep a track of your monthly spending to maximise cashback without overspending in a chase for rewards. 
• Choose the Right Credit Card: Before using a credit card, make sure you apply for the right one. Compare your options and choose between the cashback and miles rewards structure based on your lifestyle. 

Using the right card, in a responsible manner, is the key.

How Can Expats Improve Their Credit Card Approval Chances?

You can improve your chances of getting the best credit card for expats by maintaining a high credit score via timely bill payments, keeping credit utilisation below 30%, and more. Here are the key strategies to improve your approval chances:

• Boost Your AECB Score: Check your credit score periodically. If your score is low, make the required changes to your spending and repayment patterns. These things directly impact your creditworthiness.
• Keep Your Credit Utilisation Ratio under 30%: Avoid maxing out your card limits. Keep it under 30% of the total limit, as excessive use of cards shows financial distress to the banks. 
• Don’t Apply for Multiple Credit Cards at Once: This can lead to multiple hard queries, which hints at financial instability and can lower your credit score. 
• Try Applying with the Bank that Holds Your Salary Account: Apply with the bank where you already hold a salary account. This increases your chances of card approval. 
• Keep Debt-to-Income Low: Reduce the existing debts to ensure that your salary can cover the new obligations. 

Documents Required to Apply for Credit Cards for Expats in UAE

Here are the general documents you need to apply for the best credit card for expats in the UAE:

• Original and a copy of Emirates ID
• Original and a copy of the passport with a valid UAE residence visa
• Salary certificate
• Last 3 to 6 months of bank statements to show salary credits
• Address proof (for example, utility bills or tenancy contract)

Additional Documents Required for Self-Employed Expats

• Valid copy of trade licence
• Copy of Memorandum of Association
• Passport copy of all partners (if applicable)

Where to Compare Credit Cards as an Expatriate in UAE?

Compare and apply for the best credit card in the UAE on Paisabazaar.ae. The website is easy to use and shows you the best cards with just a few details from your end.

Applying for the best expat credit card today!

Frequently Asked Questions