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Best Credit Cards in UAE 2026

Finding the best credit card in the UAE can be challenging. This is because you can find many cards that offer a range of benefits. You can choose from a range of cashback options to credit cards with comprehensive rewards programs for everyday spending, shopping, dining, and travel. To help you sort out this confusion, we have curated a list of top credit cards in the UAE that you can choose from based on your spending habits, income, and lifestyle. ...read more

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Best credit cards with 0 Annual fee*

Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Ras Al Khaimah
  • Cashback up to AED 2,000
  • Rewards + Welcome Offers
  • No Annual Fee
  • Travel benefits
  • Dining Discounts
  • Entertainment Benefits

Some Frequently Asked Questions Answered 

What is the best credit card in UAE?

The best credit card in UAE largely depends on your salary, spending patterns, and lifestyle needs. For example, a cashback card is ideal for your daily expenses like groceries and fuel. A travel credit card, on the other hand, is the right option only if you are a frequent flyer.

Ideally, a good credit card should ?

  • Align with your spending habits
  • Be easy to manage and widely accepted
  • Offer perks that outweigh the annual fee
  • Fit your monthly income and eligibility profile


Can I apply for multiple credit cards in the UAE?

Yes, you can apply for multiple credit cards in the UAE. However, note that you must meet the banks' eligibility criteria, including the minimum monthly income and debt-to-income ratio. Also, avoid applying for too many cards at once. It leads to multiple hard inquiries, which can negatively impact your credit score and history.

Top Credit Cards in UAE 2026

Here are the top credit cards in UAE 2026 that you can consider applying for —

Credit Cards Minimum Monthly Salary Annual Fee Best For Features and Benefits Apply
Liv. Cashback Credit Card AED 5,000 Free for Life Value-conscious buyers | Savvy spenders
  • Up to AED 750 cashback per month
  • AED 0 joining fee
  • Access to more than 25 airport lounges
  • Up to 10% off when booking at Trip.com
  • 20% discount on 1 order per month at talabat
Apply Now
ADCB Lulu Platinum Credit Card AED 8,000 Free for Life Lifestyle-oriented | Financially savvy | Disciplined transactors
  • Up to 8 LuLu points for every AED 1 spent at LuLu Stores
  • Up to 1.25 LuLu points for every AED 1 all other spends
  • BOGO movie tickets at Reel Cinemas
  • Up to 4 complimentary visits at over 25 international airport lounges for yourself + supplementary cardholders
Apply Now
ADCB 365 Cashback Credit Card AED 8,000 Free for 1st year, AED 383.25 starting 2nd year Online shopping | Dining and entertainment | Everyday essentials
  • Welcome bonus worth AED 365
  • 3% cashback on telecom, Salik, fuel, and utilities
  • 6% cashback on dining, including online food orders
  • 5% cashback on groceries
  • 1% cashback on all international and domestic purchases
Apply Now
ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card AED 5,000 Free for Life Disciplined spenders | Everyday essentials | Dining and entertainment
  • 1% cashback on all purchases
  • Up to AED 70 cashback on movie tickets per month
  • Up to 4 complimentary visits at over 25 international airport lounges for yourself + supplementary cardholders
  • Up to 7% cashback as wallet credit with booking.com 
Apply Now
FAB Rewards Indulge Credit Card AED 5,000 Free for Life Lifestyle-oriented | Entertainment 
  • 20,000 bonus FAB rewards on spending AED 10,000+ per month 
  • 5 FAB rewards on online spending 
  • 1 FAB reward on all other spending, including abroad
  • 20% discount on shopping at Namshi.com and at more than 150 restaurants in the UAE
  • Up to 20% discount on entertainment and attractions in the UAE
Apply Now
HSBC Live+ Credit Card AED 12,500 Free for 1st year, AED 313.95 starting the 2nd year Daily spending | Grocery | Entertainment | Fuel | Dining
  • 6% (up to AED 200) cashback on dining
  • 5% (up to AED 200) cashback on fuel
  • 2% (up to AED 200) cashback on groceries and entertainment
  • 50% discount on dining bills at 4,000 restaurants across the UAE with a free Zomato Gold membership
  • 12 complimentary visits to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide for yourself + additional cardholders per year
Apply Now
HSBC Emirates Skywards Signature Credit Card AED 12,500 AED 1,050 Frequent flyers | Travellers | Lifestyle-oriented
  • Pay the annual fee and get 10,000 sign-up bonus Skywards Miles 
  • Up to 1.75 Skywards Miles on every USD 1 spent 
  • Get an additional 15,000 Skywards Miles + fast track to Silver Tier membership — simply spend at least AED 20,000 within the first 60 days
  • Miles remain active till your card remains active
  • Access to the Visa Luxury Hotel Collection
Apply Now
Citi Simplicity Credit Card AED 5,000 Free for Life Building credit score | Small, frequent purchases | Groceries and essential items | First-time credit card users
  • 20% discount on grocery and food orders per month on the talabat app
  • No late fee, cash advance fee, or overlimit fee
  • Easy instalment plan facility
Apply Now
Citi Cashback Credit Card AED 8,000 AED 300 Everyday essentials | Smart spending 
  • 3% cashback on international spends
  • 2% cashback on grocery/supermarket spending
  • 1% cashback on other spends
  • 8 complimentary visits to 1,200 + international airport lounges per year
  • 20% off on grocery and food orders once a month on talabat
Apply Now
Blue FAB Signature Credit Card by Al-Futtaim AED 15,000 Free for Life Retail & online shopping 
  • 7% cashback on Al-Futtaim retail brands, including M&S, ACE, Toys R Us, IKEA, and more
  • 3% cashback in Al Futtaim FAB rewards for every AED spent on Al-Futtaim schools, car brands, and more
  • 1% cashback on all your additional spending
  • Access to 1,000+ international airport lounges
  • 4 tickets per month for only AED 20 at Cine Royal, Reel Cinemas, and Star Cinemas
Apply Now

Which Credit Card is Best in UAE — Understanding Category-Wise Best Cards

To get the best credit card in UAE, you need to analyse your spending habits and the category for which you want a card. For your convenience, we have curated a category-wise list of the top credit cards in UAE below.


CASHBACK CREDIT CARDS


Best for: Everyday spending like utility, dining, groceries, bills, and fuel

Top 5 Credit Cards in UAE: Liv. Cashback Credit Card, ADCB 365 Cashback Credit Card, Citi Cashback Credit Card, Blue FAB Signature Credit Card by Al-Futtaim, HSBC Live+ Credit Card

Why Do These Credit Cards Stand Out? These cards convert regular monthly expenses into direct savings. This makes them perfect for families and salaried professionals. 


WELCOME BONUS CREDIT CARDS


Best for: First-time credit card applicants, professionals with higher monthly expenses, frequent travellers

Top 5 Credit Cards in UAE: ADCB 365 Cashback Credit Card, ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card, HSBC Emirates Skywards Signature Credit Card, HSBC Live+ Credit Card, ADCB talabat Credit Card

Why Do These Cards Stand Out? This type of card offers immediate rewards as an incentive. They help you save on everyday expenses. 


TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

 

Best for: Frequent flyers, Emirates and Etihad loyal flyers, business flyers, families, and leisure travellers

Top 5 Credit Cards in UAE: ADCB 365 Cashback Credit Card, ADCB LuLu Platinum Credit Card, HSBC Live+ Credit Card, Liv. Cashback Credit Card, HSBC Emirates Skywards Signature Credit Card

Why Do These Cards Stand Out? These cards help you reduce travel costs, thanks to the discounts, deals, and airline miles. Additionally, you get a premium airport lounge access, travel insurance cover, and more. 


LIFESTYLE CREDIT CARDS


Best for: Urban professionals, high earners, frequent diners, retail shoppers, entertainment enthusiasts

Top 5 Credit Cards in UAE: ADCB LuLu Platinum Credit Card, Blue FAB Signature Credit Card by Al-Futtaim, talabat adcb credit card, FAB Cashback World Card, Shukran ADCB Credit Card

Why Do These Cards Stand Out? These are the best credit cards for exclusive offers at restaurants, malls, cinemas, and flights and hotels. 


FREE FOR LIFE CREDIT CARDS


Best for: First-time card users, low to moderate spenders, value-focused users, budget-conscious users

Top 5 Credit Cards in UAE: Citi Simplicity Credit Card, Liv. Cashback Credit Card, Blue FAB Signature Credit Card by Al-Futtaim, ADCB LuLu Platinum Credit Card, FAB Rewards Indulge Credit Card

Why Do These Cards Stand Out? These cards are perfect for building credit history. Moreover, you won’t have the pressure to recover annual fees. 

Best Credit Cards in Dubai (Local Picks in Dubai)

Dubai is a high-end city with very different card requirements compared to the other Emirates. Monthly spending in Dubai usually includes dining out, shopping in malls, travelling, fuel, and lifestyle expenses. 

Thus, the best credit card in Dubai usually emphasises lifestyle discounts, cashback, and international spending benefits. The best credit cards in this emirate offer —

  • Cashback on dining, fuel, and groceries
  • Rewards for international expenses
  • Discounts at malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues
  • Eligible for salaried expatriates

So, if you live or work in Dubai, find a card that meets your local spending habits while increasing your annual rewards and savings.

How Do I Choose the Best Credit Card in Dubai, UAE?

To find the best credit card in UAE, you should —

  1. Calculate your monthly spending 
  2. Match your benefits to your major expense and budget
  3. Consider your bill payment behaviour as per your budget
  4. Factor in additional benefits like travel benefits, dining benefits, and the supplementary cards option

How Do We Select the Best Credit Cards in Dubai, UAE?

Technically, it is YOU who selects the best credit card in UAE. Paisabazaar.ae just offers you a platform to compare and apply for the most suitable card from a range of options! 

We help you compare your options based on —

  1. Your monthly income
  2. Lifestyle benefits you want
  3. Annual fee
  4. Policies of the issuing bank

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for the Best Credit Card in UAE

You should meet certain requirements to apply for the best credit card in Dubai, UAE. The requirements include —

  • Being at least 21 years old
  • Earning at least AED 5,000 per month (to show a stable income flow)
  • For quick approvals and favourable terms, an aecb credit score of more than 650
  • You should be a UAE resident

Note: These are the basic eligibility criteria. The requirements can change as per the bank’s requirements.

Documents Required to Apply for the Top Credit Cards in UAE

Most banks in the UAE require you to present the following documents -

  • Emirates ID
  • Passport copy with residence visa page
  • Salary certificate 
  • Recent bank statements 

The list above contains the general documents that most banks ask for. Banks may require additional documents as per their policies.

Who Should Use Paisabazaar.ae for Credit Card Comparison?

If you fall under any of the following categories, you should consider using Paisabazaar.ae for finding the best credit card in UAE —

  • First-time credit card applicants in the UAE
  • Salaried professionals who want to compare their options
  • An earning family member looking for cashback on everyday expenses
  • Frequent travellers and flyers looking for opportunities in miles and lounge access

In other words, anyone who wants to make their life easy by streamlining the hassle of hopping from bank to bank! Check the best credit cards in UAE today!

Quick Tips to Maximise Your Credit Card Benefits

Here are some quick tips to maximise your benefits when using the best credit card in UAE —

  • Pay your card’s bills in full to avoid interest charges
  • Track your spending categories every month
  • Once eligible, upgrade to premium credit cards
  • Make the most of category bonus benefits
  • If you are a frequent traveller, use a co-branded airline card for frequent travel
  • Take advantage of 0% instalment plans (if applicable)
  • Set up transaction alerts
  • Be smart with balance transfers 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which credit card is best for an AED 5,000 salary in the UAE?

Ans: You can get cards like Liv. Cashback Credit Card, ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card, FAB Rewards Indulge Credit Card, and Citi Simplicity Credit Card with a monthly income of AED 5,000 in the UAE. 

Q2: Are free-for-life credit cards good in the UAE?

Ans: Yes, free-for-life cards are ideal for anyone who wants to avoid annual fees while still earning benefits like cashback, basic privileges, or rewards.

Q3: Can expatriates apply for credit cards in the UAE?

Ans: Yes, expatriates can apply for a credit card in the UAE, given they meet the eligibility criteria laid down by the bank. 

Q4: How many credit cards can I have in the UAE?

Ans: You can have multiple credit cards in the UAE — there is no fixed number. But the approval for them will depend on your credit history, income, and the debt burden ratio (as per UAE Central Bank’s guidelines).

 

Q5: Which is the best credit card in Dubai for expatriates?

Ans: For expatriates in Dubai, the best credit cards are cashback and rewards-based cards. Depending on your lifestyle, you can also go for cards with dining benefits. 

Q6: Can I get a credit card in the UAE with an AED 5,000 salary?

Ans: Yes, many banks offer basic credit cards for salaries from AED 5,000. 

Q7: Which credit card is best for cashback in the UAE?

Ans: ​​​​​​​The best credit cards for cashback are Liv. Cashback Credit Card, ADCB 365 Cashback Credit Card, Citi Cashback Credit Card, Blue FAB Signature Credit Card by Al-Futtaim, and HSBC Live+ Credit Card.

Tanvi Pathak

Tanvi Pathak

Team Lead-Content

Tanvi is a finance content writer and editor who works on curating factually correct and user centric copies for credit cards, and other banking products. With around 4 years of industry experience with Paisabazaar.ae, she has been focused on making sure that the content produced helps you make smart financial decisions. Her objective is to ensure accuracy, transparency, and credibility.

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