Managing money smartly is essential. Prepaid cards in UAE present one of the simplest tools to handle money wisely. Unlike traditional credit cards, these cards work on the concept of ‘load first, spend later’. This way, you have more control over your expenses while avoiding the risks of debt and interest. These cards are suitable for shopping, travel, and online payments. Let’s explore some of the best prepaid cards in UAE. ...read more
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the list of the top prepaid cards in UAE and their key benefits —
Emirates NBD GlobalCash Card
This is one of the best prepaid cards in UAE. Available in 15 different currencies, it’s accessible worldwide. Manage your card with ease via online and mobile banking from anywhere. Additionally, you get a travel protection privilege, known as Emergency Travel Assistance.
Card Issuance Fee
AED 31.5
Card Inactivity Fee
AED 15.75 per month (charged after 5 consecutive months of non-use)
Daily ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit
AED 40,000
Minimum Load/ Reload Amount
AED 500
Card Unload Fee
AED 15.75
Card Closure Fee
AED 15.75
Card Replacement Fee
AED 31.5
Features of ENBD GlobalCash Card
A multi-currency card — you can use this card in currencies like AED, USD, THB, LKR, PHP, PKR, SAR, TRY, ZAR, AUD, CAD, CHF, GBP, INR, and EUR.
Reload amount is estimated using the ENBD currency-to-currency foreign exchange rate
Use the card for online transactions via internet banking, ATM, and PoS
Reload the card via internet banking, mobile banking, cash deposit machines, and bank branches
Benefits of ENBD GlobalCash Card
You can withdraw up to AED 40,000 in cash every day
Enjoy a high daily PoS purchase limit of up to AED 80,000
The maximum amount you can loan in a year is AED 250,000
The daily cash over-the-counter limit is AED 10,000
Al Ansari Exchange Visa Platinum TravelCard
With worldwide acceptance, you can take this card with you wherever you go. Access 23 currencies on a single card and reload instantly without any hassle. Besides travel perks, the card offers exceptional deals on lifestyle expenses.
Total Load Limit
USD 16,220 or equivalent
Card Validity
5 Years
Features of Al Ansari Exchange Visa Platinum TravelCard
The card is available in 23 currencies
Manage your spending by locking in the best exchange rates
The card is Chip & PIN protected
The card has global acceptance.
Benefits of Al Ansari Exchange Visa Platinum TravelCard
Earn up to 1,000+ rewards points on card transactions
Personalise the card with your name on it
Up to 5 supplementary cards for family members
Exceptional deals and discounts on lifestyle spending
Emirates Islamic Prepaid Card
Easily manage your expenses with the EIB prepaid card in UAE and other countries. It is entirely safe to use, as the 3D features keep your transactions secure. Easily reload funds into the card via online and offline means.
First Top-Up Fee
AED 21
Balance Unload Fee
AED 15.75
Maximum Daily Transaction Limit
AED 40,000
Monthly Card Inactivity Fee (after 6 months of inactivity)
AED 15.75
Features of Emirates Islamic Prepaid Card
The card is available in AED currency
The card is accepted globally
Load your card via EIB branch, online banking, or Cash Deposit Machine
3D Secure feature keeps your transactions safe
Extended Warranty and Purchase Protection feature available
Benefits of Emirates Islamic Prepaid Card
Earn cashback on shopping with Cashbacksouk.ae
1 week free access to Lingokids Plus and 50% discount on the membership fee
Amazing Mazaya offers on shopping, dining, travel, and shopping
Emirates NBD Gift Card
As the name says, this is a virtual gift card. It’s accepted at online stores across the globe. Simply load the desired amount and email to the receiver. This card also gives you discounts on restaurant bills, leisure attractions, spas, gyms, and more.
Maximum Load Amount
AED 3,500
Features of Emirates NBD Gift Card
Acts as a virtual gift card
Instantly receive your card through the More app
Benefits of Emirates NBD Gift Card
The card is widely accepted at all online stores
Discounts at 2,000+ restaurants
Exclusive discounts with GoodTimes and Livewell
NBF Tasdeed Prepaid Card
With the NBF Tasdeed Prepaid card, you can keep your expenses under control. Pay your bills instantly, including those for Fujairah Municipality, Fujairah Finance Department, and other government services.
Standard Card Issuance
AED 10
Personalised Card Issuance
AED 15
Minimum Card Top Up
AED 50
Maximum Card Top Up
AED 250,000
Features and Benefits of NBF Tasdeed Prepaid Card
Go cashless and easily pay off your utility bills and government fees
NBQ Multicurrency Prepaid Card
Travel stress-free with this multi-currency prepaid card by NBQ. Go contactless for easy payments. Additionally, when using the card, you don’t need to enter your PIN for transactions of up to AED 500.
Daily ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit (Domestic)
AED 10,000
Daily ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit (International)
AED 5,000
Minimum Load Amount
AED 100 (if loaded in the branch)
Unlimited for online reload
Maximum Load Amount
AED 55,000
Features of NBQ Multicurrency Prepaid Card
Lock in your exchange rate economically on foreign currency
The card is available in AED, EUR, GBP, and USD
Make contactless payments
Pay up to AED 500 without entering PIN
Benefits of NBQ Multicurrency Prepaid Card
The card is accepted at all VISA merchant outlets across the globe
Make secure online purchases
Sharjah Islamic Bank Sanad Prepaid Card
This is one of the best prepaid cards in UAE. It supports online and retail purchases, ATM withdrawals, worldwide accessibility, instant reloads, and more. Additionally, you can get exclusive discounts on your lifestyle purchases.
Minimum Load and Reload Amount
AED 100
Daily Load Limit
AED 10,000
Daily ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit at SIB
AED 10,000
Daily ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit at Other Banks
AED 10,000
Features and Benefits of Sharjah Islamic Bank Sanad Prepaid Card
Easy online transactions and retail purchases
Enjoy discounts on lifestyle categories across the globe
Instant and easy card reloading
Use the card for easy cash withdrawals and international purchases
ADIB ISIC Prepaid Card
The ADIB ISIC Prepaid Card is a student payment card with international recognition (130+ countries). It offers discounts in the UAE & abroad, free balance deposit/withdrawals via ADIB ATMs, and contactless features.
Daily ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit
AED 5,000
Daily Purchase Transaction Limit
AED 20,000
Card Replacement Fee
AED 25
ATM Cash Withdrawal Fee (GCC and International VISA Transactions)
AED 10
ATM Cash Withdrawal UAE Switch (Non-ADIB ATM)
AED 2
Features of the ADIB Prepaid Card
Exclusively for students
The card has global acceptance in 130 countries
Balance deposits and withdrawals are free
Benefits of the ADIB Prepaid Card
Attractive discounts globally at restaurants, shops, and other leisure activities
FAB Ratibi Prepaid Card
Ratibi is a payroll-prepaid solution for employees earning up to AED 5,000. It allows salary credits without a bank account and supports global POS/ATM use. Moreover, it does not have any minimum balance or monthly maintenance fee requirements.
Features of Rabiti Prepaid Card
Exclusive card to pay salaries to employees earning up to AED 5,000
Receive salary directly to the card without needing a bank account
24/7 free access to the network of CDMs and ATMs
Free SMS alerts on every salary credit
Easily use the card for online transactions and in-store purchases
Benefits of Rabiti Prepaid Card
Complimentary personal accident insurance
FAB Prepaid Gift Card
The FAB Prepaid Gift Card lets your loved ones enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment wherever Visa cards are accepted. It is easy to access, as the KYC is not required for verification.
Features and Benefits of FAB Prepaid Gift Card —
Use the card for gift or incentive purposes
No KYC is required for the cardholder
Maximum loading balance is AED 3,500
Ideal for company staff and suppliers
Personalise the card with your company name or logo
Funds are loaded from corporate accounts or preloaded with predetermined value for instant issuance
Are You Eligible for a Prepaid Card UAE?
A prepaid card is suitable for all individuals, irrespective of whether you’re a student, non-salaried, or salaried. Both UAE nationals and residents are eligible to apply.
Prepaid Cards v/s Credit Cards
So what’s the difference between a credit card and prepaid card in Dubai? Check out the table below —
Factors
Prepaid Card
Credit Card
Definition
This card needs to be preloaded with money before use. You can only spend the amount loaded.
With this card, you borrow money up to a set credit limit and repay it later.
Eligibility
Usually easy to get
Minimal documentation
No credit history check required
Requires
Salary proof
Credit history check
Approval from the bank
Approval Process
Quick and simple — available instantly from banks, exchange houses, or online
Long process — bank approval may take a few days after verification
Spending Limit
Limited to the amount preloaded
Based on the assigned credit limit by the bank, often higher than prepaid
Monthly repayment required (full or partial). Interest applies on unpaid balances.
Fees and Charges
Low or no annual fees — may have reload fees or ATM withdrawal fees
May have annual fees, late payment charges, interest rates, and foreign transaction fees
Suitable Individuals
Best for students, low-income earners, expats without credit history, or those who want to control spending
Best for salaried individuals, frequent travellers, big spenders, and those who want rewards and credit-building
Pros and Cons of Prepaid Cards
Pros of Prepaid Cards Dubai
Cons of Prepaid Cards in UAE
Easy to Get — No credit checks are needed, while salary requirements are not strict either. Anyone can get these cards, including students and low-income earners.
Budget Control — You can only spend what’s loaded. This is a great way to manage expenses and steer clear of debt.
Safe for Online Transactions — These cards protect your main bank account details while shopping online.
No Risk of Debt – Unlike credit cards, there’s no borrowing. Thus, there’s no chance of interest or late payment penalties.
Widely Accepted – Just like credit or debit cards, they can also be used for shopping, travel bookings, subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon, etc.), and at ATMs worldwide (if it’s Visa/Mastercard).
Instant Approval & Availability – These cards can be issued quickly by banks, exchange houses, or even online apps.
Travel-Friendly – Many prepaid cards allow foreign currency loading, reducing exchange rate risks while travelling abroad.
Good for Gifting/Allowances – Some of these cards can be used to give allowances to children with spending control.
No Credit Building – Unlike credit cards, the usage of these cards does not improve your credit score.
Limited Benefits – No cashback, air miles, or rewards is available with these cards.
Fees Apply – Some cards have reload fees, ATM withdrawal charges, or monthly maintenance fees.
Spending Limit – Your limit of transactions is restricted to the preloaded balance. Thus, they are not suitable for emergencies or large purchases.
No Buy-Now-Pay-Later Facility – You cannot defer payments or enjoy interest-free grace periods.
Less Prestige & Perks – No access to airport lounges, travel insurance, concierge services, and more, which many premium credit cards offer.
Expiry & Dormancy Fees – Some cards may expire or charge inactivity fees if not used for a certain period.
In a Nutshell
Prepaid cards in the UAE are suitable for those who want security, convenience, and control over their spending. Unlike credit cards, they don’t involve debt or interest charges.
The best prepaid cards in the UAE offer features like multi-currency support, online shopping safety, and global acceptance through Visa or Mastercard. Although they don’t provide rewards or credit Score benefits, they are a budget-friendly option to make safe transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are there any prepaid gift cards available offered by banks in the UAE?
Ans: Yes, several prepaid gift cards are available in the UAE. Some examples include the Emirates NBD Gift Card, FAB Prepaid Gift Card, and more.
Q2: Who is eligible for the FAB Ratibi Prepaid card?
Ans: Those earning up to a monthly salary of AED 5,000 are eligible for the Ratibi Prepaid card by FAB.
Q3: I want to replace my ADIB ISIC prepaid card. What is the card replacement cost?
Ans: The bank charges a card replacement fee of AED 25.
Q4: What is the maximum load amount for the NBQ Multicurrency Prepaid card?
Ans: You can load funds of up to AED 55,000 in the NBQ prepaid card.
Q5: In how many currencies is the Al Ansari Exchange Visa Platinum card available?
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