# Can Students Get Credit Cards in UAE? **Published:** 2026-06-25T07:15:11.433Z **Updated:** 2026-07-30T16:32:03.271Z **Author:** Tanvi Pathak **Original Url:** https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/can-students-get-credit-cards-in-uae/ Several students in the UAE look for student credit cards to build their credit history, shop online, or access travel benefits. However, banks in the UAE usually don’t offer standalone cards to students. Before applying for a credit card, read on the upcoming sections. ...read more Table of Content * [Can a Student Get a Credit Card in the UAE?](#can-a-student-get-a-credit-card-in-the-uae) * [Why Don’t UAE Banks Offer Student Credit Cards?](#why-don’t-uae-banks-offer-student-credit-cards) * [Common Questions Students Should Ask Before Applying for a Credit Card](#common-questions-students-should-ask-before-applying-for-a-credit-card )  * [Alternatives to Student Credit Cards in the UAE](#alternatives-to-student-credit-cards-in-the-uae) * [What Benefits Can Students Access Using the Alternatives Without a Credit Card?](#what-benefits-can-students-access-using-the-alternatives-without-a-credit-card) * [When Does a Student Become Eligible for a Credit Card?](#when-does-a-student-become-eligible-for-a-credit-card) * [Visit Paisabazaar.ae for Your First Credit Card in UAE!](#visit-paisabazaarae-for-your-first-credit-card-in-uae) ## Most Popular Credit Card in UAE Salary Range Free for Life ### Cashback Credit Card CashbackAirport Lounge AccessTravel DiscountsDining DiscountsFood Delivery OffersIslamic / Shariah Compliance Minimum Salary:**5,000** Annual Fee:**Free for Life** 5% cashback on two categories below Grocery, Educations, Fuel, International spends, Dining Enjoy complimentary airport lounge access to over 25 lounges worldwide. Cashback ### ULTRACASH Mastercard Touch Card Valet ParkingBalance Transfer Facility0% Installment Plans Minimum Salary:**10,000** Annual Fee:**500** Welcome Offer : Make one retail transaction in the first 30 days of card issuance and receive bonus cashback upon payment of annual fee.AED 500 UAE Nationals and AED 300 Expatriates 10% cashback on Fuel for the first 3 months and 5% thereafter Reward Points ### TouchPoints Visa Infinite Credit Card Airport Lounge AccessMovie DiscountsDining DiscountsGolf BenefitsTravel Insurance CoverageTravel DiscountsFood Delivery OffersBalance Transfer Facility0% Installment PlansSchool Fee Installment PlanInstant Cash Loan Minimum Salary:**25,000** Annual Fee:**1,050** 15,000 Bonus TouchPoints for spends of AED 15,000 VOX Cinemas Buy one get one FREE | ## Can a Student Get a Credit Card in the UAE? Non-salaried students cannot get an independent credit card in the UAE. As per UAE regulations, you must meet the minimum income requirement and be at least 21 years old to demonstrate repayment capacity.
Since students do not earn a regular income, alternatives such as supplementary credit cards and debit cards are practical options. | | --- | ## Why Don’t UAE Banks Offer Student Credit Cards? UAE banks don’t offer standalone student credit cards due to strict regulations from the UAE Central Bank and the requirement for proof of regular income for quick approval. Since most students lack a monthly salary, they do not qualify for unsecured credit cards under standard lending criteria. The key reasons include:  * **Minimum Salary Requirements:** Most banks require a minimum salary of AED 5,000 per month for cards, which full-time students rarely meet. Banks require you to provide a consistent monthly income to be eligible for a card. * **No Unsecured Debt for Minors:** As per law, UAE banks offer credit facilities and loans only to individuals aged 21 or older. Young adults aged 18 to 21 years cannot get credit facilities independently. * **Lack of Credit History:** Since most students are not employed and lack a credit history, they are considered high risk by banks when issuing unsecured lines of credit. | ## Common Questions Students Should Ask Before Applying for a Credit Card  **Can an 18-year-old student get a credit card in UAE?**
No. Individuals under 21 years of age do not qualify for an independent, unsecured credit card.
**Can international students get a credit card?**
International students, too, cannot apply for a credit card in the UAE, since they are on a visa. Without qualifying income, you cannot get an independent card.
**Can students build their credit history in the UAE?**
Yes, students can build credit history in the UAE by:
Paying postpaid telecom bills on time
Paying utility bills punctually
Becoming a supplementary cardholder under your parent’s cardAlways ask and research these questions before applying for a card in a rush. | | --- | ## Alternatives to Student Credit Cards in the UAE Since the UAE Central Bank requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 for credit, students need to rely on alternatives to student credit cards. The best options include: ### [Supplementary Credit Card from Parents](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/supplementary-credit-card-in-uae-what-is-it-how-it-work/) A supplementary credit card is often the most practical solution for students. Parents with an eligible card can request an additional card for their child and set a spending limit on it. Benefits of a supplementary card include: * Online shopping convenience * Controlled spending  * Emergency payment access * Develops financial literacy * Access to selected card benefits ### Student-Friendly Debit Card Often linked to your student bank account, a debit card offers payment flexibility without taking out a debt. It allows students to:  * Shopping online * Pay for subscriptions * Withdraw cash * Make international payments * Manage budget without borrowing ## What Benefits Can Students Access Using the Alternatives Without a Credit Card? Here’s the thing: several students want credit cards for the benefits they offer rather than the cards themselves. However, they can always use the above-mentioned alternatives, as they offer the much-needed benefits like: * Airport lounge access via eligible debit cards * Digital wallets * Student banking packages * Student discounts ## When Does a Student Become Eligible for a Credit Card? In the UAE, students become eligible for a credit card only when: * They are 21 years or older * They have a monthly salary of at least AED 5,000 * They create a positive banking relationship with the bank * They satisfy credit assessment criteria ## Visit Paisabazaar.ae for Your First Credit Card in UAE! Learn all about credit card eligibility and [compare credit card](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/) rewards all at one place: Paisabazaar.ae. As a student, you can learn all about cards, their benefits, fees, and rewards on this website. Once you qualify for a card, you can apply for the same on Paisabazaar.ae.  ### Can a student get a credit card in the UAE? Non-salaried students below the age of 21 years cannot get a standalone credit card in the UAE. ### What is the minimum age to apply for a credit card in the UAE? Most banks require the primary applicant to be at least 21 years old. ### Can students get a supplementary credit card? Yes, most banks allow primary cardholders to request supplementary cards for eligible family members. ### What is the best alternative to a student credit card in the UAE? A supplementary credit card under the primary card of a parent or a guardian is one of the most practical alternatives. ## People Also Looking For [Credit Cards In Dubai](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/)[Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/5-credit-cards-offering-complimentary-airport-lounge-access/)[Cash Back Credit Cards](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/top-cashback-credit-cards-in-uae/)[Credit Cards Application Status](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/how-to-check-credit-card-application-status/)[Emirates NBD Credit Card Application Status](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/how-to-check-emirates-nbd-credit-card-application-status/)[Free For Life Credit Cards](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/free-for-life-credit-cards/)[Instant Acceptance Credit Cards](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/want-a-credit-card-with-instant-approval-here-are-your-options/) [Top Starter Credit Cards](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/best-credit-cards-for-beginners-in-uae/)[ADCB Bank Credit Card Application Status](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/how-to-check-adcb-credit-card-application-status/)[No Yearly Fee Credit Cards](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/top-credit-cards-with-no-annual-fee-in-uae/)[Check Eligibility For Credit Card](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/credit-card-eligibility-in-uae/)[Credit Card For Non Salaried Person](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/get-a-credit-card-in-uae-without-a-job/)[Check Emirates Id Card Status](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/check-your-emirates-id-status/) ←Previous [Best Credit Cards for Expats in UAE](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/best-credit-cards-for-expats-in-uae/) Next→ [Best Credit Cards for AED 12,000 Salary in UAE](https://www.paisabazaar.ae/credit-cards/articles/credit-cards-for-aed-12000-salary-in-uae/)