Can Students Get Credit Cards in UAE?

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 card Always 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

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 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.