Emirates NBD Credit Card vs ADCB Credit Card

Choosing the right credit card in the UAE can be confusing, especially when comparing two of the most popular banks: Emirates NBD and ADCB. Both banks offer strong cashback, travel, lifestyle, and rewards benefits — but they cater to different types of users. This guide compares Emirates NBD credit cards vs ADCB credit cards in detail so you can decide which one fits your needs. ...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
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Salary range
5,000 AED50,000+ AED
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Feature Type
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Most Popular Credit Card in UAE

Quick Comparison: Emirates NBD vs ADCB Credit Cards

Feature Emirates NBD Credit Cards ADCB Credit Cards
Best For Cashback, lifestyle, premium travel Cashback, rewards, balance transfer
Annual Fees Mid to high Low to moderate
Minimum Salary AED 5,000 – AED 30,000 AED 5,000 – AED 30,000
Travel Benefits Strong (airport lounge, miles, hotel perks) Moderate (some cards offer lounge + travel rewards)
Cashback & Rewards Excellent Very competitive
Islamic (Shariah) Cards Available Available
Ease of Approval Moderate Easier for salaried applicants
Best For Beginners Go4it Gold / Cashback Card ADCB SimplyLife Cashback Card
Premium Cards Skywards Infinite, Visa Infinite ADCB Etihad Guest Infinite
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Which Bank Is Better? 

  • Choose Emirates NBD if you want strong travel perks, airport lounge access, and premium lifestyle benefits.

  • Choose ADCB if you want affordable fees, better cashback on daily spending, and easy approvals.

Detailed Comparison: Emirates NBD vs ADCB Credit Cards

Benefits Emirates NBD ADCB Conclusion
Cashback Benefits
  • Strong cashback on groceries, fuel, bills
  • Cashback does not expire
  • Tier-based earning system
  • Higher cashback for daily spending
  • No annual fee options
  • Best supermarket cashback (LuLu Cards)
ADCB (better cashback for average spenders)
Travel Benefits
  • Skywards Miles program
  • Airport lounge access
  • Free travel insurance
  • Premium travel upgrades
  • Airline-specific cards (Etihad)
  • Lounge access limited to premium cards
Emirates NBD (stronger travel ecosystem)
Annual Fees
  • Higher fees for premium cards
  • Fee waiver tied to spending
  • Multiple zero-annual-fee cards
  • Lower annual fee on most cards
ADCB (budget-friendly fee structure)
Rewards & Points
  • Strong miles & lifestyle rewards
  • Multiple partnerships
  • Excellent retail and grocery rewards
  • Strong Etihad Guest program

Tie (depends on your spending style)

Approval & Eligibility
  • Slightly stricter approvals
  • Salary requirements vary
  • Faster, easier approval
  • Very friendly for new credit card applicants
ADCB
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Who Should Choose Which Card?

Choose Emirates NBD If You Want: Choose ADCB If You Want:
✔ Premium travel perks
✔ Lounge access
✔ Skywards Miles
✔ High-end lifestyle benefits
✔ Better cashback on essentials
✔ Lower annual fees
✔ Easy approval
✔ Best value for supermarkets & daily expenses
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Atul Yadav

Atul Yadav

Content Writer

Atul has had a flair for writing ever since he started writing essays in school, which inspired him to subsequently opt for a career in writing. He loves to write about places he's been to (the list is endless) and financial products that can help people make a real change in planning their finances better.

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