Top 7 Credit Cards for Expats in UAE

As an expat living in the UAE, you need to juggle various financial needs while enjoying a rewarding lifestyle. However, credit cards for expats, offered by many banks, make life easier and more rewarding. From exclusive lifestyle perks and global acceptance to easy bill payments and travel benefits, these cards bring a variety of perks. ...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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Most Popular Credit Card in UAE

Top 7 Best Credit Cards for Expats in UAE ?

As an expat in the UAE, you can enjoy a plethora of card-related perks. They not only simplify your spends but make them more rewarding. Whether it’s travel, shopping, dining, or other transactions, banks across the UAE offer exceptional deals on various categories—

Card Name  Minimum Monthly Salary Requirement  Annual Fee  Features  Apply
HSBC Live+ Credit Card AED 5,000 The card is free for the first year   AED 299 fee charged from the second year onwards*
  • Attractive cashback on fuel, education, dining, entertainment, and more
  • BOGO on Roxy and Vox cinema tickets 
  • Complimentary airport lounge access 
  • Travel insurance by Visa 
  • Easy money management with the balance transfer facility
View Offers
Citibank Citi Ready Credit Card AED 8,000 Free for the first year   AED 300 charged from the second year onwards* 
  • Amazing discounts on food delivery, groceries, and other Buy 1 Get 1 offers 
  • Discounts on the Talabat app
  • Deals on hotel accommodation
  • Access instant cash of up to 100% of your credit limit 
View Offers
Deem Platinum Mastercard  AED 10,000 Free for life 
  • Earn Joypoints on spends across multiple categories 
  • Complimentary visits to airport lounges globally 
  • BOGO ticket offers with Reel and Vox Cinema 
  • Free valet parking service
  • Discounts on hotel stays, the Talabat app, car rentals, and more 
View Offers
Liv. Cashback Plus Credit Card  AED 12,000 AED 700
  • Incredible deals on VOX movie ticket
  • Travel Medical Insurance of up to USD 500,000
  • Amazing discounts on Trip.com, Farfetch, Musafir.com, Cleartrip, and more 
  • Complimentary airport transfers 
  • Enjoy tax-free shopping with the Global Blue VIP service internationally
View Offers
Blue FAB Signature by Al-Futtaim AED 15,000 Free for Life 
  • Exceptional cashback on Al-Futtaim retail brands
  • Buy Now Pay Later plan with 0% interest 
  • Travel benefits include complimentary airport lounge visits, airport transfers
  • Free supplementary cards for family members 
  • Discounted cinema tickets at Star, Cine Royal, and Reel Cinemas
View Offers
Deem World Mastercard Card  AED 25,000 Free for life 
  • Earn Joy points for every AED 1 spent
  • Complimentary access to airport lounges and airport transfers 
  • BOGO on Reel and Vox movie tickets 
  • Cashback on hotel bookings
  • Discounts on car rentals, Emaar attractions, the Talabat app, and more 
  • Travel Medical Insurance available 
View Offers
HSBC Cash+ Card  AED 30,000 The card is free for the 1st year   Fee of AED 1,000 charged from the second year*
  • 1% daily cashback on all categories 
  • BOGO Reel, Roxy, and VOX movie ticket offers 
  • Complimentary Careem+ subscription
  • Travel Insurance by Visa 
  • Manage money with ease via Balance Transfer, Flexi Instalment Plan, and Cash Instalment Plan 
  • Unlimited complimentary airport lounge visits 
View Offers

*The second-year fee is waived, subject to specific terms and conditions. Read the card’s fine print before applying. 

Eligibility Criteria for Credit Cards for Expats

Looking for the best expat credit card? Make sure you fulfil the entry requirements first. Here are the common eligibility criteria — 

Eligibility Criteria  Requirements 
Minimum Age 21 years  
Status of Employment  Self-employed and salaried individuals 
Minimum Salary  AED 5,000
Credit Score  As per the bank 

Note

📝 Additional eligibility may apply. 

📝 Check for card-specific salary requirements before starting your application. 

Which Documents are Required for Expat Credit Card Application?

Banks and Lending institutions ask you to submit certain documents for card application verification. Mentioned below are the general documents for salaried and self-employed expatriates —

For Salaried Individuals  For Self-Employed Individuals 
✔️ UAE Emirates ID
✔️ Passport 
✔️ UAE Residence Visa 
✔️ Salary Certificate/ Salary Slip 
✔️ Latest 3-6 Months’ Bank Statements 
✔️ Signed and Completed Application Form 
✔️ UAE Emirates ID
✔️ Passport 
✔️ UAE Residence Visa 
✔️ Trade Licence, MoA
✔️ Latest 3-6 Months’ Bank Statements 
✔️ Signed and Completed Application Form 

Note: You may have to submit additional documents as per the bank’s requirements. 

How to Apply for the Best Expat Credit Card via Paisabazaar.ae?

Experience a seamless card application process with Paisabazaar UAE. We are completely digital, so no need to worry about visiting banks in person! Let’s see how you can apply for a card through our platform —

  1. Click the button below for the lead form 
  2. Submit it to view the quotes page 
  3. Check out the list of cards and shortlist them 
  4. Read the cards’ fine print and compare them 
  5. Select one and apply

Note that during the process, we will ring you. Get in touch with us for further assistance. 

When you apply with us, you get to enjoy many exclusive privileges —

✨ An extensive range of the best credit cards for expats from the leading banks in the UAE

✨ Effortless application process

✨ Easily compare cards on the same platform and apply in an instant 

✨ Get guidance from our officials throughout the process

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: Do I get the same perks as UAE nationals on a credit card?

Ans: Yes, the perks of a card remain the same, irrespective of your nationality.

Q2: Can UAE expats apply for cards with a zero annual fee?

Ans: Yes, expatriates can easily apply for free-for-life cards. However, they must meet the specific card eligibility criteria.

Q3: I’m an expatriate. Do I have to submit my passport as well as the residence visa to apply for a credit card in UAE?

Ans: Yes, you may have to submit both documents for the verification of your card application. 

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