Credit Cards
Whether you want rewards for daily spending, travel perks or to build your credit, we have you covered.
Cashback Cards
Earn cashback on groceries, dining, fuel, utilities, and everyday spends.
Travel & Air Miles
Earn miles or travel points on purchases and get access to travel perks.
Rewards & Lifestyle
Collect reward points redeemable for shopping, dining, or vouchers.
Low-Interest Cards
Cards offering lower-than-standard monthly rates or promotional 0% balance transfer plans for 3–6 months.
Islamic Cards
No-interest credit cards aligned with Islamic finance principles, using fixed monthly fees instead of APR-based interest.
Premium & Platinum
High-benefit cards for mid-to-high income applicants, typically requiring AED 8,000–15,000+ minimum salary.
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Credit Cards in UAE: Key Points in 15 Seconds
- Compare credit cards across rewards, cashback, Islamic, and no-annual-fee options.
- Find cards you qualify for based on salary and eligibility criteria.
- Learn benefits like lounge access, cashback, lifestyle perks, and fee waivers.
- Access guides like No Annual Fee Cards, Cashback Cards, and Islamic Cards.
Find your perfect credit card
Explore our curated card categories to find options that match your needs. Whether you're looking for travel rewards, cashback perks, or Islamic banking solutions.
Cashback Cards
Earn cashback on groceries, dining, fuel, utilities, and everyday spends.
Travel & Air Miles Cards
Earn miles or travel points on purchases and get access to travel perks on select cards.
Rewards & Lifestyle Cards
Collect reward points redeemable for shopping, dining, vouchers, or partner benefits.
Low-Interest / Low-Profit Cards
Cards offering lower-than-standard monthly rates or promotional 0% balance transfer plans for 3–6 months. Standard UAE monthly rates typically range from 2.5%–3% after the promo period.
Islamic / Sharia-Compliant Cards
No-interest credit cards aligned with Islamic finance principles. These cards avoid Riba by using fixed monthly fees instead of APR-based interest, following profit-sharing models such as Ujrah.
Premium & Platinum Cards
High-benefit cards designed for mid-to-high income applicants. Typical minimum salary ranges from AED 8,000–15,000, while ultra-premium cards (World / World Elite) may require AED 25,000+.
Tools and Resources
Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards
NewCompare lifetime-free and first-year-free UAE credit cards with cashback, rewards, lifestyle perks, and Islamic options.
Ultimate Credit Card Guide (UAE)
Understand how credit cards work in the UAE — eligibility, fees, Islamic vs conventional cards, and smart usage before you choose.
How LeoCompare Will Work
Our smart comparison tool will help you find the perfect credit card in just a few steps.
Share Your Profile
Tell us your income, spending habits and preferences.
See Your Options
View cards ranked by eligibility and best fit for you.
Compare Details
Compare fees, rewards and benefits side-by-side.
Apply Direct
Apply directly with your chosen UAE bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Content on this page is created using publicly available regulatory guidance, provider disclosures, and market data to support informed financial decision-making.
What is the minimum salary to apply for a credit card in the UAE?
Most UAE banks set their own minimum salary requirements. Entry-level cards often start around AED 5,000, while mid-tier and premium cards can require AED 8,000–25,000+. Exact criteria depend on the bank and card type. Premium and ultra-premium credit cards may require AED 8,000–15,000 minimum salary, with select high-tier cards requiring AED 25,000 or more.
What are the basic eligibility requirements for UAE credit cards?
Banks typically consider your age, residency status, income, employer profile, AECB credit score, and debt-burden ratio. Many require applicants to be 21+ with a valid Emirates ID. Requirements may vary by bank.
What documents do I need to apply?
Commonly required documents include: Emirates ID, passport + visa page (for expatriates), salary certificate or employment letter, and recent bank statements (usually 3–6 months). Document requirements vary by bank.
How does my AECB credit score affect approval?
AECB scores range from 300–900. A higher score generally improves the likelihood of approval and may help with better product options. Missing payments or overusing credit limits can negatively affect your score.
Does using a credit card impact my AECB credit score?
Responsible usage—such as paying on time and keeping utilisation low—can help maintain a healthy profile. Late payments or consistently high utilisation may negatively affect your score.
How long does credit card approval take?
Many UAE banks process applications within 3–5 working days after receiving complete documents. Some banks offer faster approvals for eligible customers, but timelines vary.
What is an Islamic (Sharia-compliant) credit card?
Islamic cards avoid interest (Riba) and instead use Sharia-compliant structures such as Ujrah (fees) or Murabaha-based profit models. Features and benefits vary by provider. Major UAE Islamic banks offering Sharia-compliant credit cards include ADIB, Emirates Islamic, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), and Mashreq Al Islami.
Advertiser Disclosure
LeoCompare is an independent comparison platform. We may receive compensation from partners when you click on links or apply for products. This compensation may influence which products we write about and where they appear on our site, but it does not affect the objectivity of our reviews or analysis. All credit decisions, approvals, and terms are determined solely by the UAE-licensed banks and financial institutions. LeoCompare does not guarantee approval for any product.
LeoCompare does not offer or process financial services directly. All products and services are provided by licensed banks and financial institutions.
Sources & References
- Central Bank of the UAE - Consumer Protection Standards 2020
- CBUAE Credit Card Pricing Disclosure Requirements
- Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) - Credit Scoring Guidelines
Related Resources
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