Enjoy premium lifestyle perks and save on your daily spends with the best credit cards in UAE. With the top options, you can get cashback, rewards, travel perks, airport lounge access, and more. Let’s get an in-depth insight into the card categories, their features and benefits, and the associated fees so you can pick the perfect card.
Explained: Best Credit Cards Categories
Take a look at some of the top categories of credit cards in the UAE —
Airport Lounge Access
As the name suggests, airport lounge access credit cards offer you comfort and convenience while traveling. You receive free or discounted entry to global lounges, which offer Wi-Fi, dining, and comfortable seating areas. Considered among the top credit cards in UAE, they enhance your travel
experience.
Free-for-Life Cards
These are the best credit cards in UAE for those who want long-term savings. With no annual fees, free-for-life cards are affordable and rewarding at the same time. You get maximum value along with complimentary services, cashback, and discounts across all categories of spending.
Welcome Bonus
Welcome bonus cards stand out as some of the top cards in the UAE. They bring instant perks like cashback, miles, or vouchers once your card is activated. A few cards offer a welcome bonus for a minimum spend in the initial days of card issuance.
Cashback
Cashback cards are among the best credit cards in Dubai. These cards reward you with money back on daily spends like groceries, fuel, dining, education, utility bill payments, insurance, and more. This instantly contributes to your savings and makes your spends more rewarding.
Reward Points
Reward points cards are among the best credit cards in UAE in terms of flexible benefits. Basically, you earn points on your regular transactions. Later, you can redeem them for travel, shopping, or lifestyle rewards.
What Perks Do You Get with a Credit Card?
Travel Privileges
- Complimentary airport lounge access
- Free or discounted airport rides
- Complimentary multi-trip travel insurance
- Hotel and flight booking discounts
- Complimentary flight upgrades
- One-night free luxury hotel stays
- Airport dining offers
Lifestyle Privileges
- Cashback on several categories such as education, fuel, supermarket, insurance, utility, and more
- Complimentary valet parking facilities
- Cashback and discounts on dining bills
- Discounted food and grocery deliveries
- BOGO or discounted movie tickets at Reel, Cine Royal, Vox, and Star Cinemas
- Exclusive shopping deals on Farfetch, Home&Away, and more
Protection Benefits
- Credit Shield
- Purchase Protection
- Multi-trip Travel Insurance/ Travel & Medical Insurance
- 3D Secure
Reward Points
- Earn points such as —
- Air Miles
- ThankYou points
- Joy Points
- FAB Rewards
- Smiles points
- Redeem points on multiple categories, including travel, lifestyle, dining, and entertainment
Know the Fees Associated with Credit Cards
Some of the key fees linked to UAE credit cards are —
Annual Membership Fee
Banks offer cards that come with an annual membership fee. However, some of them are ‘Free for Life’. Premium cards, meanwhile, may charge higher fees. Always compare costs with benefits to ensure you’re choosing the best credit card in UAE.
Interest Charges (APR)
If you don’t pay your balance in full each month, banks charge interest on the outstanding amount. These rates can be quite high. Thus, repay on time to avoid heavy interest.
Cash Advance Fee
A cash advance fee is levied when you withdraw cash with your card.
Late Payment Fee
If you miss your due date, banks apply a late payment fee. Late payments can also impact your credit score. So make sure to pay within the due date to avoid penalties.
Over-limit Fee
Spending beyond your set credit limit comes with an over-limit fee. Make sure you monitor your daily transactions to avoid unnecessary costs.
Foreign Currency Transaction Fee
When you use your credit card abroad or for international online purchases, banks charge a foreign currency transaction fee.
Balance Transfer Fee
Some cards allow balance transfers from another bank at a lower interest rate. However, a small processing fee usually applies.
Card Replacement Fee
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, banks often charge a fee for a replacement.
How to Choose the Best Credit Cards in Dubai, UAE?
Easy steps to select the best credit cards —
Identify Your Financial Needs – Choose a card that aligns with your daily lifestyle, including travel, dining, shopping, or entertainment
Compare Features & Benefits – Look for the relevant perks, cashback, reward points, or air miles
Check Annual Fees – Many of the top credit cards in UAE have annual charges, while others are free for life
Consider Welcome Offers – Cards reward you with instant bonuses upon activation, adding initial value