11 best travel credit cards in UAE (2026)
UAE travel credit cards let you earn points, cash back, and airline miles. Some also offer rewards like lounge access, travel insurance, and zero or low foreign transaction fees.
Plus, they ensure you don't have to withdraw cash beforehand or stash multiple currencies every time you have to take a trip. And, you won't need to transfer money to a debit card account or pay for big purchases at once when you can get an easy payment plan instead.
Not sure the right one for you? This article breaks down the 11 best travel credit cards in UAE (hint: over half of them are from the region’s leading bank: Emirates NBD). But first, let's go over the key factors to consider before making a choice.
Factors to consider when choosing a travel credit card in the UAE
How much is the card’s welcome bonus?
Some travel cards provide a welcome gift, e.g., default miles or points accrued. The Marriott Bonvoy® World Elite Mastercard® is a great example, offering up to 200,000 points for card activation, joining fee payment, and spending at least 15,000 USD within the first three billing statements.
What other perks does the card offer?
Most travel credit cards in the UAE offer benefits like air miles, usage points, fast track, and status upgrades on loyalty programs like Emirates Gold, Marriott, and Darna. Many also offer cash back on every Dirham spent, concierge services, complimentary valet parking, and free travel insurance, all of which can save you money.
For example, travel insurance will cover some expenses in case of medical emergencies, lost luggages, or trip cancellations. If you want more comprehensive coverage though, explore topping up the free policy.
The exclusive airport lounge access some premium credit cards give also enhances the traveller experience, allowing you to relax before takeoff. Then there's the travel credit cards with competitive exchange rates for international spending and those that even waive foreign currency transaction fees. Amazing, right?
Well, as a UAE expat, you can apply for a travel rewards card if you meet the lender's eligibility criteria and provide the right documents. Note, though, that eligibility, documents required, and reward caps vary across banks, but they all generally require a minimum monthly salary. E.g., the number of free lounge visits varies by the type of card you choose. And most times, your card tier depends on your income, credit history, and spending capacity.
To maximize your travel credit card benefits, focus on meeting the minimum spend criteria and paying your balance in full month-on-month. Also keep in mind that rewards differ for primary and supplementary cardholders.
What fees and charges does the card attract?
Travel credit cards attracts varying annual fees and additional charges, so it's best to shop around and compare rates before choosing. For instance, 0% foreign transaction fees save 2-3% on every international purchase, and if that's important to you, you'll want a card with that waiver.
Credit card interest can also be a silent killer, so even if a card's perks fit your needs exactly, confirm this before committing to avoid getting blindsided.
Note: Card providers can change offers without prior notice at their sole discretion.
Is the card Shariah-compliant?
If you want to enjoy travel benefits (like complimentary access to lounges worldwide) and still uphold Islamic banking principles, check if the card you're evaluating is Shariah-compliant.
Not sure how to confirm this? Here's what to you need to know:
- The card should not include Islam-forbidden elements like riba (interest), gharar (excessive uncertainty), and maysir (gambling or speculation).
- It should align with Islam-permissible principles like murabaha (cost-plus sale), Urjah (fee-for-service), and Qardh (interest-free loan).
- Its fees should be transparent and it should prohibit unethical spending (e.g., gambling).
- It may offer perks like Takaful (Islamic insurance).
You’re welcome. Now let’s get into the card options that will help you make instant purchases, and move carrying cash on trips from a necessary evil to an optional add-on.
What are the best travel credit cards in UAE?
1. Emirates NBD Voyager World Credit Card
The Emirates NBD Voyager World Credit Card is a top option for modern travellers looking to enjoy smooth trips, top-tier rewards, and premium hotel stays without breaking the bank. It is a flexible and convenient card that also offers attractive value back on transactions.
- Welcome bonus: 75,000 Voyager miles if you spend up to 35,000 AED within your first 3 billing statements.
- Rewards: Up to 6 Voyager miles on select spends, complimentary travel visa services, global and local airport transfers, exclusive memberships, lounge access, and more.
- Interest rate: 3.69%
- Fees: Free for life (no joining or annual fee)
- Eligibility requirements:
- 12,000 AED minimum salary
- Original Emirates ID and copy with passport copy
- Latest salary certificate for salaried individuals or trade license for non-individuals
- Latest 3-month original bank statements (or mini ATM statements)
- Security cheque
- Shariah-compliance: ❌
2. FAB Infinite Travel Card
The FAB Infinite travel card is a cashback credit card that gives you a free anniversary flight (if you spend at least 300,000 AED on retail purchase during the previous year). It allows for 12% cashback on flight and hotel bookings, provides access to more than 1,000 airport lounges, and charges zero international transaction fees.
- Welcome bonus: Free return flight upon signup, i.e., if you start making airline and hotel bookings with the FAB travel card today, you can get a free welcome return flight (from over 15 destinations including London, Baku, Mumbai, Paris, and more).
- Rewards: Complimentary airport transfers, airport security fast track, 35% discount on car rentals with Avis, free global roaming, and IHG Hotels & Resorts discounts
- Interest rate: 3.99%
- Fees: 1,500 AED annual fee
- Eligibility requirements:
- 25,000 AED minimum salary
- Emirates ID
- Salary account number or IBAN
- Shariah-compliance: ❌
3. Emirates Skywards Infinite Credit Card
The Emirates Skywards Infinite credit card is one of the best credit cards for frequent flyers, especially if you usually fly with Emirates or flydubai. It elevates your trip with exclusive privileges like reward points with attractive conversion rates, lounge access, air miles, and more. And, it does not charge an annual fee for the first year.
- Welcome bonus: Up to 100,000 Skywards Miles (35,000 when you pay the joining fee, 40,000 if you spend at least 25,000 USD within the first 3 billing statements, and 25,000 if you spend up to 7,500 USD on emirates.com or at any Emirates sales office in the UAE within the first 12 billing statements).
- Rewards: Skyward miles earned on every spend, unlimited access to 1000+ lounges worldwide for you and a guest, access to Business class lounge, movie benefits, concierge services, complimentary access to golf clubs across the UAE, valet parking at select Abu Dhabi locations, complimentary Skywards Silver membership upgrade, and complimentary Rotana Rewards membership (worth 1,050 AED) for one year.
- Interest rate: 3.25%
- Fees: 3,148.95 AED joining fee and 1,575 AED annual fee (from the 2nd year)
- Eligibility requirements:
- 30,000 AED minimum salary
- Original Emirates ID and copy with passport copy
- Latest salary certificate for salaried individuals or trade license for non-individuals
- Latest 3-month original bank statements (or mini ATM statements)
- Security cheque
- Shariah-compliance: ❌
4. HSBC Emirates Skywards Infinite Credit Card
The HSBC Emirates Skywards Infinite credit card lets you earn Skywards Miles on eligible spends, and they don't have expiry dates as long as your Skywards account and credit card are active.
- Welcome bonus: Up to 2,500 AED cashback reward, 20,000 sign-up bonus Skywards Miles once you pay the annual card fee, and 30,000 Skywards Miles when you make 50,000 AED worth of eligible spends in the first 60 days.
- Rewards: 100 AED cashback when you add your card to a mobile wallet and use it to make a payment, complimentary Emirates Silver Tier membership, up to 2.75 Skywards Miles for every USD equivalent spent on your card, and complimentary insurance cover of up to 500,000 USD for you and your family on all trips up to 90 days.
- Interest rate: 3.69%
- Fees: 2,625 annual fee (including VAT)
- Eligibility requirements:
- 30,000 AED minimum salary
- Proof you're a UAE resident (A tenancy agreement or EJARI, title deed if you’re a homeowner, or a utility bill no more than 2 months old)
- All proofs of ID (Passport, Emirates ID, and residence visa if you're a non-GCC national)
- All proofs of income (The last 3 bank statements from the account your salary is paid into or 3 salary credits into your HSBC account and a salary certificate from your employer issued in the last month)
- Shariah-compliance: ❌
5. dnata World Credit Card
The dnata World credit card works well for families and groups who regularly book via dnata and are seeking airline and hotel flexibility for both local and overseas travel.
- Welcome bonus: Up to 2,500 dnata Points (1,000 when you pay the joining fee and 1,500 if your retail spends hit 25,000 AED in the first 3 billing statements).
- Rewards: Lounge access at select airports, 15% value back as dnata Points on spends at dnata and other spending (which you can then redeem for your next trip, hotel stays, and dnata Travel packages), dining discounts, valet parking, concierge services, and retail or online shopping offers.
- Interest rate: 3.25%
- Fees: 1,048.95 AED joining fee and 1,048.95 AED annual fee
- Eligibility requirements:
- 20,000 AED minimum salary
- Duly filled credit card application
- Original Emirates ID and copy with passport copy
- Latest salary certificate for salaried individuals or trade license for non-individuals
- Latest 3-month original bank statements (or mini ATM statements)
- Security cheque
- Shariah-compliance: ❌
6. Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card
The Standard Chartered Journey credit card lets you earn bonus points on international non-AED spends and 10% cashback at UAE airport duty free stores.
- Welcome bonus: 1,000 AED welcome cashback once you spend at least 10,000 AED within 60 days of opening the card.
- Rewards: 15% discount on all DUBZ airport services, flat 30% off on Quik (Groceries) orders, up to 2 golf round bookings, and complimentary access to Warehouse gyms.
- Interest rate: 3.69%
- Fees: 1,575 AED annual fee (with a first year waiver if you spend at least 10,000 AED in the first 60 days and continuous waivers if you spend at least 150,000 AED in the previous 12 months)
- Eligibility requirements:
- 30,000 AED minimum salary
- 20,000 AED minimum credit limit (for expats)
- Copy of Emirates ID / passport and visa copy
- Salary transfer letter or bank statement/salary certificate
- Shariah-compliance: ❌
7. Emirates Skywards Signature Credit Card
The Emirates Skywards Signature credit card is a great choice if you travel often but still want to enjoy everyday discounts and lifestyle perks.
- Welcome bonus: Up to 40,000 Skywards Miles (15,000 when you pay the joining fee, 15,000 when you spend at least 10,000 USD within the first 3 billing statements, and 10,000 when you spend a minimum of 3,750 USD on the Emirates website or at any Emirates sales office in the UAE within the first 12 billing statements).
- Rewards: Up to 1.5 Skywards Miles per USD equivalent spent, lounge access at regional airports across the GCC, valet parking in Abu Dhabi, travel coverage, buy one get one free on movie tickets, and more.
- Interest rate: 3.25%
- Fees: 1,573.96 AED joining fee and 735 AED annual fee (from the second year)
- Eligibility requirements:
- 12,000 AED minimum salary
- Duly filled credit card application
- Original Emirates ID and copy with passport copy
- Latest salary certificate for salaried individuals or trade license for non-individuals
- Latest 3-month original bank statements (or mini ATM statements)
- Security cheque
- Shariah-compliance: ❌
8. Emirates Islamic Bank Etihad Guest Premium Credit Card
Unlike most credit cards on this list, the Emirates Islamic Bank Etihad Guest Premium credit card is a Shariah-compliant option that elevates your travel style and lets you enjoy discounts - without compromising values.
- Welcome bonus: 25,000 or 55,000 Etihad Guest miles depending on the annual fee tier you choose.
- Rewards: Up to 3.5 Etihad Guest Miles per USD spent, Etihad Guest gold tier status, 4 complimentary airport transfers to and from Abu Dhabi airport, comprehensive Card Takaful cover, and more.
- Profit rate: 3.49%
- Fees: 2.34% foreign transaction fee and 1,500 or 2,500 AED annual fee (the choice is yours)
- Eligibility requirements:
- 15,000 AED minimum salary
- Valid passport (original and copy)
- Emirates ID
- Salary certificate (usually not more than 30 days old)
- Shariah-compliance: ✅
9. Etihad Guest Visa Elevate Card
The Etihad Guest Visa Elevate Card is a perfect choice for travellers who regularly fly via Etihad Airways, especially those who live in Abu Dhabi. It provides world-class travel and lifestyle privileges including air miles, a juicy welcome offer, concierge services, and more.
- Welcome bonus: Up to 200,000 Etihad guest miles.
- Rewards: Complimentary airport lounge access, concierge services, valet parking, loyalty points per spend, and more.
- Interest rate: 3.25%
- Fees: 2,625 AED joining fee, 1,575 AED annual fee
- Eligibility requirements:
- 30,000 AED minimum salary
- Duly filled credit card application
- Original Emirates ID and copy with passport copy
- Latest salary certificate for salaried individuals or trade license for non-individuals
- Latest 3-month original bank statements (or mini ATM statements)
- Security cheque
- Shariah-compliance: ❌
10. Mashreq Bank Solitaire
The Mashreq Bank Solitaire is a nice pick for fitness lovers. It offers key benefits for frequent flyers (like travel reward points and complimentary airport lounge access) while also providing unlimited free access to Fitness First outlets across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Sharjah.
- Welcome bonus: For new credit card customers, 2,500 AED welcome bonus on the card if you spend up to 9,000 AED in the first 2 months. For existing credit card customers, 500 AED with same conditions.
- Rewards: Complimentary games at premium golf clubs, travel insurance when you purchase flight tickets with the card, Marhaba Silver Meet & Greet, up to 57 days interest-free period, and more.
- Interest rate: 3.85%
- Fees: 1,500 AED (plus 5% VAT)
- Eligibility requirements:
- 25,000 AED minimum salary
- Original Emirates ID
- Valid passport copy
- Salary certificate or salary transfer letter (if requested).
- Last 3-6 months bank statements
- Shariah-compliance: ❌
11. Marriott Bonvoy® World Elite Mastercard®
The Marriott Bonvoy® World Elite Mastercard® is one of the top premium cards in the UAE. It is ideal if you love luxury hotel stays and memorable experiences as much as convenient flights.
- Welcome bonus: Up to 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points (100,000 when you activate your card and pay the joining fees and another 100,000 bonus points if you spend up to $15,000 on retail purchases in the first three billing statements).
- Rewards: Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, one yearly Free Night Award once you pay the annual fee, 15 Elite Night credits when your card gets approved and on every approval anniversary, lifestyle benefits on movies, golf privileges, etc.
- Interest rate: 3.25%
- Fees: 1,575 AED joining fee and 1,575 AED annual fee
- Eligibility requirements:
- 25,000 AED minimum salary
- Duly filled credit card application
- Original Emirates ID and copy with passport copy
- Latest salary certificate for salaried individuals or trade license for non-individuals
- Latest 3-month original bank statements (or mini ATM statements)
- Security cheque
- Shariah-compliance: ❌
Get the right travel card and other financial products on Daleel
All the cards above offer great benefits for frequent flyers and you can apply for any of them today - online or at the bank's nearest branch. But, if you want more options and side-by-side comparisons, Daleel can help.
Our platform curates exclusive credit card offers from leading providers and matches you with them based on your needs and eligibility. You can also find and compare other financial products like loans, mortgages, and bank accounts on the app.
Join Daleel today to get started.
