A decade or two ago, choosing a credit card in the UAE was as simple as picking the one your primary bank offered.

But times have changed, and today’s cardholders aren’t just looking for convenience and access to credit. We’re all after more benefits—from cashback and air miles to shopping discounts, airport perks, and more.

And with dozens of card providers promising premium rewards, finding one that truly matches your lifestyle can feel like navigating a luxury buffet with way too many options. To help you make a smart and informed decision, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to choosing the right credit card in the UAE.

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Key factors to consider

Before hitting that “Apply Now” button, make sure you understand the basics that will determine your eligibility, card benefits, and potential deal-breakers.

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Here are the three most important considerations:

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Income

The higher your monthly income or salary, the wider the range of credit cards and perks available to you. Why? Because banks want to ensure they’re extending a proportionate degree of credit and benefits to each customer. So, keep the figure handy as you explore different card options.

For example, if you earn AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 a month, you will usually be eligible for basic, entry-level cards. Not surprisingly, these cards often come with fewer benefits and lower credit limits, but you can still get useful perks like cashback on groceries or discounts at select retailers.

However, if you’re in the AED 15,000+ salary range, the doors open to premium cards with travel rewards, airport lounge access, concierge services, and higher credit limits. Some of these cards even come with welcome bonuses, dining privileges, and offers tied to luxury retailers.

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Salary transfer requirements

Many UAE credit card deals come with a catch—you must open a salary account with the issuing bank and credit your monthly income directly into it. In return, the bank will offer you a card with attractive benefits, e.g., low interest rates or zero annual fees for the first year.

If you already bank with them or are willing to switch, an offer like this can be good, especially if the card offers solid long-term value. But if you prefer to keep your salary with your existing bank (or you’re not keen on moving your entire financial life around just for a credit card, or two), it might not be worth the hassle.

“If a card requires a salary transfer, ensure it aligns with your current lifestyle and doesn’t restrict your flexibility, in the short or long term.”

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Minimum spend

You have probably seen ads like: “Spend AED 5,000 in 60 days and get AED 500 cashback!” or “Fly free after your first AED 10,000 spend!” While these welcome offers can be tempting, they’re the literal definition of “terms and conditions apply”. To access the promised reward, you must meet a minimum spend requirement within a limited period, typically the first one to three months after getting the card.

But here’s the thing: not everyone spends so much in their day-to-day life. If you naturally hit the spending target through your usual expenses, great. But if you think you might end up overspending and purchasing things you don't need just to unlock certain rewards, you might need to rethink it.

Before you take the offer, ask yourself if you would ordinarily spend that much. If the answer is no, find one with a lower threshold that matches your actual spending habits. Also, read the fine print. Some bonuses are split into tiers, exclude certain types of spending (like utility bills), or get revoked if you don't meet the spending target.

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Compare cards and avoid traps

Each credit card has unique ownership costs and perks. Assess real value and dodge common pitfalls with the following tips.

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Review annual fees

Annual fees are one of the first numbers you will notice when vetting a credit card in the UAE—and for good reason. They are the main recurring charges you must pay to get and keep access to the credit and benefits being offered.

And while this isn’t necessarily good or bad, the annual fees on a UAE credit card can range from AED 0 to well over AED 3,000, depending on the card tier and the perks it offers. Sometimes, it is simply the price you pay for premium rewards—lounge access, air miles, concierge services, and more.

If you are not going to use those perks often, though, you are just paying for benefits you’ll rarely get to enjoy. Here’s how to decide what’s best:

• Review the fee against the value you expect to get back. For example, a card that costs AED 500 per year but gives you AED 2,000 worth of cashback, discounts, or travel perks is a good deal.
• Watch out for the “first year free” hook. Some cards waive the fee upfront, then quietly charge you in the second year. This is why you must always check the renewal fee and any conditions tied to it.

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Look out for hidden charges

Banks in the UAE typically emphasize the rewards for their credit card holders, but the real money drainers are often buried in the fine print, easy to miss. That’s why you must look beyond the obvious charges, like annual fees.

Other costs that can quietly and quickly stack up include late payment penalties, cash advance fees, card replacement charges, and even fees for printing your monthly statement. Some extra sneaky ones include foreign transaction mark-ups, which we covered earlier, and “no usage” fees. Yes, some banks will actually charge you if you don't use the card at all.

Now you’re wondering how to steer clear of all these, and fortunately, we’ve got you. Our top tips?

• Always review a credit card’s fee schedule (usually a downloadable PDF on the bank’s website) before applying for it.
• Look for text like "terms and conditions," "charges and fees," or "tariff guide." These sections will clarify the true cost of getting a card and help you avoid unpleasant surprises later.

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Evaluate interest rates

Most UAE banks charge credit card interest monthly, not annually, and this makes it trickier to track. For example, if you’re not careful, you could end up paying almost 40% per year on a card with a monthly interest rate of 3.5% per year.

And promotional rates, like those attractive “0% interest for 6 months” deals you see everywhere, don’t make it easy. These offers can be helpful for short-term spending or balance transfers, but they don’t last forever. Once the introductory period ends and you still have an unpaid balance, the regular interest rate will kick in.

If you always pay off your balance in full, interest rates might not be a big deal. But if you tend to roll over part of your bill, even occasionally, choosing a card with a lower ongoing rate can save you serious money.

Compare interest rates wisely with these steps:

• Look at the standard monthly interest rate, not just the promo.
• Ask if interest is compounded daily or monthly—this affects how much you actually pay.
• Find out when interest applies. Is there a grace period? What happens if you miss a payment?
• Check the rate for cash advances as well; it’s usually higher than the regular purchase rate.

“For Shariah-compliant banks and cards, you may not see an interest rate. Instead, check for a profit rate or Ujrah.”

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Be wary of foreign transaction fees

If you travel often or shop online from international stores, you cannot afford to ignore a credit card’s foreign transaction fees. Many UAE credit cards charge users for transactions made in foreign currencies, and while it seems fair at first, it adds up over time.

The last thing you want is to unknowingly apply for a card that makes you pay through the nose for non-AED transactions. But a few hotel bookings, some overseas shopping, or even recurring subscriptions in USD or EUR, and you are suddenly paying more than expected.

If you don’t plan to use your credit card for international spending, don’t worry about foreign transaction fees. But if international spending is part of your routine:

• Consider cards with reduced or zero fees, especially those designed for frequent travelers. For example, travel-focused cards, such as lounge-access options, often come with low charges or additional perks that make the tradeoff feel fair.
• Calculate how much an international spend will cost you beyond the actual purchase price and determine if it’s worth it before buying.

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Calculate the total cost of ownership

Now that you know of the obvious and less-emphasized fees, it’s time to add them all up for the card—or cards—you're considering. This exercise will help you get a clear picture of what the UAE credit card you choose truly costs.

For example, even “annual fee-free” cards can end up costing a lot if you frequently miss due dates or carry a balance from month to month. At the same time, a card with an annual fee might work out cheaper if it returns enough value via rewards, discounts, or savings.

Here’s how to know you’re making the best decision:

• Estimate how you plan to use the card, both home and abroad.
• Map out the potential costs over 12 months or more, depending on your specific plans for the card.
• Determine if the card’s perks are worth the price, or merely clever marketing.

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Assess real-life rewards, not just points

UAE credit card benefits typically include reward points for every dirham spent. But not all points are created equal. Some expire quickly, while others can only be redeemed through complicated portals. And in certain cases, the value of those points is so low, they barely feel like rewards.

Our best advice? Focus on real-life value, not just how many points you earn.

• Ask yourself key questions like these. Can I redeem these points easily? Do they cover things I actually use—like flights, fuel, or groceries? Are there caps or restrictions that limit my earnings?
• Look for cards that offer direct cashback, discounts with retailers you already shop with, or travel perks you intend to use.
• Remember that the best rewards don’t just look good on paper without really benefiting you; they fit into your lifestyle like a glove.

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Use a smart tool to automate your search and comparisons

Even if you know what to look for, comparing cards across banks can be time-consuming and stressful. This is the part where intuitive financial marketplace tools like Daleel come in.

💡 UAE residents and visitors love Daleel, here’s why you will too

Daleel lets you:

• See all your options in one place with Daleel’s comprehensive product listings. No need to visit 10 bank websites. Simply explore in one clean, easy-to-use dashboard without stress.

• Compare credit card options instantly based on your salary, spending habits, and lifestyle. Filter by income tier, perks you care about, and even bookmark favorites for later.

• Skip the fine print with up-to-date info on fees, perks, and conditions—clearly laid out, no guesswork. That way, you know exactly what you’re signing up for before you hit “Apply.”

• Unlock exclusive offers only available on Daleel. Access special deals and limited-time promotions from top banks, all in one place

• Get personalized picks using smart filters and AI-powered matching, tailored to your salary, lifestyle, needs, and financial goals. Daleel’s engine sifts through dozens of products to show you only what truly fits, so you spend less time browsing and more time choosing. You also get smart alerts and updates based on your unique profile.

“Instead of switching between multiple tabs or second-guessing your choice for hours, let Daleel help you make a clear, confident decision in minutes.”

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Choose a credit card in the UAE via Daleel

This guide puts you well on your way to making a great choice. But if you want to speed things up and skip the manual research…

Let Daleel do the heavy lifting.

👉 Download the Daleel mobile app to search, compare, filter, and find your best-fit credit card in minutes—no stress, no hidden surprises.

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