Understanding Eligibility for Emirates NBD Credit Cards in the UAE
Emirates NBD stands as one of the leading banking groups in the UAE, offering a wide array of financial products including a variety of credit cards that cater to diverse lifestyles and needs. Whether you are looking for luxury travel benefits, cashback on daily spends, or sports-related offers, Emirates NBD has a card that aligns with your preferences.
With an impressive portfolio of credit cards, Emirates NBD offers exclusivity and a host of privileges that make its cards sought after. However, before you can enjoy these benefits, you must meet certain eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for Salaried Individuals
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a credit card in the UAE, applicants must meet several basic requirements set by ENBD
Minimum Age: ENBD requires applicants to be at least 21 years old, though this age limit can vary.
Residency: Applicants generally need to be UAE residents, which is often verified through a valid residency visa.
Minimum Salary: The minimum salary requirement is crucial and varies widely depending on the card. It can range from AED 5,000 to over AED 20,000 per month for premium cards.
Employment: A steady job and a regular income are typically required. ENBD may ask for proof of employment or require a salary transfer to the bank.
ENBD might request a security check on a case-to-case basis.
Establishing Credit Worthiness
Acceptable Credit Scores for Credit Cards
Scores 300 – 619: Considered low. Applicants might find it difficult to get approved for credit cards and may only qualify for secured credit cards or products designed for low credit scores.
Scores 620 – 657: Fair. Individuals with scores in this range are typically considered subprime borrowers and might face higher interest rates or less favorable terms.
Scores 657 – 750: Good. This is generally considered low risk to the banks as applicants with scores in this range are likely to be approved for most credit cards.
Scores above 750: Excellent. These scores qualify for the best available credit cards, including those with premium benefits, low-interest rates, and high credit limits.
Establishing Employment and Income
To ensure the accuracy of employment and income details, the bank may carry out verification checks. These could be in the form of phone calls or on-site visits and tend to vary according to the employer’s stature—with employees from larger and more well-known companies typically subjected to fewer checks. However, the frequency and type of these verification procedures are determined by the bank’s underwriting standards. Income verification is often streamlined through an automated system that validates bank statements and income credits, which can reduce or eliminate the need for paper-based income documentation in many instances.
Documentation Required
To apply for an Emirates NBD credit card, several documents are required:
- Emirates ID and passport copies, with originals for verification.
- Your latest salary certificate.
- Your trade license if you are a business owner.
- Bank statements from the last three months, with ATM statements also acceptable.
- A security cheque may be required upon application.
Supplementary Cards and Age Criteria
Emirates NBD allows primary cardholders to avail themselves of up to five supplementary credit cards for their dependents at no extra cost.
To apply for any Emirates NBD credit card, you must be at least 21 years of age and meet the minimum income requirements specific to the card you are applying for.
Card Options and Benefits
Let’s explore some of the credit cards available, highlighting their minimum salary requirements, annual fees, and key features.
Product Name |
Annual Fee AED |
Minimum Salary |
Features |
Starwood Preferred Guest World Credit Card | 1500 |
25000 |
Premium lifestyle and travel benefits, rewards at Starwood Hotels, and travel insurance. |
U By Emaar Visa Infinite | 1575 |
30000 |
Exclusive discounts at Emaar establishments, travel benefits, and lounge access. |
Skywards Signature Credit Card | 735 |
12000 |
Bonus Skywards Miles, lounge access, golf course access, valet parking. |
dnata Platinum Credit Card | 525 |
8000 |
Earn dnata points, rewards at participating merchants, and welcome voucher. |
dnata World Credit Card | 1048.95 |
25000 |
Exclusive Concierge Desk and privileges, dnata and Duty-Free Shopping rewards, lounge access. |
Manchester United Credit Card | 262.5 |
5000 |
Offers for Manchester United fans, rewards points, golf discounts, lounge access. |
Go4it Gold Credit Card | 103.95 |
6000 |
RTA Nol Card benefits, cinema offers, life insurance. |
Go4it Platinum Credit Card | 208.95 |
12000 |
RTA Nol Card benefits, Vox Cinema ticket offers, welcome voucher. |
U By Emaar Visa Signature | 262.5 |
15000 |
Discounts at Emaar establishments, travel benefits, lounge access, Gold Status. |
U By Emaar Visa Family Card | 0 |
5000 |
Free for life, discounts at Emaar, Upoints earnings, cinema offers. |
MasterCard Platinum Credit Card | 735 |
12000 |
Rewards on all spends, Cleartrip discounts, lounge access, welcome voucher. |
MasterCard Titanium Credit Card | 420 |
5000 |
VIP lounge access, buy 1 Get 1 offer, rewards on spends, travel, and shopping deals |
Visa Infinite Credit Card | 1575 |
30000 |
Rewards on all spend, lounge access, golf privileges, concierge service. |
Visa Platinum Credit Card | 0 |
12000 |
Rewards on all spend, lifestyle offers, travel discounts, and lifetime free card. |
Skywards Infinite Credit Card | 1575 |
30000 |
Skywards Miles earning and redeeming, lounge access, golf, and valet offers. |
Lulu 247 Platinum Credit Card | 250 |
15000 |
Cashback at Lulu, lounge access, golf privileges, Vox Cinemas offers. |
Lulu 247 Titanium Credit Card | 0 |
5000 |
Cashback at Lulu, balance transfer with no interest, lounge access. |
U By Emaar Visa Signature | 400 |
10000 |
Domestic and international rewards, lounge, and travel insurance benefits. |
Etihad Guest Visa Elevate | 1575 |
35000 |
Etihad Miles, lifestyle and travel offers, lounge access, and concierge service. |
Marriott Bonvoy World Mastercard Credit Card | 1575 |
25000 |
Marriott Bonvoy miles, travel benefits, lounge access, golf offers. |
Visa Flexi Credit Card | 735 |
15000 |
Benefit flexibility, lounge access, and rewards on domestic spending. |
Etihad Guest Visa Inspire Credit Card |
735 |
15000 |
Etihad Miles, cinema and golf access, valet parking, lounge access. |
Eligibility Criteria for Self-Employed Individuals
If you’re a self-employed individual aiming to get your hands on one of these prestigious cards, you will need to maintain an average bank balance of AED 50,000 over the last three months. This requirement showcases your financial stability and ensures you are capable of handling a credit card. Additionally, you may have to open a Fixed Deposit with Emirates NBD, which holds the minimum deposit amount required for the card you’re interested in.
These are just a few options from the broad spectrum of credit cards offered by Emirates NBD. Each card is tailored to fit different financial profiles and spending habits, ensuring there’s a card for every type of customer. It’s essential to assess your financial standing and compare it against the eligibility requirements to find the perfect credit card that not only meets your needs but also rewards you for your expenses.
Remember, while a credit card can be a powerful financial tool that offers convenience and rewards, it also comes with the responsibility of managing your finances wisely. Always read the terms and conditions carefully and understand all the charges associated with the card you choose to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
Sure, here are some potential questions that UAE residents might search for regarding Emirates NBD (ENBD) credit card eligibility, along with humanized answers based on the previously shared information:
FAQ’s
What documents do I need to apply for an ENBD credit card?
When you’re ready to apply for an ENBD credit card, you’ll need to have a few things on hand: your Emirates ID and passport (copies and originals), your latest salary certificate, your trade license if you’re a business owner, your bank statements from the last three months, and perhaps a security cheque—though we’ll let you know for sure if it’s needed when you apply.
Can I get additional credit cards for my family members from ENBD?
Absolutely, you can. With ENBD, you can get up to five supplementary credit cards for your family members, and guess what? They won’t cost you anything extra. It’s a great way to extend the benefits to your loved ones.
How old do I have to be to apply for an ENBD credit card?
You need to have celebrated at least 21 birthdays to be eligible for an ENBD credit card. So, if you’ve crossed that milestone and meet the minimum income threshold for the card that’s caught your eye, go ahead, and apply.
What is the minimum salary required for ENBD credit cards?
The minimum salary required varies by the type of credit card you’re interested in. For example, if you’re eyeing the Skywards Signature Credit Card, you should be earning at least AED 12,000. For the higher-end U By Emaar Visa Infinite, your salary needs to be at least AED 30,000. Make sure to check the specific requirements for the card you’re considering.
Do I need to provide bank statements when applying for an ENBD credit card?
In many cases, you won't need to because ENBD uses an automated system to verify your income. This system checks the validity of your bank statements and income credits, making the process smoother and faster. However, it's always good to have your statements ready, just in case.
Will my employer’s profile affect my ENBD credit card application?
It might. The bank may do some background checks like calling you up or even visiting your workplace. But if you work for a larger, prominent company, these checks might happen less frequently. Remember, it all depends on the bank's policies.