Please fill in the details to receive a call back with more details
Choose your Emirates Skywards Credit Card to earn some exclusive benefits. International travel has well and truly ‘taken off’ since the last couple of years. From a state of no travel to some essential travel, now it seems, at least going by the current ticket prices, that there is excessive travel happening! Read more
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 35,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 4200
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 35,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 4,200
Non AED Transaction Fee
2.99%
Cash Advance Fee
3.15 % / AED 103.95
Joining Offers
Earn upto 100,000 bonus skywards miles!
Welcome Miles Bonus Category: 35,000 skywards miles
Fast Track to Gold tier Membership Option: Upon payment of the Annual Membership Fee of AED 4,000 and joining fee of AED 1,000.
(or)
Without fast track to Gold tier membership Option: Upon payment of the Annual Membership fee of AED 2,000 and the joining fee of AED 1,000.
2) Cumulative retail spend of AED 120,000 within 3 months: 40,000 skywards miles
3) Cumulative Foreign currency spend of AED 50,000 within 6 months : 25,000 skywards miles
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn up to 3.5 Miles per USD 1 equivalent retail spends as per below rates
- 3.5 Skywards Miles at Emirates Airlines
- 2 skywards miles on international spend
- 1.5 skywards miles on domestic spend
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 30,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 1575
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 30,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 1,575
Non AED Transaction Fee
1.99%
Cash Advance Fee
3.15 % / Min 103.95
Joining Offers
Apply for an Emirates NBD Credit Card and receive a voucher worth up to AED 400 that can be availed across Noon and Noon Daily!
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn Skyward Miles
Things To Be Aware Of
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 25,000
RATE
3.49%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 2100
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 25,000
RATE
3.49%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 2,100
Non AED Transaction Fee
2.34%
Cash Advance Fee
3.15 % / Min 103.95
Joining Offers
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn Skyward Miles per 1 USD of spend:
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 25,000
RATE
3.49%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 2100
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 25,000
RATE
3.49%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 2,100
Non AED Transaction Fee
2.34%
Cash Advance Fee
3.15 % / Min 103.95
Joining Offers
1) Welcome Miles Bonus Category: 40,000 skywards miles
Upon payment of the Annual Membership fee of AED 999 and the joining fee of AED 1,000.
2) Cumulative retail spends (within 6 months): 35,000 skywards miles
Spend a minimum of AED 75,000 within 6 months
3) Spend with Emirates Airlines (within 6 months) : 15,000 skywards miles
Spend a minimum of AED 20,000 withing 6 months
Overall an ability to earn upto 90,000 bonus skywards miles!
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn up to 2 Miles per USD 1 equivalent retail spends as per below rates
- 2 Skywards Miles at Emirates Airlines
- 1.5 Skywards Miles on international spend
- 1 Skywards Miles on domestic spend
Things To Be Aware Of
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 25,000
RATE
3.33%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 4500
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 25,000
RATE
3.33%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 4,500
Non AED Transaction Fee
3.10%
Cash Advance Fee
3.00 % / AED 99
Joining Offers
Welcome Offer:
Upto 120,000 bonus Skywards Miles
Key Features
Reward Features
Up to 120,000 bonus Skywards Miles
*Minimum retail spend of AED 130,000 within 6 months from the card issuance date, when you apply for your Emirates Skywards card from 1st July 2020 till 31st July 2020
Things To Be Aware Of
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 25,000
RATE
2.45%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 1499
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 25,000
RATE
2.45%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 1,499
Non AED Transaction Fee
2.10%
Cash Advance Fee
3.00 % / Min AED99
Joining Offers
Get Joining bonus Skywards Miles of 20,000 on payment of annual fee of AED 1,499. The bonus Skywards Miles will be credited within a week of the next statement cycle. The card is also available with First year free offer without the joining bonus miles, offer is valid till 31st Jan 2023.
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn Emirates Skywards Miles on all spends
The RAKBANK Emirates Skywards World Elite Mastercard Credit Card lets you earn Skywards Miles on all types of spends. What’s more, these Skywards Miles are awarded based on total monthly spends in Dirhams to keep it simple for you.
Skywards Miles award will be reduced to 50% if spend in special categories (such as Charities, Government Services, Bill Payments, Schools, Transits, Transport, Telecommunication, Real Estate, Petrol/Gas stations, Supermarkets, Health & Beauty, Club Membership, Motion Pictures & Theatres, Computer Services, Automobiles & Vehicles) exceeds 50% of total spends for the month.
Things To Be Aware Of
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 15,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 735
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 15,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 735
Non AED Transaction Fee
1.99%
Cash Advance Fee
3.15 % / Min 103.95
Joining Offers
Earn up to 40,000 Skywards Miles with your Skywards Signature Credit Card:
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn Skyward Miles
Per 1 USD of spend:
Things To Be Aware Of
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 12,000
RATE
3.49%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 735
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 12,000
RATE
3.49%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 735
Non AED Transaction Fee
2.34%
Cash Advance Fee
3.15 % / Min 103.95
Joining Offers
1) Welcome Miles Bonus Category: 30,000 skywards miles
Upon payment of the Annual Membership Fee of AED 700 and joining fee of AED 550.
2) Cummulative retail spends ( within 6 months): 20,000 skywards miles
Spend a minimum of AED 30,000 within 6 months
3) Spend with Emirates Airlines ( within 6 months) : 10,000 skywards miles
Spend a minimum of AED 10,000 withing 6 months
Overall an ability to earn upto 60,000 bonus skywards miles!
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn up to 1.5 Miles per USD 1 equivalent retail spends as per below table
Things To Be Aware Of
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 15,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 1575
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 15,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 1,575
Non AED Transaction Fee
2.26%
Cash Advance Fee
- / -
Joining Offers
Earn up to 30,000 bonus Skywards Miles with the Emirates Skywards DIB Signature Credit Card:
15,000 bonus Miles on card activation
15,000 bonus Miles on balance transfer
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn Skyward Miles for every 1 USD spend:
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 15,000
RATE
3.33%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 1500
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 15,000
RATE
3.33%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 1,500
Non AED Transaction Fee
3.10%
Cash Advance Fee
3.00 % / AED 99
Joining Offers
Welcome Offer:
Upto 60,000 bonus Skywards Miles
Key Features
Reward Features
Up to 60,000 bonus Skywards Miles
Things To Be Aware Of
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 15,000
RATE
3.49%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 735
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 15,000
RATE
3.49%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 735
Non AED Transaction Fee
3.49%
Cash Advance Fee
3.15 % / Min 103.95
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn EI SmartMiles
Earn Upto 3.75 EI Smart Miles per AED on international transactions.
Earn Upto 2.5 EI Smart Miles per AED on local transactions.
You can redeem your EI SmartMiles
6,500 EI SmartMiles = 1,000 Upoints By Emaar
7,500 EI SmartMiles = 5,000 Etisalat Smiles
10,000 EI SmartMiles= 1,000 Emirates Skywards Miles
10,000 EI SmartMiles= 2,500 Etihad Miles
20,000 EI SmartMiles = 4,000 InterMiles
10,000 EI SmartMiles= 1,750 Avios
Miles will be transferred within 5 working days
Things To Be Aware Of
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 5,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 525
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 5,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 525
Non AED Transaction Fee
2.26%
Cash Advance Fee
- / -
Joining Offers
Earn bonus Skywards Miles:
5,000 bonus Miles on card activation.
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn Skyward Miles per 1 USD spend:
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 36,750
RATE
3.5%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 3000
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 36,750
RATE
3.5%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 3,000
Non AED Transaction Fee
2.99%
Cash Advance Fee
3.00 % / Min 99
Joining Offers
Signup for the exclusive Citi Ultima Card and enjoy a vast range of flexible rewards & benefits, plus AED 1000 welcome offer!
Key Features
Reward Features
$1 = 5 Citi Miles on non-AED spend
$1 = 2.5 Citi Miles on AED spend
on Citibank site
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 12,000
RATE
3.5%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 400
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 12,000
RATE
3.5%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 400
Non AED Transaction Fee
2.99%
Cash Advance Fee
3.00 % / Min 99
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn Emirates Skyward Miles on your Citi Emirates World Card
Earn 1 Skywards Mile per USD on non AED spend and 0.75 Skywards Miles per USD on AED spend.
Redeem your Skywards Miles for reward flights and upgrades with Emirates & Flydubai
Things To Be Aware Of
on Citibank site
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 5,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 700
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 5,000
RATE
3.25%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 700
Non AED Transaction Fee
3.49%
Cash Advance Fee
3.00 % / Min 199
Key Features
Reward Features
Things To Be Aware Of
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 18,000
RATE
3.5%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 800
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 18,000
RATE
3.5%
ANNUAL FEE
AED 800
Non AED Transaction Fee
2.99%
Cash Advance Fee
3.00 % / Min 99
Key Features
Reward Features
Earn Emirates Skyward Miles on your Citi Emirates World Card
Redeem your Skywards Miles for reward flights and upgrades with Emirates & Flydubai
on Citibank site
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 5,000
RATE
3.25
ANNUAL FEE
AED 0
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 5,000
RATE
3.25
ANNUAL FEE
AED 0
Non AED Transaction Fee
1.99
Cash Advance Fee
3 % AED 99
Key Features
Reward Features
Choose the reward points you want to earn (Cashback, Skywards Miles) and the things you want to earn bonus rewards for (groceries, food deliveries, online shopping, travel or something else?).
The Liv. Cashback and Cashback plus credit card is tailored for individuals with dynamic, on-the-go lifestyles, offering the ability to earn Skywards Miles with every purchase. Cardholders can choose four spending categories—such as international spending, travel, online shopping, dining, and more—where they will earn "booster" Skywards Miles in addition to base Miles.
The Miles accumulation structure is tiered based on monthly spending:
This structure allows cardholders to maximize their Skywards Miles by focusing their spending in categories that matter most to them, particularly when they exceed certain spending thresholds.
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 10,000
RATE
3.25
ANNUAL FEE
AED 700
MINIMUM SALARY
AED 10,000
RATE
3.25
ANNUAL FEE
AED 700
Non AED Transaction Fee
1.99
Cash Advance Fee
3
Key Features
Reward Features
Choose the reward points you want to earn (Cashback, Skywards Miles) and the things you want to earn bonus rewards for (groceries, food deliveries, online shopping, travel or something else?).
The Liv. Cashback and Cashback plus credit cards are tailored for individuals with dynamic, on-the-go lifestyles, offering the ability to earn Skywards Miles with every purchase. Cardholders can choose four spending categories—such as international spending, travel, online shopping, dining, and more where they will earn "booster" Skywards Miles in addition to base Miles.
The Miles accumulation structure is tiered based on monthly spending:
This structure allows cardholders to maximize their Skywards Miles by focusing their spending in categories that matter most to them, particularly when they exceed certain spending thresholds.
In 2024 international travel has well and truly ‘taken off’ after a couple of years which everyone would rather happily erase from their collective memories. From a state of no travel to some essential travel now it seems, at least going by the current ticket prices, that there is excessive travel happening!
Here in the UAE too all kinds of travel seem to be back on the table now – business folks traveling again, annual trips back home to visit family and friends, and of course travel as tourists to new and also repeat international destinations which has always been a favorite indulgence for us here in the UAE.
As UAE residents and probably more specifically for Dubai residents we are so fortunate to have access to Emirates Airlines which is easily one of the best airlines in the world and is the obvious airline of choice when considering any international travel. How often do we find ourselves looking for reasons to stretch our budgets a bit to justify any price differences travelling with Emirates versus some other budget airline? Deep down we know that traveling with Emirates is quite simply the best option in terms of the entire experience - right from the dedicated terminal, class leading on demand in-flight entertainment options, direct routes saving us the hassle of multiple stops and of course for the well-heeled travelers amongst us - the Emirates business class lounge experience which is second to none!
A great option for anyone in the UAE to enjoy the many benefits of flying with Emirates Airlines is to use an Emirates Skywards Credit Card in UAE which is offered by most of the leading banks in the UAE. These best credit cards are offered as a partnership between Emirates Airlines and the bank and offer a multitude of benefits to customers who have these credit cards. These benefits can vary from earning best credit card for emirates miles on purchases made with the credit cards, gaining membership to exclusive Emirates Airlines membership tiers including Skywards Silver status, and in some cases, even the coveted Emirates Skywards Gold Tier membership status. These tiers bring their own significant benefits to customers and ‘earning’ them by getting a best skywards credit card UAE is a quick and easy way to gain entry into these exclusive membership categories. But these are just a few benefits and as you will find out further in this article, these best emirates credit card UAE credit cards offer a wide array of benefits to suit every individual profile.
Given the popularity and demand for flying with Emirates it is no wonder that several leading banks offer co-branded best Skywards credit card as part of their credit card portfolio offerings. And as can be expected, not all of these cards offer the same level of benefits or are indeed even offered to the same profile of customers. There are no fewer than 14 different Emirates Skywards co-branded credit cards currently available in the UAE and it is no easy task to identify which of them is best suited to you. But fret not, our team here at Soulwallet.com has done the heavy lifting to help you find the best ones suited to your specific needs.
Across these 6 banks there are currently a total of 14 different Emirates Skywards credit cards offered. These are broadly categorised based on the minimum income required to be eligible for each credit card, the features and benefits offered, annual fees charged and so on.
The monthly minimum income requirement for Emirates Skywards credit cards are as below :
| Credit Card | Minimum Income |
|---|---|
| Dubai Islamic Emirates Skywards Platinum Credit
Card |
AED 10,000 |
| ADIB Emirates Skywards World Card
|
AED 10000 |
| HSBC Skywards Signature Credit Card |
AED 10,000 |
| Emirates Islamic Skywards Signature Credit
Card
|
AED 12,000 |
| Emirates NBD Skywards Signature Credit Card |
AED 12,000 |
| Emirates NBD Skywards Signature Credit Card |
AED 12,000 |
| Dubai Islamic Emirates Skywards Signature Credit Card |
AED 15,000 |
| Dubai Islamic Emirates Skywards Infinite Credit Card
|
AED 20,000 |
| RAKBANK Emirates Skywards World Elite Mastercard Credit Card
|
AED 25,000 |
| ADIB Emirates Skywards World Elite Card
|
AED 25,000 |
| Emirates Islamic Skywards Infinite Credit Card
|
AED 25,000 |
| Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
|
AED 30,000 |
| HSBC Skywards Infinite Credit Card
|
AED 30,000 |
| Emirates Islamic Skywards Black Credit Card
|
AED 50,000 |
As can be seen from the table above, there is an Emirates Skywards credit card option available for customers with income segments starting from as low as AED 5,000, which incidentally is also the minimum monthly salary required as per UAE Central bank regulations for a credit card.
Emirates Airlines, recognized as the top choice for travelers heading to and from Dubai, provides UAE residents with a unique opportunity to elevate their travel through the Emirates Skywards Credit Card. These cards, issued in collaboration with several leading UAE banks, offer a variety of exclusive benefits as part of a strategic partnership between Emirates Airlines and the banking sector.
With every purchase, cardholders accumulate Emirates Skywards miles, granting them access to Emirates Airlines’ exclusive loyalty tiers, including the highly coveted Skywards Silver and Gold tier statuses. These levels come with valuable perks, making the credit card a fast-track to premium travel experiences. But that’s just the start—these credit cards are designed to meet various lifestyle needs.
Given the widespread popularity of Emirates Airlines, it’s no surprise that many top-tier banks offer co-branded Emirates Skywards credit cards. With over a dozen options available in the UAE, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, the experts at Soulwallet.com have carefully reviewed these choices to help you find the perfect fit. Whether you’re looking for a card with a low salary requirement starting from AED 5,000 or one that offers zero annual fees for the first year, we’ve got you covered. Explore with us to discover the best Emirates Skywards credit card to enhance your travel experience.
Emirates Islamic Skywards Black Credit Card : |
|
|
Spends at Emirates Airlines (and Flydubai) spends |
3.5 Skywards miles per USD equivalent |
| International spends | Up to 2 Skywards miles per USD equivalent spend
|
| Domestic (UAE) spends | Up to 1.5 Skywards miles (specific categories offer lower earn rates)
|
ADIB Emirates Skywards Visa Infinite Credit Card : |
|
| Spends at Emirates Airlines (and Flydubai) spends | 3 Skywards miles per USD equivalent
|
| International spends | Up to 2 Skywards miles per USD equivalent spend
|
| Domestic (UAE) spends | Up to 1.5 Skywards miles per USD equivalent spend (specific categories offer lower earn rates)
|
HSBC Skywards Infinite Credit Card : |
|
|
Spends at Emirates Airlines (and Flydubai) |
2.75 Skywards miles per USD equivalent
|
| International spends | Up to 1.5 Skywards miles per USD equivalent spend
|
| Domestic (UAE) spends |
Up to 1 Skywards mile per USD equivalent spend (specific categories offer lower earn rates) |
Primary cardholders can fast-track to Gold tier status upon spending AED 5,500 with Emirates. One Supplementary cardholder can also enjoy Emirates Skywards Gold membership on an additional minimum spend of AED 5,500 on Emirates and subject to payment of Annual Fee of AED 4500.
You can fast track to Skywards Gold Tier status with a minimum spend of AED 5,500 on Emirates Airline within 12 months from the Card Issuance date.
The Emirates Skywards Gold membership is available for one supplementary cardholder per primary cardholder. All you need to do is spend an additional minimum amount of AED 5,500 at Emirates and pay an Annual Membership Fee of AED 4,000 for your Supplementary Card.
Emirates Islamic Skywards Black Credit Card
The Emirates Islamic Skywards Black Credit Card offers the MOST PREMIUM FEATURES of any Skywards credit card offered by any bank in the UAE currently. It also has the distinction of offering the highest Skywards miles earn rates across all Skywards credit cards in the UAE and also offers a host of excellent benefits including:
All relevant features of this credit card, along with side-by-side comparisons can be seen at: www.soulwallet.com
The HSBC Skywards Infinite Credit Card is a premium Skywards credit card with multiple lifestyle benefits available to its cardholders. Emirates Skywards Miles earned through this card never expire, making it a convenient choice for frequent travelers.
The HSBC Skywards Infinite Credit Card is a brand new offering from one of the leading multi- national banks here in the UAE. This is a premium Skywards credit card with multiple lifestyle benefits available to its cardholders. This card also provides its customers the opportunity to earn a joining bonus of 50,000 Emirates Skywards miles. A key benefit of this credit card is that Emirates Skywards Miles earned through this card do not expire, ever.
The ADIB Emirates Skywards Visa Infinite credit card is one of the top premium Skywards credit cards available in the UAE, known for its competitive features and generous rewards for Emirates Airlines and retail spends both internationally and domestically.
All relevant features of this credit card, along with side-by-side comparisons, can be seen at: www.soulwallet.com
The Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card is a premium credit card which has a lot of features for the well-heeled traveler. While it does not offer the card holder an option to get the coveted Emirates Skywards Gold Tier membership it also has a much lower annual maintenance fee than the other credit cards that do offer the Gold tier membership. This card also gives the card holder the opportunity to earn up to 100,000 bonus Emirates Skywards miles by meeting certain spend criterion on the card. Some of the key benefits of this card include:
All relevant features of this credit card, along with side-by-side comparisons, can be seen at: www.soulwallet.com
The Emirates Islamic Skywards Infinite Credit Card offers a range of premium benefits tailored for frequent travelers and luxury seekers. Some of the key benefits include unlimited complimentary airport lounge access, valet parking, and golf rounds. Additionally, you can earn bonus Emirates Skywards miles based on your spending. Below are the details:
For a detailed breakdown and comparison with other credit cards, visit: www.soulwallet.com
The Emirates Skywards Dubai Islamic Bank Infinite Credit Card is offered by Dubai Islamic Bank that provides customers a range of travel and lifestyle benefits. This credit card offers customer the option to earn up to 100,000 bonus Emirates Skywards miles based on specific spend criteria that are met. Some of the key benefits of this card are:
For a detailed breakdown and comparison with other credit cards, visit: www.soulwallet.com
The RAKBANK Emirates Skywards World Elite Mastercard is a premium credit card offering from RAKBANK that offers several unique benefits to card holders including:
For more details and comparison options, visit: www.soulwallet.com
The HSBC Skywards Signature Credit Card is a new offering from one of the leading multi- national banks here in the UAE. This card offers requires applicants to have a minimum salary of only AED 10,000 per month and offers multiple lifestyle benefits. This card offers its customers the opportunity to earn a joining bonus of 20,000 Emirates Skywards miles. A key benefit of this credit card is that Emirates Skywards Miles earned through this card do not expire, ever.
For more details and comparison options, visit: www.soulwallet.com
The ADIB Emirates Skywards credit card is available for residents with a minimum salary of AED 10,000 only and offers a wide range of benefits. This card offers generous Emirates Skywards miles for spends at Emirates Airlines, for international spends as well as for domestic retail spends in the UAE. In addition to the excellent Skywards miles rewards offered, this card also offers:
For full features and side-by-side comparisons, visit: www.soulwallet.com
The Emirates Islamic Skywards Signature Credit Card offers an array of premium benefits including Skywards Miles for travel, complimentary golf, valet parking, and exclusive access to Dubai Ladies Club. Ideal for those who want to enjoy luxury lifestyle perks with their everyday spends.
For full features and side-by-side comparisons, visit: www.soulwallet.com
The Emirates NBD Skywards Signature Credit Card offers several benefits to cardholders including the ability to earn welcome bonus Skywards miles. Some of the key benefits of this card include:
For full details and side-by-side comparisons, visit: www.soulwallet.com
The Emirates Skywards Dubai Islamic Bank Signature Credit Card is offered by Dubai Islamic Bank and provides customers a range of travel and lifestyle benefits. This credit card offers customer the option to earn up to 50,000 bonus Emirates Skywards miles
For full details and side-by-side comparisons, visit: www.soulwallet.com
The Emirates Skywards Dubai Islamic Bank Platinum Credit Card is offered by Dubai Islamic Bank with the lowest annual membership fee of any Emirates Skywards credit card in the UAE. Some of the key benefits of this card are:
For full details and side-by-side comparisons, visit: www.soulwallet.com
The UAE's vibrant financial sector offers a wide range of credit card options catering to diverse income brackets, spending habits, and financial needs. Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential for anyone applying for a credit card. This article provides a comprehensive overview of credit card eligibility in the UAE, outlining common requirements, factors that influence approval, and tips for navigating the application process.
To qualify for a credit card in the UAE, applicants must meet several basic requirements set by banks and financial institutions :
Minimum Age : Most banks require 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. Some banks may ask for proof of employment or require a salary transfer to the bank.
Some financial institutions request a security check based on the above profiles.
Credit History and Score
In the UAE, credit scores play a pivotal role in financial transactions, especially when applying for credit cards. Here's an in-depth look at how the credit scoring system works in the UAE and what scores are considered acceptable for obtaining a credit card.
Understanding Credit Scores in the UAE
The UAE’s credit scoring system is managed by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB). The AECB collects financial information from various sources, including banks, finance companies, and telecom companies, to create credit reports and scores for individuals and companies.
How Credit Scores Are Calculated
The credit score is a numerical representation of an individual's creditworthiness, ranging from 300 to 900. It is calculated based on several factors, including :
Payment History : Timely payments on loans and credit cards improve your score, whereas late payments, defaults, and foreclosures negatively impact the score.
Credit Utilization : This refers to the amount of credit you are using compared to your credit limits. Lower utilization rates generally lead to higher scores.
Length of Credit History : A longer credit history provides more data and can lead to a higher score, assuming the history shows responsible credit use. The term that is used for customers with less than 12 months is a “Thin file” which is considered higher risk than those who have a history of more than 12 months. There can be specific policies applied by the bank for a lower number of months such as additional verifications, higher income requirements, additional documentation, employer profiles, and so on.
Types of Credit : Having a mix of credit types, such as credit cards, personal loans, and mortgages, can positively affect your score.
New Credit : Frequent applications for new credit can lower your score, as it might indicate financial distress.
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.
Tips to Improve or Maintain a Good Credit Score in the UAE
Make Payments on Time : This is by far the most important factor as payment behavior impacts your credit score directly. Always pay your bills and credit card dues on time. Setting up automated payments can help avoid missed deadlines.
Manage Credit Utilization : Try to keep your credit utilization below 30% of your total available credit. It is not necessary that one needs to max out on the credit available. Keep your utilization to your needs and ensure timely payments.
Regularly Monitor Your Credit Report : You may have a card that is accumulating charges since you forgot to close it. Hence, do check your credit report periodically for any inaccuracies or fraudulent activities. This can be done through the AECB’s website, and you can raise it to the concerned banks and have these issues fixed.
Limit New Credit Applications : Only apply for new credit, when necessary, as multiple credit inquiries can lower your score.
Maintain a Healthy Mix of Credit : Diversifying the types of credit can positively impact your score.
By understanding and managing these factors, individuals in the UAE can improve their credit scores, enhancing their eligibility for credit cards and other financial products.
Debt-Burden Ratio (DBR)
The DBR is another critical factor considered by banks. It measures the proportion of a person’s income that goes towards repaying debts, including loans and credit card payments :
DBR Limit : In the UAE, the maximum DBR allowed is 50% of your monthly income. This means that all your monthly debt repayments combined should not exceed half of your monthly earning.
Banking Relationship : Existing relationships with a bank can facilitate easier approval, especially if you have a history of responsible financial behavior with that institution. Banks do have more comfort lending to customers who have their salaries credited to their banks.
Type of Employment and Employer : Working for a well-recognized company or a government entity can improve your chances of approval as it implies job security and a stable income. Most companies have a process of identifying specific employers and listing them to offer credit to their employees. These listed companies are supposed to be low in risk considering the employment stability they offer to their employees. Having said that companies can move in and out of the listed zone based on the way their employees perform. The advantage of such listed companies is that the requirements for credit issuance are generally more lenient than those that are not listed.
Self Employed Eligibility : In UAE, eligibility even extends to self-employed persons to applying for credit cards, only eligibility criteria and documentation requirements are minutely different from the ones employed by the company. Banks usually require the individual to furnish bank statements and a profit and loss statement that can confirm consistent income from business along with sound financials. Further, for most cases of self-employment, a trade license or any other document indicating that the business would be run is submitted. For self-employed applicants, the issuer may need to scrutinize with more careful consideration the consistency and reliability of the income to avoid the risks that fluctuating incomes may pose. Self-employed individuals who would like to enhance their chances of getting their credit card application approved in the UAE need to have a good credit score and a low Debt Burden Ratio (DBR). Generally, a healthy cash flow, years in business, and line of business are considered key parameters while underwriting self-employed individuals.
Check Your Credit Score : Before applying, check your credit score with the AECB. Address any discrepancies or outstanding debts. It is recommended that one keeps a tab on their credit score periodically. A credit report can be requested from Al Etihad Credit Bureau for a charge.
Understand the Card Benefits : Match the credit card features with your financial behavior and needs. For instance, if you travel frequently, consider cards that offer travel benefits.
Prepare Documentation : Have all necessary valid documents handy, such as your passport, visa, Emirates ID, salary certificate, and bank statements.
Consider Multiple Options : Don’t apply for multiple cards at once, as this can negatively impact your credit score. Instead, choose the best option that fits your needs and apply for that one first. Make use of the comparison sites to understand more about the products as these sites provide information on most of the banks.
Follow-up : After applying, keep in touch with the bank to check your application status and provide additional information if required.
ConclusionQualifying for a credit card in the UAE requires understanding and meeting the banks' eligibility criteria, including financial stability, creditworthiness, and compliance with the DBR. By carefully preparing and choosing the right credit card, you can manage your finances more effectively and take advantage of the benefits credit cards offer.
We hope this article has been useful in giving you a better understanding of the various Emirates Skywards miles credit card options available in the UAE. While we have highlighted the best options for specific benefits offered by these credit cards, we highly recommend that you review all the features in detail before deciding which is the best credit card for you. After all, the process of identifying the best option and applying for a credit card is not something undertaken regularly and therefore getting it right will not only help you maximize potential saves but will also help you enjoy the unique benefits most relevant to your individual preferences.
Detailed features and benefits along with side-by-side comparisons of all these credit cards and more can be found at www.soulwallet.com
Emirates Skywards Credit Cards are co-branded credit cards offered in partnership with Emirates Airline. These cards allow customers to earn Skywards Miles on daily purchases and enjoy exclusive travel benefits.
UAE residents who meet the eligibility criteria, such as minimum income requirements and a good credit score, can apply for these cards.
Benefits include earning Skywards Miles, complimentary airport lounge access, free flights or upgrades, travel insurance, and priority check-in.
Skywards Miles are earned on eligible purchases. Higher rates may apply for spending on Emirates flights, hotel bookings, or dining.
Yes, you can redeem Miles for hotel stays, car rentals, shopping, and other lifestyle experiences in addition to flights and upgrades.
Skywards Miles generally expire three years after they are earned, but some cards offer options to extend their validity.
You can check your balance through the Emirates Skywards app, website, or by contacting their customer service.
Yes, these cards usually come with an annual fee, though it may be waived during promotional periods or based on your spending.
Yes, many cards include complimentary access to selected airport lounges worldwide.
Foreign transaction fees may apply, but some cards offer reduced or waived fees for overseas transactions.
Applications can be made online through the respective bank’s website or at bank branches in the UAE.
Typically, you need a valid Emirates ID, proof of income, and bank statements. Additional documents may be requested by the issuing bank.
The income requirement varies by bank and card tier. For example, premium cards may require a higher minimum income.
Joining offers may include bonus Skywards Miles, complimentary lounge access, travel vouchers, or first-year fee waivers.
Yes, many joining offers have a minimum spending threshold within a specified period after card activation.
Yes, most Emirates Skywards Credit Cards include complimentary travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
Yes, you can use the card to pay for upgrades and earn additional Miles for the transaction.
Some cards include priority check-in and boarding at selected airports for cardholders.
Benefits may include discounts on flight bookings, priority service, and additional Miles for Emirates purchases.
Yes, supplementary cards can be added for family members, allowing them to earn Skywards Miles on their spending as well.
FABCashback Credit Card
Minimum Salary AED 5,000
Annual Fee AED 315
Rate 3.50%
We gather this information to assist you better and track your progress with the credit card application.
FABCashback Credit Card
Minimum Salary AED 5,000
Annual Fee AED 315
Rate 3.50%
