Best International Banks for Credit Cards in UAE

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Best credit cards with 0 Annual fee*

Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Ras Al Khaimah
  • Cashback up to AED 2,000
  • Rewards + Welcome Offers
  • No Annual Fee
  • Travel benefits
  • Dining Discounts
  • Entertainment Benefits

In a globalised economy, access to convenient financial tools is crucial. In this article, we will explore the leading international banks that cater to the UAE's credit card market. We will dive into their unique card offerings, helping you make informed decisions with respect to your financial requirements.

Whether you seek travel perks, cashback rewards, or premium privileges, these institutions have carved a niche in the UAE's credit card arena. Stay ahead in managing your finances with insights into these top players that promise value beyond borders.

Top International Banks with Credit Cards

Without further ado, here are the top international banks that offer credit cards in the UAE -

Citibank

Citibank is a renowned financial institution that offers a wide range of banking and financial services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With a strong presence and reputation, Citibank provides various credit card options tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

Citibank credit cards come with attractive rewards, competitive interest rates, and exclusive privileges, making them a preferred choice for individuals seeking convenience and financial flexibility in the UAE. Its commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation continues to make it a trusted partner in the region's financial landscape.

Most Popular Credit Card in UAE

Cashback Back & Free Airport Lounge Access - Policybazaar uae

Tabled below are the best credit cards offered by Citibank UAE -

Credit Cards Features and Benefits Apply
Citibank Citi Cashback Card
  • Minimum Salary - AED 8,000 monthly
  • Annual Fees - Free for 1st Year (Terms and Conditions Apply), no charges starting the 2nd year if you meet the minimum spending cap of AED 9,000. 
  • Cashback Rewards – 
    • Earn 3% cashback on non-AED expenses
    • Get 2% cashback on purchasing grocery
    • Get 1% cashback on all other types of expenses
    • These cashbacks are automatically credited at the time of expenditure
  • Get limitless access to over 1,100 international airport lounges using the MasterCard Travel Pass application. 
  • Access to hundreds of ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ offers via MasterCard Priceless Special App
  • 2 free airport transfers a year (cap of AED 110 each) using the code ‘MAUAE 2’ via the Careem app 
  • Get travel, entertainment, and dining discounts in the UAE as well as over 95 countries 
Apply Now

Citi Simplicity Card

  • Minimum Salary - AED 5,000 monthly
  • Annual Fees - Free for Life
  • Complementary supplementary credit cards for family members 
  • AMAZON.AE: Enjoy an immediate 10% discount (maximum AED 50) on Amazon.ae for qualifying purchases over AED 150 once a month — valid until December 31, 2023
  • CARREFOUR: Benefit from a 15% instant price reduction (up to AED 50) at Carrefour when you make eligible purchases exceeding AED 150 once a month through the Carrefour app or website (available until December 31, 2023).
  • TALABAT: Receive a 20% instant price reduction (maximum AED 14) on food and grocery orders twice a month through the Talabat app. Simply apply the promo code "MASTERCARD" during checkout.

Offer valid till December 31st, 2023

  • Access to selected airport lounges across the Middle East with the MasterCard Travel Pass app 
  • There are no yearly charges, penalties for late payments, fees for cash advances, or over-limit charges whatsoever. This card has been crafted for your fundamental borrowing requirements, prioritising simplicity and convenience with straightforward terms without any unnecessary complications.
Apply Now

Citibank Citi Rewards Credit Card

  • Minimum Salary - AED 8,000 monthly
  • Annual Fees - Free for 1st year — in the second year, as long as you meet the minimum spending requirement of AED 9,000, you will not incur any fees.
  • With the Citi World Privileges, you can enjoy discounts on travel, dining, and entertainment locally and in 95 countries.
  • Gain unlimited access to over 1,100 airport lounges worldwide through the MasterCard Travel Pass app.
  • Receive a flat 30% discount on 2 movie tickets at VOX Cinemas every month.
  • Access numerous ‘Buy 1 Get 1’ offers with the complimentary Mastercard Priceless Specials app.
  • On Amazon.ae, you can get an instant 10% discount (up to AED 50) on eligible purchases exceeding AED 150 once a month — until December 31, 2023.
  • At Carrefour, you are eligible for a 15% immediate discount (up to AED 50) on eligible purchases over AED 150 once a month when using the Carrefour app or online (valid until December 31, 2023).
  • When ordering groceries and food on the Talabat app, you can enjoy a 20% immediate discount (up to AED 14) twice a month by applying the promo code ‘MASTERCARD’ at checkout (until December 31, 2023).
  • 2 free airport rides per year (with a cap of AED 110 each) by using the code ‘MAUAE2’ on Careem app
  • Swift, secure, and convenient transactions made possible through Apple Pay
  • Instantly access cash with Quick Cash at the touch of a button
  • Browse through a wide selection of products, including clothing, electronics, home essentials, and more
  • ThankYou Points -
    • Receive 1.5 ThankYou Points for every USD expenditure on groceries and non-AED transactions, and earn 1 ThankYou Point every USD for AED spending.
    • You have the freedom to use your ThankYou Points for various options, including cash rebates, travel perks, merchandise, gift certificates, and many other enjoyable experiences.
    • Explore a wide selection of merchandise, spanning categories like clothing, electronics, household items, and beyond.
    • Utilise your Points to make payments for your purchases conveniently, either via SMS or the Citibank Online platform.
Apply Now

Emirates Citibank World Credit Card

  • Minimum Salary - AED 12,000 monthly
  • Annual Fees - Free for 1st Year
  • Receive 1 Skywards Mile for every USD expenditure on transactions in currencies other than AED, and earn 0.75 Skywards Miles for every USD spent in AED.
  • Accumulate Skywards Miles, which can be utilised for booking Emirates or Flydubai reward points and for upgrading your flights, with a potential maximum of 1 Skywards Mile for each USD spent.
  • Gain unrestricted entry to over 1,100 lounges across the globe by using the MasterCard Travel Pass app.
  • Enjoy a flat 30% discount on the purchase of 2 movie tickets at VOX Cinemas.
  • Receive a complimentary Marhaba Bronze Meet & Greet service once annually at Dubai International Airport.
  • Gain access to numerous Buy 1 Get 1 offers via the free Mastercard® Priceless Specials app.
  • Experience swift, secure, and hassle-free transactions with Apple Pay.
  • Receive 2 complimentary airport rides per year (each valued up to AED 110) by using the code ‘MAUAE2’ on the Careem app.
  • Utilise your Skywards Miles to book reward points and upgrades with Emirates and Flydubai.
  • At Amazon.ae, enjoy a 10% instant discount (up to AED 50) on eligible purchases over AED 150 each month until December 31, 2023.
  • At CARREFOUR, enjoy a 15% immediate rebate (up to AED 50) on eligible purchases over AED 150 each month when using the Carrefour app or website — valid until December 31, 2023.
  • At TALABAT, receive a 20% discount instantly (up to AED 14) on food and grocery orders twice a month through the Talabat app. Simply apply promo code ‘MASTERCARD’ during checkout.
  • Complimentary travel insurance
Apply Now

Citibank Citi Premier Credit Card

  • Monthly Salary — AED 15,000 monthly
  • Annual Fees – AED 750
  • AMAZON.AE: Receive an immediate 10% discount — up to AED 50 — when making eligible purchases over AED 150 on Amazon.ae once a month. This offer is valid until December 31, 2023.
  • CARREFOUR: Enjoy a 15% discount instantly of up to AED 50, when you shop at Carrefour and spend over AED 150. This offer, available once a month when using the Carrefour app or shopping online, is valid until December 31, 2023.
  • TALABAT: Get a 20% instant discount, up to AED 14, on food and grocery orders placed through the Talabat app. This offer can be used twice a month. To use this, apply the promo code ‘MASTERCARD’ at checkout.
  • CAREEM: Benefit from 6 free-of-charge Careem airport rides on MasterCard World Elite by using the code ‘MAUAE6’ and 2 rides on MasterCard World with the code ‘MAUAE2’ within a year. Each ride is valued at up to AED 110 and can be booked through the Careem app.
  • Redeem your accumulated points for cash rebates, travel-related expenses, and merchandise, or transfer them to 12 partner airlines, including Emirates, flydubai, Etihad, and British Airways.
  • Thank You Points: Earn 3 ThankYou Points for every USD expenditure on dining and fuel, 2 ThankYou Points for every USD expenditure on non-AED purchases, and 1.5 ThankYou Points for every USD spent locally (in AED).
  • The ThankYou Points provide you with the flexibility to exchange them for travel rewards, merchandise, gift vouchers, and other rewarding experiences.
  • You can transfer your ThankYou Points to 12 airline and hotel partners to use for booking flights and hotel stays.
  • Additionally, you can redeem your points for cash rebates or shopping vouchers.
  • Choose from a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, electronics, home goods, and more using your accumulated ThankYou Points.
  • For any travel-related purchase worth AED 500, you can offset the cost by redeeming 15,000 ThankYou Points (no limit applies to this offer).
  • When you apply for a Citi Premier Credit Card, you can receive a welcome offer of up to AED 750 as a statement credit.
  • Gain unrestricted access to over 1,100 airport lounges globally, including guest privileges, by utilising the MasterCard Travel Pass app.
  • Enjoy a 30% discount on four movie tickets at VOX Cinemas every month.
  • Receive a free round of golf once a month at some of the finest golf courses in the UAE.
  • Obtain a free Marhaba Bronze Meet & Greet service at Dubai International Airport once a year.
  • Avail of six complimentary airport rides annually, each valued at up to AED 110, by applying the code ‘MAUAE6’ within the Careem app
Apply Now

Citibank Citi Prestige Credit Card

  • Minimum Salary - AED 30,000 monthly
  • Annual Fees - 1,500
  •  AMAZON.AE: Receive an immediate 10% discount (maximum AED 50) at Amazon.ae when making eligible purchases exceeding AED 150 once a month on Amazon.ae, valid until December 31, 2023.
  • CARREFOUR: Enjoy a 15% immediate rebate (up to AED 50) at Carrefour for eligible purchases over AED 150 once a month when using the Carrefour app or website, available until December 31, 2023.
  • TALABAT: Get a 20% immediate rebate (up to AED 14) on food and grocery orders at Talabat twice a month using the Talabat app. Simply apply the promo code ‘MASTERCARD’ during checkout.
  • CAREEM: Benefit from 6 free Careem airport rides with a MasterCard World Elite card by using the code ‘MAUAE6’.
  • Citi Prestige Credit Card: Enjoy flexible lifestyle and rewarding benefits with your Citi Prestige Credit Card.
  • Citi Prestige Rewards: Redeem your points for cash rebates, merchandise, travel-related expenses, or transfer them to 12 partner airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, British Airways, and flydubai.
  • Citi Prestige Renewal Bonus: Receive an annual bonus of 10,000 ThankYou Points upon renewing your Citi Prestige Credit Card.
  • Welcome Offer: Apply for a Citi Prestige Credit Card and receive up to AED 750 as a statement credit.
  • Citi Prestige Points: Earn 3 ThankYou Points for each USD expenditure on non-AED purchases and 2 ThankYou Points for every USD spent locally (AED).
  • ThankYou Points Flexibility: With your ThankYou Points, you can enjoy the flexibility to redeem them for travel rewards, merchandise, gift vouchers, and various rewarding experiences.
  • Transfer Partner Airlines and Hotels: Transfer your ThankYou Points to 12 airline and hotel partners for booking flights and hotel stays.
  • No Blackout Dates: Book flights, hotels, rental cars, and holiday packages without any blackout date restrictions for your bookings.
  • Cash Rebates and Shopping Vouchers: Redeem your points for cash rebates or shopping vouchers.
  • Point Conversion: Convert 15,000 ThankYou Points to offset AED 500 for any travel-related purchase. There are no limitations on this offer.
  • Enjoy unrestricted entry to over 1,100 lounges across the globe (along with a guest) through the MasterCard Travel Pass app.
  • Avail of a 'Buy 1 Get 1 Free' offer for movie tickets at VOX & REEL cinemas.
  • Receive free Valet Parking (up to 2 times every month), courtesy of Valtrans.
  • Play golf without limits on weekdays and receive a free round on weekends once a month.
  • Get the 4th night free when you book any hotel — whether local or international
  • Enjoy a free 4th night at your hotel during stays or international trips plus unrestricted access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide for yourself as well as a guest.
  • Receive free of charge Marhaba Silver Meet & Greet facility twice annually at Dubai International Airport.
Apply Now

Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit Card

  • Minimum Salary – AED 36,750
  • Annual Fees – AED 3,000
  • AMAZON.AE: Receive an immediate 10% discount (maximum AED 50) at Amazon.ae for eligible purchases over AED 150 once a month until December 31, 2023.
  • CARREFOUR: Enjoy a 15% immediate discount (up to AED 50) at Carrefour for eligible purchases exceeding AED 150 monthly, when using the Carrefour app or online, until December 31, 2023.
  • TALABAT: Enjoy a 20% immediate rebate (up to AED 14) on food and grocery orders at Talabat, twice a month through the Talabat app. Apply the promo code ‘MASTERCARD’ during checkout.
  • CAREEM: Savour 6 complimentary airport rides with Careem when using Mastercard World Elite and the code ‘MAUAE6’ (up to AED 110 each), accessible through the Careem app.
  • Skywards Miles: Earn up to 2.5 Skywards Miles for every dollar spent. Receive a 25,000 sign-up bonus Skywards Miles in the first year and 10,000 Bonus Miles annually upon renewal.
  • Golf Privileges: Enjoy unlimited golf on weekdays and one free round on weekends monthly.
  • Emirates.com: Earn 2.5 Skywards Miles for every USD spent on www.emirates.com in AED, 1.5 Skywards Miles every USD on non-AED spend, and 1 Skywards Mile every USD on other AED spend.
  • Skywards Miles Redemption: Redeem your Skywards Miles for reward points and upgrades with Emirates.
  • Lounge Access: Gain unlimited access, along with a guest, to 1,100+ airport lounges worldwide through the MasterCard Travel Pass app.
  • Skywards Silver Membership: Receive free Emirates Skywards Silver membership, offering an extra 12 kg baggage allowance and access to Emirates lounges in Dubai Airport. You can also enjoy unlimited golf on weekdays and one free round on weekends monthly.
  • Movie Tickets: Enjoy 'Buy 1 Get 1 free' movie tickets at VOX & REEL cinemas.
  • Valet Parking: Avail free of charge valet parking twice a month with Valtrans.
  • Purchase Protection: Get insurance coverage for online purchases — up to $1,000 per year — at no additional cost.
  • Travel Insurance: Access free travel insurance
  • Meet & Greet Service: Receive a free of charge Marhaba Silver Bronze Meet & Greet facility once a year at Dubai International Airport.
  • Mastercard Priceless Specials App: Access hundreds of 'Buy 1 Get 1' offers through the free MasterCard Priceless Specials app.
  • Apple Pay: Enjoy fast, secure, and effortless purchases with Apple Pay.
  • Concierge Service: Benefit from the free International Concierge Service.
Apply Now

Emirates Citibank Ultimate Credit Card

  • Minimum Salary - AED 18,000 monthly
  • Annual Fees - AED 800
  • You can earn 1.25 Skywards Miles for each USD expenditure on transactions in currencies other than AED, and 1 Skywards Mile for every USD spent in AED.
  • Redeem your accumulated Skywards Miles for reward points and upgrades when flying with Emirates and Flydubai.
  • Convert your Skywards Miles into reward points and upgrades to Business Class on Emirates flights.
  • Enjoy discounts on travel, dining, and entertainment locally and in 95 countries.
  • Access over 1,100 airport lounges worldwide (including guest access) using the MasterCard Travel Pass app.
  • Receive complimentary golf once a month at select top golf courses in the UAE.
  • Benefit from a free of charge Marhaba Bronze Meet & Greet service once a year at Dubai International Airport.
  • Access a variety of ‘Buy 1 Get 1’ offers through the free Mastercard Priceless Specials app.
  • Experience fast, secure, and convenient transactions with Apple Pay.
  • Enjoy six free airport rides per year (up to AED 110 each) by using the code ‘MAUAE6’ on the Careem app.
  • Take advantage of a 0% interest easy instalment plan for Emirates tickets purchased through www.emirates.ae, with a three-month repayment period.
  • When shopping on Amazon.ae, receive an instant 10% discount (up to AED 50) on eligible purchases above AED 150 once a month until December 31, 2023.
  • At CARREFOUR, enjoy a 15% instant discount (up to AED 50) on eligible purchases above AED 150 once a month using the Carrefour app or online until December 31, 2023.
  • When ordering groceries and food from Talabat, get a 20% immediate off (up to AED 14) twice a month upon using the Talabat app. Use promo code ‘MASTERCARD’ during checkout.
Apply Now
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HSBC

HSBC UAE, a prominent banking institution in the country, stands as a trusted financial partner for residents and businesses alike. With a legacy of excellence, HSBC UAE provides a wide range of banking services, including a diverse selection of credit cards tailored to meet various financial requirements.

Whether you seek travel rewards, cashback benefits, or premium privileges, HSBC UAE offers a suite of credit cards designed to elevate your financial experience.

Here are the main credit cards offered by HSBC UAE -

Standard Chartered Bank

Standard Chartered is a leading financial institution that has been serving the United Arab Emirates with unwavering commitment for years. With a strong presence in the region, the bank offers a wide range of financial services to meet the diverse needs of its customers.

Standard Chartered UAE provides an array of credit cards tailored to suit various lifestyles and preferences, offering exceptional benefits and rewards to enhance the banking experience for their valued clients.

Listed below are the types of credit cards offered by Standard Chartered UAE -

discount offers - Policybazaar uae

Things to Consider When Applying for Credit Cards in the UAE

To get the right and the best credit card for yourself, keep the following aspects in mind -

  • Understanding Your Spending - Before getting a credit card, it's crucial to know how you handle money. Being clear about your spending habits will help you figure out whether a specific card aligns with your financial goals.
  • Checking for Fees - While several banks offer free lifetime credit cards, some may charge up to AED 2,000 annually. Always ask about fees when considering a card — even if a representative promotes it — as the benefits may outweigh the cost.
  • Interest Rates - High interest rates can be costly, so choose a card with favourable rates. Online sources and sites like Policybazaar.ae can help you find the best credit cards in the UAE.
  • Rewards and Perks - Look for cards that offer rewards like air miles, cashback, or bonus points. Make sure to go through conditions like minimum spending requirements or partnerships with certain retailers.
  • International Use - If you require a card for overseas travel, check the foreign usage fees with your bank. Some banks charge up to 3% for using your card abroad.

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