What an Emirates credit card is and who issues it
An Emirates credit card is a Visa or Mastercard issued by a UAE bank — most commonly Emirates NBD, FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank), or ADIB (Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank) — that earns rewards when you spend. The card itself is not issued by Emirates airline; the airline partners with the bank to design the rewards program. When you use the card, you accumulate points that convert to airline miles, discounts on flights, or cash back, depending on which card you hold.
These cards are marketed primarily to residents of the UAE, though some banks will issue them to expatriates with a UAE employment contract and bank account. The rewards structure and annual fees vary significantly between issuers and between different card tiers within the same bank.
Key Takeaways
- Emirates credit cards are issued by UAE banks, not by the airline itself, and the rewards go into an airline loyalty account or convert to cash back.
- Annual fees range from zero to several hundred dirhams depending on the card tier, and many cards waive the first year or waive it if you spend above a threshold.
- Earning rates vary: some cards earn one point per dirham spent, others earn more on specific categories like dining or fuel, and some offer bonus points in the first months.
- The value of points depends on how you redeem them — airline miles are worth more when used for premium cabin seats than for economy flights.
- Most cards require a UAE bank account and proof of income; some require a minimum salary or a minimum deposit to open.
How rewards and points work on these cards
When you spend on an Emirates credit card, you earn points at a rate set by the issuing bank. A common structure is one point per dirham spent on most purchases, with bonus rates on specific categories. For example, some cards earn three points per dirham at restaurants, two points at petrol stations, or double points on weekends. A few premium cards offer flat higher earning rates across all spending.
Points accumulate in an account tied to your card and can be redeemed in several ways. The most common is conversion to Emirates Skywards miles, which you then use to book flights or upgrade existing bookings. Some cards also allow you to redeem points as statement credits (cash back), transfer them to partner hotels, or use them for shopping vouchers. The exchange rate between points and miles varies by bank — typically one point equals one mile, but this is not universal.
The real value of points depends on what you redeem them for. A mile used to book an economy seat on a short regional flight may be worth less than half a cent, while the same mile used to upgrade a long-haul business class ticket can be worth several cents. Reading the redemption options before you explore helps you understand whether the earning rate actually suits how you travel.
Annual fees and how they are waived
Annual fees on Emirates credit cards range from zero to 500 dirhams or more, depending on the card tier. Entry-level cards often have no annual fee or charge 99 to 150 dirhams. Mid-tier cards typically cost 250 to 350 dirhams. Premium cards with higher earning rates and additional benefits can cost 500 dirhams or more per year.
Many banks waive the annual fee in the first year automatically. Others waive it if you spend above a threshold in the first year — commonly 10,000 to 20,000 dirhams. Some cards waive the fee every year if you maintain a minimum balance in a savings account with the same bank, or if you spend above a certain amount annually. A few premium cards waive the fee only if you spend very high amounts, such as 100,000 dirhams in a year.
Before you explore, ask the bank directly what the fee is, when it is charged, and what conditions waive it. The bank's website often lists this, but the terms can change, and the fee structure may differ for new customers versus existing account holders.
Interest rates and how to avoid paying them
Emirates credit cards charge interest on balances you do not pay in full by the due date. The interest rate (called the purchase APR) typically ranges from 18% to 24% per annum, though the exact rate depends on the bank and your creditworthiness. This is calculated daily on the outstanding balance and added to your next statement.
The simplest way to avoid interest is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you cannot pay in full, most banks offer a balance transfer option that lets you move the debt to a lower-rate card or a personal loan. Some cards also offer a promotional period — typically three to six months — where new cardholders pay no interest on purchases made in that window, provided they pay a minimum amount each month.
Cash advances (withdrawing money from an ATM using your credit card) carry a higher interest rate and an upfront fee, usually 2% to 5% of the amount withdrawn. Avoid cash advances unless you have no other option.
Comparing cards from different UAE banks
The main issuers of Emirates credit cards are Emirates NBD, FAB, ADIB, and Mashreq. Each bank offers multiple card tiers, and the rewards, fees, and benefits differ. Emirates NBD's cards tend to have straightforward earning structures and are widely available. FAB and ADIB offer both conventional and Islamic (Sharia-compliant) versions. Mashreq's cards often include travel insurance and lounge access at higher tiers.
To compare, list the cards you are considering and note the annual fee, the earning rate on everyday spending, any bonus categories, the redemption options, and any additional benefits like travel insurance or airport lounge access. Then estimate how much you spend in a year and calculate whether the rewards you would earn exceed the annual fee. A card with a 200-dirham fee is only worth it if you earn more than 200 dirhams in rewards annually.
Many banks allow you to hold multiple cards, so you can use different cards for different spending categories if that maximizes your rewards. However, each card process generates a credit inquiry, which can temporarily lower your credit score, so space out applications by at least a few months.
Who can get an Emirates credit card and what you need
To get an Emirates credit card, you typically need to be a UAE resident with a valid UAE ID, a bank account with the issuing bank, and proof of income. Most banks require a minimum monthly salary — commonly 3,000 to 5,000 dirhams — though some waive this if you maintain a large deposit in a savings account with them.
Expatriates can explore if they have an employment contract, a valid work visa, and a bank account. Some banks require that your employment contract be with a company on their approved list, or that you have worked for your current employer for a minimum period (often three to six months). Self-employed individuals and freelancers may be asked to provide business registration documents and tax returns.
The bank will check your credit history with the UAE Central Bank's credit bureau. If you have missed payments or defaults on record, your process may be declined or approved at a higher interest rate. If you are new to the UAE and have no credit history, some banks will still issue a card but may set a lower credit limit until you build a track record.
How to read the terms and what to watch for
Before you sign the credit card agreement, read the disclosure document the bank provides. This document lists the annual percentage rate (APR), the annual fee, the grace period (the number of days you have to pay before interest accrues), and any fees for late payments, over-limit transactions, or foreign currency purchases.
Pay attention to the foreign transaction fee if you travel or shop online internationally. Some cards charge 1% to 3% on purchases made outside the UAE. Also check whether the rewards rate applies to all spending or only to specific categories, and whether there is a cap on how many points you can earn per month or per year.
If the terms are unclear, call the bank's customer service line and ask them to explain the specific parts you do not understand. Banks are required to provide this information clearly, and a good customer service representative will walk you through it without pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Emirates credit card outside the UAE?
Yes, you can use it anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. However, purchases made outside the UAE may incur a foreign transaction fee of 1% to 3%, depending on the card. Check your card's terms before you travel to know what fee applies.
What happens if I miss a payment?
The bank will charge a late fee (typically 100 to 200 dirhams) and interest will accrue on the unpaid balance at your card's APR. If you miss multiple payments, the bank may report it to the credit bureau, which will lower your credit score and make it harder to get loans or credit in the future.
Can I transfer my points to someone else?
Most banks do not allow you to transfer points to another person's account. However, some cards allow you to use your points to book flights for family members, or to transfer miles to a spouse's Skywards account if you are both customers of the same bank. Check your card's redemption rules.
Do I have to use the points before they expire?
Most Emirates credit cards do not have a points expiration date as long as your account remains active. However, if you close the card or let it become inactive for a long period, the bank may cancel your points. Keep the card open and use it occasionally to keep the account active.
What is the difference between a conventional and an Islamic Emirates credit card?
An Islamic credit card (offered by banks like ADIB and FAB) is structured to comply with Sharia law, which means it does not charge interest in the traditional sense. Instead, it uses a profit-sharing model. The rewards and earning rates are similar to conventional cards, but the fee structure and how charges are calculated may differ. Choose based on your religious preference and which bank's terms suit your spending.