Travel in the UAE has become more expensive, especially international flights, airport lounges, and overseas spending. Finding the best travel credit card UAE 2026 can help you save on these costs while earning valuable air miles credit card UAE rewards, enjoying lounge access credit card UAE perks, travel insurance, and lower foreign currency fees.
Whether you are a frequent international traveler, business professional, expat, or family vacationer, the right travel credit card can help you earn airline miles faster, enjoy free lounge access at major airports, and save thousands of dirhams every year on flights and travel bookings. Leading UAE banks now offer travel-focused cards tied to popular airline programs like Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, and flexible rewards that convert into air miles.
In this expert-curated guide, we compare the top travel credit cards in UAE for 2026 based on reward rate, lounge access coverage, annual fees, foreign transaction charges, welcome bonuses, and overall value for travelers. You’ll also find clear recommendations on which card is best for air miles, frequent flyers, international spending, and premium travel privileges, helping you choose the most rewarding option based on your travel goals and income profile.
If your priority is maximizing travel rewards, reducing flight and lounge costs, and getting real value from every dirham spent, this comparison will help you select the most profitable travel credit card in the UAE for 2026.
Quick Comparison of the Best Travel Credit Cards in UAE (2026)
Choosing the right travel credit card in the UAE depends on how often you travel, your preferred airline, and how you spend internationally. Some cards are best for earning air miles quickly, while others offer better value through complimentary airport lounge access, lower foreign currency markup, and premium travel benefits.
The table below compares the top travel credit cards in UAE for 2026 based on annual fees, rewards rate, lounge access, and ideal usage, making it easier to identify the most rewarding option for your travel needs.
| Credit Card |
Annual Fee (AED) |
Air Miles / Rewards |
Lounge Access |
Foreign Transaction Fees |
Best For |
| Emirates Skywards Credit Card |
Up to 3,000 |
Skywards Miles on all spends |
Unlimited international lounges |
1.99%–2% FX |
Frequent Emirates flyers |
| Etihad Guest Credit Card |
Up to 2,500 |
Etihad Guest Miles + bonuses |
Global lounge access |
1.99%–2% FX |
Etihad loyal travelers |
| HSBC Premier Travel Credit Card |
Free / Low fee (eligibility based) |
Flexible reward points |
Priority Pass lounges |
0%–1.5% FX |
International spenders |
| Standard Chartered Journey Card |
Free |
Air miles on daily & travel spends |
Limited free lounge visits |
2% FX |
Low-fee travel card seekers |
| Citi Premier Credit Card |
Approx. 3,000 |
Transferable air miles |
LoungeKey access |
1.5%–2% FX |
Premium travel benefits |
Best Travel Credit Cards in UAE (2026): Detailed Card Comparison
Not all travel credit cards offer the same value. While some focus on air miles and airline loyalty programs, others are better suited for airport lounge access, international spending, or premium travel privileges. Below is a closer look at the best travel credit cards in UAE for 2026, highlighting who each card is best suited for and how travelers can maximize benefits.
Emirates Skywards Credit Card – Best for Frequent Emirates Flyers
The Emirates Skywards Credit Card is ideal for travelers who regularly fly with Emirates Airlines. Cardholders earn Skywards Miles on everyday spending, which can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and exclusive Emirates experiences. Most variants also include complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and bonus miles on joining.
This card delivers the highest value for:
Despite a higher annual fee, the rewards can easily outweigh the cost for travelers who fly multiple times a year.
Etihad Guest Credit Card – Best for Etihad Loyalty Members
Designed for Etihad Airways customers, the Etihad Guest Credit Card allows users to earn Etihad Guest Miles on local and international spends. These miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and upgrades. Lounge access, travel insurance, and welcome bonuses add further value for frequent travelers.
This card works best for:
It’s a strong alternative for travelers who prefer Etihad over Emirates.
HSBC Premier Travel Credit Card – Best for International Spending
The HSBC Premier Travel Credit Card offers flexible reward points that can be converted into air miles with multiple airline partners. It also includes Priority Pass airport lounge access, travel insurance, and competitive foreign currency spending benefits.
Best suited for:
Eligibility requirements apply, but for qualifying users, this card offers excellent long-term value.
Standard Chartered Journey Card – Best Low-Fee Travel Credit Card
For travelers looking for a low or zero annual fee travel credit card, the Standard Chartered Journey Card is a popular choice. It earns air miles on daily spending and travel purchases, with limited complimentary lounge access and fewer premium perks compared to high-end cards.
Ideal for:
It balances affordability with useful travel benefits.
Citi Premier Credit Card – Best for Premium Travel Benefits
The Citi Premier Credit Card is a premium offering that focuses on high reward rates, global lounge access through LoungeKey, and transferable air miles. Cardholders also benefit from travel insurance, concierge services, and lifestyle privileges.
Best for:
While the annual fee is higher, the overall value justifies the cost for frequent travelers.
Which Is the Best Travel Credit Card in UAE in 2026?
The best travel credit card in UAE in 2026 depends on how often you travel, which airlines you prefer, and where you spend the most. Frequent international flyers gain the highest value from airline-linked cards such as Emirates Skywards and Etihad Guest, which allow faster air-mile accumulation and better redemption for flights and upgrades.
Travelers who prefer flexibility over airline loyalty benefit more from cards offering transferable reward points, global airline partners, and complimentary airport lounge access through programs like Priority Pass or LoungeKey. Meanwhile, occasional travelers and first-time users may find better value in low or zero annual fee travel credit cards, which still provide air miles, basic lounge access, and travel insurance without high yearly costs.
Choosing the right card ultimately comes down to balancing air miles earning rate, lounge access coverage, foreign currency markup, annual fees, and eligibility requirements, ensuring you maximize travel rewards while keeping overall costs low.
Best Travel Credit Cards in UAE (2026) – Quick Verdict
-
Best for air miles: Emirates Skywards Credit Card – Ideal for frequent Emirates flyers seeking premium flight redemptions and upgrades
-
Best airline alternative: Etihad Guest Credit Card – Suited for Etihad loyalists and Abu Dhabi-based travelers
-
Best for international spending: HSBC Premier Travel Credit Card – Offers flexible rewards, global lounge access, and strong overseas spend value
-
Best low-fee travel card: Standard Chartered Journey Card – A solid choice for occasional travelers who want rewards without high annual fees
-
Best premium travel benefits: Citi Premier Credit Card – Designed for luxury travelers seeking high rewards, LoungeKey access, and premium privileges
Benefits of Travel Credit Cards in UAE (2026)
Travel credit cards in the UAE offer far more than basic payment convenience. When used strategically, they can help travelers save thousands of dirhams every year through rewards, complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and exclusive partner benefits.
Below are the key benefits you can expect from the best travel credit cards in UAE in 2026:
Air Miles & Lounge Access – Maximize Travel Rewards
Travel credit cards in the UAE provide two of the most valuable perks for both frequent and occasional travelers: air miles/reward points and airport lounge access. Here’s how to get the most value from them:
Earn Air Miles or Reward Points
-
Accumulate miles or points on all eligible spends, including flights, hotels, dining, and international transactions.
-
Airline-specific cards like Emirates Skywards and Etihad Guest allow faster accumulation for flight redemptions, seat upgrades, and hotel stays.
-
Flexible points cards, such as HSBC Premier Travel Credit Card, let you transfer points to multiple airline partners for broader redemption options.
Complimentary Airport Lounge Access
-
Premium cards offer unlimited lounge access via Priority Pass or LoungeKey, providing Wi-Fi, meals, comfortable seating, and workspaces before departure.
-
Cards with limited guest passes are ideal for occasional travelers who don’t need frequent access.
-
Consider how many lounge visits you realistically use each year to justify the annual fee.
Maximizing Value
-
Choose cards that align with your travel habits: airline-linked cards for frequent flyers with a preferred carrier, or flexible points cards for travelers using multiple airlines.
-
Combine these perks with welcome bonuses and minimum spend milestones to accelerate your rewards accumulation.
-
Pro Tip: Always review the earning rate, redemption value, and lounge access coverage so you only pay for benefits you will actually use.
Travel Insurance & Purchase Protection
Most travel credit cards in the UAE include complimentary travel insurance that covers:
Some cards also offer purchase protection, covering eligible items against damage or theft, and concierge services for luxury travel support.
Hotel, Car Rental, and Lifestyle Discounts
Cardholders often enjoy exclusive discounts on:
-
Hotels and resorts worldwide
-
Car rentals and holiday packages
-
Dining, shopping, and lifestyle privileges
These benefits complement air miles and lounge access, providing additional savings and convenience during travel.
Best Credit Cards in UAE for Air Miles
For frequent flyers in and out of the UAE, air miles credit cards are the most rewarding option. These cards allow you to earn miles on everyday spends and redeem them for free flights, upgrades, or hotel stays. The right choice depends on whether you’re loyal to one airline (like Emirates or Etihad) or prefer flexibility with multiple partners.
Top Picks for Air Miles in UAE:
1. Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- Earn up to 2 Skywards Miles per USD on Emirates and FlyDubai purchases.
- Enjoy unlimited lounge access and fast-track check-in.
- Best suited for high-income Emirates loyalists.
2. ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Platinum
- Earn up to 2 Etihad Guest Miles per AED on local and international spends.
- Includes exclusive Etihad flight discounts and upgrade vouchers.
- Perfect for expats who travel frequently with Etihad Airways.
3. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
- Earn 2 Citi Miles per USD on flights and hotels, and 1 Citi Mile on other spends.
- Redeem with over 100 airlines and hotels, giving maximum flexibility.
- Ideal for travelers who don’t want to be tied to one airline.
If maximizing rewards is your goal, you may also like our in-depth comparison on the Best Cashback Credit Cards in UAE, which combine cashback with travel perks.
Best Credit Cards in UAE with Airport Lounge Access
One of the most valuable perks of a travel credit card is free airport lounge access. Whether you’re flying economy or business, these lounges offer comfort, complimentary food, WiFi, and relaxation before your journey. For frequent flyers, choosing a card with unlimited lounge access can save significant money and improve travel comfort.
Top Picks for Lounge Access in UAE:
1. Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
- Unlimited access to 1,000+ lounges worldwide with free guest entry.
- Includes valet parking and concierge services.
- Perfect for premium Emirates travelers.
2. Citi PremierMiles Credit Card
- Free access to 1,000+ airport lounges globally via LoungeKey.
- Priority Pass membership available at discounted rates.
- Great for flexible travelers using multiple airlines.
3. FAB Signature Travel Card
- Unlimited global lounge access for both primary and supplementary cardholders.
- Complimentary travel insurance and hotel discounts included.
- Suited for families who travel frequently.
Best Travel Credit Cards in UAE for Frequent Flyers
For residents and expats who travel often, a travel-focused credit card can unlock huge value. From free flight tickets and hotel stays to travel insurance and priority services, these cards are designed to reward frequent flyers and make every trip smoother.
Top Picks for Frequent Flyers:
1. Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit Card
- Earn up to 2.5 Skywards Miles per USD on Emirates and FlyDubai spends.
- Complimentary chauffeur rides and unlimited lounge access.
- Perfect for luxury travelers who want exclusive perks.
2. Etihad Guest Infinite Credit Card (ADCB)
- Up to 3 Etihad Guest Miles per USD on Etihad purchases.
- Free upgrades, excess baggage allowance, and travel insurance.
- Best for Etihad loyalists traveling regionally and globally.
3. HSBC Platinum Select Travel Credit Card
- Strong reward points on international transactions and airline bookings.
- Complimentary hotel discounts and airport transfers.
- Ideal for frequent business travelers.
If you’re a new expat, consider reading our guide on How to Build Credit Score in UAE to increase your chances of qualifying for premium travel credit cards.
How to Choose the Best Travel Credit Card in UAE (2026)
Selecting the right travel credit card in the UAE requires more than just comparing names. To maximize value and long-term rewards, you must consider how you travel, how you spend, and what perks matter most to you. Below is a practical, step-by-step framework to help you choose the best travel credit card in UAE for 2026.
1. Define Your Travel Goals
Start by identifying how you use your card:
-
Frequent Flyers: If you fly internationally multiple times a year, prioritize cards that offer air miles, airline loyalty bonuses, and seat upgrades.
-
Occasional Travelers: If you travel a few times annually, a low-fee travel credit card with basic lounge access and travel insurance may deliver better overall value.
-
International Business Travelers: Look for cards with flexible reward points, no foreign transaction fees, and global lounge access via Priority Pass or LoungeKey.
Matching your travel habits with card perks ensures you only pay for benefits you will actually use.
2. Compare Reward Structures and Air Mile Earning Rates
Different cards offer different earning rates, especially on travel and international spends:
-
Airline-specific cards (e.g., Emirates Skywards Credit Card, Etihad Guest Credit Card) provide the best rewards when you stick with one carrier.
-
Flexible points cards (e.g., HSBC Premier Travel Credit Card) let you transfer points to multiple airline partners for broader redemption options.
Pay special attention to:
-
Miles per USD/AED spent
-
Bonus miles on travel, dining, and international categories
-
Reward point redemption value
This determines how quickly you’ll accumulate air miles or points for free flights, upgrades, and partner redemptions.
3. Evaluate Lounge Access Benefits
Airport lounge access is one of the most valued perks among travelers:
-
Unlimited lounge access: Best for frequent flyers who value comfort before flights.
-
Limited guest passes or restricted access: Better for occasional travelers.
-
Priority Pass / LoungeKey memberships: Provide broader global access, especially useful if you fly multiple airlines.
Consider how many lounge visits you’ll realistically use per year to justify the annual fee.
4. Check Annual Fees, Waivers, and Foreign Exchange Fees
Travel cards vary widely in cost and foreign spending charges:
-
Annual fee: A higher fee can be worth it if perks outweigh costs, but low-fee cards may be better for casual travelers.
-
Fee waivers: Some cards waive the annual fee after a minimum annual spend.
-
Foreign currency markup: Lower FX fees (0%–2%) matter significantly for international transactions — a high CPC ranking signal in finance.
Balancing fees with actual value received is key to overall card worth.
5. Compare Travel Insurance and Extra Protection Perks
Most travel credit cards in the UAE include some insurance benefits, but coverage levels differ:
-
International travel insurance: Covers trip cancellations, lost baggage, and emergency medical costs.
-
Purchase protection: Protects eligible purchases against damage or theft.
-
Concierge services: Particularly useful for luxury travelers.
Understand what’s included so you don’t pay extra for services you don’t need.
6. Review Eligibility and Approval Chances
Before applying, check card eligibility requirements:
-
Minimum salary: Often ranges from AED 8,000 to AED 30,000 for premium travel cards.
-
Residency status: You must be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID and visa.
-
Credit score: A strong AECB score improves approval odds and credit limits.
Align your profile with the card tier to avoid unnecessary applications, which can hurt your credit score.
7. Assess Welcome Bonuses and Promotional Offers
Many travel cards run limited-time offers:
-
Bonus miles on first spends
-
Extra miles for meeting minimum spend thresholds
-
Free lounge passes upon joining
Leveraging these offers boosts your reward balance early and increases card value.
Summary: Choose the Card That Fits YOUR Travel Profile
| Traveler Type |
Best Focus |
| Frequent Flyers |
Airline-linked miles + upgrades |
| Occasional Travelers |
Low fees + basic perks |
| International Spenders |
Flexible rewards + global lounge access |
| Premium/Luxury |
Concierge + premium travel benefits |
Choosing a card isn’t just about the brand it’s about what perks you’ll actually use and how fast you can convert spending into real travel value.
Eligibility Criteria for Travel Credit Cards in UAE (2026)
Before applying for a travel credit card in the UAE, it’s essential to meet the bank’s baseline requirements. While eligibility can vary slightly by issuer, most UAE travel credit cards follow similar rules. Meeting these criteria increases your approval chances and ensures you select the card that fits your travel habits, income, and lifestyle.
1. General Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement |
Details |
| Minimum Salary |
Typically AED 8,000–30,000 per month, depending on card tier (mid-tier vs premium). Premium cards often require higher salaries. |
| Age |
21+ for primary cardholders. Some banks allow 18+ with a guarantor. |
| Residency |
Must be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID and residence visa. |
| Credit History |
AECB credit score in good standing. Higher scores improve approval odds and credit limits. |
| Employment Status |
Salaried with stable income. Self-employed applicants may need extra documentation such as a trade license, audited financials, or bank statements. |
2. Bank-Specific Considerations
-
Salary Transfer: Certain banks prefer or require salary to be transferred to a linked account, especially for premium travel credit cards.
-
Minimum Spend Thresholds: Some cards waive annual fees or unlock perks only after meeting monthly or yearly spending targets.
-
Existing Liabilities / Debt Burden Ratio (DBR): Keep total monthly obligations under 50% of income to avoid reduced approval chances.
3. Tips to Improve Approval Chances
-
Check Your AECB Score – Review your credit report for errors, reduce credit utilization, and ensure timely payments.
-
Reduce Applications – Apply for one card at a time to avoid multiple hard inquiries.
-
Match Your Card to Your Profile – Choose cards that align with your income, travel frequency, and lifestyle.
-
Build Credit History (Thin Files) – New to the UAE? Start with accessible cards, pay on time for 3–6 months, then upgrade to a premium travel credit card.
4. Options for Low-Income or New Residents
If your salary is under AED 8,000 or you’re new to credit in the UAE, consider starting with:
Documents Required to Apply for a Travel Credit Card in UAE (2026)
To ensure a smooth and fast approval for a travel credit card in the UAE, it’s essential to prepare the right documents in advance. While requirements may vary slightly by bank or card type, the following documents are typically requested.
1. For Salaried Employees
| Document |
Purpose |
| Emirates ID (front & back) |
Identity verification |
| Passport & Residence Visa |
Confirm UAE residency and legal status |
| Salary Certificate or Latest 3 Payslips |
Proof of income for eligibility |
| Bank Statements (3–6 months) |
Verify salary credits and financial stability |
| Employment Details |
Employer name, designation, joining date |
Pro Tip: Ensure all documents are clear, valid, and up-to-date to avoid delays in processing.
2. For Self-Employed Applicants
| Document |
Purpose |
| Emirates ID and Passport/Visa copies |
Identity and residency verification |
| Trade License (valid/current) |
Proof of business ownership |
| MOA / Share Certificate (if applicable) |
Ownership structure verification |
| Audited Financials or Bank Statements (6–12 months) |
Demonstrates income stability |
| Tenancy Contract or Utility Bill |
Address verification |
Note: Some banks may request additional documents depending on the card tier and monthly income.
3. Optional but Highly Recommended Documents
-
AECB Credit Report – Pre-check your credit score and outstanding liabilities.
-
Salary Transfer Letter – Required by some banks for premium travel cards or better credit limits.
-
Existing Card Statements – Helpful for balance transfer offers or demonstrating repayment behavior.
4. Key Tips to Speed Up Approval
-
Keep all documents scanned in clear PDF or JPG format.
-
Ensure your salary slips and bank statements match the details on your Emirates ID and visa.
-
Double-check the expiry dates on passport, visa, and trade license.
-
Submit all optional documents if available — banks prefer complete applications for faster approval.
How to Apply for the Best Travel Credit Card in UAE (2026)
Applying for a travel credit card in the UAE can be straightforward when you follow a structured approach. This guide simplifies the process for air miles credit cards UAE and lounge access credit cards UAE, helping you unlock travel rewards efficiently.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet the bank’s requirements:
-
Minimum salary: AED 8,000–30,000, depending on card tier.
-
Age: 21+ (some banks allow 18+ with a guarantor).
-
Residency: Valid Emirates ID and UAE residence visa.
-
Credit score: A good AECB score increases approval chances.
For self-employed applicants, ensure trade license, audited financials, and bank statements are prepared.
Step 2: Choose the Right Card
Select a card that matches your travel goals:
-
Frequent flyers: Airline-linked cards (e.g., Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest) for faster air-mile accumulation.
-
International spenders: Flexible reward cards like HSBC Premier for air miles and global redemption.
-
Occasional travelers: Low-fee or hybrid cards such as Standard Chartered Journey Card for basic travel perks.
Also consider annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and lounge access when comparing cards.
Step 3: Prepare and Submit Documents
Organize the required documents to speed up approval:
For Salaried Employees:
-
Emirates ID, Passport & Residence Visa
-
Salary certificate or last 3 payslips
-
3–6 months of bank statements
-
Employment details
For Self-Employed:
-
Emirates ID, Passport & Visa
-
Trade License, MOA/Share Certificate (if applicable)
-
Audited financials or 6–12 months bank statements
-
Tenancy contract or utility bill
Optional but recommended: AECB credit report, salary transfer letter, and existing card statements.
Submit your application online or in-branch. Online applications often offer faster processing and exclusive welcome bonuses.
Step 4: Activate Card and Travel Benefits
Once approved:
-
Complete verification & KYC checks.
-
Activate your card via mobile app, ATM, or phone banking.
-
Enroll in airline loyalty programs (Skywards / Etihad Guest) and lounge programs (Priority Pass / LoungeKey).
-
Track spending milestones to unlock welcome bonuses or annual fee waivers.
-
Set transaction alerts and mobile wallet links for secure payments.
By following these steps, you can efficiently apply for the best travel credit card UAE 2026, start earning air miles, enjoy lounge access, and maximize travel rewards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Travel Credit Card in UAE (2026)
Even well-qualified applicants sometimes get rejected or end up with the wrong travel credit card due to avoidable errors. Avoid these pitfalls to maximize approval chances and make the most of your card’s benefits.
1. Ignoring Minimum Salary Requirements
Applying for a premium travel credit card without meeting the minimum salary eligibility (usually AED 15,000+ per month) almost guarantees rejection.
Tip: Always verify the card’s income requirement before applying and match it to your earnings.
2. Overlooking Hidden Fees
Some cards offer attractive travel perks, but come with high annual fees, foreign exchange charges, or interest rates that can outweigh the benefits.
Tip: Check annual fees, FX fees, and interest rates. Look for cards that waive fees after minimum spend thresholds.
3. Submitting Multiple Applications at Once
Applying for several cards simultaneously triggers multiple hard inquiries on your AECB credit report, which can lower your score and reduce approval odds.
Tip: Apply for one card at a time to improve your chances and maintain a healthy credit profile.
4. Choosing Perks You Won’t Use
Selecting a card with premium airline perks or unlimited lounge access won’t benefit you if you rarely travel internationally.
Tip: Align card perks with your travel habits, focus on air miles, lounge access, cashback, or hotel discounts based on your lifestyle.
5. Not Checking Your Credit Score
UAE banks rely heavily on the AECB credit score when approving applications. Applying with a poor or unverified score can result in automatic rejection.
Tip: Check your AECB credit report in advance, dispute errors, and improve utilization to boost approval chances.
6. Ignoring Low-Fee or Entry-Level Options
Many new residents or budget-conscious travelers try for premium cards too soon. Starting with a low-fee or no-annual-fee card builds your credit history and opens doors to premium travel cards later.
Conclusion: Find the Best Travel Credit Card in UAE (2026)
Choosing the right travel credit card in the UAE can transform every trip into a premium experience. With the right card, you can enjoy:
-
Air miles & flight upgrades with top airline-linked cards
-
Complimentary airport lounge access worldwide
-
Exclusive hotel, car rental, and travel discounts
-
Travel insurance coverage for peace of mind
Who Should Choose Which Card
-
Frequent Flyers: Premium cards like Emirates Skywards Credit Card or Etihad Guest Credit Card maximize rewards and luxury travel perks.
-
Occasional Travelers: Low-fee or hybrid cards such as Standard Chartered Journey Card provide essential travel benefits without high annual fees.
-
International Spenders: Cards like HSBC Premier Travel Credit Card are ideal for flexible, cross-border transactions.
Smart Tips Before Applying
-
Compare eligibility, reward structures, and hidden fees carefully.
-
Start with no-annual-fee or cashback cards if your credit history is new or limited.
-
Upgrade to premium travel cards once your AECB score and spending history are strong.
Related Guides to Explore
Final Takeaway: The best travel credit card is not just about perks. It is about choosing a card that matches your travel habits, income, and lifestyle. The right card can help you save thousands, make every journey more comfortable, and provide premium benefits that enhance your UAE travel experience.
Which travel credit card is best in UAE?
The best travel credit card depends on your spending and travel habits. Frequent flyers benefit from airline-linked cards like Emirates Skywards or Etihad Guest, while occasional travelers may prefer hybrid cards that offer cashback with travel perks.
Do travel credit cards in UAE have annual fees?
Most premium travel credit cards in UAE charge an annual fee, usually between AED 500 and AED 1,500. Many banks waive the fee if you meet the required annual or monthly spending. The rewards, such as air miles, lounge access, and travel insurance, often outweigh the fee.
Can expats apply for travel credit cards in UAE?
Yes, expats can apply for travel credit cards if they meet the bank’s income and documentation requirements. Essential documents include a valid Emirates ID, passport, residence visa, and proof of salary.
Do travel credit cards provide travel insurance?
Most travel credit cards in UAE include complimentary travel insurance that covers flight delays, lost luggage, medical emergencies abroad, and trip cancellations. Coverage details vary by card, so check the policy before applying.
What is the minimum salary required for a travel credit card in UAE?
Travel credit cards usually require a minimum monthly salary between AED 8,000 and AED 15,000. Some entry-level cards are available for salaries around AED 5,000 but offer fewer travel benefits. Premium cards with luxury perks typically require higher income.
Which travel credit card offers the best airport lounge access in UAE?
Cards like Emirates Skywards Infinite, Citi PremierMiles, and FAB Signature Travel Card provide unlimited airport lounge access through Priority Pass or LoungeKey. Choose a card based on how often you travel internationally to get the most value.
Do UAE travel credit cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Most cards charge foreign currency fees ranging from 0 to 2 percent on overseas purchases. Some premium cards waive these fees entirely, making them ideal for international travelers who spend abroad frequently.
Can I earn air miles on everyday spending with UAE travel credit cards?
Yes, airline-linked and flexible reward cards allow you to earn air miles on daily purchases, dining, and travel bookings. Cards like Emirates Skywards and Etihad Guest let you redeem miles for flights, seat upgrades, and hotel stays, while flexible points cards offer transfers to multiple airline programs.