Best Credit Cards in UAE Without Annual Fee

Credit cards have become an important tool for everyone. They make payments easy without needing cash or worrying about account balances.  When choosing a credit card, finding one without an annual fee can save you a lot of money while offering great benefits. The UAE has several excellent no-annual-fee credit cards that cater to different needs, from cashback rewards to travel perks. While many top credit cards in the UAE come with annual fees, this guide explores the best credit cards in UAE without annual fee.

Key features to look for in the best credit cards in UAE without annual fee:

• Rewards and Cashback: Choose cards that offer rewards like cashback, air miles, or points for your spending.
• Interest Rates: Pay attention to the interest rates on purchases and balance transfers.
• Additional Benefits: Look for extra perks like travel insurance, purchase protection, and concierge services.
• Acceptance: Make sure the card is widely accepted both locally and internationally.
• Customer Service: Good customer support is important for resolving any issues quickly.

Talabat ADCB Credit Card

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Features:

• No annual fee: Free for life.
• 35% back on Talabat orders: Up to AED 35 back per order as Talabat credit for the first 10 orders each month.
• Unlimited free delivery: On Talabat Pro orders with a minimum order value of AED 50.
• AED 500 welcome bonus: Upon spending AED 2,500 in 45 days.
• 1.25% back on other purchases: Earn Talabat credit on all retail purchases.
• Personalised card design: Choose from 7 different designs.
• Unlimited complimentary airport lounge access: Access to over 20 lounges worldwide.
• Booking.com & cleartrip discounts: Up to 10% back on Booking.com and 8% off on Cleartrip.

Eligibility:

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Minimum salary: AED 5,000

Required Documents:

• Salaried: National ID or valid passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, Salary Certificate.
• Self-employed: National ID or valid passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, valid trade license.

How to Apply?

• Visit this URL and click “Apply Now”.
• Fill out the online application form with the required personal and financial details.
• Submit the application.

CBD Visa Platinum Credit Card

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Features:

• No Annual Fee: Free for life.
• Travel Benefits: Offers a wide range of travel benefits
• Rewards Points: Earn up to 1.5 points per AED spent.
• Cinema Discounts: 50% off on 2 tickets at Novo Cinemas with a monthly spend of AED 2,000.
• Travel Discounts: 8% off Booking.com, 12% off Agoda.com.
• Balance Transfer and Cash on Call: Low interest rates with easy instalment plans.

Eligibility:

• UAE Nationals aged 21-65 or residents aged 21-63.
• Minimum salary: AED 5,000.

Required Documents:

• Salaried: National ID or valid passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, Salary Certificate.
• Self-employed: National ID or valid passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, valid trade license.

How to Apply?

• Visit this URL and click “Apply Now on the CBD App”.
• Download the application and log in with your credentials.
• Fill in the application with the required information and documents to apply.

Citi Simplicity Credit Card

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Features:

• No Annual Fee: Ever.
• No Late Fees or Penalty Rates: Avoid extra charges for missed payments.
• Interest-Free Period: 0% interest on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
• Discounts: The Talabat app offers a 20% instant discount (up to AED 14) on grocery and food orders twice a month.
• Flexible Payment Options: Choose your payment due date.

Eligibility:

• Minimum Age: 21 Years and above
• Minimum salary: AED 5,000.

Required Documents:

• Valid Emirates ID
• Passport and UAE visa copy

How to Apply?

• Visit this URL and click on “ Get City Simplicity”.
• Fill in your first and last name, mobile number, email address, and income information.
• Agree to all the acknowledgements shown on the screen.
• Click on “Next”
• They will send you an OTP to the mobile number you have provided. Similarly, follow the next steps to submit the application.

Emirates NBD Mastercard Titanium Credit

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Features:

• No Annual Fee: Free for life.
• Job Loss Cover: Up to AED 60,000 job loss cover for up to 12 months
• Rewards: Earn Plus Points on every purchase.
• Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access to over 10 regional airport lounges.
• Earn plus points: 0.4% points for supermarkets, grocery, insurance and car dealership spending and 0.2% points for fuel, utility, real estate, and education spending.

Eligibility:

• Minimum Age: 21-63 years
• Minimum salary: AED 5,000.

Required Documents:

• Completed credit card application form
• Original Emirates ID and a copy, along with a copy of the passport
• Latest salary certificate for salaried individuals
• Trade license for business owners
• Latest three months’ original bank statements or mini ATM statements
• Security cheque

How to Apply?

• Visit this URL and click on “ Apply Now”.
• Select if you have an Emirates NBD credit card and whether you are a UAE national.
• Fill in your first and last name, mobile number, email address, and income information.
• Click “Submit”.

Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card

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Features:

• No Annual Fee: Free for life.
• Cashback: 10% on fuel and RTA transport payments, up to 2.25% on other spends.
• Built-in Nol Card: For seamless RTA payments.

Eligibility:

• Minimum Age: 21 years above
• Minimum salary: AED 5,000.

Required Documents:

• Valid ID, passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, and proof of income.

How to Apply?

• Visit this URL and click on “ Apply Now”.
• To register your interest, please provide your first and last name, mobile number, email address, Emirates, and income information.
• Agree to the terms and conditions after reading them nicely.
• Click “Submit”.

CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card

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Features:

• No Annual Fee: Free for the first year and subsequent years if annual spending exceeds AED 100,000.
• Rewards: Earn up to 3 points per AED spent, redeemable for Skywards Miles, cashback, vouchers, etc.
• Complimentary Golf: Four rounds per month with a minimum monthly spend of AED 7,500.
• Travel Benefits: Free airport lounge access, multi-trip travel insurance, etc.

Eligibility:

• Minimum salary: AED 15,000.
• UAE Nationals aged 21-65, Residents aged 21-63.

Required Documents:

• Salaried: National ID or valid passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, Salary Certificate.
• Self-employed: National ID or valid passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, valid trade license.

How To Apply?

• Visit this URL and click “Apply Now on the CBD App”.
• Download the application and log in with your credentials.
• Fill in the application with the required information and documents to apply.

Mashreq Cashback Credit Card

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Features:

• No Annual Fee: Free for life.
• Cashback Rewards:
  • 5% on dining (international and local).
  • 2% on international spending.
  • Up to 1% on local spending.
  • 0.33% on government payments, utilities, education, charity, fuel, rental, and telecom spending.
• Welcome Bonus: Up to AED 1,000 based on initial spending.

Eligibility:

• Minimum monthly income: AED 5,000.

Required Documents:

• Valid ID, passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, and proof of income.

How To Apply?

• Visit this URL and click “Apply Now”.
• Enter your name,  mobile number and email ID.
• Click “Send”.

HSBC Visa Platinum Zero Credit Card

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Features:

• No Annual Fee: Free for life.
• No Fees: No fees for late payments, over-limit, or cash withdrawals.
• 0% Interest: On purchases for the first 3 months.
• Rewards: Buy 1 Get 1 Free offers, dining discounts, and travel deals.
• Protection: Purchase protection and extended warranty.

Eligibility:

• Minimum salary: AED 10,000 per month.
• Age: 21-65 years.
• UAE residency.

Required Documents:

• Passport, Emirates ID, residence visa.
• Proof of residence (tenancy agreement, utility bill).
• Proof of income (salary certificate, bank statements).

How To Apply?

• Visit this URL and scroll down, click “Apply Now”.
• Complete the questionnaire given on the screen and click “Next”.
• Select the nature of your employment monthly income, select the average monthly balance and company name and click “Find Credit Card”.
• Once you get the eligible credit card, select one and click “Add credit card”.
• Enter your details, like your mobile number and email ID.
• Click “Submit”.

Mashreq Noon Credit Card

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Features:

• No Annual Fee: Free for life.
• Cashback: Up to 5% cashback on Noon purchases.
• Instant Redeem: You can redeem cashback instantly.

Eligibility:

• Minimum monthly income: AED 5,000.
• Age: 21 years and above

Required Documents:

• Valid ID, passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, and proof of income.

How To Apply?

• Visit this URL and click “Apply Now”.
• Enter your name, mobile number and email ID.
• Click on “Send”.

ADIB Value+ Card

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Key Features:

• No Annual Fee: Free for life.
• Rewards: Earn Exceed Reward points for every AED spent.
• Cash Withdrawal Limit: 100% of the finance limit.
• Airport Lounge Access: Unlimited access across the GCC.

Eligibility:

• Minimum monthly income: AED 8,000
• Age: 21 years and above

Required Documents:

• Valid passport, Emirates ID, bank statement (last 3 months), salary certificate.

How To Apply?

• Visit this URL and scroll down, click “Apply Now”.
• Enter your details, like your name, mobile number and email ID.
• Agree to all the terms and conditions and clear the captcha.
• Click “Submit Request”.

Deem Platinum Mastercard

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Features:

• No Annual Fee: Free for life.
• Rewards: Win AED 100,000 weekly with every AED 500 spent.
• Valet Parking: 4 complimentary valet services monthly.
• Cashback & Discounts: Up to 10% cashback on hotel bookings, car rentals, Udemy courses, and more.
• Lounge Access: 25+ airport lounges.
• Purchase Protection: Additional coverage on theft and accidental damage up to 180 days from the date of purchase.

Eligibility:

• Minimum monthly salary: AED 10,000.

Required Documents:

• Valid ID, passport, Emirates ID, and proof of income.

How To Apply?

• Visit this URL and click “Get this card”.
• Enter your details, like your name and mobile number.
• Click “Continue”.
• You will get an OTP on the given number. Enter that to verify your identity. And similarly follow the next steps to apply.

How to Choose the Best Credit Cards in UAE Without Annual Fee?

1. Step 1: Assess Your Spending Habits: Pick a card that offers rewards for your most common purchases.
2. Step 2: Compare Benefits: Look at each card’s perks and additional benefits.
3. Step 3: Check the Fine Print: Understand the terms, especially interest rates and fees.
4. Step 4: Eligibility Requirements: Make sure you meet the income and other criteria for the card.

Final Takeaway:

Choosing the best credit cards in UAE without annual fee totally depends on your spending habits and financial goals. The cards mentioned offer a variety of benefits, including cashback, rewards, and travel perks. Assess your needs and pick the card that best fits your lifestyle to get the most benefits.

Are you new to the UAE? Check out our beginner’s guide on credit cards in the UAE to help you easily navigate the credit card maze. Once you settle in, learn more about the best credit in UAE for your lifestyle here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q. How much salary is required for a credit card in the UAE?
You typically need a salary between AED 3,000 to AED 15,000 per month to be eligible for a credit card in the UAE. However, certain premium credit cards may require a higher income level.

Q. Is it good to get a credit card with no annual fee?
Getting a credit card with no annual fee can be useful. Many of these cards offer competitive rewards programs and perks, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of using a credit card without the extra cost. Even if the cost isn’t a concern, a no-annual-fee card can enhance your rewards strategy and be a valuable addition to your wallet.

Q. What Happens If I Open a Credit Card but Never Use It?
If you open a credit card and never use it, the issuer might lower your credit limit due to inactivity and eventually close the account without notice. This can impact your credit score negatively because it affects your credit utilisation ratio and the average age of your credit accounts. To avoid this, making occasional small purchases and paying them off promptly is a good idea.