Obtaining a credit card in the UAE can be challenging, especially for individuals earning a salary below AED 3000. However, it is not impossible. Financial institutions in the UAE offer various options and products designed to cater to low-income earners. This guide provides a comprehensive step-by-step approach to securing a credit card with a salary below AED 3000, including tips, eligibility criteria, and recommended banks.
So, let’s find out if someone can actually get a credit card with a salary of AED 3,000.
Understanding the Basics
Before getting into the details, it’s important to know why banks have salary requirements for credit cards. Banks look at your salary to judge if you can repay the credit card debt. Higher salaries mean less risk for the bank. However, if you earn approx. 5000, there are still some good options you can explore.
Can You Get a Credit Card with a Salary Below AED 3,000 in the UAE?
As we mentioned, banks in the UAE consider your salary when determining your eligibility for a credit card. Unfortunately, you cannot get a credit card in the UAE if your salary is AED 3,000. You need a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 to qualify for a credit card.
Key Considerations for Low-Income Earners:
- Low-Salary Credit Cards: Some banks offer credit cards specifically designed for low-income earners.
- Savings and Deposits: Maintaining a healthy savings account or fixed deposit can enhance your chances of approval.
- Salary Transfer Accounts: Banks are more likely to approve credit card applications if the salary is transferred to an account with them.
Here Are The Top Credit Cards for Below AED 3000 Salary in UAE:
| Credit Card | Minimum Salary (AED) | Annual Fee (AED) | Key Features |
| Commercial Bank of Dubai Visa Platinum Card | 5000 | Free for Life | Free for Life, 0% interest on balance transfer and cash on call, earn up to 1.5 CBD reward points per AED spent, movie discounts, dining discounts |
| First Abu Dhabi Bank Cashback Card | 5000 | 315 | Monthly cashback up to AED 600, exclusive cashback on various spends, up to 10% cashback on hotel bookings, 15% discount on IHG Hotels & Resorts |
| Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Talabat ADCB Card | 5000 | Free for Life | AED 500 welcome bonus, Talabat rewards, unlimited free delivery on Talabat, free airport lounge access, various travel and lifestyle benefits |
| Emirates NBD Mastercard Titanium Credit Card | 5000 | Free for Life | Free VIP airport lounge access, ‘Buy 1 Get 1’ offers, earn Plus points on spends, up to AED 60,000 job loss cover, discounts at golf courses globally |
| Emirates Islamic RTA Card | 5000 | No annual fee | Up to 2.25% cashback on international spending, 10% cashback on fuel and RTA payments, NOL card features, Reel movie ticket offers, Visa Luxury Hotel discounts |
Let’s Take An In-depth Review of the Details of Each Card:
Commercial Bank of Dubai Visa Platinum Card
- Annual Fee: Free for Life
- Key Benefits:
- 0% interest on balance transfer and cash on call (6 and 12-month plans within 30 days of card issuance).
- Earn up to 1.5 CBD reward points per AED spent.
- 50% discount on Novo cinema tickets.
- Discounts on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
- 2-for-1 offers with the ENTERTAINER app powered by Visa.
First Abu Dhabi Bank Cashback Card
- Annual Fee: AED 315
- Key Benefits:
- Monthly cashback up to AED 600.
- Exclusive cashback on supermarkets, dining, school fees, and international spending.
- Up to 10% cashback on hotel bookings.
- 15% discount on hotel rooms with IHG Hotels & Resorts.
- Access to 10+ airport lounges across Jordan, UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, and KSA.
- Movie tickets start at AED 15.
- 20% discount on car rentals with Avis.
- Discounts on Talabat food and grocery delivery.
- Wallet Shield and Credit Shield features.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Talabat ADCB Credit Card
- Annual Fee: Free for Life
- Key Benefits:
- AED 500 welcome bonus on spending AED 2,500 within 45 days.
- Unlimited free delivery on Talabat Pro.
- Cashback on the first 10 orders every month on Talabat.
- Free airport lounge access.
- Discounts with Booking.com, Cleartrip, and more.
- Credit Shield, balance transfer, credit card loan, FlexiPay features.
Emirates NBD Mastercard Titanium Credit Card
- Annual Fee: Free for Life
- Key Benefits:
- Complimentary access to 10+ VIP airport lounges.
- ‘Buy 1 Get 1’ offers on brands and outlets in Africa and the Middle East.
- Earn up to 1 Plus point on each AED 100 spent.
- Up to AED 60,000 job loss cover for up to 1 year.
- Points on groceries, insurance, utilities, real estate, fuel, education, car dealerships, and supermarkets.
- Up to 40% discount at 100+ golf courses globally.
Emirates Islamic RTA Card
- Annual Fee: No annual fee
- Key Benefits:
- Up to 2.25% cashback on international spending.
- Up to 10% cashback on fuel and RTA payments.
- 1.25% cash back on other shopping.
- 2 ‘Buy 1 Get 1’ offers monthly on Reel movie tickets.
- USD 25 discount on food or beverages at 900+ hotels with Visa Luxury Hotel Collection.
- Up to 4 supplementary cards for free.
- TAP n PAY features, auto top-up of NOL and Salik, Purchase Protection, and extended warranty features.
Eligibility Criteria For Obtaining a Credit Card in the UAE with a Salary of AED 3000:
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
| Age | You must be at least 21 years old |
| Salary | The minimum salary for a credit card is AED 5,000 |
| Employment Status | You must be either a salaried or a self-employed individual |
Documents Required to Apply for a Credit Card in the UAE:
As mentioned, you cannot get a credit card in the UAE with a salary of AED 3,000.
However, if your salary is AED 5,000 or more, here is a checklist of documents needed to apply for a credit card:
- Emirates ID (original and copy)
- Passport (original and copy)
- Salary certificate (for salaried individuals)
- Trade Licence (for self-employed individuals)
- Security Cheque
- Recent 3-6 months’ original bank statements
Note: This is a general list. The exact requirements may vary depending on the bank.
Check with your bank for the documents needed for your credit card application.
Final Takeaway:
Getting a credit card in the UAE with a salary below AED 3,000 can be challenging but not impossible. Banks typically require a minimum salary of AED 5,000 to qualify for a credit card. However, there are options and strategies for low-income earners to improve their chances. Maintaining a good savings account, having a salary transfer account, and exploring cards designed for low-income earners can help.
If your salary meets the AED 5,000 threshold, ensure you have all the necessary documents, such as your Emirates ID, passport, salary certificate, and bank statements. Always check with your bank for specific requirements.
For those earning less than AED 5,000, focus on improving your financial situation and explore alternatives to credit cards, such as prepaid or secured ones.
Now, let’s see what questions credit card seekers have about getting a credit card with a minimum salary of AED 3,000 in the UAE!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. I have a salary of AED 3,500. Is there a bank offering a credit card with this salary?
No, the minimum salary required for a credit card in the UAE is AED 5,000. Individuals with a salary below this amount are not eligible for credit cards.
Q. What other eligibility criteria are required for obtaining a credit card besides the salary requirement?
In addition to the salary requirement, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
- Employment Status: You must be either a salaried or self-employed individual.
- Credit Score: You must have a satisfactory credit score.
Q. Do I need to submit 3 months’ bank statements to get my credit card application approved?
Yes, banks usually require you to submit bank statements for verification purposes. You may need to provide 3-6 months’ bank statements.
