Are you tired of spending money without getting anything in return? If so, you’re not alone. Many people in the UAE struggle with finding ways to save money while enjoying the perks of credit card usage.
Fortunately, cash-back credit cards in the UAE offer a solution to this problem. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best benefits of some cash back credit cards in the UAE and how you can make the most of them to boost your savings.
So, let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to maximising your cash-back potential!
What are Cash Back Credit Cards?
Let’s start by understanding what cash-back credit cards are all about.
Cash-back credit cards provide cardholders with a percentage of their spending returned as cash rewards. These rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or even gift cards. With various types of cash-back credit cards available in the UAE, it’s crucial to choose the one that aligns with your lifestyle and spending habits.
Top Cash Back Credit Cards in the UAE
Citi Cash Back Credit Card
With the Citi Cash Back Credit Card, you can enjoy a whopping 3% cash back on all your non-AED spending. That’s some serious savings right there. When it comes to groceries, this card has got you covered. You’ll earn a generous 2% cash back on all your grocery and supermarket purchases. So, stock up on your favourite goodies and watch the savings add up.
For all your other spending, you’ll still get rewarded. Earn 1% cash back on everything else you purchase with your Citi Cash Back Card. The best part? You won’t have to worry about annual fees in the first year.
And from the second year onwards, as long as you reach the minimum spend of AED 9,000, you won’t be charged an annual fee. You’ll also have unlimited access to over 1,100+ airport lounges worldwide.
ADIB Cashback Visa Platinum Card
With ADIB Cashback Visa Platinum Card, you’ll earn a flat 1% cashback on all your purchases, no matter where or when you make them. That’s some easy money right there. Plus, you can withdraw 100% of your finance limit as cash, giving you some extra financial freedom.
Regarding repayment, you’ll get a free grace period of up to 55 days to settle your outstanding balance. But that’s not all. Your ADIB Smiles Visa Signature Card also comes with free roadside assistance like unlimited city limit towing, inter-emirate towing up to three times a year, jump start services, flat tire service, lockout service, free fuel delivery service, and one free service within the same city per year. And when you’re travelling, you’ll have access to airport lounges worldwide.
HSBC Cashback Credit Card
With HSBC Cashback Credit Card you can earn up to 5% cashback on various categories. When you spend at least AED 3,000 a month, you can earn 5% cashback (up to AED 200) on fuel and 2% cashback (up to AED 200) on groceries and education per statement cycle. For all other spends when you spend less than AED 3,000 a month, you can earn 0.5% cashback. There is no annual fee for the first year, with subsequent waivers for spending over AED 12,000 annually.
Explore various rewards available globally, including shopping, dining out, and more. With the HSBC ENTERTAINER app you can access over 10,000 Buy 1 Get 1 Free offers on food deliveries, restaurant meals, spa days, and getaways. Additionally, enjoy the benefit of Buy 1 Get 1 Free movie tickets every month, along with a 20% discount on food and beverages at cinemas throughout the UAE.
You can also embark on your global adventures while enjoying amazing discounts and additional privileges. Take advantage of up to 10% off British Airways flights (excluding fees) until December 31, 2023, for travel dates up to December 30, 2024, using the code ‘HSBCBA’. When you book your next holiday on your credit card at Booking.com, you can also enjoy up to 10% cashback. To be eligible, a minimum monthly income of AED 10,000 is required.
Emirates Islamic Cashback Credit Card
With Emirates Islamic Cashback Credit Card, say goodbye to high grocery bills because you’ll earn up to 10% cash back on supermarket spending in the UAE and abroad. Give your kids the best education and get up to 10% cash back on school and university fees, whether they’re studying in the UAE or overseas. When it’s time to indulge in delicious dining, you’ll earn up to 10% cash back at your favourite restaurants worldwide.
And don’t forget about your telecom expenses – enjoy savings on your Etisalat and DU bills in the UAE and telecom services globally. Plus, you’ll get unlimited access to over 1000+ airport lounges worldwide. As a bonus, you’ll also receive two rounds of complimentary golf per month and one free valet parking service per month.
FAB Cashback Credit Card
The FAB Cashback Credit Card offers great perks and rewards. You can earn up to 5% cashback on supermarket spending, 3% cashback on school fees and dining, and 1% cashback on non-AED transactions. The card also provides access to airport lounges, up to 10% cashback on hotel reservations, discounts at IHG Hotels & Resorts, and savings on Careem rides and Avis car rentals.
Plus, you can enjoy discounted cinema tickets, savings on Talabat orders, and exclusive offers through Priceless Specials. It’s a fantastic way to save and enjoy various lifestyle benefits in one card.
Choosing the Right Cash Back Credit Card
To make the most of cash-back credit cards, it’s important to select the right card that suits your needs. Consider the following factors when comparing different options:
Cash Back Categories
Some cards offer higher cash-back rates on specific categories, such as groceries, dining, or fuel. Analyse your spending patterns and choose a card that aligns with your most frequent purchases.
Annual Fees
Determine if the cash-back rewards outweigh the annual fees associated with the card. In some cases, cards with higher annual fees offer more lucrative rewards, so do the math before making a decision.
Sign-Up Bonuses
Look for cards that offer attractive sign-up bonuses, such as bonus cash back for reaching a certain spending threshold within a specified period. These bonuses can give your savings a significant boost right from the start.
How to Maximize Your Cash Back Rewards
Now that you have the right cash-back credit card, it’s time to make the most of it. Here are some effective strategies to maximise your cash-back rewards:
- Utilise Bonus Categories: Take advantage of higher cash back rates by using your card for purchases within the specified bonus categories. For example, if your card offers 5% cash back on dining, use it when dining out or ordering food delivery.
- Pay Attention to Rotating Categories: Some cards have rotating categories that change every quarter. Stay updated on these changes and adjust your spending accordingly to earn maximum cash-back rewards.
- Combine Multiple Cards: Consider having multiple cash-back credit cards that complement each other. This way, you can optimise your rewards by using the card that offers the highest cash-back rate for a particular purchase.
- Pay Your Balance in Full: To avoid paying interest and fees, make it a habit to pay your credit card balance in full and on time. This way, you can fully enjoy the benefits of cash-back rewards without incurring any additional costs.
Redeeming Your Cash Back Rewards
Earning cash-back rewards is exciting, but the value comes from wisely redeeming them. Here are some ways to make the most of your cash-back rewards:
- Statement Credits: Apply your cash-back rewards as statement credits to reduce your outstanding balance. This helps you save money on interest charges and frees up your cash for other expenses.
- Direct Deposits: Consider transferring your cash-back rewards directly into your savings account. This allows you to build your savings effortlessly and make progress toward your financial goals.
- Gift Cards and Merchandise: Some credit card issuers offer the option to redeem cash-back rewards as gift cards or merchandise. If these options align with your needs, explore them as potential avenues for maximising your rewards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cash-back credit cards in the UAE present a fantastic opportunity to earn valuable rewards and boost your savings. By understanding how these cards work, selecting the right one, and implementing effective strategies, you can make the most of your cash-back potential. Remember to choose a card that suits your spending habits, maximise bonus categories, pay your balance in full, and redeem your rewards wisely.
So, get ready to supercharge your savings and enjoy the perks of cash-back credit cards in the UAE!
