Credit card eligibility in The UAE(2025) : A complete guide to get approved faster

Introduction

Over the last decade, UAE credit card usage has drastically increased. If you know how to use a credit card wisely, its perks and offers can help you save a lot. But before applying, it’s important to understand whether you’re eligible for a credit card.

Hi! I’m Sagar. In this article, we’ll explore the credit card eligibility criteria for applying for a credit card in the UAE.

Why Understanding Credit Card Eligibility Is Crucial

When you apply for a credit card, the bank forwards your application to the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB). AECB reviews your credit profile, and if they detect anything suspicious or inconsistent, your application may be rejected. This rejection sends a signal to other banks that you might be financially unstable, which negatively impacts your credit score.

The most common mistake applicants make is applying without fully understanding the credit card eligibility requirements. These include:

• Applying without meeting the minimum salary requirement
• Applying even when your Debt Burden Ratio (DBR) exceeds 50%
• Submitting fake or inaccurate income documents
• Applying for a premium credit card when you’re only eligible for a basic one

These mistakes can lead to serious consequences

Lower credit limits or higher interest rates if the bank considers you high-risk

• Debt accumulation due to misuse or an inability to repay
• A negative credit history, which remains on your AECB report for years
• Limited access to future financial products like personal loans, car financing, or mortgages

Minimum Salary Requirements for Credit Cards in the UAE

Monthly salary	credit card Eligible tier	Typical feature
AED 3000-5000/month	Entry level cards	Basic Cashback, no annual fee, limited offer
AED 5000-10000/month	Mid-tier cards	travel discount, higher cashback
AED 10000-25000/month	Premium Cards	lounge access, lifestyle perks better limits
AED 25000+	Elite Cards	Luxury rewards, exclusive invites

Examples of Credit Card by salary requirements

Salary	Card name
1. Min. Salary: AED 5,000	1. Emirates NBD Visa Platinum Card 2. RAKBANK Red Mastercard 3. ADCB TouchPoints Classic Card
2. AED 8000-10000	1. FAB Platinum Credit Card 2. HSBC Cashback Credit Card 3. Mashreq Smart Saver Card
Premium (Min. Salary: AED 15,000 – 25,000)	1. Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Card 2. ADCB Etihad Guest Signature Card 3. Citibank Rewards Card
Elite Cards (Min. Salary: AED 30,000+)	1. HSBC Black Credit Card 2. FAB Infinite Card 3. Citibank Prestige Card

Bank-Specific Salary Expectations

Bank	Minimum salary requirement(AED)	Card type
Emirates NBD	5,000 – 30,000+	Visa Platinum to Skywards Infinite
ADCB	5,000 – 25,000+	TouchPoints to Etihad Guest Elite
FAB	5,000 – 30,000+	Platinum to Infinite
RAKBANK	3,000 – 15,000	Red Card to Titanium
Citibank	8,000 – 30,000+	Citi Rewards to Prestige
HSBC	10000-50000+	Cashback to black card

Credit card Eligibility Requirement Based on employment type

Category	key requirement	Documentation
Salaried Employees	– Minimum 3 to 6 months in current job – Stable income and employer verification	– Last 3 to 6 months bank statements – Emirates ID – Passport with residency visa – salary certificate
Self-Employed / Business Owners	– Valid UAE trade license – Minimum 12 months of business operation – Sufficient business revenue – Trade License (Valid)	– MOA (Memorandum of Association) – VAT Registration (if applicable) – Company bank statements (6–12 months) – Emirates ID & Passport – Trade Licence
Freelancers / Commission-Based Earners	UAE freelance permit or valid work contracts Consistent income or recent tax filings	– Freelance Permit (from a Free Zone or DED) – Work contracts or invoices – Last 6 months’ personal bank statements

Credit score Breakdown

Credit score	Risk level	what it means
300 – 540	very high risk	Poor credit history, defaults, or over-leveraged. Very low approval chances.
541 – 650	High Risk	Missed payments or high DBR. Limited access to credit or higher interest rates.
651 – 700	Moderate risk	Fair profile with room for improvement. Some credit approvals are possible.
701 – 750	Low Risk	Good financial behavior, & timely repayments. Eligible for most credit cards
751 – 900	Very Low Risk	Strong credit history, low DBR, and excellent payment track record. High approval rate and better offers

Minimum & Maximum age requirement for credit card-eligible

minimum age required to apply for the credit card is 21 years old some banks accept 18+ with a guarantor

The maximum age required to apply for a credit card is 65 years varies by bank & employment status.

Type of Visa	Eligibility for credit card
USA resident visa	require for most standard and premium credit card
free zone visa	accept by most banks with proof of consistent income
investor/partner visa	accepted with a trade license and proof of income
visit & tourist visa	Not eligible for a tourist visa
Golden visa	consider favorably higher credit limits apply

Rules for Dependency & sponsored Family

Dependency category	Credit card Eligibility status
spouse	eligible only if they can show individual income or joint account
children	Not eligible
elderly parents	not eligible unless they show personal income

Other key factors that influence credit card eligibility in the UAE

When people apply for a credit card, they often focus only on their salary or income. However, most UAE banks maintain their internal databases of approved companies. If you are employed by one of these listed companies, your chances of getting approved for a credit card increase especially if your credit score is strong.

A longer residency period in the UAE is also seen as a positive sign. Most banks prefer applicants who have lived in the country for more than six months, as it indicates stability.

While banks do not officially discriminate based on nationality, they tend to favor lower-risk borrowers based on internal assessments.

Additionally, if you already have existing loans or multiple credit cards, your chances of approval may decrease, especially if your debt burden ratio is high

Tips to Improving your credit score before applying credit card

1. Pay All Bills on Time
   Timely repayment of existing credit cards, personal loans, utility bills, and telecom services (like Etisalat, and Du) is crucial. Even one missed payment can negatively impact your AECB score.
2. Maintain a Low Credit Utilization Ratio
   Try to use less than 30–40% of your total credit limit. If your credit card limit is AED 10,000, keep your monthly spending below AED 3,000–4,000.
3. Avoid Applying for Multiple Credit Products at Once
   Each application leads to a hard inquiry on your credit file. Too many inquiries in a short period signal financial instability and lower your score.
4. Clear Outstanding Debts
   if you have existing credit card dues or loan EMIs, settle them or reduce the outstanding amount as much as possible. Lower liabilities improve your Debt Burden Ratio (DBR).
5. Avoid Minimum Payments
   Pay more than the minimum due amount on your credit cards to show strong repayment capacity and reduce interest accumulation.

Conclusion

Credit card eligibility in the UAE is flexible, and this article has covered the essential criteria, including the minimum age requirement of 21. Whether you’re a salaried employee, a business owner, or a freelancer, there are credit card options tailored to your profile. We’ve also explained how credit scores, residency duration, and employment history affect your chances of approval. Remember, maintaining a good credit score not only improves your chances of getting a credit card but also helps you secure future loans and build a solid financial foundation.

Before applying, make sure to follow our tips to boost your credit score. For more guidance, check out our latest articles:

Credit Cards for Beginners in the UAE

Best Zero Annual Fee Credit Cards in the UAE

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