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Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

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AboutBest credit cardsMy CardsOffersKredit PerksBanksLoyalty ProgramsCalculatorsAccountsPick me a cardChatGPT AppSecure Collect

Please send feedback and feature requests to team@kredit.ae

For partnerships please reach out to partner@kredit.ae

SMART SPEND - FZCO, License No. 68272, Legal address: Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

All third-party trademarks, logos, and brand names displayed on this website are the property of their respective owners. They are used for identification and informational purposes only, and their use does not imply affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship from any trademark owner. If you are a trademark owner with concerns, please contact us and we will address them promptly.

Kredit publishes independent editorial content and card comparisons to help users evaluate credit card options. We may earn a commission when users click certain links, submit an application, are approved, or open an account with partner institutions. Compensation may affect how and where products appear on the site. We do not cover every available card, and our editorial analysis is produced independently and is not reviewed, approved, or influenced by card issuers, banks, or partners before or after publication.

Kredit is a product of SMART SPEND - FZCO, a licensed entity under the International Free Zone Authority (IFZA), UAE

Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

Kredit

Privacy PolicyTerms of Service

Get notified about UAE latest credit card products

Get notified about UAE latest credit card products

Best Credit Cards and Low Credit Scores in the UAE

Best Credit Cards and Low Credit Scores in the UAE

Every UAE credit-card application includes a creditworthiness assessment.

See cards

Learn what banks review and when a fixed-deposit-backed card may be an alternative.

Best Credit Cards and Low Credit Scores in the UAE compared

A side-by-side snapshot of annual fees, salary requirements, and standout benefits.

CardAnnual feeMin. salaryWhy it stands out
Liv Cashback Credit Card
Liv Cashback Credit Card
FreeAED 5,000Published salary requirement only — AECB, affordability, and bank underwriting checks still apply
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
FreeAED 5,000Published salary requirement only — approval is subject to the bank's full assessment
ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card
ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card
FreeAED 5,000Published salary requirement only — it does not indicate approval likelihood
Emirates Islamic Switch Cashback Credit Card
Emirates Islamic Switch Cashback Credit Card
FreeAED 10,000Published salary requirement only — creditworthiness and affordability checks apply
CardAnnual feeMin. salaryWhy it stands out
Liv Cashback Credit Card
Liv Cashback Credit Card
FreeAED 5,000Published salary requirement only — AECB, affordability, and bank underwriting checks still apply
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
FreeAED 5,000Published salary requirement only — approval is subject to the bank's full assessment
ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card
ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card
FreeAED 5,000Published salary requirement only — it does not indicate approval likelihood
Emirates Islamic Switch Cashback Credit Card
Emirates Islamic Switch Cashback Credit Card
FreeAED 10,000Published salary requirement only — creditworthiness and affordability checks apply
Liv Cashback Credit Card

Liv Cashback Credit Card

Annual feeFree
Min. salaryAED 5,000
HighlightPublished salary requirement only — AECB, affordability, and bank underwriting checks still apply
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card

Mashreq Cashback Credit Card

Annual feeFree
Min. salaryAED 5,000
HighlightPublished salary requirement only — approval is subject to the bank's full assessment
ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card

ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card

Annual feeFree
Min. salaryAED 5,000
HighlightPublished salary requirement only — it does not indicate approval likelihood
Emirates Islamic Switch Cashback Credit Card

Emirates Islamic Switch Cashback Credit Card

Annual feeFree
Min. salaryAED 10,000
HighlightPublished salary requirement only — creditworthiness and affordability checks apply

August Spotlight

Emirates NBD

Three Emirates NBD credit cards spanning everyday rewards to premium travel — the ENBD noon One Visa Card earns up to 20% back as noon Credits on noon Food with no annual fee, the ENBD Voyager World Credit Card earns 6 Voyager Miles per AED 1 on the Voyager Travel Portal with complimentary airport lounge access, and the premium ENBD Voyager World Elite doubles that to 12 Voyager Miles per AED 1 with added airport transfers and fast-track privileges.

See all
ENBD noon One Visa Credit Card Design
4.1/5

EMIRATES NBD

ENBD noon One Visa Credit Card

  • Salary: AED 5,000+
  • No Annual Fee
  • Welcome Bonus: AED 500 when you spend AED 5,000 in the first two months
  • Get 20% back as noon credits when you spend on noon food
  • Get 5% back as noon credits when you spend on noon
ExploreLearn more about ENBD noon One Visa Credit Card credit card benefits and features
ENBD Voyager World Credit Card Design
EXCLUSIVE OFFER
3.9/5

EMIRATES NBD

ENBD Voyager World Credit Card

  • Salary: AED 12,000+
  • 75,000 Miles after AED 35,000 spend
  • No Annual Fee
  • 6 Voyager Miles on every AED spent on Voyager Travel Portal
  • 3 Voyager Miles on every AED spent on other travel bookings
ExploreLearn more about ENBD Voyager World Credit Card credit card benefits and features
ENBD Voyager World Elite Credit Card Design
EXCLUSIVE OFFER

EMIRATES NBD

ENBD Voyager World Elite Credit Card

  • Salary: AED 25,000+
  • 150,000 Miles after AED 70,000 spend
  • No Annual Fee for the first year
  • 12 Voyager Miles on every AED spent on Voyager Travel Portal
  • 6 Voyager Miles on every AED spent on other travel bookings
ExploreLearn more about ENBD Voyager World Elite Credit Card credit card benefits and features

Why choose Credit Cards and Low Credit Scores in the UAE

1.

Every application includes a creditworthiness check

UAE Central Bank consumer-protection standards require lenders to assess affordability and creditworthiness, including verification with a credit-information agency. A listed minimum salary is only one eligibility condition and does not predict approval.

2.

A fixed deposit can secure the credit limit

Some banks may consider a credit card secured against a fixed deposit. The deposit acts as collateral and may determine the available limit, but the bank still completes its required identity, affordability, and credit checks. Availability, deposit amount, fees, and approval remain the bank's decision.

3.

Review the report before applying

Get your own AECB report, check it for errors, and address overdue obligations before making another application. Avoid submitting several speculative applications because each bank applies its own policy and an application is not guaranteed to be approved. See our [AECB credit score guide](/blog/aecb-credit-score-uae-check-your-report-improve-it) for more information.

4 cards in the UAE

Liv Cashback Credit Card Design

LIV DIGITAL BANK BY EMIRATES NBD

Liv Cashback Credit Card

  • Salary: AED 5,000+
  • Free for life
  • Up to 2% Cashback on all spends
  • Cashback or Skywards Miles
  • 2 Free Movie Tickets + 20% off on F&B at VOX Cinemas
ExploreLearn more about Liv Cashback Credit Card credit card benefits and features
Mashreq Cashback Credit Card Design
3.4/5

MASHREQ BANK

Mashreq Cashback Credit Card

  • Salary: AED 5,000+
  • No Annual Fee
  • AED 500 Welcome Bonus
  • Unlimited 5% Cashback on dining.
  • 1% Cashback on international spends (non-dining)
ExploreLearn more about Mashreq Cashback Credit Card credit card benefits and featuresApplyApply for Mashreq Cashback Credit Card credit card
ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card Design

ABU DHABI COMMERCIAL BANK (ADCB)

ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card

  • Salary: AED 5,000+
  • No Annual Fee
  • Welcome Bonus: AED 350
  • Up to 1.25% cashback on all spends
  • 0.75% on select categories
ExploreLearn more about ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card credit card benefits and features
Emirates Islamic Switch Cashback Credit Card Design

EMIRATES ISLAMIC

Emirates Islamic Switch Cashback Credit Card

  • Salary: AED 10,000+
  • No Annual Fee for the first year
  • Welcome Offer: AED 500 Cashback points
  • Up to 8% cashback on your spends
  • Switch between Lifestyle or Travel cashback category
ExploreLearn more about Emirates Islamic Switch Cashback Credit Card credit card benefits and featuresApplyApply for Emirates Islamic Switch Cashback Credit Card credit card

What to do before applying

Follow these steps to complete your application.

1.Obtain your AECB credit report and check the accounts, balances, and payment history for accuracy
2.Contact the relevant lender or AECB if information appears incorrect, and resolve overdue obligations where possible
3.Ask your bank whether it offers a credit card secured against a fixed deposit and request the current terms in writing
4.Compare the Key Facts Statement, annual fee, profit or interest rate, and deposit restrictions before accepting any card

Eligibility criteria

General requirements for credit card applications in the UAE. Exact thresholds vary by bank and card tier.

Minimum age21 years
Monthly salaryAED 5,000–10,000
EmploymentSalaried employees or self-employed professionals
ResidencyUAE residents with a valid Emirates ID and residence visa
Credit historyAECB credit score is checked; a clean record strengthens approval
Minimum age21 years
Monthly salaryAED 5,000–10,000
EmploymentSalaried employees or self-employed professionals
ResidencyUAE residents with a valid Emirates ID and residence visa
Credit historyAECB credit score is checked; a clean record strengthens approval

Always confirm the latest eligibility details with the issuing bank before applying.

Documents you will need

Prepare these before you start an application. Some banks accept digital uploads; others require originals at a branch.

UAE nationals

1.Emirates ID
2.Khulasat Al Qaid (Family Book)
3.Salary certificate (less than 30 days old)
4.Bank statements — last 3 months
5.Passport copy

Expats & residents

1.Emirates ID
2.Valid passport with residence visa page
3.Salary certificate or employment letter
4.Bank statements — last 3 months
5.Proof of address (utility bill or tenancy contract)

The final list of required documents may differ based on the bank and card. Self-employed applicants may also need a trade licence and audited financial statements.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Best Credit Cards and Low Credit Scores in the UAE

It may be possible, but no card or score guarantees approval. The bank must assess your creditworthiness and affordability and may consider income, existing obligations, payment history, and its own lending policy. Ask the bank whether a fixed-deposit-backed card is available if you do not qualify for an unsecured card.

Banks do not publish one universal approval score for UAE credit cards. Each lender applies its own underwriting policy and considers more than the score, including verified income, existing obligations, payment history, and affordability. Meeting a card's published minimum salary does not guarantee approval.

Kredit cannot predict approval from a score alone. The issuing bank decides after assessing your complete application, credit report, income, existing obligations, and affordability. Consider reviewing your AECB report or asking your bank about a fixed-deposit-backed card before applying.

No UAE credit card should be presented as bypassing the required creditworthiness assessment. A fixed-deposit-backed credit card uses your deposit as security, but the bank still performs its required checks and decides whether to approve the application. A prepaid card uses your own loaded funds, needs no credit check, and is not a credit card.

There is no guaranteed timeline or score increase. Credit information changes as providers submit updated data, and every lender applies its own policy. Check your current report, correct any errors, make payments on time, and avoid unnecessary applications. See the AECB credit score guide for more information.

No. No UAE credit card can be presented as guaranteed or 'easy' approval, whatever your score — the bank must complete its creditworthiness and affordability assessment and decides case by case. If income rather than score is the constraint, review the minimum salary for a credit card and options on a low salary. Otherwise, correct any errors on your AECB report and ask your bank about a fixed-deposit-backed card.

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