Do no annual fee credit cards offer good rewards?

Yes, many no annual fee cards offer competitive rewards. Mashreq Cashback provides 5% on dining, ENBD Lulu offers 7% at Lulu stores, Wio offers 1% universal cashback, and SIB provides 10% on online transactions. These rates often match or exceed fee-paying cards.

Are there any hidden fees on no annual fee credit cards?

No annual fee cards are transparent about their pricing. However, they still charge standard fees for late payments (typically AED 200-250), cash advances (3% or AED 100 minimum), foreign transactions (2-3%), and overlimit charges. The 'no annual fee' specifically refers to the yearly membership fee.

What's the catch with no annual fee credit cards?

There's typically no catch - banks offer these cards to attract customers and build relationships. Some may have spending requirements to maintain benefits, slightly lower reward rates compared to premium cards, or fewer luxury perks like lounge access. However, for everyday spending, they provide excellent value.

Can I get premium benefits without annual fees?

Some no annual fee cards offer premium-like benefits. For example, certain ENBD cards provide lounge access, Wio offers comprehensive digital banking features, and Mashreq provides extensive dining and entertainment benefits. While not matching ultra-premium cards, they offer substantial value.

How do banks profit from no annual fee credit cards?

Banks profit through interchange fees from merchants (every time you swipe), interest charges if you carry a balance, other fee income (late fees, cash advance fees), and by cross-selling other banking products. The no annual fee strategy helps acquire customers and build long-term relationships.

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No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Discover credit cards with no annual fees that still offer great rewards, cashback, and benefits without the yearly cost burden.

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30 cards in the UAE

EMIRATES ISLAMIC

Emirates Islamic Emarati Credit Card

Salary: AED 12,000+

No Annual Fee

Exclusive for UAE nationals

Welcome Bonus: AED 1,000 as EI SmartMiles

Up to 3.75 EI SmartMiles per AED 1

No Annual Fee Credit Cards

Emirates Islamic Emarati Credit Card

Emirates Islamic Flex Credit Card

Mashreq Cashback Credit Card

ENBD SHARE Infinite Credit Card

ENBD SHARE Signature Credit Card

ENBD SHARE Platinum Credit Card

ENBD Darna Select Visa Credit Card

ADCB Talabat Credit Card

FAB Rewards Indulge Card

ENBD noon One Visa Credit Card

Deem Platinum Mastercard

FAB Blue Platinum Credit Card

FAB Manchester City Titanium Credit Card

ENBD Lulu 247 Titanium Credit Card

ENBD Go4it Gold Credit Card

RAKislamic World Credit Card

FAB Blue Infinite Credit Card

ENBD U By Emaar Family Credit Card

ENBD Mastercard Titanium Credit Card

ENBD Visa Flexi Credit Card

FAB SHARE Standard Credit Card

RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card

RAKBANK High Flyer Platinum Credit Card

FAB Du Titanium Credit Card

Mashreq Noon Credit Card

Deem World Mastercard

RAKislamic Watani Credit Card

Citi Simplicity Credit Card

ADCB LuLu Platinum Credit Card

ADCB LuLu Titanium Credit Card

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do no annual fee credit cards offer good rewards?

Are there any hidden fees on no annual fee credit cards?

What's the catch with no annual fee credit cards?

Can I get premium benefits without annual fees?

How do banks profit from no annual fee credit cards?