Compare lifetime-free and first-year-free UAE credit cards with cashback, rewards, lifestyle benefits, and Islamic-compliant options. Find the right card for your salary and lifestyle needs.
Cards that never charge annual fees as long as your account remains active. These are ideal for customers who want predictable costs without worrying about fee waivers or spending thresholds.
Cards that waive annual fees for the first 12 months only. After the promotional period, standard annual fees apply (typically AED 300–1,000 depending on card tier).
Find the best no-fee card based on your monthly income. All cards listed below are lifetime free with no annual charges.
Earn 4% SHARE Points on dining (0.4% value) and 0.75% on general spending (0.075% value). 10 points = AED 1. Buy 1 Get 1 VOX Cinema requires AED 3,500 minimum monthly spend.
Up to 35% back on first 10 talabat orders monthly (max AED 35/order, AED 350/month). Welcome bonus: AED 500 talabat credit (requires AED 2,500 spend in 45 days). From June 2026, requires AED 2,500 monthly spend or drops to 1.25%.
No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees. Ideal for international purchases and online shopping.
Earn up to 5 reward points per AED 5 on dining, entertainment, and lifestyle spending categories.
Sharia-compliant card with up to 6% cashback on groceries and utilities. No interest charges (Ujrah-based fees).
Premium benefits including airport lounge access, golf privileges, and enhanced reward points on all spending.
Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases. Includes travel insurance and purchase protection benefits.
Earn Smiles points redeemable for shopping, travel, and experiences. Enhanced earning on partner brands.
Lifetime free for AED 40,000+ salary. Unlimited LoungeKey access, premium concierge, travel insurance, and exclusive lifestyle benefits. One of the most valuable lifetime-free cards in UAE.
Some cards marketed as "lifetime free" require minimum annual spending (e.g., AED 50,000–100,000) or salary transfer to the issuing bank. Always verify conditions before applying to avoid unexpected fees.
Your AECB credit score (300–900) significantly affects approval chances and credit limits. Scores above 700 typically receive favorable terms. You can check your score via the Al Etihad Credit Bureau website or mobile app before applying.
Use category-specific cards for groceries, fuel, and dining to maximize cashback rates. Stack multiple no-fee cards for different spending categories.
Premium no-fee cards like FAB Blue Infinite offer unlimited lounge access. Check your card benefits before paying for Priority Pass memberships.
Some no-fee cards offer 0% balance transfer promotions for 3–6 months. Use these to consolidate high-interest debt from other cards.
Research options matching your salary and needs
Emirates ID, passport, salary certificate, bank statements
Apply online or visit bank branch
Typically 3–5 working days after approval
Lifetime free cards never charge annual fees as long as the account remains active and in good standing. First-year free cards waive fees only for the initial 12 months, after which standard annual fees apply (typically AED 300–1,000 depending on card tier).
Yes. Several UAE banks offer lifetime-free credit cards for salaries starting at AED 5,000 monthly. Entry-level options include Emirates NBD SHARE Platinum, ADCB Talabat Platinum, and HSBC Zero Credit Card.
Some premium no-fee cards include complimentary airport lounge access. For example, FAB Blue Infinite (lifetime free for AED 40,000+ salary) includes unlimited LoungeKey access. Most entry-level free cards do not include lounge benefits.
Yes. Emirates Islamic Cashback Platinum offers lifetime-free Sharia-compliant benefits starting from AED 5,000 salary. Islamic cards use fee-based structures (Ujrah) instead of interest, making them suitable for customers seeking halal financial products.
Missing payments affects your AECB credit score and may result in late payment fees (typically AED 100–250). While the card remains fee-free, finance charges on outstanding balances still apply at standard UAE rates (2.5%–3% monthly).
Yes. Most UAE banks allow credit card upgrades based on improved income, credit history, and relationship tenure. Upgrading may introduce annual fees but provides enhanced benefits like higher cashback rates, lounge access, and concierge services.
Most UAE banks process credit card applications within 3–5 working days after receiving complete documents. Some banks offer instant approval for existing customers or pre-approved applicants.
Information accurate as of December 2026. Credit card terms, eligibility requirements, and benefits may change. Always verify current offers directly with banks before applying. LeoCompare is a technology comparison platform and does not issue or approve credit cards.