ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card
A no-fee cashback credit card by ADCB offering 1% cashback on all spends and 0.75% on groceries, utilities, and education.
Free
0.75% groceries
AED 5,000
4.14%
Who Is This Card For?
Quick answer before the detailed explanation
Good fit if
You earn AED 5,000 monthly and want no-fee cashback on everyday spending.
Not ideal if
You frequently spend abroad or prioritize dining and travel category rewards.
Watch out for
4.14% foreign exchange markup erodes value on international transactions and online foreign purchases.
Calculate This Card’s Value
Earning Rates
1%
Min AED 1,000/mo spend
0.75%
Min AED 1,000/mo spend
0.75%
Min AED 1,000/mo spend
0.75%
Min AED 1,000/mo spend
0.75%
Min AED 1,000/mo spend
Perks
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
No annual fee makes it cost-free for light spenders.
1% cashback on all purchases with no monthly cap.
0.75% cashback on groceries, utilities, and education with no cap.
AED 350 welcome bonus when applying via select digital channels.
Watch out for
4.14% FX markup is high for international or foreign currency transactions.
AED 1,000 minimum monthly spend required to activate all cashback rates.
0.75% international cashback rate is weak compared to travel-focused cards.
Fees & Conditions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an annual fee for the ADCB Essential Cashback Credit Card?
No, this card has no annual fee, making it a cost-free option for cardholders who meet the minimum spend requirement.
What is the minimum spend to earn cashback?
You must spend at least AED 1,000 per month to activate the cashback rates of 1% on all purchases and 0.75% on groceries, utilities, education, and international spend.
Does this card earn cashback on school or university fees?
Yes, education spending earns 0.75% cashback with no cap, as long as you meet the AED 1,000 minimum monthly spend.
Can I use this card abroad?
Yes, but the 4.14% foreign exchange markup and 0.75% international cashback rate make it less attractive for frequent overseas or foreign currency transactions.
What is the welcome bonus?
You receive an AED 350 cash bonus converted to points when you apply via select digital channels. There is no minimum spend requirement to claim it.