Emirates Islamic Etihad Guest Premium Credit Card (Base Option) card image

Emirates Islamic Etihad Guest Premium Credit Card (Base Option) Sharia-compliant

A Sharia-compliant travel credit card by Emirates Islamic earning up to 3.5 miles/USD on travel and 3 miles/USD internationally.

Annual feeVAT included
AED 1,575.00
Top earnrewards rate
Up to 3.5 miles/USD
Min salaryfor eligibility
AED 15,000
FX markupforeign currency
3.49%

Who Is This Card For?

Decision snapshot
Quick answer before the detailed explanation

Good fit if
You spend AED 10,000 monthly on international travel and education with Etihad loyalty.

Not ideal if
You spend mainly on dining, groceries, or utilities, or prefer cashback rewards.

Watch out for
AED 1,575 annual fee is not waivable and requires strong travel spend.

If you spend AED 10,000 monthly with a focus on international travel and education, this Sharia-compliant card can deliver strong Etihad Guest miles


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Earning Rates

Travel
3.5 miles/USD

International
3 miles/USD

Education
3 miles/USD

All Other Spends
2 miles/USD

Groceries
0.3 miles/USD

Utilities
0.3 miles/USD

Perks

Etihad Gold Tier
Etihad Guest Discount Voucher (Tier 1)
Etihad Guest Discount Voucher (Tier 2)
Airport Transfer
Airport Lounge Access
Golf Round Access
Cinema Buy-1-Get-1 Ticket
Valet Parking

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths


Earns 3.5 miles/USD on travel and 3 miles/USD on international purchases.

Includes Etihad Gold tier status and premium travel perks like lounge access.

Earns 3 miles/USD on education spend with no cap.

25,000 Etihad Guest miles welcome bonus with no spend requirement.

Watch out for


AED 1,575 annual fee with no waiver option.

Groceries and utilities earn only 0.3 miles/USD.

AED 15,000 minimum salary requirement limits eligibility.

Fees & Conditions

Annual FeeAED 1,575
FX Markup3.49%
Minimum SalaryAED 15,000/mo
Welcome Bonus25,000 bonus points.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the annual fee worth it?

The AED 1,575 annual fee is worth it if you spend heavily on international travel and education, earning 3 to 3.5 miles/USD, and use perks like Etihad Gold status and lounge access. If you spend mostly on groceries or utilities, which earn only 0.3 miles/USD, the fee will likely exceed your rewards.

Does this card earn on school or university fees?

Yes, education spend earns 3 miles/USD with no cap, making it a strong choice for families paying tuition or school fees internationally.

Can I use this card abroad?

Yes, international purchases earn 3 miles/USD. The card carries a 3.49% foreign exchange markup, which is standard for UAE credit cards.

How does the welcome bonus work?

You receive 25,000 Etihad Guest miles upon approval with no minimum spend requirement, helping offset the first year's annual fee.

What is Etihad Gold tier status?

Etihad Gold tier status is included with the card and offers benefits like priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and lounge access when flying Etihad.