Best Travel Credit Cards in the UAE
Travel credit cards serve frequent flyers, hotel guests, and cross-border shoppers in the UAE through airline miles, hotel points, international cashback, lower FX costs, or airport benefits. Start by comparing no annual fee, fee-waiver terms to verify, and fixed-fee options across salary tiers from AED 5,000 to AED 50,000 and above. Compare the published terms against your own travel habits before choosing.
Choose how to narrow travel cards
Choose a fee path to filter the results below. This is not a personalised recommendation or a universal winner.
Compare travel cards by annual fee and salary level
Filter cards within each salary level. A published waiver threshold is not enough to treat a card as free when the qualification period or renewal rule is unverified.
At AED 5,000 monthly salary, travel cards compete on airport perks and FX markup rather than high-tier lounge networks. The key trade-off is between cashback on international spend with broader perks versus airline miles with lower foreign-currency fees. Showing the highest-ranked no-annual-fee travel cards currently eligible at this salary level. Showing travel cards with a published fee-waiver threshold currently eligible at this salary level. Verify the qualification period and renewal rule before relying on the waiver. Showing the highest-ranked fixed-annual-fee travel cards currently eligible at this salary level. See all FAB Islamic cards Travel relevance: multiple travel perks. If you make regular international purchases and want airport perks, this card earns 3% cashback on foreign-currency spend and includes lounge access plus up to 2 airport transfers monthly. Also available as a conventional version (FAB Cashback Credit Card). Travel relevance: travel-focused rewards, direct rewards on travel purchases, low FX markup with travel perks, multiple travel perks. If you fly Air Arabia or book travel regularly, this card earns 0.35 Air Arabia Miles per AED on travel and international spend with an FX markup of just 1.05%. No no-annual-fee travel card currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try waivable or fixed annual fee cards. No travel card with fee-waiver information currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try no-fee or fixed annual fee cards. No fixed-annual-fee travel card currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try no-fee or waivable annual fee cards. At AED 10,000 monthly salary, travel cards split between low-FX cashback options and airline miles programs with lounge access. The choice comes down to cashback on international spend with minimal fees versus miles earning with higher annual fees but richer travel perks. Showing the highest-ranked no-annual-fee travel cards currently eligible at this salary level. Showing travel cards with a published fee-waiver threshold currently eligible at this salary level. Verify the qualification period and renewal rule before relying on the waiver. Showing the highest-ranked fixed-annual-fee travel cards currently eligible at this salary level. Travel relevance: multiple travel perks. If you spend regularly abroad, this card earns 3% cashback on international purchases with a low FX markup of 3.76% and includes 8 lounge visits and 1 airport transfer annually. The AED 315 annual fee is fixed, and total cashback is capped at AED 1,000 per month. Also available as an Islamic/Sharia-compliant version (FAB Islamic Cashback Islamic Credit Card). Travel relevance: multiple travel perks. The card includes 8 lounge visits and 1 airport transfer per year. Travel relevance: multiple travel perks. You also receive 8 lounge visits and 1 airport transfer annually. Travel relevance: direct rewards on travel purchases. If you book travel directly, this card earns 4% cashback on travel spend up to AED 200 monthly and includes complimentary lounge access. Travel relevance: travel-focused rewards, direct rewards on travel purchases, multiple travel perks. If you fly Etihad regularly, this card earns 3 points per USD on Etihad Airways and 2 points per USD on other international spend, with Etihad Silver Tier status, lounge access, and 2 airport transfers annually. The annual fee is AED 733.95. Travel relevance: travel-focused rewards, direct rewards on travel purchases, multiple travel perks. If you are a frequent Etihad flyer, this card earns 3 points per USD on Etihad and 2 points per USD on international spend, with Etihad Silver Tier, lounge access, and 2 airport transfers per year. The annual fee is AED 943.95. See all DIB cards Travel relevance: direct rewards on travel purchases. If you book travel directly and want no annual fee, this card earns 10 points per AED on travel spend up to AED 10,000 monthly and 2 points per AED on other international purchases. FX markup is 4.85%, higher than other cards here. No no-annual-fee travel card currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try waivable or fixed annual fee cards. No travel card with fee-waiver information currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try no-fee or fixed annual fee cards. No fixed-annual-fee travel card currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try no-fee or waivable annual fee cards. At AED 25,000 monthly salary, you gain access to cards with dedicated travel cashback, airline miles programs, and multiple airport perks. The choice comes down to travel cashback with low FX markup versus hotel and airline miles programs with richer airport benefits. Showing the highest-ranked no-annual-fee travel cards currently eligible at this salary level. Showing travel cards with a published fee-waiver threshold currently eligible at this salary level. Verify the qualification period and renewal rule before relying on the waiver. Showing the highest-ranked fixed-annual-fee travel cards currently eligible at this salary level. Travel relevance: direct rewards on travel purchases, low FX markup with travel perks. If you book flights and hotels regularly, you earn 10% cashback on travel spend up to AED 400 monthly, and the card charges only 1.05% FX markup on foreign-currency purchases. Travel relevance: direct rewards on travel purchases, low FX markup with travel perks, multiple travel perks. If you book hotels and flights directly, you earn 41 points per AED on those purchases and receive 14 lounge visits, up to 4 airport transfers, and up to 3 fast track passes per year. The card charges a fixed AED 1,575 annual fee and 1.15% FX markup. Travel relevance: multiple travel perks. If you value airport perks over high travel earn rates, you receive 14 lounge visits, up to 4 airport transfers, and up to 3 fast track passes per year for an AED 787.50 fixed annual fee. You earn 2 points per USD on international spend, but the card charges 3.14% FX markup. Travel relevance: direct rewards on travel purchases, low FX markup with travel perks, multiple travel perks. If you spend on travel bookings and want airport perks, you earn 10% cashback on travel spend, capped at AED 1,500 monthly, and receive 14 lounge visits and up to 4 airport transfers per year. The card charges a fixed AED 1,575 annual fee and 1.15% FX markup. Travel relevance: direct rewards on travel purchases. If you prefer a lower-fee card with travel cashback, you earn 4% on travel spend up to AED 200 monthly and receive complimentary lounge access. Travel relevance: travel-focused rewards, direct rewards on travel purchases, multiple travel perks. If you book through the Voyager travel portal, you earn 6 points per AED and receive complimentary lounge access and up to 6 airport transfers per year with no annual fee. The card charges 3.14% FX markup on foreign-currency purchases. Travel relevance: travel-focused rewards, direct rewards on travel purchases, low FX markup with travel perks, multiple travel perks. If you fly Air Arabia and want low FX costs, you earn 0.35 Air Arabia Miles per AED on travel and international spend and receive complimentary lounge access and up to 2 airport transfers per year. Travel relevance: travel-focused rewards, direct rewards on travel purchases, multiple travel perks. If you stay at Marriott hotels, you earn 3 points per USD on Marriott bookings and 1.5 points per USD on international spend, plus Marriott Bonvoy Silver Status and 8 lounge visits and up to 3 airport transfers per year. The card has no annual fee but charges 3.14% FX markup. No no-annual-fee travel card currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try waivable or fixed annual fee cards. No travel card with fee-waiver information currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try no-fee or fixed annual fee cards. No fixed-annual-fee travel card currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try no-fee or waivable annual fee cards. At this salary level, you qualify for premium travel cards with airline tier status, multiple lounge visits, and airport transfers. The key trade-off is between airline miles programs with tier benefits versus cashback cards with low FX markup and capped travel earning. Showing the highest-ranked no-annual-fee travel cards currently eligible at this salary level. Showing travel cards with a published fee-waiver threshold currently eligible at this salary level. Verify the qualification period and renewal rule before relying on the waiver. Showing the highest-ranked fixed-annual-fee travel cards currently eligible at this salary level. See all ADIB cards Travel relevance: travel-focused rewards, direct rewards on travel purchases, multiple travel perks. If you fly Etihad regularly or want to build airline status, this card grants Etihad Silver tier on approval and Gold tier after AED 250,000 annual spend, plus 0.88 points per AED on travel and international purchases. Annual fee is AED 3,150. Travel relevance: direct rewards on travel purchases, low FX markup with travel perks. If you book flights and hotels monthly, you earn 10% cashback on travel spend up to AED 400 per month, with lounge access and 1.05% FX markup. Travel relevance: direct rewards on travel purchases, low FX markup with travel perks, multiple travel perks. If you book flights and hotels directly, you earn 41 points per AED on those purchases, with 14 annual lounge visits, 4 airport transfers, and 3 fast track passes. Annual fee is AED 1,575. Travel relevance: travel-focused rewards, multiple travel perks. If you want comprehensive airport perks, this card provides 14 annual lounge visits, 4 airport transfers, 3 fast track passes, and 50% air travel cash rebate, plus 5 points per USD on international spend. Annual fee is AED 3,150. Travel relevance: direct rewards on travel purchases. If you want straightforward travel cashback with lounge access, you earn 4% on travel spend up to AED 200 monthly. Travel relevance: travel-focused rewards, direct rewards on travel purchases, multiple travel perks. If you prefer no annual fee and book through the Voyager portal, you earn 6 points per AED on portal bookings, with lounge access and 6 annual airport transfers. FX markup is 3.14%. No no-annual-fee travel card currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try waivable or fixed annual fee cards. No travel card with fee-waiver information currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try no-fee or fixed annual fee cards. No fixed-annual-fee travel card currently meets the salary and travel-relevance criteria at this level. Try no-fee or waivable annual fee cards.Best Credit Cards for AED 5,000 Monthly Salary
FAB Islamic Cashback Islamic Credit Card
Sharia-compliantBest Credit Cards for AED 10,000 Monthly Salary
DIB SHAMS Platinum Islamic Credit Card
Sharia-compliantBest Credit Cards for AED 25,000 Monthly Salary
Best Credit Cards for AED 50,000+ Monthly Salary
ADIB Etihad Guest Visa Infinite Islamic Credit Card
Sharia-compliant
What Is A Travel Credit Card?
Travel credit cards in the UAE are designed for cardholders who spend on flights, hotels, and international purchases. They may offer elevated travel or foreign-currency earning, airline or hotel rewards, lower FX costs, and airport benefits. CreditSouq screens the cards shown here for travel relevance across UAE salary tiers, while the right choice still depends on your own spending and benefit usage.
Do You Need A Travel Credit Card?
You benefit most from a travel card if a meaningful portion of your spending goes toward flights, hotels, or purchases in foreign currency. Compare the card's travel earn rate with its FX markup, annual fee, reward caps, and benefits you will actually use. If you rarely travel or spend abroad, an everyday cashback card focused on groceries, dining, or fuel may be a better fit.
What to Look for in a Travel Card
Foreign exchange markup can quietly erode your earn rate on international spend. A card offering 2% cashback but charging 3% FX markup delivers a net loss, while a card with 1.5% earn and 0% FX markup comes out ahead. Lounge access matters less for its visit count and more for network coverage. If you transit through DXB or AUH frequently, confirm which terminals and lounges your card covers before assuming the perk will be useful. Pairing a high-earn travel card with a no-FX-fee card for smaller foreign purchases can maximise returns if your primary card has a monthly cap on travel rewards.
How We Select These Cards
Cards shown here must meet salary eligibility and pass travel-relevance checks based on travel or international earning, FX markup, and travel perks. Modelled spending assumptions are used internally to shortlist and order candidates, so the display order is a comparison starting point rather than a promise of personal value. Precise monetary value estimates are not shown because actual results depend on spending, redemption choices, perk usage, and fee-waiver eligibility. Verify current terms with the issuing bank before applying.
For more information, see how it works.
Find more cards with our card finder tool.
Further Reading
To get the most from travel card rewards, read our value maximisation guide on optimising earn rates and perk usage. New to credit cards in the UAE? Our beginner’s guide covers the essentials. Ready to apply? See our step-by-step application guide for what banks require.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do annual fee waivers work on UAE travel credit cards?
Many UAE banks waive the annual fee if you meet a minimum spend threshold during the year, often between AED 75,000 and AED 150,000 depending on the card tier. Some premium cards offer salary-based waivers for high earners or waive the fee in the first year as part of a welcome offer.
What is FX markup and how does it affect my international purchases?
FX markup is the percentage added to the interbank exchange rate when you pay in a foreign currency. Most UAE cards charge between 2.5% and 3.5%, but some travel cards offer 0% or reduced FX fees. On AED 10,000 of annual international spend, a 3% markup costs you AED 300 compared to a card with no FX fee.
Are there Islamic or Sharia-compliant travel credit cards in the UAE?
Yes, several UAE banks offer Islamic credit cards that comply with Sharia principles, avoiding interest and instead using profit-sharing or fee-based structures. These cards can offer the same travel earn rates, lounge access, and FX benefits as conventional cards, and they appear in our rankings when they qualify on travel value.
How do reward caps work on travel cards and will I hit them?
Some travel cards cap monthly or annual cashback or points earned in specific categories, such as AED 400 per month on travel spend or AED 1,000 per month total. If your monthly travel spend exceeds the cap threshold, additional spend earns at a lower rate or nothing, so check the cap details on each card and compare your typical monthly spend against the limit.
Do supplementary cards earn the same travel rewards as the primary card?
In most cases, supplementary cards earn into the same rewards account as the primary card and follow the same earn rates and caps. Some banks charge a fee for supplementary cards, while others issue them free, making them useful for a spouse or family member to help you reach spend thresholds or maximise capped categories.
How do I compare a card with higher travel earn rates but also a higher annual fee?
Compare the published earn rate, reward cap, annual fee, FX markup, and benefits you will actually use. A higher headline earn rate can still be a poor fit when the cap is low, the fee is high, or foreign-currency charges offset the rewards. Verify current terms with the issuing bank before applying.
Do lounge visits on travel cards cover guests or just the cardholder?
Lounge access terms vary by card. Some cards grant free access only to the primary cardholder, while others include one or two guests per visit or allow guests at a per-visit fee. Check the specific lounge benefit details on each card, especially if you travel with family or colleagues and want to bring them into the lounge.
Try our recommendation tool with your own numbers. Try our Card Finder →
Explore Other Categories
Best Cashback Cards · Best Lifestyle Cards · Best Family Cards