You must have seen your bank advertising about travel credit cards in UAE but have you ever bothered to check what those cards are all about?
We all are accustomed to swiping our standard credit cards to earn points redeemable for discounts on food and groceries, but have you ever looked at the other side of the coin? Do you know you can use a travel credit card to turn your everyday expenditure into exciting rewards including discounted airfare, free nights at hotels, and complimentary meals at resorts? Well, there is a lot more to it.
In the vibrant and dynamic landscape of the UAE, where every day is an opportunity for a new adventure, the best travel credit cards stand as your golden ticket to a world of thrilling possibilities.
Beyond the convenience of electronic payments, these cards hold the power to transform your everyday spending into incredible journeys. Think free flights to your dream destinations, luxurious hotel stays at a fraction of the cost, and even exclusive perks that elevate your travel experience to new heights.
In this article, we will unveil the best travel credit cards in UAE that not only save you money on your adventures but also shower you with a treasure trove of exclusive benefits.
So get ready and prepare for the take-off as we navigate the world of travel credit cards in the UAE. Your passport to savings and extraordinary experiences awaits!
You might also like to read: Find Cheap Flight Tickets with This Amazing VPN Hack
Top 5 Travel Credit Cards in UAE
We all dream of exploring far-flung destinations, discovering new cultures, and savoring exotic cuisines, but what if I told you that your next adventure could be just a credit card away?
You can sign up for a travel credit card to earn cashback, rewards, and points to enjoy exclusive discounts on air tickets, accommodation, attractions, food, and more.
Let’s take a look at some of the best travel credit cards available in the UAE to help you make an informed decision.
-
Emirates NBD Dnata Platinum Credit Card
Now travel across the globe and enjoy exclusive perks as you go with Emirates NBD Dnata Platinum Credit Card. All cardholders can get up to 15% rewards when spending money using their cards at Dnata along with 2,500 travel gift vouchers for exclusive discounts. You can receive complimentary lounge access at more than 10 VIPs and get premium Golf privileges at some of the best golf courses around the world.
The exclusive discount vouchers can be redeemed for amazing price drops on holiday packages, flights, dining, and leisure spots across the UAE. Besides this, all cardholders are provided with the bank’s Credit Shield Pro-Life and Job Loss Insurance as an added benefit.
The annual subscription fee for the Emirates NBD Dnata Platinum card is priced at AED 525 with a welcome bonus of AED 1,000 in the form of discount vouchers. All applicants must earn a minimum of 8,000 AED per month to be eligible to hold the card.
Designed to cater to the avid globetrotter, this card offers a bouquet of benefits that make it a must-have for anyone with a passion for exploring the world.
-
Emirates Citibank Ultima Master Credit Card
Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit Card offers an array of benefits and perks to eligible cardholders and is one of the best travel credit cards available in UAE at the moment. All eligible cardholders can earn up to 2.5 Emirates Skywards Miles for every USD (AED 3.75) spent using their Ultimate credit card.
A 100% metal card is provided to each of the primary card holders along with 25,000 Skywards Miles as a welcome bonus. Not only this, you can enjoy 10,000 miles per year upon renewing your card subscription.
Other benefits include easy installment plans, instant cash loans, and exclusive dining and entertainment discounts in more than 95 countries. To top it off, you can enjoy 6 complimentary airport transfers per year using the Careem app, 2 complimentary valet parking visits every month in UAE, and complimentary Marhaba meet and greet twice every year.
The annual membership fee of Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit card is AED 3,000. You should be earning a minimum of AED 36,750 per month to be eligible to apply for an Ultima travel credit card. All applicants must also be above 21 years of age.
With its tailored privileges and an unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier experiences, this card ensures that your journeys are not only seamless but also filled with abundant perks that make every moment in the air or on the ground truly exceptional.
-
ADIB Etihad Guest Gold Card
The ADIB Etihad Gold Guest Credit Card is your golden ticket to a world of extraordinary travel experiences. Crafted in collaboration with Etihad Airways, one of the UAE’s flagship carriers, this credit card is designed to cater to the wanderlust of the modern traveler.
The hallmark feature of this card is its ability to earn Etihad Guest Miles with every purchase, allowing you to accumulate miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related rewards.
All cardholders are awarded a welcome bonus of 35,000 Etihad Guest Miles as a reward token. You can earn up to 1.5 Etihad Guest Miles for every AED 4 spent and redeem points every time you fly with Etihad Airways.
The bank allows cardholders to pay their annual card fees using the earned Guest Miles and offers free companion tickets, fast track to Etihad Guest Silver Tier, and complimentary Airpot lounge access at more than 840 international airports around the world.
To top it all off, you can avail of free road assistance using your Etihad Guest Miles credit card in UAE. How good is that? All you need to do is pay AED 1,000 per year as a subscription fee and enjoy exclusive rewards and perks on all your local and international spending.
-
FAB Infinite Travel Card
With the FAB Infinite Travel Card by your side, you can unlock a world full of endless benefits and perks. It’s one of the most sought-after credit cards among avid travelers who love going about the world while redeeming exclusive discounts and price drops at retail, accommodation, and dining.
Prominent benefits include no international transaction fees, Miles transfer to other partners, special discount vouchers, and points redeemable on more than 800 international airlines and 500,000 plus hotels.
With every swipe, you’ll earn Etihad Guest Miles, making it easy to accumulate points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more. It’s like turning your everyday expenses into a golden ticket to explore the world.
But that’s not all; the FAB Infinite Travel Card also pampers you with access to a multitude of airport lounges worldwide, ensuring that your journeys are marked by comfort, elegance, and exclusive perks
All cardholders are rewarded with a AED 1,500 welcome bonus to be used on travel reservations. You can enjoy one complimentary night when reserving 3 nights at selected hotels using the FAB Travel Portal. Along with this, you can avail of up to 8 complimentary hotel transfers outside of UAE and up to 6 free Uber rides.
Get up to 1.5 FAB Miles for each 1 USD (AED 3.65) spent on local and international retail outlets and up to 2 FAB Miles for each USD 1 spent on travel reservations. Other benefits include golf discounts, discounted meet and greet services, and price drops on selected car rentals.
To apply for the Infinite Travel Credit Card, all applicants must be earning a minimum salary of AED 30,000 per month
-
HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card
The HSBC Platinum Select Credit Card is a versatile financial tool that’s more than just a way to make payments; it’s your ticket to a world of convenience, rewards, and financial flexibility. With this card in your wallet, you’ll have access to a host of features and benefits designed to enhance your everyday life.
All eligible cardholders can earn exclusive rewards and Air Miles on local and international spending to maximize savings especially when making travel purchases. Collect Air Miles every time you swipe your credit card and enjoy a wide array of discounts on dining, shopping, and leisure attractions.
Other prominent benefits include interest-free spending for up to 56 days upon paying the monthly balance in one single payment along with a balance transfer from other cards in UAE to your credit card.
That’s not all. There are more than 10,000 Buy 1 Get 1 Free vouchers available for dining, spas, and hotel accommodations across the UAE. Along with this you can enjoy exclusive price drops at more than 400 restaurants across the country and save up big on food and beverages.
To apply for a Platinum Select Credit Card, you must transfer AED 10,000 per month into any HSBC Personal Banking Account. You will get a welcome bonus of AED 300 as cashback along with AED 100 complimentary credit into your mobile wallet.
Common Features of Travel Credit Cards in UAE
Travel credit cards in the UAE are like your passport to a world of exclusive perks and savings when it comes to your travel adventures. While the specific features can vary from one card to another, there are several common features that you can typically expect when you own a travel credit card in the UAE:
-
Miles or Points Accumulation
Travel credit cards are known for offering rewards in the form of air miles or points for every dirham you spend using the card. These miles or points can later be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses.
-
Sign-up Bonuses
Many travel credit cards entice new cardholders with generous sign-up bonuses. These bonuses often provide a substantial number of miles or points as a reward for using the card within a specified time frame after opening the account.
-
Airport Lounge Access
Some premium travel credit cards grant you complimentary or discounted access to airport lounges. This is a fantastic perk for frequent travelers, allowing you to relax in comfort before your flight and enjoy amenities like food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
-
Discounts on Flights and Hotels
Travel credit cards often provide discounts on flights, hotels, or travel packages when you book through their affiliated travel partners or booking portals. This can lead to significant savings on your travel expenses.
-
No Foreign Transaction Fees
To make your international travel even more cost-effective, many travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, which are typically charged by other credit cards when you make purchases in a foreign currency.
-
Priority Pass Membership
Some premium travel credit cards offer a Priority Pass membership, allowing you access to a vast network of airport lounges worldwide, even if you’re not flying business or first class.
-
Free Checked Bags
If you’re a frequent flyer, some travel credit cards offer perks like free checked bags on specific airlines. This can result in substantial savings, especially on longer journeys.
-
Concierge Services
Premium travel cards often come with 24/7 concierge services that can assist you with travel bookings, restaurant reservations, event tickets, and more, making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel credit cards frequently offer travel insurance coverage, which can include benefits like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, travel medical insurance, and even baggage delay or loss coverage. This provides added peace of mind during your journeys.
It’s important to note that while these are common features, the specific benefits and terms can vary widely among different travel credit cards in the UAE. To choose the best travel credit cards for your needs, be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions, annual fees, and other factors to ensure they align with your travel preferences and spending habits.
Also read: 18 Smart Tips and Tricks to Buy Cheap Flight Tickets