Travelling abroad is exciting, but international expenses can quickly add up. One wrong swipe and foreign fees can quietly drain your wallet. That’s why picking the right travel credit card matters. From skipping transaction fees to sipping coffee in an airport lounge, the right credit card can make your trip smoother and more rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best credit cards for UAE residents travelling internationally. You’ll learn which features matter most, which banks offer the best perks, and how to pick a card that suits your travel style.
Why Your Travel Credit Card Matters
A normal credit card may work fine for local spending. But once you step into another country, hidden costs start showing up:
Foreign exchange fees, often 2.5–3.5% per transaction
Overseas transaction charges
Minimal rewards or cashback for international spending
A travel-focused card addresses these pain points. The ideal card offers no foreign exchange fees, lounge access at airports, rewards for spending worldwide, and sometimes, complimentary travel insurance. Think of it like a travel backpack: it carries everything you need so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute.
Tips for Choosing the Right Card
Travel Frequency: Frequent flyers should choose cards with unlimited lounge access. Occasional travellers can manage with limited visits.
Match Rewards to Spending: Emirates flyers should target Skywards cards; hotel lovers should look for cards with points or cashback for stays.
Watch the Annual Fee: Some cards charge AED 500–2,000 yearly. Ensure perks outweigh the cost.
Look for Extras: No foreign transaction fees and free travel insurance save both money and stress.
Acceptance Matters: Stick with Visa or MasterCard for global convenience.
For extra peace of mind while travelling, consider pairing your trip with comprehensive travel insurance from MooTravel.
15 Best Credit Cards for Traveling from UAE in 2025
Here are examples of good credit cards for international travel in the UAE (features change often, always confirm with the bank):
For Frequent Flyers (Airline-Specific Cards)
Best for those travellers who frequently travel via Emirates, Etihad, or other airlines- these credit cards help you maximize air miles and travel perks.
1. Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite Credit Card
| Up to 100,000 bonus Skywards Miles- Welcome Offer |
| Earn 2 Skywards miles per USD 1 spent on Emirates and flydubai 1.5 Miles on international purchases 1 Mile on local purchases |
| • Complimentary Rotana Rewards membership • Golf access • Valet parking (Abu Dhabi) |
| Unlimited access to 1,000+ lounges worldwide via Visa Airport Companion App |
| Health and travel assistance |
| Minimum salary: AED 30,000/month |
| 1.99% of Transaction Amount |
| AED 1,575 AED 3,148.95- Joining Fee |
2. Emirates NBD Skywards Signature Credit Card
| N/A (rewards in Skywards Miles) |
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| • Golf access • Concierge services • Valet parking (Abu Dhabi) |
| Unlimited access to 1,000+ lounges worldwide via Visa Airport Companion (cardholder only) |
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| Minimum salary: AED 12,000/month |
| 1.99% of Transaction Amount |
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3. HSBC Emirates Skywards Signature Credit Card
| Not applicable - rewards are earned as Emirates Skywards Miles, not cashback. |
| Not applicable - rewards accrue as Skywards Miles; no direct travel cashback. |
| Careem Plus: Complimentary 12-month subscription when you pay with your card. Zomato Gold Membership: Up to 50% off dining at 4,000+ UAE restaurants. Cinema Offers: Buy 1 Get 1 Free movie tickets each month + 20% off food and drinks at cinemas (minimum spend AED 6,000/month). home&Away Deals: Global shopping, dining, and travel offers. Samsung Products: Up to 30% off phones, laptops, TVs, and more. |
| 12 complimentary visits/year for cardholders and additional cardholders to 1,000+ lounges. |
| Multi-trip travel insurance: Coverage up to USD 500,000 for cardholder and family members on trips up to 90 days. |
| Minimum salary: AED 10,000 |
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| AED 1,050 including VAT per year |
4. Emirates Islamic Skywards Infinite Credit Card
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| Rewards are earned in Skywards Miles instead of cashback. Emirates/flydubai spend: 2 Miles per USD International spend: 1.5 Miles per USD Domestic spend: 1 Mile per USD |
| Complimentary Reel Cinemas: Up to 3 “Buy 1 Get 1” tickets per month (AED 5,000 monthly spend required). Complimentary valet parking: 2 services/month (AED 5,000 monthly spend required). Complimentary golf at Arabian Ranches, Track Meydan, or Yas Links (AED 10,000 monthly spend required). |
| Unlimited complimentary access to 1,200+ airport lounges via Visa Airport Companion App. 1st visit in a calendar year is free; subsequent visits require USD 1 foreign spend in prior 15 days per card. Additional guests charged USD 32 per person/visit. |
| Multi-trip travel insurance covering up to 90 days per trip. Automatic coverage includes travel accident and travel inconvenience insurance. |
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| 2.34% of Transaction Amount (for Non-UAE Dirhams) 1.99% of Transaction Amount (for UAE Dirhams) |
| AED 999, waived for the first year if retail spends of AED 30,000 within 180 days from card approval are met. |
5. FAB Etihad Guest Signature Credit Card
| Not applicable - rewards are earned as Etihad Guest Miles, not cashback |
| Not applicable - travel rewards are earned as Etihad Guest Miles. |
| 4 discounted tickets/month for AED 20 at Reel Cinemas, Cine Royal & Star Cinemas. Discounts at select premium golf courses. 24/7 concierge service for bookings, reservations, and travel support. |
| Up to 8 free lounge visits/year at 1,000+ lounges globally (via Visa). |
| International Medical & Travel Assistance: Emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation, delayed departure cover (when travel booked with the card). Travel Accident Insurance: Complimentary cover up to USD 500,000. |
| Minimum salary: AED 15,000 |
| 2.61% of the transaction amount |
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6. ADIB Etihad Guest Gold Card
| Welcome bonus of 35,000 Etihad Guest Miles |
| 1.5 Etihad Guest Miles for every AED 4 spent Free Companion Ticket Voucher |
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| Free Airport Lounge Access via LoungeKey (2 Free visits/year) Access to 850+ VIP airport lounges |
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| 2.3% of Transaction Amount (for Non-AED) 1.99% of Transaction Amount (for AED) |
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7. Citibank Ultima Credit Card
| AED 1,000 cashback subject to min spend criteria of AED 25,000 in 90 days. |
| 50% off airline tickets (up to AED 2,000) once a year. Redeem Citi Miles for flights with any airline, class or destination. Transfer miles to 11 partner airlines, including Etihad, Turkish, Qatar & British Airways. |
| 3rd night free at any hotel worldwide (unlimited). Free Home check-in (4 per year). |
| Airport Transfers (4 per year) Unlimited global airport lounge access (+ guest) |
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| Minimum Salary: AED 36,750 |
| 2.99% of the transaction amount |
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8. Citibank Prestige Credit Card
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| Redeem points for cash rebates, travel related spend or points transfer to 11 partner airlines/hotels. |
| 4th night free at any hotel locally for staycations, or anywhere worldwide. Unlimited complimentary golf. Buy 1 – get 1 free movie tickets & Valet Parking each month. |
| Access to 1,200 lounges worldwide (+guest) with MasterCard Travel Pass app. |
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| Minimum Salary: AED 30,000 |
| 2.99% of the transaction amount |
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For Families/ Budget Travellers
For families/budget travellers who value insurance coverage, lounge access for companions, and want travel perks but lower fees and smaller minimum salary requirements
9. ADCB Traveller Credit Card
| Up to AED 1,500 (minimum spend AED 5,000) |
| 10% on hotel stays 10% on airline tickets (any airline, any destination) |
| 50% cashback on movie tickets Dining & travel offers |
| 14 complimentary visits/year to 1,200+ lounges worldwide + 1 free guest per visit |
| Complimentary annual travel insurance |
| Minimum salary: AED 20,000/month |
| 0% - No Foreign Transaction Fees at all |
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10. Liv. Cashback Plus Credit Card
| 4% cashback on all spends Up to AED 1,500 |
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| 3 tickets per month + 25% off on F&B 20% off on 1 order per month |
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| Minimum salary: AED 5,000. |
| 1.99% of the transaction amount |
| AED 700 and AED 700 Joining Fee |
11. HSBC Max Rewards Credit Card
| Not applicable - rewards are earned in Air Miles, not cashback. |
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| Careem Plus Subscription: Complimentary 12-month subscription when you add and use your HSBC card on the Careem app. Zomato Gold Membership: Up to 50% off dining bills at over 4,000 restaurants in the UAE. Fitness First: 8 visits per month for AED 1 each when you spend over AED 6,000/month (offer valid until 9 Oct 2025). Cinema Offers: Buy 1 Get 1 Free movie tickets each month + 20% off food and drinks at cinemas in the UAE (minimum spend AED 6,000/month). home&Away Deals: Shopping, travel, dining offers worldwide. |
| 12 complimentary visits/year to over 1,000 airport lounges for cardholders and additional cardholders. Condition: At least one international purchase of USD 1 on the card 15 days before travel. Access via Visa Airport Companion Mobile App. |
| Multi-trip travel insurance: Coverage up to USD 500,000 per person for trips up to 90 days. Includes insurance for cardholder and family members. |
| Minimum monthly salary: AED 10,000 |
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| AED 0 for the first year. Subsequent years: AED 600 |
12. FAB Cashback Credit Card
| 5% on dining, fashion & groceries (up to AED 150 each/month). 3% on international (non-AED) spends. 1% on all other spends. 0.15% on select categories (real estate, utilities, petrol, education, insurance, etc.). Monthly cap: AED 1,000 cashback in FAB Rewards (redeemable via FAB Mobile). Minimum spend: AED 3,000 in previous month required to earn cashback. |
| 3% cashback on international spends. 40% off on MakeMyTrip bookings. |
| Staycation: Free 1-night family stay at Rixos Bab Al Bahr (spend AED 10,000 in 60 days; offer valid until 30 Sept 2025). Food: 40% off Talabat orders. Cinema: Movie tickets for AED 20 at select cinemas. Shopping: AED 40 off Carrefour online orders. |
| Free access to international airport lounges worldwide. 2 complimentary airport transfers per year. |
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| Minimum salary: AED 5,000. |
| 2.61% of the transaction amount |
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| 12% cashback (in FAB Rewards) on flight & hotel bookings (subject to minimum monthly spend). |
| Free yearly return flight to over 15 destinations (London, Paris, Istanbul, Baku, Tbilisi, Mumbai & more). Earn FAB Rewards on all spends. No FX conversion fees & no hidden charges |
| Movie ticket discounts. Exclusive offers with FAB partners & 0% Easy Payment Plans. Discounts on shopping, dining & entertainment via FAB partner network. |
| Complimentary global airport lounge access for cardholder + 2 guests. Free airport transfers. Airport Fast Track for quicker security checks. |
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| Minimum salary: AED 25,000 |
| 2.61% of the transaction amount |
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14. RAKBank World Credit card
| 10% cashback on dining, travel & grocery spends Up to 3% cashback on retail spends AED 750 welcome bonus (limited-time offer, T&Cs apply) |
| 10% cashback on travel & hotel spends Exclusive offers on tickets & hotel bookings Mastercard travel discounts & privileges |
| VOX Cinemas discounted tickets Shopping, entertainment & fashion discounts Educational & fitness offers Discounts on Talabat |
| World Mastercard® Lounge Program (complimentary global lounge access) Airport transfer & transport perks |
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| Minimum salary: AED 20,000. |
| 2.57% of the transaction amount |
| Free for the first year and an annual fee of AED 950 +5% VAT applies from second year |
15. FAB Rewards Indulge Credit Card
| Earn FAB Rewards on every spend 5 FAB Rewards on online spending 1 FAB Reward on all other spends (including abroad) Monthly bonus: 20,000 FAB Rewards |
| 8% discount on bookings via cleartrip.ae. 10% off car & truck rentals. |
| 20% off shopping on Namshi.com (up to AED 100 per order) Up to 20% off dining at 150+ UAE restaurants Up to 20% off attractions (Wild Wadi, Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Ice Rink, etc.) Movie tickets at only AED 20. |
| Unlimited complimentary global airport lounge access. |
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| Minimum salary: AED 5,000. |
| 2.61% of the transaction amount |
| No annual fee (lifetime free) |
*All credit card fees, benefits, and policies mentioned in this guide are accurate as of September 17, 2025, and are sourced from the official bank websites. Rates and terms may change, so please check with the bank for the most current information before applying.
Common Questions About Travel Credit Cards
Do all travel cards remove foreign exchange fees?
No. Only select cards waive these charges. Always check the fine print.
Is airport lounge access unlimited with credit cards?
Some premium cards offer unlimited visits. Others limit free visits to 4–6 per year, or require a small fee after free visits.
Can I use my UAE card everywhere?
Mostly yes, but small towns abroad may still prefer cash. Carry both card and cash.
Do travel cards have annual fees?
Many do, but if you travel often, perks like lounge access and no foreign fees usually outweigh the cost.
Can I bring family or guests to lounges?
Some cards allow 1–2 guests per visit; others only cover the cardholder. Premium options like Emirates NBD Skywards Infinite include unlimited access for both cardholder and guests.
Airline miles and cashback often have expiry terms. Keep an eye on expiry dates and redemption limits.
Which cards are best for low-salary residents?
Cards like Liv. Cashback Plus, FAB Rewards Indulge, and FAB Cashback Credit Card offer travel perks and lounge access without high minimum salary requirements.
Are there credit cards with free global lounge access for families?
Yes, premium cards like RAKBank World Credit Card and FAB Travel Card allow cardholders to bring 1–2 guests, making them suitable for family travelers.
Which travel credit card gives the most cashback on hotels and flights?
Cards like ADCB Traveller Credit Card and RAKBank World Credit Card provide up to 10% cashback on hotel stays, airline tickets, and travel bookings, while FAB Travel Card offers complimentary yearly flights and FAB Rewards on all spends.
Which travel credit cards offer zero foreign currency exchange fees?
The ADCB Traveller Credit Card offers zero foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international spending.
Conclusion
Choosing a travel credit card isn’t just about chasing miles or lounges. It’s about matching the card to how you travel and spend. A frequent flyer will need a very different card from someone taking an annual vacation. Pick one that rewards your lifestyle and makes every trip easier.
Travel smarter. Spend wisely. And wherever you go, make every mile count.
Planning a trip? Protect your trip with comprehensive coverage from MooCover. Contact us today!
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