You swipe your card for groceries at Carrefour, fuel at ENOC, or a family dinner at your favorite restaurant in Dubai Mall. What if every dirham you spent came back to you?
That's the promise of cashback credit cards-and in the UAE, where contactless payments are the norm and credit card penetration is high, choosing the right one can quietly add thousands of dirhams back into your pocket every year.
But here's the catch: not all cashback cards deliver what they advertise. Some cap your earnings. Others demand high spends or annual fees that eat into your returns.
And if you're an NRI planning to eventually move back to India, you want a card that fits your lifestyle now and doesn't complicate your financial future.
At Belong, we've helped thousands of NRIs in the UAE navigate smarter financial decisions-from USD fixed deposits in GIFT City to tax-efficient investment strategies. We know how much clarity matters when every financial choice counts.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the best cashback credit cards in the UAE for 2025, what to look for, how to maximize returns, and the hidden traps to avoid.
By the end, you'll know exactly which card suits your spending pattern-and how to make it work harder for you.
What Are Cashback Credit Cards and How Do They Work?
A cashback credit card gives you back a percentage of what you spend-usually between 1% and 5%-depending on the merchant category and card terms.
Here's how it typically works:
- You spend AED 5,000 on groceries, fuel, and dining in a month.
- Your card offers 5% cashback on groceries, 3% on fuel, and 1% on everything else.
- At the end of the billing cycle, you receive cashback credited to your card statement or a linked account.
Unlike rewards points that require conversion or redemption hassles, cashback is straightforward-it's cash you can use to pay bills, reduce your statement balance, or save.
For NRIs living in the UAE, cashback cards are particularly useful because:
- You're likely spending in AED regularly across categories like groceries, fuel, dining, and online shopping.
- Many cards offer accelerated cashback on popular UAE merchants like Carrefour, Lulu, ENOC, and ADNOC.
- Cashback earnings are typically tax-free in the UAE, making them more attractive than taxable interest income.
👉 Tip: Choose cards that align with where you actually spend. A 5% cashback on dining won't help if you rarely eat out.
Why Cashback Credit Cards Make Sense for NRIs in the UAE
If you're an NRI working in the UAE, here's why cashback cards should be on your radar:
1. Tax-free earnings
The UAE has no personal income tax, which means your cashback earnings aren't taxed. Compare this to India, where interest income from NRE or NRO fixed deposits may be taxable depending on your residential status.
2. High spending in AED
Most NRIs in the UAE earn and spend entirely in dirhams. Whether it's rent, school fees, groceries, or weekend trips to Yas Mall, your monthly outflows are significant-and a good cashback card can recover 2-4% of that.
3. Simplicity over points
Rewards points often come with expiry dates, complicated redemption processes, and blackout dates for flight bookings. Cashback is transparent: spend AED 1,000, get AED 50 back. No gimmicks.
4. Future flexibility
If you're planning to return to India eventually, managing fewer credit cards abroad simplifies your exit. Cashback cards typically don't require you to "redeem" anything before closing the account-your earnings are already credited.
5. Complements your investment strategy
At Belong, we often advise NRIs to optimize both their spending and saving strategies. While you earn cashback on daily expenses, consider channeling those savings into GIFT City USD fixed deposits or Alternative Investment Funds for tax-free, dollar-denominated returns.
Also Read -Hidden Charges in NRI Accounts - What Banks Don't Tell You
Key Features to Look for in a Cashback Credit Card
Not all cashback cards are created equal. Here's what separates the best from the rest:
Cashback Rate
The percentage you earn back matters. Look for:
- Base rate: 1-2% on general spending
- Accelerated rates: 5-10% on specific categories (groceries, fuel, dining)
Example:
Emirates NBD GO4IT Cashback Credit Card: Up to 8% cashback at select partners (e.g., Carrefour, ENOC), 0.8% on other spends, no cap mentioned, annual fee AED 525 (waived first year), minimum salary AED 5,000/month.
Annual Fee vs. Cashback Earned
Some premium cashback cards charge AED 500-1,000 annually. Calculate whether your expected cashback will exceed the fee.
Simple formula:
If you spend AED 8,000/month with an average 2% cashback = AED 1,920/year cashback. A card with AED 500 annual fee still nets you AED 1,420.
Cashback Caps
Many cards impose monthly or quarterly caps on how much cashback you can earn. For instance, a card might offer 5% cashback on groceries up to AED 100/month. If you spend AED 3,000 on groceries, you'll hit the cap quickly.
👉 Tip: Always check the fine print for caps. High-percentage cashback with low caps can be misleading.
Eligible Categories
Does the card reward your actual spending habits?
- Frequent driver? Prioritize fuel cashback.
- Online shopper? Look for e-commerce bonuses.
- Dining out weekly? Find dining-focused cards.
According to recent consumer spending data, UAE consumers allocate a significant portion (around 30-40%) of their budget to groceries and dining, making these categories prime targets for cashback optimization. (source)
Redemption Method
Some cards auto-credit cashback to your statement monthly. Others require you to accumulate and manually redeem. The former is simpler and ensures you don't forget.
Foreign Transaction Fees
If you travel frequently or shop from international websites, check whether the card charges foreign transaction fees (typically 2-3%). Some premium cashback cards waive these.
Supplementary Cards
If your spouse or family members use credit cards, check whether the card allows free supplementary cards that contribute to the same cashback pool.
Top 5 Cashback Credit Cards in UAE
Based on features, user reviews from platforms like Souqalmal and Bankrate Middle East, and real-world usage patterns, here are the best cashback credit cards in the UAE:
1. Emirates NBD GO4IT Gold Cashback Credit Card
Best for: High spenders across multiple categories
Cashback structure:
- 5 points per AED 400 on weekend spends (convertible to cashback)
- 4 points per AED 400 on RTA transport
- 1 point per AED 400 on weekday spends
- No cap on total points earned (per statement cap applicable)
Annual fee: AED 103.95 (waived first year in some promotions)
Minimum salary: AED 5,000/month
Why we like it:
This card is perfect if you frequently shop at partner outlets or use public transport. The high weekend rate at general merchants alone can recover hundreds of dirhams monthly for a family. Plus, no cashback cap means high spenders benefit the most.
Downside:
The base rate on non-weekend merchants is average. If you don't shop or travel regularly, other cards may serve you better.
Who it's for:
NRIs with families who shop weekly and commute via RTA.
Source: Emirates NBD GO4IT Gold Official Page, MyMoneySouq Emirates NBD GO4IT Gold Card, YallaCompare Review.
2. Citi Cashback Credit Card
Best for: Simplicity and low annual fee
Cashback structure:
- 3% cashback on non-AED/international spends
- 2% cashback on groceries/supermarkets
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Up to AED 150/month (no cap specified beyond this, but excludes certain utility payments via app)
Annual fee: None in year 1 (AED 300 from year 2 if spend \< AED 9,000)
Minimum salary: AED 8,000/month
Why we like it:
If you want straightforward cashback without fees, Citi's card is hard to beat. The AED 150 monthly cap is reasonable for moderate spenders, and the no-fee structure means every dirham earned is pure gain.
Downside:
The 1% base rate is low. This card works best if most of your spending falls into grocery/international categories.
Who it's for:
Budget-conscious NRIs or those new to credit cards in the UAE who want to test cashback benefits without commitment.
Source: - Citibank UAE Official Page, YallaCompare Citi Cashback Card
3. ADCB Traveller Credit Card
Best for: Frequent travelers and international shoppers
Cashback structure:
- 10% cashback on airline tickets and hotel stays (AED/non-AED)
- 1.5% cashback on other local/domestic AED spends
- No foreign transaction fees
- Max AED 1,500/month cashback (requires min AED 5,000 monthly spend for eligibility)
Annual fee: AED 1,575 (inc. VAT, no waiver mentioned)
Minimum salary: AED 20,000/month
Why we like it:
If you travel often-whether for work or leisure-this card eliminates the 2-3% foreign transaction fee most cards charge and gives you cashback on top. It's essentially a double win.
According to IATA data, UAE residents are among the world's most frequent international travelers, with aviation connectivity supporting multiple trips annually (High demand noted with 34.8 million passenger departures in 2023).
Downside:
The 1.5% local cashback is decent but not market-leading. If you rarely travel, other cards offer better local returns.
Who it's for:
NRIs who frequently visit India, travel for work, or shop from international e-commerce sites like Amazon.com or Apple.com.
Source: ADCB Official Traveller Credit Card Page, ADCB Traveller Card Guide,
ADCB Traveller Credit Card FAQs, ADCB Traveller Credit Card Page, ADCB Fees Schedule
4. Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
Best for: Digital spenders and online shoppers
Cashback structure:
- 5% cashback on online purchases (up to AED 100/month)
- 2% cashback on dining
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
Annual fee: No Annual Fee
Minimum salary: AED 5000/month
Why we like it:
UAE e-commerce sales reached $5.5 billion in 2024-a card rewarding online spending makes sense. Whether it's Noon, Amazon.ae, or Talabat, 5% cashback adds up fast.
Downside:
The AED 100/month cap on online cashback can be limiting if you're a heavy online shopper.
Who it's for:
Tech-savvy NRIs who order groceries online, subscribe to streaming services, and shop digitally for convenience.
Source: Mashreq Cashback Credit Card Official Page, Soulwallet Top Cashback Cards, MyMoneySouq Mashreq Cashback, Statista UAE eCommerce Forecast
5. FAB Cash back Credit Card
Best for: Everyday shoppers and international travelers
Cashback structure:
- 5% cashback on groceries, fashion, and dining (up to AED150 / category / month)
- 3% cashback on international spends
- 1% cashback on all other spends
- No cap (beyond category limits; requires min AED 3,000 monthly spend from June 2025)
Annual fee: AED 300 (waived first year for salary AED 50,000+ or min spend AED 10,000 in 60 days)
Minimum salary: AED 5,000/month
Why we like it:
This isn't just a cashback card-it's a lifestyle card. If you're a high earner who values category rewards alongside cashback, FAB cashback delivers. The tiered rate means someone spending AED 20,000/month earns up to AED 4,800/year in cashback alone.
Downside:
The category caps and min spend requirement make it inaccessible for most. You need significant spend to justify the cost.
Who it's for:
Senior executives, business owners, or high-net-worth NRIs who want both cashback and premium travel/concierge benefits.
Source: FAB Cashback Credit Card Official Page,, Soulwallet FAB Blue FAB Infinite, Soulwallet FAB Visa Infinite, Soulwallet FAB Elite Infinite,, MyMoneySouq FAB Cashback, Paisabazaar FAB Infinite Travel
Comparison Table: Cashback Credit card UAE
Card | Best Cashback Rate | Annual Fee | Cap | Min. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Emirates NBD GO4IT Gold | Up to 1.25% equivalent (5 Plus Points per AED 400 on weekends; points redeemable as cashback) | None (exclusive current offer) | Points earning cap per statement applies (details unspecified) | AED 5,000 |
Citi Cashback | 3% (non-AED/international spends); 2% (groceries/supermarkets) | AED 300 + 5% VAT (waived Year 1; waived Year 2+ if annual spend ≥ AED 9,000) | None (up to monthly credit limit) | AED 8,000 |
ADCB Traveller | 10% (flights/hotels); 1.5% (local/domestic AED spends) | AED 1,575 (including VAT; no waiver) | AED 1,500/month (requires min. AED 5,000 monthly spend) | AED 20,000 (or credit limit ≥ AED 30,000) |
Mashreq Cashback | 5% (dining, including international/local) | None (free for life) | None (unlimited for standard rates; promo max AED 50/merchant/month for first 4 months) | AED 5,000 |
FAB Infinite Credit Card | 5% cashback on groceries, fashion, and dining (up to AED 150/category/month); 3% cashback on international spends; 1% cashback on all other spends; 2% cashback on all spends | AED 300 (waived first year for salary AED 50,000+ or min spend AED 10,000 in 60 days); AED 2,000 (waived on AED 250,000 annual spend) | No cap (beyond category limits; requires min AED 3,000 monthly spend from June 2025) | AED 5,000 |
👉 Tip: Use Belong's comparison tools to evaluate not just credit cards but also investment options like GIFT City FDs that complement your financial strategy.
How to Maximize Cashback Earnings
Getting a cashback card is step one. Making it work for you requires strategy:
1. Align Card with Spending Habits
Don't chase high cashback rates in categories you rarely use. Track your last 3 months of spending (bank statements or budgeting apps) and identify where most of your money goes.
Example:
- 40% groceries → prioritize grocery cashback cards
- 25% dining → look for dining rewards
- 20% fuel → fuel cashback essential
2. Stack Offers and Promotions
Many UAE banks run quarterly promotions with boosted cashback (e.g., 10% instead of 5%) at specific merchants. Subscribe to email alerts or check the bank's app regularly.
Emirates NBD, for instance, frequently partners with noon.com and Amazon.ae for limited-time 15% cashback campaigns.
3. Use Multiple Cards Strategically
There's no rule against holding 2-3 cashback cards. Use each for its strengths:
- Card A: 5% on groceries
- Card B: 3% on fuel
- Card C: 2% on everything else
This "stacking" approach can push your effective cashback rate to 3-4% overall.
4. Pay Off Balances in Full
Cashback loses all value if you're paying 30-40% annual interest on unpaid balances. Credit card interest in the UAE typically ranges from 2.5-3.5% per month, which compounds to devastating amounts.
According to the UAE Central Bank, the average UAE credit card user carries a balance of AED 3,200, costing them roughly AED 1,000/year in interest-far more than any cashback earned.
Golden rule: Treat your cashback card like a debit card. Spend only what you can pay off monthly.
5. Automate Recurring Payments
Many cards offer bonus cashback on bill payments. Set up auto-pay for:
- Utilities (DEWA, ADDC, SEWA)
- Telecom (Etisalat, du)
- Insurance premiums
- Subscription services (Netflix, Spotify, gym memberships)
This "set and forget" approach ensures you never miss cashback opportunities.
6. Refer Friends
Some banks offer referral bonuses (e.g., AED 200 cashback per successful referral). If you're happy with your card, refer colleagues or friends moving to the UAE.
Also Read - Best Credit Card in UAE
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Cashback Credit Cards
Even experienced cardholders make these errors:
1. Ignoring the Cap
You see "5% cashback on groceries" and assume unlimited earnings. Reality: many cards cap grocery cashback at AED 100-150/month. Once you hit the cap, you're earning the base rate (often 0.5-1%).
What to do: Calculate your monthly grocery spend and check if the cap covers it. If you spend AED 4,000/month on groceries, a card with a AED 100 cap only gives you 2.5% effective cashback.
2. Paying Annual Fees Without Justification
A card with AED 500 annual fee sounds reasonable-until you realize you're only earning AED 300/year in cashback.
Break-even analysis:
- Annual fee: AED 500
- Required cashback to break even: AED 500
- If earning 2% cashback, you need to spend AED 25,000/year (AED 2,083/month)
If your monthly spending is lower, choose a no-fee card instead.
3. Carrying Balances
Repeating for emphasis: interest charges dwarf cashback benefits. A 3% monthly interest rate (36% annually) on AED 5,000 costs AED 1,800/year. No cashback card will compensate for that.
4. Not Tracking Cashback Earned
Many cardholders forget to check their cashback statements. Banks occasionally make errors (crediting wrong amounts or missing categories). Review your monthly statement and escalate discrepancies immediately.
5. Choosing Cards Based on Ads, Not Research
Banks advertise "up to 10% cashback!" in bold letters, burying the fine print (minimum spend, specific merchants, caps). Always read the terms and conditions.
👉 Tip: When evaluating any financial product-credit cards, GIFT City FDs, or mutual funds-focus on your circumstances, not the headline numbers.
Cashback Credit Cards vs. Rewards Points Cards: Which is Better?
This is a common dilemma. Here's a quick comparison:
Feature | Cashback Cards | Rewards Points Cards |
|---|---|---|
Simplicity | High (direct cash) | Medium (points need conversion) |
Flexibility | High (use anywhere) | Medium (limited to partners) |
Value transparency | High (1% = AED 1) | Low (points valuation varies) |
Expiry | Rarely | Often (12-36 months) |
Best for | Everyday spending | Travel, luxury purchases |
Our take:
For most NRIs in the UAE, cashback cards win on simplicity and flexibility. Rewards points cards make sense if you:
- Travel frequently and want flight/hotel redemptions
- Shop at luxury brands that offer bonus points
- Have the time and interest to optimize point transfers
If you want a "set and forget" solution, cashback is the way to go.
Also Read -Best Monthly Investment Plans in UAE
Tax Implications for NRIs Using UAE Credit Cards
One of the biggest advantages of living and working in the UAE is the absence of personal income tax. Your cashback earnings are not taxed.
But what if you're planning to return to India?
Understanding your residential status for tax purposes is critical. If you become a Resident Indian, your global income-including any foreign credit card rewards or interest-may become taxable.
However, cashback from UAE credit cards is typically considered a discount rather than income, so it's unlikely to be taxed even upon return. Always consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Related: Learn how DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) between India and UAE protects you from being taxed twice on the same income.
If you're already thinking about your eventual return to India, consider building a tax-efficient investment portfolio now. Belong offers GIFT City USD fixed deposits with tax-free returns and full repatriation, helping you bridge your UAE earnings with your India plans.
How to Apply for a Cashback Credit Card in UAE
The process is straightforward, whether you're a UAE national or an expat NRI:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Most cards require:
- Minimum monthly salary (AED 5,000 – AED 50,000 depending on card tier)
- UAE residency visa
- Valid Emirates ID
- Minimum age: 21 years
Step 2: Gather Documents
Typical requirements:
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID (front and back)
- Salary certificate or last 3 months' bank statements
- Utility bill (proof of address)
Step 3: Apply Online or In-Branch
Most UAE banks now offer full online applications. You can:
- Visit the bank's website or app
- Fill in the application form (5-10 minutes)
- Upload documents
- Receive approval within 2-5 business days
Alternatively, visit a branch if you prefer face-to-face service.
Step 4: Activate and Set Up
Once you receive your card:
- Activate it via SMS, app, or phone call
- Set up online banking and mobile app access
- Enable spend notifications to track usage
- Link card to digital wallets (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay) for contactless payments
👉 Tip: If you're new to the UAE or have limited credit history, start with entry-level cards (like Citi Cashback) to build your credit profile before applying for premium cards.
Managing Multiple Credit Cards: Best Practices for NRIs
If you decide to hold 2-3 cashback cards to maximize category spending, here's how to stay organized:
1. Use a Budgeting App
Apps like YNAB (You Need A Budget) or Mint can track spending across all cards in one dashboard. This prevents overspending and ensures you hit spending thresholds for bonus cashback.
2. Set Payment Reminders
Missing a payment deadline incurs late fees (typically AED 230) and damages your credit score. Set reminders 3-5 days before due dates, or better yet, enable auto-pay from your salary account.
3. Review Statements Monthly
Check for:
- Unauthorized transactions
- Incorrect cashback credits
- Annual fees charged unexpectedly
- Promotional bonus cashback
4. Close Unused Cards Properly
If a card no longer serves you (high fee, low cashback, better alternative available), don't just stop using it-close it formally. Call the bank, request closure, and get written confirmation. This prevents surprise annual fees.
5. Don't Hurt Your Credit Score
In the UAE, your credit score (managed by Al Etihad Credit Bureau) affects your ability to get loans, rent apartments, or even change jobs in some sectors. Maintain a good score by:
- Paying on time (100% of the time)
- Keeping credit utilization below 30% (e.g., if limit is AED 20,000, don't carry balances above AED 6,000)
- Not applying for too many cards in a short period (hard inquiries lower your score)
Cashback Cards and Your Broader NRI Financial Strategy
A cashback credit card is a tactical tool-it optimizes your spending. But smart NRIs don't stop there. They integrate cashback into a broader financial strategy that includes:
1. Emergency Fund
Before chasing cashback, ensure you have 6 months' expenses saved in a liquid account. The UAE job market can be volatile, and severance packages aren't guaranteed.
Consider parking your emergency fund in a UAE fixed deposit account for modest returns while maintaining liquidity.
2. Tax-Efficient Investments
Use cashback savings to fund:
- GIFT City USD fixed deposits: Tax-free returns, dollar-denominated safety, and easy repatriation.
- GIFT City Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs): Higher potential returns in private equity, hedge funds, or real estate funds-all within India's only international finance zone.
- NRE fixed deposits: Rupee-denominated, fully repatriable, and interest is tax-free in India.
3. Retirement Planning
If you plan to retire in India, start early. Consider:
- Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in Indian mutual funds via NRI investment platforms
- Building a diversified portfolio across equity, debt, and alternative assets
- Understanding capital gains tax implications when you eventually sell assets
4. Insurance Coverage
Cashback cards often come with complimentary insurance (travel, purchase protection). But don't rely on these for core coverage. Ensure you have:
- Comprehensive health insurance (employer-provided or private)
- Life insurance if you have dependents
- Property insurance if you own real estate in India
5. Estate Planning
If you're building wealth in both UAE and India, consider drafting a will that covers both jurisdictions. Learn more about will planning for NRIs in the UAE.
At Belong, we help NRIs connect the dots. From choosing the right credit card to building a tax-efficient investment portfolio, our Compliance Compass tool ensures you're not missing critical steps.
👉 Tip: Join our WhatsApp community to discuss real-world strategies with fellow NRIs facing the same financial decisions.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Spending Work for You
Choosing the right cashback credit card in the UAE isn't about chasing the highest advertised percentage. It's about understanding your spending patterns, minimizing fees, and integrating the card into a broader financial strategy that prepares you for both your present life in the UAE and your future plans in India.
Whether you're a young professional just starting out, a growing family managing household expenses, or a senior executive planning for retirement, the right card can quietly add thousands of dirhams back into your pocket every year-money you can reinvest, save, or enjoy.
Here's your action plan:
- Track your spending for 3 months to identify top categories (groceries, fuel, dining, online shopping).
- Compare cards using the table above and choose 1-2 that align with your habits.
- Apply online or visit a branch with required documents.
- Set up auto-pay and spend notifications to stay on top of payments.
- Redirect cashback savings into smart investments like GIFT City USD fixed deposits or GIFT City AIFs.
Need help navigating your NRI financial journey?
- Download the Belong app to compare investment products, track your portfolio, and access tax-efficient solutions.
- Join our WhatsApp community to connect with thousands of NRIs sharing insights, asking questions, and supporting each other.
- Explore our suite of tools: NRI FD rates comparison, Residential Status Calculator, and Compliance Compass.
At Belong, we believe financial clarity shouldn't be a luxury. Every NRI deserves access to trusted information, smart tools, and a supportive community. Start making your money work harder today-because you've earned it.
Related Articles:
- Best Credit Cards for NRIs Living in Dubai
- Best Banks for NRI Accounts in 2025
- How to Transfer Money from Dubai to India (2025 Guide)
- NRI Investment Options in India: Complete Guide
- GIFT City Benefits for NRIs: Tax-Free Investing Explained
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