Best FAB Bank Credit Cards in UAE 2026

Picking the right credit card in the UAE can feel really hard. There are so many choices and so many numbers to think about. But if you take a little time to understand what each card does, it becomes much easier. This guide covers all the major FAB credit cards available in the UAE in 2026. We explain each card simply, tell you exactly who it is good for, and help you decide which one is right for you.

FAB stands for First Abu Dhabi Bank. It is one of the largest banks in the UAE and has its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. FAB was formed in 2017 when National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and First Gulf Bank (FGB) merged together. Today, FAB serves millions of customers across the UAE and in more than 20 countries. Its credit cards are among the most popular in the country because they cover almost every type of lifestyle, from students and families to frequent travellers and high earners.

What Is a Credit Card and How Does It Work

A credit card is like a small loan from the bank. When you buy something with it, the bank pays for it first. Then at the end of the month, the bank sends you a bill. If you pay the full amount on time, you do not pay any extra interest. If you only pay part of the bill, the bank charges you interest on the rest. That is why it is always smart to pay your full balance every month.

FAB credit cards also give you rewards when you spend. That means every time you buy groceries, pay a phone bill, or book a flight, you earn points or cashback. Over time, these rewards add up and can save you real money.

Understanding FAB Rewards Points

Most FAB credit cards use a system called FAB Rewards. Every time you spend money using your card, you collect FAB Rewards points. Think of them like loyalty stickers at a shop. The more you collect, the more you can get in return.

You can use your FAB Rewards points to get cashback, shopping vouchers, bill payments, airline miles, dining discounts, and more. You manage all of this through the FAB Mobile app on your phone. The basic value of FAB Rewards is around AED 1 for every 1,000 points you earn.

Some FAB cards earn different types of rewards instead of FAB Rewards points. For example, the FAB ADNOC Rewards Credit Card gives you ADNOC Rewards points that you can use at ADNOC petrol stations. The FAB Etihad Guest Infinite Credit Card gives you Etihad Guest Miles that you can use to book free flights on Etihad Airways. We will explain these clearly in each card section below.

New in 2026: FAB Rewards Active Credit Card

The biggest and most exciting credit card launch from FAB in 2026 is the FAB Rewards Active Credit Card. FAB announced this card in January 2026, together with Mastercard. It is a world first because no other credit card anywhere has ever come with a fitness ring like this one.

The fitness ring is a small ring you wear on your finger. You can tap it at any shop to pay, just like you would tap a regular credit card. It also counts your steps every day. The more steps you take, the more FAB Rewards points you earn. Everything connects to the FAB Mobile app so you can track your steps and points easily.

The FAB Rewards Active Credit Card also features a special animated digital design showing Lionel Messi, the football legend and Mastercard Ambassador. The card earns 5 FAB Rewards for every AED 1 you spend at sports shops. For all other purchases, you earn 2 FAB Rewards per AED 1. You also earn 25 FAB Rewards for every 1,000 steps you log each day.

Other benefits include free access to more than 25 gyms and fitness classes across the UAE, up to 30% off at top sports and wellness brands, and up to 20% off at Sun and Sand Sports online. Monthly bonus rewards on sports purchases are capped at 50,000 FAB Rewards.

This card is great for people who already spend money on gym memberships, sports gear, and fitness activities. If you are active and want to earn rewards just by walking, this card makes total sense.

FAB Credit Cards Quick Comparison Table

In-Depth Review of Every FAB Credit Card

1. FAB Indulge Credit Card: Best Free Card for Everyday Spending

The FAB Indulge Credit Card is one of the most popular cards in the entire FAB range. It is free for life, which means you never pay an annual fee. Not in the first year, not ever. This alone makes it stand out from many other credit cards in the UAE.

The card requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000, which is the lowest entry point for any FAB card. This makes it a great choice for first-time credit card users, young professionals, and anyone who wants real rewards without paying a fee.

The earn rate is one of the strongest at this price point. You get 5 FAB Rewards for every AED 1 you spend on online transactions. That includes online shopping on websites like Amazon.ae and noon, paying streaming bills like Netflix and Spotify, and ordering food on apps like Talabat and Deliveroo. For spending in physical shops, the rate is 1 FAB Reward per AED 1 spent.

The FAB Indulge card also includes complimentary airport lounge access. This is unusual for a free card. Most cards that offer airport lounge access charge a fee. You also get discounts at more than 150 restaurants across the UAE and 20% off shopping on Namshi, one of the UAE’s biggest fashion platforms. The card runs on the Mastercard network, which means it is accepted almost everywhere.

One honest note: the 1 FAB Reward per AED 1 rate on physical spending is quite low. If most of your daily spending is in supermarkets, fuel stations, or physical stores, another card from this list might give you more value. But if you spend a lot online, the 5x earn rate makes the FAB Indulge card very hard to beat at zero cost.

Who should get this card: Anyone who shops online regularly, pays for subscriptions digitally, or simply wants a first credit card with no annual fee and genuine benefits.

2. FAB Cashback Credit Card: Best for Daily Household Spending

The FAB Cashback Credit Card is the simplest card on this list. There are no points to collect and no complicated redemption steps. You spend money, and the bank gives you a percentage of it back as real cash. That is the whole idea.

The card earns cashback on the everyday spending categories that most UAE families already have: groceries from Carrefour, Spinneys, or Lulu Hypermarket, fuel at ADNOC or ENOC stations, electricity and water bills to DEWA or SEWA, and dining at restaurants. For a family spending AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 a month on these categories, the cashback adds up to a meaningful amount over 12 months.

FAB ran a promotion where new applicants who spent AED 3,000 within 30 days of getting the card received AED 500 guaranteed cashback. Always check the FAB website at bankfab.com for the latest promotional offer when you apply.

The interest rate on this card starts at 3.25% per month on retail purchases if you do not pay your full balance. Cashback cards only save you money if you pay off your balance every month. If you regularly carry a balance, the interest charges will cancel out any cashback you earn. In that case, the FAB Low-Rate Credit Card is a better option.

Who should get this card: Families and salaried professionals who want to save money on regular household spending without tracking a complex rewards program.

3. FAB Z Credit Card: Best for Entertainment and Subscriptions

The FAB Z Credit Card launched in August 2025 and very quickly became popular among younger professionals and digital-first residents in the UAE. It was built specifically for people whose biggest monthly expenses are streaming services, food delivery apps, gaming, and digital subscriptions.

The card requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 and has an annual fee of AED 315. The card gives you a free Careem Plus subscription and a free Noon One membership for a full year. It also gives you 20% off your monthly subscriptions for Netflix, PlayStation Network, YouTube Premium, and Spotify.

Think about what that means in real money. A Netflix subscription in the UAE costs around AED 44 per month. Spotify costs around AED 19 per month. YouTube Premium is around AED 18 per month. Careem Plus is around AED 19 per month. Just the discounts and free subscriptions on these four services alone can easily cover the AED 315 annual fee within the first few months.

The FAB Z card also has no foreign exchange fees when you spend in other currencies. The card earns FAB Rewards on all other spending too, and includes airport lounge access through the Mastercard Travel Pass app if your flight is delayed.

Who should get this card: Young professionals, digital-native residents, and anyone whose monthly subscriptions to streaming platforms and delivery apps add up to AED 200 or more per month.

4. FAB ADNOC Rewards Credit Card: Best for Regular ADNOC Petrol Buyers

If you drive a car in the UAE and fill up at ADNOC petrol stations regularly, this card can genuinely save you money every single month. ADNOC is the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and operates the largest network of petrol stations in the UAE. Most UAE residents fill up at ADNOC because of how widely available the stations are.

The FAB ADNOC Rewards Credit Card requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 and has an annual fee of AED 315. The card gives you a guaranteed welcome bonus of 300,000 ADNOC Rewards points, worth AED 300, when you sign up and pay the annual fee. That alone almost covers the cost of the card in the first year.

On an ongoing basis, you can earn up to 150,000 ADNOC Rewards points per month on fuel spending. That translates to up to AED 150 worth of value every month just from filling up your car. To earn the maximum rewards, you need to spend at least AED 3,000 total on the card each month.

The card also grants you instant ADNOC Rewards Gold Membership in your first year. Gold members get discounts on coffee and snacks inside ADNOC stations, reduced carwash voucher prices, and discounts on lube service packages. Beyond fuel, the card includes access to over 1,300 airport lounges in 135 countries through the Mastercard Travel Pass app.

One thing to keep in mind: the main rewards on this card are ADNOC points, not FAB Rewards points. This means most of your rewards can only be used at ADNOC stations. If you want more flexible rewards, a different card may suit you better.

Who should get this card: UAE residents who drive regularly and fill up at ADNOC petrol stations at least two or three times a month.

5. FAB Low-Rate Credit Card: Best for Carrying a Balance

This card does not have an exciting rewards program. It will not earn you airline miles or give you free gym access. But it solves a very real financial problem that many UAE residents face: carrying credit card debt with high interest.

The FAB Low-Rate Credit Card charges just 1.5% interest per month for UAE Nationals and 1.99% per month for expatriates. Compare this to the 3.99% per month charged by most other FAB credit cards and by many cards at other UAE banks. If you are carrying an AED 10,000 balance, the difference in interest cost can be more than AED 200 every single month.

The card also lets you do a balance transfer from another credit card at 0% interest for up to 18 months for UAE Nationals and up to 12 months for expatriates. This means if you have debt on a high-interest card at another bank like Emirates NBD, ADCB, or RAKBANK, you can move it to this FAB card and pay it down without interest charges for a year or more.

You also get Buy Now Pay Later plans starting from 0.99% interest for up to 48 months on large purchases. There are no foreign exchange fees on international spending too.

Who should get this card: Anyone who sometimes carries a credit card balance from month to month, or who wants to move existing high-interest credit card debt from another bank to a much lower rate.

6. FAB GEMS World Credit Card: Best for GEMS School Parents

School fees in the UAE are among the highest household expenses for expat families. Annual fees at many GEMS Education schools can range from AED 30,000 to over AED 70,000 per child. The FAB GEMS World Credit Card was designed specifically to reduce that burden, and it does the job better than any other card on this list if you have children at a GEMS school.

The card saves you up to 3% on GEMS school fees when you pay your tuition using the card. On top of that, you get 10% cashback on school-related costs like bus fees, canteen spending, school uniforms, and extracurricular activity fees. All cashback is added as FAB Rewards to your account.

The card also lets you split your GEMS school fees over 12 months with 0% interest and no processing fees. This is a helpful way to manage a big annual bill without paying extra.

Beyond education, the card includes 8 complimentary airport lounge visits per year at over 1,000 lounges globally. There is 20% off at Emaar Attractions like Dubai Aquarium and Dubai Ice Rink, 10% off at Al Montazah Parks, and 30% off general admission tickets at IMG Worlds of Adventure. You also get 2 discounted cinema tickets per month for AED 20 each at Reel Cinemas, Cine Royal, and Star Cinemas.

For everyday spending, the card earns 1% cashback on domestic purchases and 2% cashback on international spending. The minimum salary for this card is AED 8,000. The annual fee is waived completely if you spend at least AED 24,000 on non-educational expenses in the previous year.

Who should get this card: Parents with one or more children enrolled at any GEMS Education school in the UAE. For this group, the savings on school fees alone make it one of the best value cards available in the country.

7. FAB Travel Credit Card: Best for Frequent Travellers Without Airline Loyalty

The FAB Travel Credit Card is for people who travel a lot but do not always fly with the same airline. Some frequent travellers in the UAE stick exclusively to Etihad Airways or Emirates. But many others book whatever airline has the best price or schedule. This card is built for that second group.

The card requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000 and has an annual fee of AED 1,500. On card activation, you get a free flight voucher to one of more than 15 destinations. For ongoing rewards, the card earns 12% back on all flight and hotel bookings, earned as FAB Rewards points. There are also no foreign currency conversion fees on any international spending.

The monthly cap on travel cashback rewards is 612,000 FAB Rewards, which translates to about AED 1,800 per month. Most cardholders will never come close to hitting that limit. The FAB Travel card also includes complimentary global airport lounge access for the cardholder and two guests. This is one of the most generous lounge policies across all FAB cards.

Since the rewards are in FAB Rewards points rather than airline miles tied to one airline, you can redeem them flexibly. You can book flights on any airline, pay for hotel stays on any booking platform, or use the points for cashback.

Who should get this card: UAE residents earning AED 25,000 or more who travel three times a year or more and want flexible travel rewards not tied to a single airline.

8. FAB Etihad Guest Infinite Credit Card: Best for Etihad Airways Flyers

If Etihad Airways is your go-to airline for travel, the FAB Etihad Guest Infinite Credit Card is one of the most valuable cards available in the UAE. It is a premium Visa Infinite product with a clear focus on helping you earn Etihad Guest Miles faster and fly for free sooner.

New cardholders get a welcome bonus of 55,000 Etihad Guest Miles after paying the first-year annual fee of AED 2,500. The card earns up to 7.5 Etihad Guest Miles for every AED 10 spent when you use the optional Miles Accelerator Programme, available for AED 250 per month. Standard earning is 3.5 miles per AED 10 on domestic spending, 6 miles per AED 10 on international spending, and 7 miles per AED 10 on Etihad.com purchases.

Cardholders who spend AED 200,000 in a year receive a 75% Etihad Guest Miles discount voucher. This means you can book a reward flight to any destination in any cabin class for just 25% of the usual miles cost.

The card also fast-tracks you to Etihad Guest Gold membership. You get Gold status just by completing one return flight on Etihad within six months of activating the card. Other benefits include unlimited access to airport lounges worldwide through Visa, 4 free in-flight Wi-Fi vouchers, 6 discounted airport transfers per year, 6 discounted Meet and Greet airport services per year, and 6 discounted cinema tickets per month.

The card also includes Credit Shield Pro, which provides death protection coverage up to AED 300,000, daily hospitalization payouts, and job-loss protection. The minimum salary requirement is AED 30,000 per month.

Who should get this card: UAE residents who fly Etihad Airways regularly and want to earn miles quickly, reach Etihad Gold status faster, and eventually redeem miles for free business or first class flights.

9. FAB Elite Credit Card: Best for Luxury Lifestyle

The FAB Elite Credit Card is designed for high earners who want a card that keeps up with their lifestyle. It is less about travel miles and more about premium experiences in the UAE, from five-star restaurant discounts to 24/7 concierge service.

The card requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 50,000 and has an annual fee of AED 1,200. It earns up to 20 FAB Rewards on luxury spending categories. You can earn up to 500,000 FAB Rewards in total, which is the highest rewards cap in the entire FAB card range.

One of the standout benefits is up to 50% off at over 100 five-star restaurants in the UAE. This includes some of the most well-known dining destinations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. If you dine out at premium restaurants two or three times a month, the savings here alone can easily exceed the annual fee.

The card includes a 24-hour concierge service that handles personal requests like restaurant reservations, travel bookings, event tickets, and lifestyle arrangements. The FAB Elite card also offers exclusive access to luxury venues and significant discounts at major UAE attractions including Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai Aquarium, and Burj Al Arab experiences.

Cardholders also earn bonus rewards for eco-friendly purchases and can participate in FAB’s tree-planting programme, which reflects FAB’s commitment to sustainability and its goal to invest over USD 135 billion in green financing by 2030.

Who should get this card: High-income professionals and business owners in the UAE who spend regularly on luxury dining, lifestyle experiences, and premium services.

Which FAB Credit Card Should You Get

General Eligibility Requirements for FAB Credit Cards

To apply for any FAB credit card in the UAE, you must be at least 21 years old and have a regular monthly income. The minimum salary varies depending on which card you want. Entry-level cards start at AED 5,000 per month. Premium cards like the FAB Elite and FAB Etihad Guest Infinite require AED 50,000 and AED 30,000 respectively.

Both UAE Nationals and expatriates can apply for most FAB credit cards. Some cards, like the FAB Emirati Islamic Credit Card, are exclusively for UAE Nationals. Expatriates need a valid UAE residence visa and a valid Emirates ID.

The standard documents you need are a valid Emirates ID, a copy of your passport with UAE residence visa for expats, and either a recent salary certificate from your employer or your last three months of bank statements showing your salary.

How to Apply for a FAB Credit Card in the UAE

Applying for a FAB credit card is straightforward. The fastest way is through the FAB Mobile app. You download the app, go to the credit cards section, choose the card you want, upload your documents, and submit. FAB sends you real-time updates on your application status. Most applications get a decision within 2 to 5 working days.

You can also apply at any FAB branch across the UAE, through the FAB website at bankfab.com, or by calling the FAB contact centre on 600 52 5500.

Frequently Asked Questions About FAB Credit Cards in UAE

What is the minimum salary required for a FAB credit card in the UAE?

The minimum monthly salary to qualify for most FAB credit cards is AED 5,000. This applies to entry-level cards like the FAB Indulge, FAB Cashback, FAB Z, and FAB ADNOC Rewards. Cards like the FAB Travel require AED 25,000, the FAB Etihad Guest Infinite requires AED 30,000, and the FAB Elite requires AED 50,000.

Are there any free-for-life FAB credit cards?

Yes. The FAB Indulge Credit Card is completely free for life with no annual fee ever. The FAB GEMS World Credit Card fee is waived if you spend at least AED 24,000 on non-educational purchases in the previous year. FAB occasionally runs free-for-life promotions on the Cashback card too, so always check the current offer at bankfab.com before applying.

What is the interest rate on FAB credit cards?

Interest rates depend on the card. The FAB Low-Rate Credit Card charges 1.5% per month for UAE Nationals and 1.99% per month for expatriates. Most other FAB credit cards charge 3.99% per month on retail purchases and cash advances. All FAB cards include an interest-free grace period of up to 56 days if you pay your full balance by the due date each month.

Can expatriates in the UAE apply for FAB credit cards?

Yes. The majority of FAB credit cards are open to both UAE Nationals and expatriates. The main exception is the FAB Emirati Islamic Credit Card, which is exclusively for UAE Nationals. Expatriates need a valid Emirates ID, a UAE residence visa, and proof of income to apply.

How do I use FAB Rewards points?

You can redeem FAB Rewards points through the FAB Mobile app or FAB Online Banking. Options include cashback credited directly to your account, shopping vouchers, airline miles, utility and telecom bill payments, dining credits, and retail discounts. Cashback is the most popular option because it is instant and simple to use.

Can I have more than one FAB credit card?

Yes. FAB allows you to hold multiple credit cards, subject to their review of your income and overall credit exposure. Many customers in the UAE keep a free rewards card for online spending and a travel or cashback card for physical spending. It is a common and smart approach to maximize the value of both.

What is the FAB Rewards Active fitness ring?

The FAB Rewards Active Credit Card comes with the world’s first wearable fitness and payment ring. It is a ring you wear on your finger that counts your steps and lets you tap to pay at shops. It connects to the FAB Mobile app and earns you 25 FAB Rewards for every 1,000 steps you take daily. The ring is included free with the card.

What documents do I need to apply for a FAB credit card?

The standard documents are a valid Emirates ID, a passport copy with UAE residence visa for expatriates, and either a salary certificate or three months of bank statements confirming your income. Some premium cards may require additional documents like an employment contract or recent utility bill.

Is there a welcome bonus when I get a FAB credit card?

Many FAB cards offer welcome bonuses. The FAB Etihad Guest Infinite Card gives 55,000 Etihad Guest Miles on activation. The FAB ADNOC Rewards card gives 300,000 ADNOC points guaranteed when you sign up and pay the fee. The FAB Cashback card has run promotions offering AED 500 cashback for spending AED 3,000 in the first 30 days. Welcome offers change regularly, so check bankfab.com for the most current deals.

How do I cancel my FAB credit card?

You can cancel your FAB credit card by calling customer care on 600 52 5500, visiting any FAB branch, or submitting a written cancellation request through the FAB Mobile app. Make sure your outstanding balance is fully paid before you request cancellation to avoid any additional charges or complications.

Does FAB offer Islamic credit cards?

Yes. FAB offers a full range of Shariah-compliant Islamic credit cards under its FAB Islamic Banking division. These include the FAB Emirati Islamic Credit Card and the FAB Islamic Etihad Guest Infinite Credit Card. Islamic credit cards work on a Murabaha or Wakala structure instead of charging interest, which is called riba in Arabic. This makes them suitable for customers who follow Islamic finance principles. They still offer the same rewards and lifestyle benefits as the conventional card equivalents.

All information in this article is based on data available as of April 2026. FAB updates its card products, fees, and offers regularly. Always verify the latest terms and conditions directly at bankfab.com or by calling 600 52 5500 before applying for any card.