Cashback credit cards remain one of the most rewarding financial tools for everyday spending in the UAE. With rising inflation and increased digital transactions, choosing the right cashback credit card can significantly reduce your expenses across categories such as dining, groceries, fuel, online purchases, and utility payments.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the top cashback credit cards in the UAE as of 2025, including eligibility, benefits, cashback structures, and expert recommendations.
1. Mashreq Cashback Credit Card
Cashback Structure:
- 5% on dining (both domestic and international)
- 1% on non-dining international spends
- 1% on local retail transactions
- 0.33% on utilities, government services, and educational expenses
Welcome Bonus:
- Up to AED 500 for new customers and AED 100 for existing customers upon spending AED 5,000 in the first two months
Annual Fee:
- Free for life
Minimum Salary Requirement:
- AED 5,000
Notable Features:
Mashreq’s Cashback Credit Card is one of the most consistent and reliable cashback cards in the market. It offers unlimited cashback without caps and has no annual fees, making it ideal for budget-conscious consumers. The card is also available in a Shariah-compliant variant.
Expert Verdict:
Best suited for users who prefer a simple, no-fee card with broad cashback coverage and unlimited returns.
2. ADIB Cashback Visa Covered Card
Cashback Structure:
- 4% cashback on supermarkets, fuel, education, dining, and utility bills
- Cashback is capped per category, with a total monthly cashback limit of AED 1,000
Annual Fee:
- AED 99
Minimum Salary Requirement:
- Not explicitly stated
Notable Features:
This card stands out due to its high cashback on essential categories. It doesn’t require a minimum spend, making it accessible to a wide user base. Cashback is automatically credited each month, and the card supports Apple Pay and Samsung Pay integration.
Expert Verdict:
Ideal for moderate spenders focused on daily necessities who want to maximize cashback without worrying about high minimum spend requirements.
3. Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) Cashback Credit Card
Cashback Structure:
- 10% cashback on online purchases and mobile wallet spends (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay)
- 1% on other domestic retail transactions
- 0.5% on groceries, fuel, and utilities
- AED 300 monthly cashback cap
Annual Fee:
- AED 199 (waived if annual spend exceeds AED 10,000)
Minimum Salary Requirement:
- AED 8,000
Notable Features:
This card is designed for digital-savvy users who use mobile wallets regularly. The high cashback rate on digital transactions makes it one of the most attractive options for online shoppers and contactless payment users.
Expert Verdict:
Highly recommended for users who make frequent online and digital wallet purchases and can manage spending within the cashback limit.
4. ADCB 365 Cashback Credit Card
Cashback Structure:
- 6% on dining
- 5% on groceries
- 3% on fuel and utility payments
- 1% on all other transactions
- Total monthly cashback cap: AED 1,000
Annual Fee:
- AED 383 (waived if monthly spend exceeds AED 5,000)
Minimum Salary Requirement:
- AED 8,000
Notable Features:
ADCB 365 offers balanced cashback across essential categories. This card is best for individuals with consistent monthly expenses across food, fuel, and utility payments.
Expert Verdict:
A well-rounded cashback card for users with regular monthly expenses who can meet the spend threshold for the fee waiver.
5. HSBC Cashback Live+ Credit Card
Cashback Structure:
- 6% on dining
- 5% on fuel
- 2% on groceries and education
- 0.5% on all other spends
- Minimum monthly spend of AED 3,000 required to earn maximum cashback
Annual Fee:
- AED 313 (waived with annual spend above AED 12,000)
Minimum Salary Requirement:
- AED 10,000
Notable Features:
In addition to competitive cashback rates, the card offers lifestyle benefits like cinema ticket discounts, airport lounge access, and travel insurance.
Expert Verdict:
Best suited for high-income individuals looking for premium features along with cashback benefits.
6. Dubai First Cashback Credit Card
Cashback Structure:
- 5% on groceries, dining, and fuel
- 3% on international purchases
- 1% on all other domestic spends
- Monthly cashback cap: AED 400
Annual Fee:
- Free for life
Minimum Salary Requirement:
- AED 5,000
Notable Features:
A no-annual-fee card that offers decent cashback rates across daily expenses. Cashback is posted quickly, and there are no hidden charges.
Expert Verdict:
Recommended for entry-level users and salaried professionals looking for simple, straightforward cashback rewards.
7. RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card
Cashback Structure:
- Up to 5% on dining and supermarket purchases
- 50% discount on movie tickets and entertainment
- Monthly cashback cap: AED 1,500
Annual Fee:
- Free for life
Minimum Salary Requirement:
- AED 8,000
Notable Features:
Apart from cashback, the card offers generous discounts on lifestyle and entertainment spends, making it perfect for families and moviegoers.
Expert Verdict:
An excellent lifestyle card for users who spend significantly on dining and entertainment.
8. Citi Cashback Credit Card
Cashback Structure:
- 3% on international (non-AED) spends
- 2% on grocery
- 1% on all other spends
- Lounge access and travel insurance included
Annual Fee:
- AED 300
Minimum Salary Requirement:
- AED 8,000
Notable Features:
Citi’s card is tailored for frequent travellers and international spenders. It offers additional perks like complimentary travel insurance and airport lounge access.
Expert Verdict:
Ideal for expats and professionals who travel often and spend in foreign currencies.
Tips to Maximize Cashback
- Track Spending by Category: Ensure that your expenses align with the categories offering maximum cashback to optimize returns.
- Avoid Revolving Debt: Always pay the full balance to avoid interest, which can negate cashback benefits.
- Use Multiple Cards: Consider using more than one card to maximize benefits across different categories (e.g., one for groceries, one for dining).
- Watch Out for Caps: Many cards have monthly cashback caps; spend within those limits to avoid diminishing returns.
- Review Terms Regularly: Card features and terms may change, so keep yourself updated via official bank websites or apps.
Conclusion
The best cashback card for you depends on your lifestyle, monthly spending habits, and financial goals. For beginners, no-fee cards like Mashreq or Dubai First offer simplicity and savings. If you’re a frequent traveller, Citi or HSBC might be a better fit. For digital-first spenders, the SIB Cashback Card stands out with high returns on online transactions.
Always read the fine print and consider total benefits—including annual fees, caps, and perks—before choosing a card. Let me know if you’d like a comparison matrix or help choosing the best card based on your specific spending profile.
Read More: Chartered Accountant (CA) Course in India: 2025 Guide
