Citi Rewards Credit Card review
Earning is straightforward: 1.5 ThankYou Points per USD 1 on groceries and international spend and 1 point per USD 1 on everything else, calculated in USD at 1 AED = 0.271 USD. The rate is modest, and the usual Citi limits apply, with EEA-currency spend at half the non-AED rate and categories like utilities and government at a quarter of the local rate. Redemption is simpler than on higher tiers: cash rebates at 45 points to AED 1 or travel spending, but no airline or hotel transfers on this card.
The appeal sits in the extras. A free first year and an easy AED 9,000 annual-spend waiver make it effectively cost-free, while eight lounge visits a year, monthly VOX and Talabat discounts, a Careem airport ride and Citi PayAll for rent and tuition round out the package. For a card at an AED 8,000 salary threshold, that is a lot of lifestyle value.
Just temper expectations on rewards: the low earn rate and lack of partner transfers mean the perks, not the points, are the real reason to hold it.
Card details
| Bank | Citibank |
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| Card type | Rewards |
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| Card network | Mastercard |
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| Minimum salary | AED 8,000 |
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| Annual fee | AED 315 |
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| Fee waiver | There is no annual fee in year 1. From year 2 onwards the card is free when the minimum annual spend of AED 9,000 is met; otherwise AED 300 plus 5% VAT applies. |
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| Interest (monthly) | 3.50% |
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| Reward type | Citi ThankYou Points |
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| Reward rate | Earn 1.5 ThankYou Points per USD 1 on grocery and non-AED international spend and 1 ThankYou Point per USD 1 on all other AED spend, with earn calculated in USD at 1 AED = 0.271 USD.Purchases in EEA currencies earn only 50% of the non-AED rate, while AED spend on Government Services, Utilities, Telecom, Education, Insurance, Real Estate, Transit and Transport earns just 25% of the AED rate. No points accrue on utility bill payments via Citibank channels, spend above the credit limit, bank fees, cash advances, balance transfers, exchange-house FX purchases, Citi insurance products, securities purchases, UAE Direct Debit transactions, 0% EPP conversions or business/third-party use. No cap is stated; points accrue only on eligible spend made within the credit limit during each statement cycle. Redeem as a cash rebate at 45 ThankYou Points to AED 1 (minimum 900 points) or against travel-related spending; airline and hotel points transfer is not listed for this card on Citi's redemption page. Points carry no stated expiry while the card stays open and in good standing, but are forfeited on card closure, arrears or death. |
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| Welcome bonus | New Citi credit card customers applying directly through the Citi website receive an AED 150 joining bonus as a statement credit after spending at least AED 6,000 within 60 days.New Citi Credit Card customers only | Apply directly through Citi website | Spend AED 6,000 within 60 days | Bonus paid as statement credit |
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| Lounge access | Both the primary and supplementary cardholder can access 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, with 8 visits a year subject to non-AED spend. |
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| Quick cash | A Loan on Card cash loan feature is available; the cash advance fee is 3% (minimum AED 99, maximum AED 250). |
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| Balance transfer | Balance Transfer on Card is offered with a processing fee of up to 6% of the transferred amount. |
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| Instalment plan | An Easy Installment Plan carries a processing fee of up to 4% and a 1% early settlement fee on the remaining balance; 0% EPP transactions earn no points. |
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Welcome bonus: New Citi credit card customers applying directly through the Citi website receive an AED 150 joining bonus as a statement credit after spending at least AED 6,000 within 60 days.
Terms: New Citi Credit Card customers only | Apply directly through Citi website | Spend AED 6,000 within 60 days | Bonus paid as statement credit
Citi Rewards Credit Card benefits
✓1.5x ThankYou Points on groceries and international spend
✓8 airport lounge visits a year
✓Flat 30% off two VOX Cinemas tickets every month
✓20% Talabat discount up to AED 14 once a month
✓1 Careem airport ride a year worth up to AED 84
✓Citi PayAll for rent, tuition and other large payments
Offers and payment options
Quick cashA Loan on Card cash loan feature is available; the cash advance fee is 3% (minimum AED 99, maximum AED 250).
Balance transferBalance Transfer on Card is offered with a processing fee of up to 6% of the transferred amount.
Instalment planAn Easy Installment Plan carries a processing fee of up to 4% and a 1% early settlement fee on the remaining balance; 0% EPP transactions earn no points.
Citi Rewards Credit Card fees & charges
| Annual percentage rate (APR) | 42.00% current until 30 Sep 2026; 44.28% effective 01 Oct 2026 |
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| Cash advance fee | 3% of cash advance amount or AED 99 whichever is higher, max charge AED 250 |
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| Late payment fee | 241.50 |
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| Over-limit fee | 261.45 |
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| Foreign currency fee | 2.99 |
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| Minimum payment | Higher of AED 100 or 2.74% of current balance |
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| Interest-free period | up to 52 days (min 21) |
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| Card replacement fee | 52.50 |
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From the bank’s Key Facts Statement / Schedule of Charges. Some figures include and some exclude 5% VAT, a bank’s marketing page can differ from its Key Facts Statement, and fees change - always confirm with the bank before you apply.
Who should get this card?
This card is aimed at entry-level rewards seekers earning AED 8,000 or more who want lounge visits and lifestyle perks on a near-free card.
What works well
- ✓Easy fee waiver at AED 9,000 annual spend, plus a free first year
- ✓Accessible AED 8,000 salary requirement with lounge access included
- ✓Monthly movie and Talabat perks
What to weigh up
- −Low earn rate of about 0.4 points per AED on groceries and international spend
- −No airline or hotel points transfer listed for this card
- −42% APR on revolved balances
Citi Rewards Credit Card eligibility
Requires a minimum income of AED 8,000 per month; open to UAE nationals or residents aged 18 to 64 at application.
▤Emirates ID▤Passport▤Valid UAE visa copy▤Salary account IBAN
Citi Rewards Credit Card FAQs
Requires a minimum income of AED 8,000 per month; open to UAE nationals or residents aged 18 to 64 at application.
The listed annual fee is AED 315. There is no annual fee in year 1. From year 2 onwards the card is free when the minimum annual spend of AED 9,000 is met; otherwise AED 300 plus 5% VAT applies.
Earn 1.5 ThankYou Points per USD 1 on grocery and non-AED international spend and 1 ThankYou Point per USD 1 on all other AED spend, with earn calculated in USD at 1 AED = 0.271 USD.
This card is aimed at entry-level rewards seekers earning AED 8,000 or more who want lounge visits and lifestyle perks on a near-free card.
Product details are indicative and compiled from each bank’s official pages and Key Facts Statements; figures can differ between a bank’s marketing page and its Key Facts Statement, and fees, rates and VAT treatment change. We are not affiliated with, or authorised by, any bank - always confirm current fees, eligibility, rewards and terms directly with the issuing bank before applying. This page does not constitute financial advice.
