Emarati Credit Card review
International spend earns up to 3.75 EI SmartMiles per AED and domestic spend up to 2.50, with every 100 SmartMiles worth AED 1. The real strength is redemption breadth: SmartMiles convert to Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, UPoints by Emaar, Marriott Bonvoy, Qatar Airways Avios, Air Arabia AirRewards and Smiles, giving cardholders unusual flexibility.
New-to-Bank customers can earn up to 150,000 SmartMiles (AED 1,500) on AED 30,000 spend within 60 days, or 75,000 SmartMiles on lower spend, with the offer valid until 31 August 2026. Everyday perks include unlimited lounge access to 1,200+ lounges, a talabat 50% discount twice monthly, free valet parking and Sharjah Ladies Club access.
With no annual fee and the lineup's lowest profit rate at 3.59%, the Emarati is a compelling pick for UAE nationals who value redemption flexibility, though eligibility is limited to nationals and the SmartMiles expiry is not disclosed.
Card details
| Bank | Emirates Islamic |
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| Card type | Rewards |
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| Card network | Visa |
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| Minimum salary | AED 12,000 |
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| Annual fee | Free for life |
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| Fee waiver | No annual membership fee. |
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| Interest (monthly) | 3.59% |
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| Reward type | EI SmartMiles |
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| Reward rate | Up to 3.75 EI SmartMiles per AED 1 on international spend; up to 2.50 EI SmartMiles per AED 1 on domestic spend (100 SmartMiles = AED 1).The welcome bonus is for New-to-Bank customers only; existing cardholders are ineligible, and the card must be activated. Redeem EI SmartMiles with partners including Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, UPoints by Emaar, Marriott Bonvoy, Qatar Airways Avios, Air Arabia AirRewards and Smiles. Expiry is not stated on the page. |
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| Welcome bonus | Up to 150,000 SmartMiles (AED 1,500) on AED 30,000 spend within 60 days, or 75,000 SmartMiles (AED 750) on AED 15,000-29,999 spend. Awarded after 60 days and valid until 31 August 2026.New-to-Bank UAE nationals only | Not held/closed an EI credit card in prior 6 months | Spend AED 30,000+ within 60 days of card issuance for 150,000 SmartMiles, or AED 15,000-29,999 for 75,000 SmartMiles | Card must be activated | Cash withdrawals, balance transfers, fees and reversed transactions excluded | Bonus awarded after 60 days of issuance, disbursed by 15 September 2026 | Offer valid until 2026-08-31 |
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| Lounge access | Unlimited complimentary access to 1,200+ airport lounges; the first visit each year is complimentary, then a USD 1 foreign spend applies, with USD 32 charged per guest. |
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| Quick cash | Cash-on-Call facility available. |
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| Balance transfer | Balance transfer facility available. |
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| Instalment plan | 0% Easy Payment Plans. |
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Welcome bonus: Up to 150,000 SmartMiles (AED 1,500) on AED 30,000 spend within 60 days, or 75,000 SmartMiles (AED 750) on AED 15,000-29,999 spend. Awarded after 60 days and valid until 31 August 2026.
Terms: New-to-Bank UAE nationals only | Not held/closed an EI credit card in prior 6 months | Spend AED 30,000+ within 60 days of card issuance for 150,000 SmartMiles, or AED 15,000-29,999 for 75,000 SmartMiles | Card must be activated | Cash withdrawals, balance transfers, fees and reversed transactions excluded | Bonus awarded after 60 days of issuance, disbursed by 15 September 2026 | Offer valid until 2026-08-31
Emarati Credit Card benefits
✓Up to 3.75 SmartMiles per AED on international spend
✓No annual fee with a lower 3.59% profit rate
✓Flexible redemption across 7+ travel and hotel partners
✓talabat 50% discount twice monthly
✓Free valet parking twice monthly on AED 5,000 spend
✓Sharjah Ladies Club access
✓Unlimited lounge access
Offers and payment options
Quick cashCash-on-Call facility available.
Balance transferBalance transfer facility available.
Instalment plan0% Easy Payment Plans.
Emarati Credit Card fees & charges
| Annual percentage rate (APR) | 43.08% (Emarati Credit Card) |
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| Cash advance fee | 3.15% of cash advance amount or AED 103.95 whichever is higher |
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| Late payment fee | 131.25 |
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| Over-limit fee | 261.45 |
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| Foreign currency fee | 2.30% (plus approx 1.15% Visa/Mastercard processing) |
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| Minimum payment | 5% of closing balance or AED 100 whichever is higher |
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| Interest-free period | Up to 55 days for retail purchases |
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| Card replacement fee | 210 |
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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 designed for UAE nationals who want flexible travel rewards with no annual fee.
What works well
- ✓No annual fee with strong SmartMiles earn
- ✓Flexible multi-partner redemption
- ✓Lowest profit rate in the lineup at 3.59%
What to weigh up
- −Restricted to UAE Nationals only
- −SmartMiles expiry not disclosed
Emarati Credit Card eligibility
Exclusively for UAE Nationals; New-to-Bank status required for the welcome bonus; minimum salary not confirmed on the official page.
▤Emirates ID▤Passport▤Salary certificate or bank statements
Emarati Credit Card FAQs
Exclusively for UAE Nationals; New-to-Bank status required for the welcome bonus; minimum salary not confirmed on the official page.
The card is listed as free for life with no annual fee. Confirm that this remains part of the final bank offer before applying.
Up to 3.75 EI SmartMiles per AED 1 on international spend; up to 2.50 EI SmartMiles per AED 1 on domestic spend (100 SmartMiles = AED 1).
This card is designed for UAE nationals who want flexible travel rewards with no annual fee.
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.
