RED Credit Card review
Spending earns up to 1.5% cashback, with 1% applied on monthly retail spend of AED 1000 to 2999 and the full 1.5% once you cross AED 3000, while government services and utilities earn 0.25%. Cashback is earned on both local and international transactions, though overseas purchases attract a 1.5% foreign currency fee.
Monthly cashback is capped at AED 300 or 1.5% of the credit limit, whichever is lower. Beyond cashback, cardholders get a free monthly international transfer via RAKMoneyTransfer, up to 30% off at 2000+ restaurants through RAKfoodie, and a cash advance facility of up to 80% of the limit.
With a low AED 5000 salary requirement and no annual fee ever, the RED card is an easy-to-qualify starter card for residents who value simplicity over premium travel perks.
Card details
| Bank | RAKBANK |
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| Card type | Cashback |
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| Card network | Mastercard |
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| Minimum salary | AED 5,000 |
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| Annual fee | Free for life |
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| Fee waiver | Free for life with no annual fee ever |
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| Interest (monthly) | 3.65% |
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| Reward type | Cashback |
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| Reward rate | Up to 1.5% on retail spend: 1% for AED 1000-2999 monthly spend and 1.5% for AED 3000 and above; 0.25% on government services and utilitiesThe cashback tier is set by your monthly retail spend band, and the boosted 1.5% rate requires AED 3000 or more in monthly spend Monthly cashback is capped at AED 300 or 1.5% of the card credit limit, whichever is lower (per third-party source) Cashback applies to both local and international transactions; overseas purchases carry a 1.5% foreign currency transaction fee |
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| Welcome bonus | AED 300 welcome bonus for AED 3,000 spend (AED 500 for AED 5,000 spend) within 60 days of card issuance (new customers, 15 Jul-15 Sep 2026)New customers only (no existing RAKBANK credit card, previous card closed 6+ months) | Apply digitally via RAKBANK app/online | Spend AED 3,000 for AED 300 or AED 5,000 for AED 500 within 60 days of issuance | Cashback credited within 90 days | Reversed if card cancelled within 12 months | Promotion valid 15 Jul 2026 to 15 Sep 2026 |
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| Quick cash | Cash advance of up to 80% of the credit limit, plus a credit card cheque option |
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| Balance transfer | Available |
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| Instalment plan | 0% Easy Payment Plans available |
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Welcome bonus: AED 300 welcome bonus for AED 3,000 spend (AED 500 for AED 5,000 spend) within 60 days of card issuance (new customers, 15 Jul-15 Sep 2026)
Terms: New customers only (no existing RAKBANK credit card, previous card closed 6+ months) | Apply digitally via RAKBANK app/online | Spend AED 3,000 for AED 300 or AED 5,000 for AED 500 within 60 days of issuance | Cashback credited within 90 days | Reversed if card cancelled within 12 months | Promotion valid 15 Jul 2026 to 15 Sep 2026
RED Credit Card benefits
✓Free for life with no annual fee
✓Up to 1.5% cashback on local and international spend
✓Free monthly international transfer via RAKMoneyTransfer
✓Up to 30% dining discount at 2000+ restaurants through RAKfoodie
✓Cash advance up to 80% of the credit limit
✓Mastercard contactless Tap & Go
Offers and payment options
Quick cashCash advance of up to 80% of the credit limit, plus a credit card cheque option
Balance transferAvailable
Instalment plan0% Easy Payment Plans available
RED Credit Card fees & charges
| Annual percentage rate (APR) | 43.8% |
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| Cash advance fee | 3.31% of cash advanced or AED 105, whichever higher (incl VAT) |
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| Late payment fee | 241.5 |
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| Over-limit fee | 299.25 |
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| Foreign currency fee | 2.57% of transaction amount (non-AED and AED), plus ~1.15% Mastercard network fee (per SP Guide) |
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| Minimum payment | 4% or AED 100, whichever higher |
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| Interest-free period | Up to 55 days |
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| Card replacement fee | 52.5 (digital banking) / 78.75 (other channels) (per SP Guide) |
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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?
It is a strong fit for first-time or lower-income UAE cardholders who want simple flat cashback and free remittances.
What works well
- ✓Very low AED 5000 salary requirement
- ✓Free for life
- ✓Free monthly remittance perk
What to weigh up
- −Modest headline cashback capped at 1.5%
- −AED 300 monthly cashback cap
- −No welcome bonus or lounge access
RED Credit Card eligibility
Minimum salary of AED 5000; UAE resident
▤Emirates ID▤Passport/Visa copy▤Salary certificate or bank statements
RED Credit Card FAQs
Minimum salary of AED 5000; UAE resident
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 1.5% on retail spend: 1% for AED 1000-2999 monthly spend and 1.5% for AED 3000 and above; 0.25% on government services and utilities
It is a strong fit for first-time or lower-income UAE cardholders who want simple flat cashback and free remittances.
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.
