UAE Mortgage

Debit cards in the UAE | Debit card offers

Author: Milanka Mitic

Publish date: 19 Jul 2023

What is a debit card?

A debit card, also referred to as a plastic card or an ATM card, is a type of card which allows you to make purchases and payments directly from your bank account with no additional cost involved. It also enables you to withdraw cash from your account through an ATM.

It substitutes cash and it typically includes the bank’s name, a card number, the cardholder’s name, and an expiration date, either on the front or the back.

What is the difference between debit cards and credit cards in the UAE?

Although credit and debit cards have similar physical features, such as a sixteen-digit card number, expiration date, magnetic stripe, and EMV chip, they do have differences.

The variations between debit and credit cards in the UAE are illustrated in the table below:

Debit cards	Credit cards
Provides access to the funds in your personal bank account	Grants access to funds borrowed from your bank
Enables you to use the money available in your bank account	Money is issued by the bank with a predefined limit for making purchases or withdrawals
Immediate payment (Once the card is used, funds are deducted within 24 hours)	Later payment (Payment for goods and services is due on your monthly bill)
Limits your spending to the amount available in your bank account (unless an overdraft facility is available)	Allows spending up to the credit limit set by the bank
No interest is applied to your purchases	Interest is charged on any outstanding balance if it is not paid in full by the due date

What types of debit cards are there in the UAE?

Visa Debit Cards (The most widely accepted)
MasterCard Debit Cards (Standard, World, and World Elite)
Contactless Debit Cards (With these cards, all you need to do is simply wave the card in front of the terminal or over the payment machine, enabling your transaction to be automatically processed)
Visa Electron Debit Cards (They do not offer the facility of overdraft)

What are the requirements for getting a debit card in the UAE?

While each bank has its own requirements when issuing a debit card, here are some common ones:

Be at least 18
Be a resident of the UAE
Identification documents (passport or ID)
Have an active bank account
Fill out an application form

How to get a debit card in the UAE?

Online mode: Visit the official website of your bank and submit your application. You can also use a mobile banking application or a net banking portal. After your application is reviewed and approved, you will receive the card along with a welcome letter, a confirmation email or an SMS.
Offline mode: You can visit a bank or a financial institution to apply for the debit card of your choice.

Debit cards bank offers in the UAE

We present to you debit card offers from the top ten most influential banks in the UAE. The list displays the debit card type, along with their benefits and fees & limits:

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)

Type of debit card	Benefits	Fees & Limits
Excellency Platinum Debit Card	No issuance fees for primary & supplementary cards Up to 5 free supplementary debit cards No debit card replacement fee	AED 21: for cash withdrawals made at ATMs located outside the UAE and GCC region.
Privilege Club Platinum Debit Card	No issuance fees for primary & supplementary cards Up to 5 free supplementary debit cards	Replacement fee: AED 26.25 card An AED 21 cash withdrawal fee is charged for ATM transactions outside of the UAE and GCC.
ADCB Aspire Debit Card	No issuance fees for primary & supplementary cards Up to 5 free supplementary debit cards	An AED 26.25 card replacement fee An AED 21 cash withdrawal fee is charged for ATM transactions outside of the UAE and GCC.
Etihad Guest Above Excellency Debit Card	No issuance fees for primary & supplementary cards Up to 5 free supplementary debit cards	An AED 26.25 card replacement fee An AED 21 cash withdrawal fee is charged for ATM transactions outside of the UAE and GCC.
Etihad Guest Above Privilege Club Debit Card	No issuance fees for primary & supplementary cards Up to 5 free supplementary debit cards	An AED 26.25 card replacement fee An AED 21 cash withdrawal fee is charged for ATM transactions outside of the UAE and GCC.
Etihad Guest Above Aspire Debit Card	No issuance fees for primary & supplementary cards Up to 5 free supplementary debit cards	An AED 26.25 card replacement fee An AED 21 cash withdrawal fee is charged for ATM transactions outside of the UAE and GCC.

Dubai Islamic Bank

Type of debit card	Benefits	Fees & Limits
Infinite Debit Card	Global customer service Purchase protection on payments VISA Privileges	Daily purchase limit - AED 100,000 Daily cash withdrawal limit - AED 75,00
Signature Debit Card	Global customer service Purchase protection on payments VISA Privileges	Daily purchase limit - AED 75,000 Daily cash withdrawal limit - AED 35,000
Platinum Debit Card	Global customer service Purchase protection on your payments VISA Privileges	Daily purchase limit - AED 50,000 Daily cash withdrawal limit - AED 35,000
Al Islami Classic Debit Card	Free with your DIB account Added security feature	Daily purchase limit - AED 40,000 Daily cash withdrawal limit - AED 10,000
Johara Debit Card	Free with your DIB account Added security feature Spend safe with transaction protect	Daily purchase limit - AED 40,000 Daily cash withdrawal limit - AED 10,000

Emirates Islamic

Type of debit card	Benefits	Fees & Limits
Emarati Priority Banking Debit Card	Accepted worldwide Unlimited access to over 1,000 VIP lounges with LoungeKey Two rounds of complimentary golf per month Global Concierge Service Multi-trip travel insurance Enhanced security Purchase protection Extended Warranty DoubleSecure	Card Issuance: free Replacement of Lost or Stolen Card: 26.25 Cash withdrawal (ATM) limit: AED 50,000 daily. Point Of Sale (POS) limit: AED 150,000 daily.
Emarati Personal Banking Debit Card	Purchase protection Extended Warranty Mazaya Offers Accepted worldwide Make payments with Visa payWave Dining, travel and other lifestyle benefits 24 hour emergency assistance Free access to a wide range of medical and legal advice DoubleSecure	Card Issuance: free Replacement of Lost or Stolen Card: 26.25 Cash withdrawal (ATM) limit: AED 15,000 daily. Point Of Sale (POS) limit: AED 75,000 daily.
Emarati Advantage Banking Debit Card	Purchase protection Extended Warranty Mazaya Offers Accepted worldwide Make payments with Visa payWave Dining, travel and other lifestyle benefits 24 hour emergency assistance Chip and PIN Security DoubleSecure	Card Issuance: free Replacement of Lost or Stolen Card: 26.25 Cash withdrawal (ATM) limit: AED 25,000 daily. Point Of Sale (POS) limit: AED 100,000 daily.
Priority Banking Debit Card	Unlimited access to over 1,000 VIP lounges with LoungeKey Two rounds of complimentary golf per month Multi-trip travel insurance Global acceptance Make payments with Visa payWave Unlimited access to over 1,000 VIP lounges with LoungeKey Global Concierge Service Multi-trip travel insurance Chip and PIN Security Purchase protection Extended Warranty DoubleSecure	Card Issuance: free Replacement of Lost or Stolen Card: 26.25 Cash withdrawal (ATM) limit: AED 50,000 daily. Point Of Sale (POS) limit: AED 150,000 daily.
Advantage Debit Card	Global acceptance Purchase protection Extended Warranty Mazaya Offers Make payments with Visa payWave Dining, travel and other lifestyle benefits 24 hour emergency assistance Chip and PIN Security DoubleSecure	Card Issuance: free Replacement of Lost or Stolen Card: 26.25 Cash withdrawal (ATM) limit: AED 25,000 daily. Point Of Sale (POS) limit: AED 100,000 daily.
Select Debit Card	Global acceptance Purchase protection Extended Warranty Mazaya Offers Make payments with Visa payWave Dining, travel and other lifestyle benefits 24 hour emergency assistance Free access to a wide range of medical and legal advice Chip and PIN Security DoubleSecure	Card Issuance: free Replacement of Lost or Stolen Card: 26.25 Cash withdrawal (ATM) limit: AED 15,000 daily. Point Of Sale (POS) limit: AED 75,000 daily.
Private Banking Debit Card	Unlimited access to over 1,000 VIP lounges with LoungeKey Two rounds of complimentary golf per month Multi-trip travel insurance Global acceptance Make payments with Visa payWave Global Concierge Service Multi-trip travel insurance Chip and PIN Purchase Protection Extended Warranty DoubleSecure	Card Issuance: free Replacement of Lost or Stolen Card: 26.25 Cash withdrawal (ATM) limit: AED 50,000 daily. Point Of Sale (POS) limit: AED 200,000 daily.

Emirates NBD

Type of debit card	Benefits	Fees & Limits
Visa Platinum Debit Card	Annual savings of up to AED 4,500 Defined daily limits for cash withdrawals and purchases Accepted worldwide	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge
Emirati Visa Signature Debit Card	Experience access to more than 1,000 airport lounges across the globe 2 for 1 deals	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge
Go4it Visa Gold Debit Card	Save up to AED 2,500 annually Dubai Ferry fun Commute with your Debit Card	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge
Manchester United Platinum Debit Card	Fan moments Discounts at restaurants and experiences	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge
Manchester United Signature Debit Card	Fan moments Discounts at restaurants and experiences Unlimited access to over 1,000 premium lounges	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge
Visa Classic Debit Card	Contactless payment options Added security for retail transactions Restaurants, spas and leisure avenues discounts	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge
Visa Infinite Debit Card	Save up to AED 14,500 annually Restaurants, spas and leisure avenues discounts Complimentary access worldwide via LoungeKey Added security for retail transactions	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge
Visa Platinum Debit Card	Defined daily limits for cash withdrawals and purchases Up to AED 3,950 savings annually	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge
Visa Signature Business Debit Card	Airport lounge access Golf privileges Global concierge service	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge
Visa Signature Debit Card	Airport lounge access Golf privileges Global concierge service 2-for-1 deals	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge
Visa Platinum Business Debit Card	Accepted worldwide Travel Medical Insurance Enhanced security	Emirates NBD ATMs - free of charge

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

Type of debit card	Benefits	Fees & Limits
FAB World Debit Card	contactless payment technology shopper’s security	Network fees and transaction charges when you withdraw cash from ATMs outside of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) within the UAE or abroad
FAB World Elite™ Mastercard	contactless payment technology shopper’s security	Network fees and transaction charges when you withdraw cash from ATMs outside of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) within the UAE or abroad

HSBC

Type of debit card	Benefits	Fees & Limits
HSBC Premier Debit Card	No annual membership fees Make purchases of up to EGP 180,000 daily Withdraw cash up to EGP 20,000 daily	If you wish to unlock HSBC Premier: Maintain a total relationship balance (TRB) with the bank of EGP 750,000 more or transfer an individual gross monthly salary of at least EGP 40,000 transfer an individual gross monthly salary of EGP 30,000 and a minimum EGP 384,000 total net annual income
HSBC Advance Debit Card	No annual membership fees Make purchases of up to EGP 120,000 daily Withdraw cash up to EGP 20,000 daily	To be eligible for Advance membership, you need to fulfill at least one of the following criteria: 1. Transfer a gross monthly salary of at least EGP 10,0005. 2. Transfer a gross monthly salary of at least EGP 8,000 and have a total net annual income of at least EGP 96,0006. 3. Maintain an average monthly balance of EGP 250,0007 in deposits and/or investments.
HSBC Personal Banking Debit Card	Make purchases of up to EGP 80,000 daily	Withdraw cash up to EGP 20,000 daily

Mashreq

Type of debit card

Benefits

Fees & Limits

Platinum Debit Card

No joining fees
AED 20,000: daily withdrawal limit
AED 99,999: daily purchase limit

Debit Card Replacement Fee: AED 26.25
Cash Withdrawal:

free of charge at Mashreq ATMS in UAE

National Bank of Fujairah

Type of debit card	Benefits	Fees & Limits
Classic Debit Card	Chip & PIN and Visa payWave enabled Enhanced security ‘Tap to pay’ feature Easy access to cash Worldwide acceptance Free ATM withdrawals SMS alerts Free supplementary cards Link multiple accounts Monitor your spending 24/7 mobile banking	Transaction limit for purchases and ATM withdrawals is AED 5,000
Platinum Debit Card	Free ATM withdrawals Worldwide acceptance Platinum rewards and privilege Global customer assistance Free travel assistance Purchase protection warranty Keep track of your spending Free supplementary cards. Link multiple accounts 24/7 mobile banking Chip & PIN and Visa payWave	Transaction limit: for purchases and ATM withdrawals is AED 15,000

RAKBANK - National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah

Type of debit card	Benefits	Fees & Limits
RAKBANK Elite Platinum Mastercard® Debit Card	Chip & PIN feature Global validity SMS notification after every debit card transaction Cash withdrawal facility	Withdrawal limit: AED 50,000 Daily Deposit limit: 200,000 Card replacement fee: AED 25
RAKBANK Select Mastercard® Debit Card	Chip & PIN feature Global validity SMS notification after every Debit Card transaction Cash withdrawal facility Unlimited access to over 10 VIP lounges in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Kuwait, and Jordan airports Up to 10% Cashback on Booking.com with your RAKBANK Mastercard Debit Card. 10% OFF the price of your booking on rentalcars.com	Withdrawal limit: AED 20,000 Cash Deposit limit: 25,000 Card replacement fee: AED 25
RAKBANK Standard Debit Card	Chip & PIN feature Tap & Pay with Mastercard® contactless Global validity SMS notification after every Debit Card transaction Cash withdrawal facility Savings on travel packages with MMI Travels	Withdrawal limit: AED 20,000 Cash Deposit limit: 25,000 Card replacement fee: AED 25
Business Debit Card	Tap & Pay with Mastercard contactless Cash withdrawal facility Discounted rate on SME insurance on Healthcare, Motor Fleet and personal accident insurance DHL shipping discount of up to 20% on daily business shipments Mastercard Buy 1 & Get 1 offers throughout Middle East and Africa Mastercard Priceless cities offer Global validity SMS notification after every Debit Card transaction Purchase Protection and Travel Accident Insurance	withdrawal limit up to AED 75,000 daily transaction limit of AED 75,000
RAKelite Business Debit Card	Global validity Tap & Pay with Mastercard contactless Chip & PIN feature Cash withdrawal facility SMS notification after every Debit Card transaction Purchase Protection and Travel Accident Insurance	daily cash withdrawal limit up to AED 100,000

Standard Chartered Bank

Type of debit card	Benefits	Fees & Limits
Current Account – Debit Card	make international purchases ATM cash withdrawals online banking or cashless payments at merchant outlets No monthly service charge	Minimum initial deposit: AED 10,000 Minimum monthly average balance: AED 3,000 Fall-below fee: AED 26.25
Saadiq Current Account – Debit Card	cashless transactions internationally accepted suitable for online purchases no limits on deposits or withdrawals No monthly service charge	Minimum initial deposit: AED 10,000 Minimum average monthly balance: AED 3,000 Fall-below fee: AED 26.25
Saadiq XtraSaver Account – Debit Card	Globally recognised Suitable for online purchases or cashless transactions No minimum average monthly balance No monthly service charge No fall-below fee	Minimum initial deposit: AED 3,000
Savings Account – Debit Card	instant access to the funds in your bank account perform transactions in multiple currencies cashless payments at retail stores or for online purchases internationally recognized no monthly service charge	Minimum initial deposit: AED 10,000 Minimum average monthly balance: AED 3,000 Fall-below fee: AED 26.25
Saadiq Savings Account – Debit Card	cashless transactions globally accepted no monthly service charge	Minimum initial deposit: AED 10,000 Minimum average balance: AED 3,000 Fall-below fee: AED 26.25

To sum up

This guide presents valuable information about debit cards in the UAE, featuring debit card offers from the UAE's top ten most influential banks. If you are seeking favorable cash or home loans, you can calculate your installment on our website using our detailed calculator.

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