Getting approved for a credit card in the UAE when you have a low credit score can feel like hitting a brick wall. Banks are cautious, approvals are tight, and the options? Pretty limited—especially if you’re trying to avoid sky-high interest rates or shady “guaranteed approval” schemes.
If you’re wondering whether it’s even possible to get a credit card with bad credit in the UAE, this article is for you. Let’s break it down.
First Things First: What Is Considered a Low Credit Score in UAE?
In the UAE, credit scores are issued by Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), and they range from 300 to 900. Here’s a basic breakdown:
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300–540: Very low
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541–650: Low to fair
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651–710: Average to good
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711–745: Very good
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746–900: Excellent
If your score falls below 650, most banks will consider you a high-risk borrower, which drastically reduces your chances of approval for a regular credit card. However, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck—there are still ways to rebuild your score and access credit responsibly.
Why Is It So Hard to Get a Credit Card With Low Credit in the UAE?
Unlike some countries like the U.S., where secured credit cards or credit builder cards are common, the UAE banking system is far more conservative. Most banks will do a full credit check and income verification, and if your score or history isn’t strong enough, you’ll likely get denied outright.
There are also fewer options when it comes to “starter” cards. Most credit cards in the UAE are aimed at individuals with strong financial standing.
Step One: Rebuild Before You Reapply
Before rushing into new applications, take a moment to ask yourself:
“How low is my score really?”
If your credit score is under 600, your priority shouldn’t be applying for new cards—it should be repairing your credit history first.
Here’s how:
✅ Keep Using Your Existing Card (e.g., HSBC)
If you already have a card like HSBC, don’t cancel it. Use it for small purchases and pay it off in full every month. This shows consistent, responsible credit usage.
✅ Make All Payments on Time
Late payments are one of the fastest ways to damage your credit. Set reminders or automate your payments.
✅ Reduce Your Credit Utilization Ratio
Try to keep your balances below 30% of your total limit. For example, if your HSBC card has a limit of AED 5,000, avoid spending more than AED 1,500–2,000 on it.
✅ Avoid New Loan Applications
Each hard inquiry can drop your score further, especially if you’re getting declined. Stop applying until your score stabilizes.
Step Two: Smart Credit Card Options for Low Scores in UAE
While traditional cards might reject you, here are some alternative strategies and potential options to explore:
1. Salary-Transfer Cards
If you’re employed and your salary is regularly transferred to a specific bank, you may qualify for a credit card based on that relationship—even with a low score.
Banks to explore:
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Emirates NBD
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Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
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First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
Speak to your bank’s customer support to check if any internal offers or salary-backed cards are available.
2. Fixed Deposit or Secured Credit Cards
These are not common in the UAE but worth asking about. A few banks may offer cards backed by a security deposit, similar to a U.S. secured card.
Pros:
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Higher chance of approval
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Builds credit if used responsibly
Cons:
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Locks up your deposit (usually equal to your credit limit)
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Not widely advertised—requires speaking directly with bank reps
3. Co-signed or Supplementary Cards
If a family member or spouse with good credit is willing, you can be added as a supplementary cardholder. This allows you to:
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Build credit history
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Make purchases under their main account
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Avoid rejections due to your low score
4. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) as a Credit-Building Alternative
Platforms like Tabby or Tamara offer interest-free installment plans and don’t require traditional credit checks. While they don’t report to AECB yet, responsibly managing BNPL accounts can keep you in financial control while you work on your credit.
Step Three: How to Boost Your Score for Future Approvals
Here are practical tips to raise your credit score in UAE faster:
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Download your AECB credit report and check for errors or outdated info
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Clear old debts, especially any accounts in default or collections
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Don’t close your old cards—older accounts help improve your score
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Use less than 30% of your available limit
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Build a strong 6–12 month repayment record before applying again
Final Thoughts: Patience Pays Off
The truth is: there are no instant credit cards for bad credit in the UAE—at least not without strings attached. But if you:
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Use your current card responsibly,
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Avoid applying for too many new cards,
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And take the time to rebuild your profile,
Then in just 6–12 months, your credit score can improve significantly. That will open the door to more premium card options, better rates, and even easier approvals for loans or rentals.
Until then, focus on credit repair over new credit. And when you’re ready to apply, make sure you’re not applying blindly—target banks where you have an existing relationship or explore salary-linked offers first.
