FAB Credit Card: Every Type, Every Benefit
FAB offers many credit cards, and each one is built for a different kind of spender. Some give cashback. Some give air miles. Some give fuel discounts or school fee discounts. This guide covers every FAB credit card in one place, so you can pick the right one and use it the right way.
Quick answer: If you fly often, get the Etihad Guest or Travel card. If you drive daily, get the ADNOC card. If you want simple cashback, get the Cashback card. If you are applying for your first credit card, the Blue card is the easiest to get approved for.
What Is a FAB Credit Card?
A credit card lets you borrow money up to a set limit, then pay it back later. This is different from a debit card, which only spends money you already have.
Who can apply for a FAB credit card:
- You must be a UAE resident.
- You must be 21 years or older.
- You need a minimum monthly salary, which depends on the card you choose.
- You need a valid Emirates ID.
FAB is the largest bank in the UAE. It offers credit cards through both regular banking and Islamic banking, so there is an option for almost every type of customer.
Types of FAB Credit Cards
FAB has a card for nearly every lifestyle. Here is the full list before we go deeper into each one.
| Card | Best For | Key Reward |
|---|---|---|
| FAB Cashback Credit Card | Everyday spending | Cashback on purchases |
| FAB Etihad Guest Credit Card | Frequent flyers | Etihad Guest miles |
| FAB Travel Credit Card | Travelers | Low forex fees, travel perks |
| FAB ADNOC Credit Card | Daily drivers | Fuel discount and rewards |
| FAB GEMS Credit Card | Parents | School fee related benefits |
| FAB Blue Credit Card | First-time applicants | Simple, low entry requirement |
| FAB Indulge Credit Card | Dining and lifestyle | Dining discounts and offers |
| FAB Share Credit Card | Families | Supplementary cards for family |
| FAB Elite Credit Card | High income earners | Premium perks, concierge service |
| FAB Islamic Credit Card | Sharia-compliant banking | Profit rate instead of interest |
| FAB du Credit Card | du telecom customers | Bundled telecom and card offers |
FAB Cashback Credit Card
This card gives you money back on the things you already buy, like groceries, fuel, and bills.
Who it suits: People who want simple rewards without tracking miles or points.
What to expect:
- Cashback on select spend categories
- Cashback credited monthly
- Fair annual fee for the rewards you get back
FAB Etihad Guest Credit Card
This card earns you Etihad Guest miles every time you spend. Miles can be used for flights, seat upgrades, and other Etihad rewards.
Who it suits: People who fly Etihad often or want to build up miles for future trips.
What to expect:
- Miles earned per AED spent
- Bonus miles on your first purchase
- Airport lounge access on select tiers
FAB Travel Credit Card
This card is built for people who travel a lot, whether for work or holidays.
Who it suits: Frequent travelers who want lower fees and travel protection.
What to expect:
- Lower foreign transaction fees
- Travel insurance coverage
- Discounts on flight or hotel bookings through partner deals
FAB ADNOC Credit Card
This card gives you savings every time you fill up your car at ADNOC stations.
Who it suits: Daily drivers who want to save on fuel costs.
What to expect:
- Discount or cashback on fuel purchases
- Extra rewards on ADNOC store purchases
- Standard rewards on other spending
FAB GEMS Credit Card
This card is linked to GEMS Education and gives benefits to parents paying school fees.
Who it suits: Parents with children in GEMS schools.
What to expect:
- Discount or cashback tied to school fee payments
- Option to pay large fees in installments
- Standard rewards on everyday spending
FAB Blue Credit Card
This is FAB’s entry-level credit card. It is the easiest card to get approved for.
Who it suits: First-time credit card applicants or people with a lower monthly salary.
What to expect:
- Lower minimum salary requirement
- Simple reward structure
- Lower annual fee compared to premium cards
FAB Indulge Credit Card
This card is built around dining, entertainment, and lifestyle spending.
Who it suits: People who eat out often or enjoy entertainment and lifestyle perks.
What to expect:
- Discounts at partner restaurants
- Entertainment and lifestyle offers
- Reward points on everyday spending
FAB Share Credit Card
This card lets you add supplementary cards for family members, all linked to one main account.
Who it suits: Families who want to manage spending together under one credit limit.
Steps to add a supplementary cardholder:
- Log in to the FAB app or online banking.
- Go to your credit card section.
- Choose Add Supplementary Card.
- Enter the family member’s details.
- Submit and wait for approval.
FAB Elite Credit Card
This is FAB’s premium credit card, made for higher income earners who want more perks.
Who it suits: Customers with a higher salary who want premium travel and lifestyle benefits.
What to expect:
- Higher credit limit
- Concierge service for bookings and requests
- Wide airport lounge access
- Premium travel and shopping perks
FAB Islamic Credit Card
This card follows Sharia banking rules. Instead of charging interest, it uses a profit rate structure that follows Islamic finance principles.
Who it suits: Customers who want a credit card that follows Sharia-compliant banking.
What to expect:
- No conventional interest charged
- Profit rate applied instead, based on Islamic contracts
- Same reward and spending features as regular cards
FAB Credit Card Welcome Bonus
Most FAB credit cards come with a welcome bonus when you get approved and start spending.
Common welcome bonuses include:
- Bonus miles (for travel cards)
- Cashback on your first few purchases
- Vouchers for partner stores or restaurants
How to claim it:
- Get approved for your chosen card.
- Meet the minimum spend requirement in the first few months, if one applies.
- The bonus is usually credited automatically to your account or rewards balance.
Check your card’s terms, since bonus offers can change often.
FAB Credit Card Benefits (All Cards)
Beyond the perks specific to each card, most FAB credit cards share these common benefits:
- Airport lounge access. Many cards, especially Etihad, Travel, and Elite, include free lounge visits.
- Easy Payment Plan. Turn a big purchase into monthly installments.
- Fraud protection. Real-time alerts and the ability to freeze your card instantly.
- Reward points or cashback. Earn on nearly every purchase.
- Insurance coverage. Travel insurance, purchase protection, or both, depending on the card.
- Buy now pay later options. Split bills into smaller payments through the app.
FAB Credit Card Lounge Access
Airport lounges let you relax before your flight, with free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Which cards usually include lounge access:
- FAB Etihad Guest Credit Card
- FAB Travel Credit Card
- FAB Elite Credit Card
How to use your lounge access:
- Open the FAB app or check your card’s lounge program, often through LoungeKey.
- Find your card linked to the lounge program.
- Show your card or app pass at the lounge entrance.
Visits per year: This depends on your card tier. Higher tier cards usually allow more visits, sometimes unlimited.
FAB Credit Card Fees and Charges
Understanding the fees helps you avoid surprise charges.
Typical fees to know:
- Annual fee: Varies by card, from free to a few hundred dirhams a year.
- Late payment fee: Charged if you miss your due date.
- Cash advance fee: Around 3.15% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum charge.
- Foreign transaction fee: A small percentage added to purchases made outside the UAE, lower on Travel cards.
- Interest rate: Charged on any unpaid balance after your due date, unless you have an Islamic card with a profit rate instead.
How to Apply for a FAB Credit Card
Applying for a FAB credit card is simple and can be done fully online.
Steps to apply:
- Open the FAB app or go to the FAB website.
- Choose Apply for a Credit Card.
- Select the card you want.
- Upload your Emirates ID and salary certificate or bank statement.
- Submit your application.
- Wait for approval, usually within a few working days.
Documents you may need:
- Emirates ID
- Salary certificate or recent bank statement
- Passport copy, for some applicants
Minimum salary: This changes by card tier. Entry-level cards like Blue need a lower salary. Premium cards like Elite need a higher one.
How to Activate Your FAB Credit Card
Once your card arrives, you need to activate it before using it.
Activate via the app:
- Log in to the FAB Mobile App.
- Go to your new card in the accounts list.
- Tap Activate Card.
- Confirm with the OTP sent to your phone.
Activate via ATM:
- Insert your new card into any FAB ATM.
- Enter the PIN mailed or texted to you.
- Follow the prompt to activate.
Activate via phone banking:
- Call FAB customer care.
- Confirm your identity.
- Ask the agent to activate your card.
If activation fails: Double check you are using the correct PIN, or call customer care for help.
FAB Credit Card Login (Online Banking Access)
Once your card is active, you can manage everything online.
Steps to log in:
- Go to the FAB website or open the app.
- Enter your username and password.
- Confirm with the OTP if asked.
What you can do once logged in:
- Pay your credit card bill
- View your full statement
- Check your outstanding balance and available credit
- Block or freeze your card instantly
- Request a limit increase
FAB Credit Card Customer Care
If you need help with your card, FAB has support ready around the clock.
FAB customer care number: 600 52 5500 (inside UAE), +971 2 681 1511 (outside UAE)
When to call customer care:
- Your card is lost or stolen
- A charge on your statement looks wrong
- Your card is not working at a store or ATM
- You need help with activation or a payment issue
Faster option: Many issues, like blocking a lost card, can also be done instantly through the FAB app.
How to Check Your FAB Credit Card Balance
You can check your balance through the FAB app or online banking in a few taps.
Your credit card shows two important numbers: your outstanding balance, which is what you owe, and your available credit, which is how much you can still spend. Always check both before making a large purchase.
FAB Credit Card Payment Options
Paying your bill on time keeps your account healthy and avoids extra fees.
Ways to pay your FAB credit card bill:
- Auto debit. Link your FAB account so your bill is paid automatically each month.
- Manual payment. Pay through the app or a bank transfer before your due date.
- Minimum due vs full payment. Paying only the minimum due avoids a late fee, but interest may still apply to the rest. Paying in full avoids interest completely.
If you miss a payment: You may be charged a late fee, and it can affect your credit score. Pay as soon as possible and consider setting up auto debit going forward.
Free for Life FAB Credit Cards
Some FAB credit cards charge no annual fee at all, or waive it under certain conditions.
What to check:
- Whether the card is free for life from day one, or free only after meeting a minimum yearly spend.
- Entry-level cards, like the Blue card, are more likely to offer fee-free options.
- Always confirm current terms on the FAB app, since offers can change.
FAB Credit Card vs Debit Card
These two cards look similar but work very differently.
| Credit Card | Debit Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Money source | Borrowed, paid back later | Straight from your bank account |
| Rewards | Cashback, miles, points | Usually fewer rewards |
| Annual fee | Often applies | Rarely applies |
| Builds credit history | Yes | No |
When to use which: Use your debit card for daily spending you can already afford. Use your credit card for larger purchases, travel, or when you want to earn rewards.
Which FAB Credit Card Should You Choose?
Still not sure which card fits you? Use this simple guide.
- Fly often? Choose Etihad Guest or Travel.
- Drive every day? Choose ADNOC.
- Paying school fees? Choose GEMS.
- Want simple everyday rewards? Choose Cashback.
- Applying for your first credit card? Choose Blue.
- High income, want premium perks? Choose Elite.
- Prefer Sharia-compliant banking? Choose Islamic.
- Managing a family’s spending? Choose Share.
- Love dining out? Choose Indulge.
How to Increase Your FAB Credit Card Limit
If your current limit feels too low, you can request an increase.
Steps to request a limit increase:
- Log in to the FAB app.
- Go to your credit card settings.
- Choose Request Limit Increase.
- Submit updated income proof if asked.
- Wait for FAB’s review and approval.
What FAB considers: Your income, how long you have held the card, and your repayment history.
Common FAB Credit Card Issues and Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Card declined | Limit reached or card not activated | Check your balance and activation status |
| App not showing card | Sync delay | Log out and log back in |
| Activation failed | Wrong PIN entered | Recheck your PIN or call customer care |
| Unfamiliar charge | Possible fraud or a subscription you forgot | Report it to customer care right away |
| Card lost or stolen | – | Freeze it instantly in the app, then call customer care |
Final Thoughts
FAB has a credit card for almost every need, from simple cashback to premium travel perks. Match your card to how you actually spend; a frequent flyer should not settle for a basic card, and a first-time applicant does not need a premium one. Pick the right fit, activate it right away, and keep an eye on your statement each month.