Published 20 Jul 2026 · Updated 12 Aug 2026 · 1 min read · By UAE Info Portal Editorial Team, Editorial Team
Reviewed by UAE Info Portal Editorial Team, Editorial Team
Yes, though options are generally more limited than for someone with an established UAE credit history. New residents commonly start with a salary-linked or secured credit card, where the credit limit is tied directly to an existing salary account or a cash deposit held by the bank, since this reduces the bank's reliance on a credit history that simply doesn't exist yet for a recent arrival.
Check your own exact figures with the Credit Card Finder - free, in under a minute, no sign-up required.
It's a card where the credit limit is backed by a cash deposit held by the bank, reducing the bank's risk and making approval more accessible for applicants without a UAE credit history.
Generally yes - banks often favour applicants who already hold a salary account with them, since it gives the bank direct visibility into income and cash flow.
There's no fixed period, but consistent on-time repayment over several months to a year generally starts building a track record that can support future, less restrictive credit applications.
No - AECB's credit file is specific to activity within the UAE, so credit history built abroad generally doesn't transfer over directly.
Use the credit card finder and filter for salary-linked or secured card options.
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