Best Credit Cards for UAE Trips (Indians, 2026) – Lounge Access, Rewards & Travel Benefits
🇦🇪 Best Credit Cards for UAE Trips (Indians, 2026 Guide)
Traveling to the UAE — whether Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or other emirates — is exciting, but international spending can quickly add up with forex fees, lounge charges, and hotel costs.
Using the right travel credit card can save money, earn rewards, provide airport lounge access, and even include travel insurance — making your UAE trip smoother and more rewarding.
This guide covers the best credit cards for UAE trips for Indian travelers in 2026.
✈️ Why a Travel Credit Card Matters for UAE Trips
Credit cards help you:
✔ Save on foreign transaction fees
✔ Earn reward points or airline miles
✔ Get free airport lounge access
✔ Enjoy travel insurance & perks
✔ Book hotels, flights, and rentals
When spending large amounts abroad, the right card can save thousands and unlock premium benefits.
🏆 Top Credit Cards for UAE Travel (Indians, 2026)
Here are the most suitable travel credit cards for people traveling to the UAE:
🥇 HDFC Bank Diners Club Privilege Credit Card
📍 Best All-Round Travel Card for UAE
Key Benefits:
✔ Unlimited domestic & 6 international airport lounge access
✔ Travel insurance included
✔ Rewards points on international spend
✔ Dining & entertainment offers
Fees & Charges:
- Annual Fee: ₹2,500 + GST (waivable)
- Forex Markup: ~2%
- Network: Visa / Diners
Why it’s good: Strong lounge access + reliable travel support makes this card ideal for UAE vacations.
🥈 SBI Card Elite
📍 Best Premium Travel Card for International Trips
Benefits:
✔ 6 domestic + 4 international lounge visits
✔ Reward points + milestone benefits
✔ Complimentary club lounge access
✔ Travel & medical insurance perks
Fees & Charges:
- Annual Fee: ₹4,999
- Forex Markup: ~1.99%
- Network: Mastercard
Ideal for: Frequent flyers and families who want premium benefits.
🥉 Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card
📍 Best for Luxury Travel & Elite Benefits
Benefits:
✔ Unlimited domestic + 6 international lounge visits
✔ Premium hotel & travel vouchers
✔ Concierge service
✔ Priority Pass membership
Fees & Charges:
- Annual Fee: ₹10,000
- Forex Markup: ~1%
- Network: Visa / Mastercard
Best for: Frequent international travelers seeking top-tier perks.
💼 American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card
📍 Strong Rewards + Travel Perks
Benefits:
✔ Airport lounge access (eligibility varies)
✔ Travel vouchers & hotel offers
✔ High reward rate for travel spends
Fees & Charges:
- Annual Fee: ₹5,000
- Forex Markup: ~3.5%
- Network: Amex
Good for: Travelers who value rewards and luxury benefits.
🎓 ICICI Bank Coral Credit Card
📍 Good Entry-Level Travel Card
Benefits:
✔ Domestic lounge access
✔ Reward points on travel spends
✔ Basic travel perks
Fees & Charges:
- Annual Fee: ₹500–₹999
- Forex Markup: ~3.5%
- Network: Visa
Best for: Occasional travelers who want travel perks on a budget.
💹 How to Use Credit Cards Smartly in the UAE
✔ Always choose Visa or Mastercard for global acceptance
✔ Pay bills in full to avoid interest
✔ Use card + points for flights & hotels
✔ Prefer reward redemption for travel bookings
✔ Use lounge access early — before flights
💸 Foreign Transaction Fee Comparison
| Card | Forex Markup |
|---|---|
| HDFC Diners Club Privilege | ~2% |
| SBI Card Elite | ~1.99% |
| Axis Bank Magnus | ~1% |
| Amex Platinum Travel | ~3.5% |
| ICICI Coral | ~3.5% |
Tip: Lower markup + travel benefits help reduce overall trip cost.
🛫 What Credit Cards Cover in the UAE
✔ Shopping & dining abroad
✔ Hotel & resort bookings
✔ Flight tickets & seat upgrades
✔ Rental cars & airport services
✔ Travel insurance (selected cards)
🧠 Travel Insurance & Lounge Benefits
Many cards provide complimentary travel insurance — covering:
✔ Medical emergencies
✔ Travel delays
✔ Lost baggage
✔ Personal accident
And lounge access reduces airport waiting time — especially in busy hubs like Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Sharjah (SHJ).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is it safe to use Indian cards in UAE?
✔ Yes — Visa and Mastercard are accepted across UAE.
Q2. Should I use forex card or credit card abroad?
✔ Both! Use forex card for daily expenses + credit card for bookings and lounges.
Q3. Should I pay my credit card bill immediately?
✔ Yes — to avoid interest and cash advance fees.
Q4. Do credit cards waive annual fees?
✔ Many waivers are available with minimum spends.
Q5. Are rewards redeemable for travel bookings?
✔ Yes — hotels, flights, and partner conversions are common.