While many UAE residents are approved for financial products with ease, receiving a credit card application rejection can be both confusing and frustrating, particularly when the bank does not provide a specific reason.
In most cases, the outcome depends on whether the applicant meets certain credit card eligibility criteria established by the issuing bank. These criteria are not always disclosed, but understanding how they typically apply can help strengthen future applications. They often include factors such as income, credit score, debt-burden ratio, employment status, and documentation.
Below are six commonly evaluated factors that may influence the approval of a credit card application in the UAE:
All financially active residents in the UAE have a credit score issued by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau. This three-digit number (ranging from 300 to 900) is based on a range of financial behaviors, such as loan repayment history, credit card usage, and outstanding debt.
A higher credit score generally improves your chances of meeting a bank’s credit card eligibility criteria, while a lower score may increase the risk of rejection. Maintaining a healthy credit score and reviewing it regularly can significantly improve your chances of credit approval.
Income is one of the most basic eligibility criteria banks consider when reviewing credit card applications. Most financial institutions in the UAE have a minimum monthly salary requirement, which varies depending on the product and provider. In most cases, this threshold ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000.
If an applicant does not meet the minimum salary requirement, it may be one of the reasons why a credit card application is rejected. It is advisable to review the specific eligibility criteria before applying.
Your debt-burden ratio (DBR) represents the portion of your monthly income that goes toward repaying existing debts, including loans and credit card dues.
DBR = (Total Monthly Debt Obligations / Monthly Income) × 100
In some cases, the organization you work for may affect the outcome of your application. Some banks assess employer stability as part of the approval process, particularly for unsecured products.
Large, well-known companies may be more likely to meet internal review standards. If an employer is relatively new or unlisted with the bank, it may require additional verification or supporting documents. This can affect the time or outcome of your application, but it is not always a disqualifying factor.
Most banks in the UAE set age-related conditions for credit card applicants. Typically, individuals must be at least 21 years old at the time of application. In many cases, the loan or card tenure must be concluded before the applicant turns 65.
Applicants outside this range may face limitations in accessing unsecured credit products. Alternative options such as secured credit or add-on cards may be considered.
Even when all financial criteria are met, a credit card application may still be rejected if the documentation is incomplete. Banks typically require:
Understanding the key factors that influence credit card approvals can help reduce the chances of unexpected rejections. While each bank follows its assessment process, being aware of common eligibility criteria and addressing any gaps can improve the likelihood of a successful application.
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This article is intended to provide general information about finance and investments and does not replace or should be taken as professional financial advice. The content reflects the view of the author of the article and does not necessarily reflect the views of Citi or its employees, and we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information presented in the article except information on Citibank N.A. – UAE products referenced herein.
