FAB Gold Credit Card in the UAE: Does It Exist and What to Apply for Instead

By the Emirates Breaking Finance Desk. Card data checked against First Abu Dhabi Bank’s UAE website in October 2026.

First Abu Dhabi Bank does not list a card called the FAB Gold Credit Card in its current UAE range. Gold-tier cards historically belonged to predecessor banks such as First Gulf Bank. Today, FAB’s closest everyday alternatives are the Cashback Card (AED 5,000 salary, AED 300 fee), Z Card and Rewards Indulge, with Etihad Guest and Elite cards for gold-style perks.

FAB Gold Credit Card

Search for the FAB Gold Credit Card and you will find plenty of pages that describe it in detail: interest-free periods, supplementary cards, fee tables and a neat application guide. The problem is that several of those pages do not describe a UAE product at all. One widely shared page lists every figure in Omani rials and asks for a Civil ID, which is an Omani document. A UAE reader who trusts those numbers could apply on the wrong assumptions, or simply waste a week.

This guide takes a different route. It first explains what the FAB Gold Credit Card was, why the name still circulates, and what First Abu Dhabi Bank actually offers in the UAE today. It then walks through the cards that replace the Gold tier, the real salary requirements and fees, how to apply, and the mistakes that cause rejections. If you came here to find a gold-style FAB card, you will leave knowing which one fits your salary and spending.

Does the FAB Gold Credit Card Exist in the UAE?

As of October 2026, FAB’s official UAE credit card page shows a defined lineup: Rewards Active, ADNOC Rewards, Z Card, Cashback, Rewards Indulge, Manchester City Titanium, Elite, du, GEMS World, Travel, Etihad Guest, SHARE and Blue FAB. There is no card called Gold in that range. The same is true of the bank’s Key Facts Statement and fee guide, which name the active products and their charges.

That does not mean the name came from nowhere. Before the 2017 merger, both First Gulf Bank and National Bank of Abu Dhabi ran tiered products. A Gulf News guide from that era describes First Gulf Bank offering platinum, ladies, gold and standard cards on Visa and MasterCard. Many UAE banks used the Classic, Gold, Platinum ladder, and the habit of searching by tier lingered long after the cards were retired or rebranded.

If you hold an older gold card from FGB or NBAD, your best source is your statement and the bank’s current Key Facts Statement for your exact variant. If you want a new card, apply for one of the current products below.

Why You May See FAB Gold Credit Card Details Online

Three things explain the confusion.

First, aggregator and comparison pages sometimes keep a page alive for a retired product, or copy template text from another country. The reference page reviewed for this article quotes a minimum salary of OMR 700, an annual fee of OMR 35 and a late payment fee of OMR 7.5. Those are Omani-style figures. Converting them to dirhams would not fix them, because the product itself is not FAB’s UAE card.

Second, the word gold is attached to several real FAB perks. The FAB Etihad Guest Infinite card fast-tracks cardholders to Etihad Guest Gold status after a return Etihad flight within six months of activation. The FAB ADNOC Rewards card offers a fast track to ADNOC Rewards Gold membership. And the FAB Elite card promises a gift of gold bars with each card. A search for FAB gold may simply mean one of these.

Third, bank brand names change. NBAD, FGB and Dubai First all feed into FAB today, and older card names survive in forums, reader complaints and cached listings.

What Replaces It: FAB Credit Cards at Each Salary Level

The quickest way to choose is to start from your monthly salary. The table below uses the figures published on FAB’s website and in its fee documents. Salary thresholds and fees change, so treat the table as a starting point and confirm on the card page before you apply.

Card	Minimum monthly salary	Annual fee	Best known for
FAB Z Card	AED 5,000	Free first year, then AED 100 plus VAT	Free Careem Plus and Noon One for a year, 1.99% monthly rate
FAB Cashback	AED 5,000	AED 300	5% on groceries, dining and fashion
FAB Rewards Indulge	AED 5,000	No annual fee	Monthly bonus FAB Rewards
FAB Low-Rate	AED 10,000	AED 300	1.5% (UAE nationals) or 1.99% (expats) monthly rate
Etihad Guest Platinum / Signature / Infinite	AED 8,000 / 15,000 / 30,000	Check card page	Etihad Guest miles and Gold status fast track
FAB Elite	AED 50,000	AED 600 with salary transfer, AED 800 without	Gold bars gift, tree planting, up to 500,000 FAB Rewards

Note that the FAB Travel Card appears with different salary thresholds on different pages, so verify its requirement directly before applying.

FAB Cashback Credit Card: The Closest Everyday Match

If the Gold card you remember was a sensible, mid-range everyday card, the FAB Cashback Credit Card is the nearest equivalent. It asks for a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 and carries an AED 300 annual fee.

The rewards structure is built around daily spending. You earn 5% cashback on supermarket, fashion and dining spending, each capped at AED 150 per month, and 3% on spending in foreign currencies. Select categories earn a much smaller 0.15%. FAB sets an overall monthly cap of AED 1,000, and you must spend at least AED 3,000 in the previous month to earn rewards. Cashback is paid as FAB Rewards, redeemable instantly in the FAB Mobile app.

A simple example shows how it works. Suppose a family spends AED 2,000 on groceries, AED 1,200 dining and AED 800 on clothes in a month. The 5% rate would suggest AED 200 in total, but each category cap of AED 150 means the real figure depends on how the spend splits. Spread across the three categories, the cardholder earns near the cap on groceries and well under it on the others. The lesson: cashback caps reward balanced spending, not heavy spending in one category.

The main drawback is the AED 3,000 monthly spend requirement. If your card sits idle for a month, you earn nothing. Light spenders may do better with a no-fee card.

FAB Z Card: Best for Subscriptions and Low Interest

The FAB Z Card is aimed at younger, digital-first users. It also starts at AED 5,000 in monthly salary. The first year is free, and the Key Facts Statement lists AED 100 as the annual fee afterwards, plus 5% VAT.

The lifestyle benefits are specific. You receive a free year of Careem Plus and Noon One, and 20% off Netflix, PlayStation, Xbox, YouTube, Spotify and Shahid. FAB also advertises its lowest interest rate, 1.99% per month, on this card.

That low rate is worth keeping in perspective. A 1.99% monthly rate is roughly 24% a year before fees. It is cheaper than the up to 3.99% monthly rate FAB lists in its general key facts, but it is still expensive credit. Paying your full balance each month is the only way to avoid interest altogether.

FAB Rewards Indulge Card: A Zero-Fee Option

FAB Rewards Indulge also begins at AED 5,000 monthly salary and has no annual fee. FAB highlights a monthly bonus of FAB Rewards. Comparison sites report additional detail, such as bonus rewards above AED 10,000 in monthly spend and discounts on dining, but those details come from third parties, so confirm them on the FAB page.

For someone who wants a card they can keep for years without paying a fee, this is a strong candidate. The trade-off is that cashback-style cards often return more on specific categories.

Cards That Deliver the Gold-Style Perks

If your real interest is gold status or premium treatment, three FAB cards fit.

The FAB Etihad Guest Infinite card requires AED 30,000 monthly salary. Its headline benefit is a fast track to Etihad Guest Gold: complete a return flight with Etihad within six months of activating the card. The Signature (AED 15,000) and Platinum (AED 8,000) versions sit lower on the ladder, so the entry point is lower if you fly Etihad often but earn less.

The FAB ADNOC Rewards card offers a fast track to ADNOC Rewards Gold, which suits drivers who fill up at ADNOC stations. A separate FAB ADNOC Cashback card offers up to 15% cashback on ADNOC Oasis and fuel spending, capped at AED 200 a month, but only for ADNOC employees.

The FAB Elite card sits at the top. It requires AED 50,000 monthly salary and costs AED 600 per year with a salary transfer, or AED 800 without one. FAB promotes a guaranteed gift of gold bars and tree planting with each card, along with the chance to earn up to 500,000 FAB Rewards.

Eligibility: What FAB Asks For

For the entry-level cards, the common requirements are a minimum monthly salary of AED 5,000 and a minimum age of 21. Supplementary cardholders can be younger; comparison sites report a minimum age of 12. Higher cards need higher salaries, as the table above shows.

Your credit record matters too. UAE banks check your Al Etihad Credit Bureau report, and missed payments or heavy existing debt can sink an application regardless of salary. The bank also looks at your debt burden ratio, which is the share of your income that goes to monthly debt payments. Before you apply, check your report and tidy up any overdue balances. Our guides to checking your credit score in the UAE and understanding the debt burden ratio explain both steps.

Documents Required

FAB makes the process quick for existing and new customers using the FAB Mobile app: its website says you can get an account and cards with just your Emirates ID. If you apply through a branch or a different channel, expect to provide an Emirates ID, passport with residence visa, and proof of income. Comparison sites report that applicants should have bank statements showing three months of salary credits. Requirements vary by card and applicant, so the bank may ask for more.

None of this involves a security cheque or Civil ID, which belong to Omani applications.

How to Apply for a FAB Credit Card Step by Step

1. Check your salary against the table above and choose the card that fits it.
2. Review your credit report so there are no surprises.
3. Open the FAB Mobile app or the bank’s website and select the card.
4. Verify your identity with your Emirates ID and submit income details.
5. Wait for the bank’s decision, which FAB says can take minutes on some channels.
6. Activate the card when it arrives.

A word of caution on welcome offers. FAB ran a campaign offering AED 500 cashback for spending AED 3,000 in the first 30 days, but it was valid only until 31 March 2026. Always check the dates before you count on a promotion.

Fees and Interest: What Cards Really Cost

The annual fee is the visible cost. The interest rate is the expensive one. FAB’s Key Facts Statement says financial charges accrue daily at up to 3.99% per month on outstanding balances, and the bank’s pricing guide lists separate charges for late payment, overlimit, cash advances, card replacement and international transactions. Its Low-Rate and Travel cards do not apply the international transaction fee.

FAB also adds a regulatory warning on its card pages: paying only the minimum each period costs more in interest and takes longer to clear the balance. This is the single most important line to remember.

If you want to compare the total cost between cards, add the annual fee to the interest you would pay on the balance you usually carry, then subtract the rewards you realistically earn. A no-fee card with modest rewards often beats a 300-dirham card whose cap you never reach.

Advantages and Disadvantages of FAB Credit Cards

On the positive side, FAB is the UAE’s largest bank, formed in 2017 from the merger of National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank. Its mobile app handles applications, rewards redemption and card management in one place, and the range covers salaries from AED 5,000 to AED 50,000.

On the negative side, rewards come as FAB Rewards rather than plain cash in the bank, caps limit the best rates, and several cards need minimum monthly spend before you earn. Interest rates are high for anyone who revolves a balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The first is trusting an unofficial page for fees. If a page shows rials or lists documents you have never heard of, it is not about your product. The second is applying for several cards within a short period, which leaves multiple enquiries on your credit report. The third is choosing a premium card for its perks and then not meeting the spend, so the annual fee exceeds the value. The fourth is assuming promotions are permanent. Finally, many cardholders pay only the minimum, which turns a convenience into a costly loan.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Card

Match the card to your habits, not your aspirations. Heavy supermarket and dining spenders get the most from the Cashback card. Subscription users benefit from the Z Card’s discounts. Frequent Etihad flyers should look at Etihad Guest. Drivers filling up at ADNOC stations should look at the ADNOC cards. And if you rarely use a card, a no-fee product protects you from paying for features you do not use.

Future Outlook

Expect FAB to keep refining co-branded and lifestyle cards, with more benefits delivered through the FAB Mobile app and its Rewards ecosystem. The bank already points to partnerships with McLaren, Manchester City, Majid Al Futtaim’s SHARE and Al-Futtaim’s Blue brand. Tier names like Gold are unlikely to return as headline products, but their benefits will keep appearing under new names.

FAQs

Does First Abu Dhabi Bank offer a FAB Gold Credit Card?

Not in its current UAE range. FAB’s website lists Z Card, Cashback, Rewards Indulge, Elite, Travel, Etihad Guest, SHARE, Blue FAB and other cards, but no card called Gold.

What is the closest card to a FAB Gold Credit Card?

For everyday spending, the FAB Cashback Credit Card is the nearest match. It needs AED 5,000 in monthly salary and charges an AED 300 annual fee.

What is the minimum salary for a FAB credit card?

AED 5,000 per month for entry-level cards such as Z Card, Cashback and Rewards Indulge. Premium cards require more, up to AED 50,000 for the Elite card.

What is the minimum age to apply?

The usual minimum age for the primary cardholder is 21. Supplementary cards can be issued to younger family members.

Is there a FAB credit card with no annual fee?

Yes. Rewards Indulge, du and Manchester City Titanium are listed as no-fee cards. The Z Card is free for the first year only.

How can I get Etihad Guest Gold status with a FAB card?

The Etihad Guest Infinite card fast-tracks you to Gold after one return Etihad flight within six months of activation.

What is FAB’s interest rate on credit cards?

FAB states charges of up to 3.99% per month on outstanding balances. The Z Card advertises 1.99%, and the Low-Rate card offers 1.5% for UAE nationals and 1.99% for expats.

Can I apply without visiting a branch?

Yes. You can apply through the FAB Mobile app or the website. FAB says an Emirates ID is enough to start.

Does the FAB Cashback card pay real cash?

Cashback is credited as FAB Rewards, which you can redeem instantly in the FAB Mobile app.

Will applying affect my credit score?

A hard enquiry is recorded with the credit bureau. Several applications in a short time can lower your chances, so apply selectively.

Are the OMR figures on some FAB Gold pages correct for the UAE?

No. Rial figures and Civil ID requirements belong to Oman. Rely on FAB’s UAE pages and Key Facts Statements instead.

What should I do if I already hold an older gold card?

Check your latest statement and call FAB customer care to confirm your product, fees and any migration to a current card.

Conclusion

The FAB Gold Credit Card is best understood as a name from an earlier era of UAE banking. First Abu Dhabi Bank does not sell a card under that name today, and pages that quote detailed fees for it are often borrowing figures from another country. The good news is that FAB’s current range covers almost every salary and lifestyle. Start with the Cashback or Z Card at AED 5,000, step up to Etihad Guest for gold-status perks, and look at Elite when your income and spending justify it. Check the card page, read the Key Facts Statement, and pay your balance in full to keep the rewards worth having.