Emirates credit cards

How to compare Emirates credit cards

Weigh up the following features when you compare Emirates credit cards so you can find one that’s right for you:

1. Sign-up offers. Introductory benefits such as a lump sum of bonus points, an enhanced earn rate, 0% interest periods or reduced annual fees for the first year add value to the card when you first get it. But it’s important to also consider the ongoing features if you’re planning to use the card beyond that promotional period.
2. Earn rate. Look at the number of points per £1 spent and your average spending to help you work out the card’s value. Remember to also consider the conversion rate if you’re looking at cards that let you transfer rewards points to Skywards Miles.
3. Interest rate. Pay attention to the rate of interest charged for purchases if you think you’ll carry a balance on your credit card because interest fees can easily outweigh the reward value. If you habitually pay off your monthly balances, interest rates may not be such a major factor.
4. Annual fee. The annual fees for rewards cards differ quite wildly from card to card. Make sure that these costs don’t outweigh the value you get from your rewards by considering your average spending and the number of points or miles that will give you each month and year.
5. Other benefits. Depending on the card you choose, you could get access to perks, including complimentary insurance, airport lounge access, travel credit and personal concierge services. While these extras can add value to the card, consider whether you’ll use them to decide if they’re worth it for you.
6. Other costs. If you plan to use your credit card overseas, foreign transaction fees usually apply (they’re typically around 3%). Other potential costs include cash advance fees (that’s when you withdraw cash using a credit card, which is generally best avoided).

How to apply for an Emirates credit card

You can apply for any of the cards featured on this page online in around 15 minutes. Once you’ve chosen your card, be sure to use the issuer’s “eligibility checker” facility to find out if your application would stand a decent chance of getting approved. You can also check if you meet the eligibility criteria, which usually include:

• Age. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old.
• Residency status. You must be a UK resident to apply.
• Income. Some credit cards require you to earn a specific amount of money before you’re eligible to apply. Be sure to check the “application requirements” for these details.

What are the alternative options for frequent flyers?

Looking for a new frequent flyer programme? British Airways offers cards that earn Avios directly, and Virgin Atlantic cards earn Virgin Flying Club miles.

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Finder Score	Max. intro bonus	Earn-rate with brand	Default earn-rate	Annual/monthly fees	Representative APR	Key benefit	Representative example
Promoted Finder score 9.5Excellent British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card Finder Award	Finder score 9.5Excellent	30,000 points	3 points per £1 spent	1.5 points per £1 spent	£300 per year	136.4% APR (variable)	New Cardmembers collect 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first 3 months of your Cardmembership. T&Cs Apply, 18+, subject to status.	Representative example: Representative 136.4% APR variable. Based on £300 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.4% p.a. (variable).	Check eligibility More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder score 7.7Great British Airways American Express® Credit Card Finder Award	Finder score 7.7Great	5,000 points	1 point per £1 spent	1 point per £1 spent	£0	29.4% APR (variable)	New Cardmembers collect 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first 3 months of your Cardmembership. T&Cs Apply, 18+, subject to status.	Representative example: Representative 29.4% APR variable. Based on assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 29.4% p.a. (variable).	Check eligibility More info Compare product selection Compare	loading
Finder score 9.1Excellent Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card Finder Award	Finder score 9.1Excellent	18,000 points	3 points per £1 spent	1.5 points per £1 spent	£160 per year	69.7% APR (variable)	Earn 18,000 bonus points with your first card purchase made within 90 days of account opening. Earn 1.5 Flying Club miles for every £1 spend and 3 miles for every £1 spend with Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays. Spend £10K a year on your card and choose an extra benefit - an upgrade to Premium, or a Companion ticket. Points value varies dependent on reward (min 3000pts)	Representative example: Representative 69.7% APR variable. Based on £160 annual fee, assumed borrowing of £1,200. Rate of interest 26.9% p.a. (variable).	More info Compare product selection Compare	loading

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Finder Score for credit cards

To make comparing even easier we came up with the Finder Score. Costs, perks and suitability across 120+ cards are all weighted and scaled to produce a score out of 10. The higher the score the better the card – simple.

Read the full methodology

Bottom line

You can’t earn Skyward points directly with credit cards, but you can switch Membership Rewards using certain American Express cards. This lets you easily get Skywards points and enjoy special Emirates perks. Just remember, you need at least 1,000 points to transfer.

Frequently asked questions about Emirates credit cards

• Do I have to be an Emirates Skywards member to earn Skywards Miles through a credit card?

  Yes, you do. Joining the Emirates Skywards program is simple, and you don’t have to pay a fee. For indirect earn credit cards, you must provide your Emirates Skywards frequent flyer account details and submit a request to convert your points.

• Can I get an additional card, and would it earn points or miles as well?

  Depending on the credit card you choose, you could request an additional cardholder for your account. The additional cardholder would then earn points or miles for your account when they use the card. Note that some cards may charge an annual additional cardholder fee for this option and you’d still be solely responsible for paying off all debt and interest.

• What can I get for my miles apart from flight tickets?

  You can use your accumulated miles for flight upgrades or redeem them for a variety of store products and travel-related services, including car rental and hotel accommodation. You can also put the miles towards popular sporting and cultural events or even donate them to a charity.

• Can I use my Skywards Miles to redeem flights other than with Emirates?

  Yes, you can use your Skywards Miles towards eligible flights with Emirates partner airlines. These include Air Mauritius, Alaska Airlines, EasyJet, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, JetBlue, Jetstar, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, S7 Airlines, South African Airways, TAP Air Portugal and Virgin America.