Are you tired of juggling separate cards for daily purchases and public transportation in Dubai? The Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card brings a seamless solution by combining the functionality of a traditional credit card with the power of the Nol card.
Designed to offer rewards for your everyday spending and transportation expenses, this card stands out with up to 10% cashback on RTA payments and fuel spends. Whether you’re filling up your tank or tapping into the metro, you’re earning cashback every step of the way.
With added travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty, the benefits extend far beyond just commuting. In this guide, we’ll explore every feature, cashback option, fee detail, and perk this innovative card has to offer. If you’re living in the UAE and want to get more from your money, this could be the perfect fit for your wallet.
What Is the Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card and Who Is It For?
The Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card is a unique financial product that acts both as a credit card and an integrated Nol card, making it one of the most practical cards available for daily commuters and city residents in Dubai.
Whether you’re commuting by metro, bus, tram, or using water transport, this card makes life easier by combining payment convenience with rewards.
This card is especially ideal for:
- Daily RTA commuters in Dubai
- Drivers who frequently spend on fuel
- Shoppers looking for cashback on regular spending
- Users who want a smart and integrated card experience
- UAE residents seeking value with no annual fee
The card helps you accumulate cashback on almost every expense, from public transport to groceries and international purchases. The cashback is not just a promotional offer but a consistent reward program with clear percentages and categories.
It even caters to those who travel frequently by including global usability and no limits on international cashback. In essence, if you’re someone who wants to simplify transportation payments while maximizing financial returns through cashback, this card is designed with you in mind.
It’s more than a payment tool; it’s a lifestyle companion that supports your day-to-day needs across spending, commuting, and travel.
How Does the Built-in NOL Card and Salik Top-Up Work?
The Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card stands out with its smart integration of an Nol chip directly into the card. This built-in feature allows you to use the card as an Nol card across the Dubai public transportation system, including the Dubai Metro, Tram, Bus, Water Bus, and even some parking terminals.
Here’s what you can do with the built-in Nol feature:
- Tap the card at metro stations, bus stops, or tram platforms
- Recharge your NOl balance directly through the bank’s mobile app
- Use it seamlessly without needing a separate Nol card
Additionally, the card supports Salik account top-ups, enabling effortless toll payment management across Dubai highways. The integration of Salik top-up and Nol recharge makes the card an all-in-one travel and spend solution.
However, it’s essential to note that payments made through the RTA website or app to recharge Salik or Nol accounts are treated as Smart Government Transactions and do not earn cashback.
The convenience of having one card for shopping, fuel, and transport means less to carry and more control. Whether you’re paying for your metro ride or cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road, this card ensures that you’re covered and rewarded, all from one smart financial tool.
How Much Cashback Can You Earn with the RTA Credit Card?
Cashback is where the Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card truly shines. You get rewarded for nearly all categories of spending, with particularly high returns for RTA-related expenses and fuel. Let’s break it down clearly so you understand how much you stand to gain.
Cashback Opportunities:
- RTA Transport Payments: 10% cashback (capped at AED 75/month as of March 2024)
- Fuel Spends: 10% cashback (also capped at AED 75/month)
- International Transactions: Up to 2.25% cashback with no monthly cap
- Domestic Transactions: Up to 1.25% cashback, uncapped
In addition to the major spend categories, other sectors also qualify for cashback but at reduced rates. These include spending at grocery stores, restaurants, telecom, insurance, education, and real estate services.
Cashback Table:
| Spend Category | Cashback % | Monthly Cap |
| RTA Transport Payments | 10% | AED 75 |
| Fuel Stations | 10% | AED 75 |
| International Spends | 2.25% | Unlimited |
| Domestic Spends | 1.25% | Unlimited |
| Grocery & Supermarkets | 1% | Unlimited |
| Quick Service Restaurants | 0.31% | Unlimited |
| Automobiles & Insurance | 0.19% | Unlimited |
| Education, Telecom & Real Estate | 0.13% | Unlimited |
| UK & EEA Countries | 0.56% | Unlimited |
You earn cashback in the form of points (1 point = AED 1), which are easy to redeem through online or mobile banking. This structured cashback program ensures you get value from all your purchases, especially in categories you use daily.
What Are the Conditions for Earning Cashback Rewards?
While the cashback potential is impressive, certain conditions apply to ensure eligibility. Understanding these terms is key to making the most of your Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card.
Minimum Spend Requirement:
- You must spend at least AED 1,000 per billing cycle to qualify for any cashback.
Transactions Not Eligible for Cashback Include:
- Cash advances and withdrawals
- Crypto purchases
- Government payments
- Salik/Nol top-ups via RTA website or app
- Bill payments through online/mobile banking
- Balance transfers or easy payment plans
- Merchant refunds and security deposits
- Charity or social organization payments
Other Cashback Rules:
- Cashback Points are valid for 2 years
- Points are not earned on amounts exceeding your credit limit in a billing cycle
- EMI payments and international cash transactions do not qualify
This structure ensures responsible usage while rewarding genuine retail spending. It’s important to monitor your monthly expenses to make sure you’re hitting the threshold and avoiding excluded categories.
The program is designed to deliver consistent rewards for everyday purchases, but only if you follow the spend guidelines and stay within the listed categories. Done right, this card gives you real money back for the money you’re already spending.
How to Redeem Cashback Points via Mobile and Online Banking?
Redeeming your cashback points is both simple and flexible with Emirates Islamic. Whether you’re on the go or using a desktop, you can access your earned cashback in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it effectively.
EI+ Mobile Banking
- Log in to the EI+ Mobile Banking app
- Tap on the Cards section on the dashboard
- Swipe to locate your RTA Credit Card
- Select Cashback Balance > Online Redemption
- Choose the Card and enter the amount to redeem
- Tap Next, then Slide to Confirm
- Enter your SmartPass PIN to finalize
- Cashback is processed within 1 working day
Online Banking
- Log in to Emirates Islamic Online Banking
- Click on the Cards section
- Choose your RTA Credit Card
- Select Cashback Balance > Online Redemption
- Enter the amount to redeem, then proceed
- Confirm via the SmartPass prompt on your mobile app
- Points are typically processed in 1 business day
Minimum Redemption Threshold
- You need at least 300 Cashback Points in your account
- 1 point equals AED 1, so 300 points = AED 300
Cashback Redemption Table:
| Step | Mobile Banking | Online Banking |
| Login | EI+ Mobile App | Emirates Islamic Online Banking |
| Access Card Section | Tap Cards > RTA Card | Click Cards > RTA Card |
| Cashback Balance | Select Online Redemption | Select Online Redemption |
| Confirm & Authenticate | SmartPass PIN | SmartPass PIN |
| Processing Time | Within 1 working day | Within 1 working day |
Redemption is seamless, and the flexibility means you’re never far from converting your rewards into real value. It’s a user-first system designed for everyday usability.
What Other Perks Come with the Emirates Islamic RTA Card?
Beyond cashback, the Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card includes a suite of lifestyle, travel, and protection benefits. These features make the card more than just a commuter tool, it’s a full-service financial product designed for modern UAE residents.
Key Additional Benefits:
- Travel and Medical Insurance: Complimentary coverage for both medical and travel emergencies when you purchase tickets using your card.
- Emergency Assistance: Global access to emergency legal and medical help while abroad.
- Purchase Protection: Coverage against theft or damage for items purchased with the card, up to a specified period.
- Extended Warranty: Extra warranty coverage on eligible purchases, beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Smart Government Payments: Flexibility to use your card across select government services (although cashback is not awarded on these).
- No Annual Membership Fee: The RTA Platinum Credit Card comes without any yearly charge, offering high value with minimal costs.
The card is carefully curated for individuals who not only want rewards on spending but also desire peace of mind through insurance and emergency services. These additional features provide a safety net, ensuring you’re protected while spending, traveling, or shopping across the UAE and abroad.
Are There Any Fees or Charges You Should Know About?
While the Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card has no annual fee for its Platinum version, other charges may apply based on your card usage and credit limit. Understanding these charges can help you manage your card better and avoid unexpected costs.
General Profit Rate:
- The card operates on a monthly profit rate of 3.69%, applicable to carried balances.
Fee-Based Card Information:
- The RTA Platinum Card comes with no annual membership fee
- Other credit card types (Skywards, Etihad, Amazon, etc.) vary in fees and benefits
Fee Structure Based on Credit Limit:
| Credit Limit Range (AED) | Monthly Fee (AED) | Annual Fee (AED) |
| ≤ 8,000 | 225 | 0 |
| 8,001 – 13,000 | 325 | 0 |
| 13,001 – 16,000 | 500 | 0 |
| 16,001 – 25,000 | 575 | 0 |
| 25,001 – 37,500 | 850 | 0 |
| 37,501 – 62,500 | 1,200 | 0 |
| 62,501 – 100,000 | 1,600 | 0 |
| 100,001 – 150,000 | 1,600 | 0 |
| > 150,000 | 1,600 | 0 |
Additional Notes:
- Fees include VAT
- Fees are waived if annual spending exceeds AED 5,000
- Minimum monthly spend of AED 1,000 required for cashback eligibility
When compared to other cards like Skywards Infinite or Etihad Guest cards, the RTA Platinum offers exceptional value for everyday users, especially with its no-fee model and high cashback in key categories.
Pros and Cons of the RTA Credit Card: Is It Right for You?
Choosing the right card means evaluating both benefits and limitations. The Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card is robust in features, but like any product, it’s not without trade-offs.
Here’s a balanced overview:
| Pros | Cons |
| 10% cashback on RTA and fuel spends | Cashback on RTA/fuel capped at AED 75/month each |
| Built-in Nol card for seamless transport access | Smart Government Transactions don’t earn cashback |
| No annual membership fee | Excludes government, utility, crypto, and charity transactions |
| Easy mobile/online cashback redemption | Minimum AED 1,000 spend required per billing cycle |
| Extended warranty and purchase protection | Cashback points expire after 2 years |
| International and domestic spend cashback | No cashback on overspend beyond credit limit |
If your routine involves using public transport, filling up fuel, and making regular purchases, this card can be extremely rewarding. However, users who don’t hit the AED 1,000 monthly minimum or spend a lot on excluded categories may see less benefit. Overall, the RTA card is best suited for smart spenders and commuters in the UAE.
How to Apply for the Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card?
Applying for the Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card is straightforward and can be done online in just a few steps. The process is designed to be quick, secure, and accessible for UAE residents.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID
- Minimum monthly income required (typically around AED 5,000 or more)
- Good credit history and CBUAE score
Documents You’ll Need:
- Emirates ID copy
- Passport copy and visa page (for expats)
- Salary certificate or proof of income
- Recent utility bill or tenancy contract
How to Apply?
- Visit the official Emirates Islamic website
- Navigate to the RTA Credit Card application page
- Fill in the required personal and financial details
- Upload necessary documents
- Submit the form and wait for approval
Once approved, your card is usually delivered within a few business days. It’s preloaded with the Nol chip and ready to use right away. This ease of application and fast issuance adds to the card’s overall convenience and appeal.
Conclusion
The Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card is more than a convenience tool, it’s a smart financial companion tailored for modern UAE residents. From rewarding your RTA transport and fuel spends with up to 10% cashback to offering built-in Nol card functionality, this card blends practicality with value.
The ability to earn cashback on groceries, international spending, and everyday shopping, combined with travel insurance and purchase protection, makes it a comprehensive package.
While it requires mindful usage to avoid excluded categories and meet spending thresholds, the returns can be significant for the right user. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a savvy spender, this card deserves a place in your wallet.
If you’re looking to save more while simplifying your transport and purchases in Dubai, the Emirates Islamic RTA Credit Card is a worthy contender.
FAQs
How does the built-in Nol card actually work on public transport?
The Nol chip inside the card allows you to tap and pay on metro, tram, bus, and other RTA services just like a regular Nol card. You can recharge it through the mobile app or online banking.
What are the cashback caps for each spending category?
RTA transport and fuel cashback are each capped at AED 75 per month, while other categories like international and domestic purchases have no monthly cap.
Can I use the RTA Credit Card internationally for cashback?
Yes, you can earn up to 2.25% cashback on international purchases with no cap, making it suitable for global travel and online shopping.
How do I check and redeem cashback points?
You can redeem points through the Emirates Islamic mobile app or online banking. The redemption process takes one business day and requires a minimum of 300 points.
What types of spending do not earn cashback?
Excluded categories include government transactions, bill payments, crypto, charity, cash advances, and anything exceeding your card’s credit limit.
Do I need to spend a minimum amount each month?
Yes, you need to spend at least AED 1,000 in a billing cycle to be eligible for cashback rewards.
Is the Emirates Islamic RTA Card better than Skywards or Etihad cards?
It depends on your usage. The RTA card is ideal for daily commuters and local spenders, while Skywards and Etihad cards are better for frequent flyers.
