Al Hilal Bank Cashback vs Mashreq Al Islami Platinum Elite

Compare the same AED 10,000 monthly benchmark with full repayment. Actual eligibility, category spending and the timing of welcome offers can change the outcome. This is an independent comparison; subjective perks are not assigned guaranteed cash value.

Cashback Credit Card

Minimum salary

Confirm with bank

Annual fee

AED 0

First-year net

AED 1,200

Ongoing annual net

AED 1,200

Bank FX fee

3.14%; scheme charges may apply

Reward programme

Cashback

Annual fee is free in the September 2026 VAT-inclusive schedule.

Important conditions

Only two selected categories accelerate; their rate depends on total monthly spend. Government spending and utility payments made through the Al Hilal app earn zero.

Published renewal fee used; unverified discretionary or relationship waivers are excluded.

25+ regional airport lounges advertised; current entry rules apply.

No cinema offer verified.

Official Al Hilal Bank terms · reviewed 2026-10-22

Mashreq Al Islami Platinum Elite Credit Card

Minimum salary

Confirm with bank

Annual fee

AED 682.5

First-year net

AED -106.18

Ongoing annual net

AED -106.18

Bank FX fee

2.89%; scheme charges may apply

Reward programme

Mashreq Vantage

No ongoing waiver verified.

Important conditions

Partial rewards model: Earn Mashreq Vantage points, with accelerated dining, supermarket and foreign-currency rates and lower specified-category rates. Merchant exclusions, caps and scheme conditions apply.

Published renewal fee used; unverified discretionary or relationship waivers are excluded.

8 complimentary lounge visits per year, at most 2 per billing month, after AED 7,000 spend in the previous billing cycle.

50% off 4 tickets monthly at VOX, Reel and Novo. Cinepolis offers up to 8 tickets monthly until 31 December 2026.

Official Mashreq terms · reviewed 2026-10-22

Which card fits your own spending?

A common benchmark makes the comparison reproducible, but it does not establish the best card for every household. Welcome eligibility, employer and bureau assessment, payment channel merchant codes, actual foreign spending and carried balances can all change the result.

Review all assumptions and reward valuations