Credit cards are no longer just a convenient way to pay; in Kuwait, they have become a gateway to rewards, cashback, travel perks, and lifestyle privileges. Whether you are a Kuwaiti national or an expatriate, the right credit card can help you save money, earn rewards on everyday spending, and enjoy benefits like free airport lounge access, complimentary insurance, and exclusive dining discounts. However, with so many banks offering multiple card options, it can be overwhelming to decide which one suits you best. This guide breaks down the top 5 credit cards in Kuwait for 2025, considering factors such as rewards programs, travel benefits, annual fees, eligibility requirements, and user experiences.

1 NBK Visa Infinite / Mastercard World Elite – National Bank of Kuwait

The National Bank of Kuwait’s Visa Infinite and Mastercard World Elite cards are widely considered the top premium credit cards in the country. Known for their generous cashback rates, flexible travel rewards, and unmatched global acceptance, these cards are designed for high-income professionals and frequent travelers. Cardholders can earn up to 5% cashback on premium spending categories such as dining, travel, and online shopping. Additionally, NBK offers a competitive points-to-miles conversion rate, making it easy to redeem points for airline tickets, hotel stays, or statement credits.

Travelers benefit from unlimited complimentary access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide through LoungeKey, as well as comprehensive travel insurance, purchase protection, and concierge services. The annual fee is around KWD 100, although it is often waived for high spenders. To qualify, applicants typically need a monthly salary of at least KWD 3,000 and may be required to transfer their salary to NBK. This card is perfect for customers who spend heavily, travel often, and want the flexibility to redeem rewards across multiple categories.

2 Gulf Bank Visa Infinite – Luxury Travel and Lifestyle Perks

Gulf Bank’s Visa Infinite credit card is a strong contender for those who want premium lifestyle and travel benefits without compromising on everyday rewards. It offers Gulf Points for every dinar spent, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, or even cashback. One of its key attractions is complimentary access to a wide network of international airport lounges, making it an ideal choice for business travelers and holidaymakers alike.

The card also provides valuable perks such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and concierge services. Gulf Bank frequently runs promotional campaigns where annual fees are waived if you meet a certain spending threshold. The standard annual fee is around KWD 100, with a minimum salary requirement of approximately KWD 2,500 per month. Customers who value premium travel comfort and a straightforward points program will find the Gulf Bank Visa Infinite an excellent choice.

3 Burgan Bank Titanium Mastercard and Qatar Airways Co‑brand Card

Burgan Bank offers a variety of credit cards, but the Titanium Mastercard and the Qatar Airways co‑brand card stand out for frequent travelers, especially those who fly with Qatar Airways. The Titanium Mastercard focuses on lifestyle benefits, offering discounts at restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail stores. Meanwhile, the Qatar Airways co‑brand card rewards cardholders with Qmiles, which can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and partner airline bookings.

With the Qatar Airways card, customers can earn up to 6 Qmiles per Kuwaiti dinar spent locally and up to 12 Qmiles on international transactions. Additional perks include complimentary airport lounge access, travel insurance, and priority check-in with Qatar Airways. The minimum salary requirement for the Titanium Mastercard is around KWD 750, while the co‑brand card has a higher requirement. Annual fees vary but are often offset by the travel and lifestyle benefits provided.

4 Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Visa Signature and Visa World – Sharia‑Compliant Premium Cards

For customers seeking Islamic finance-compliant products, Kuwait Finance House offers some of the most rewarding Sharia‑compliant credit cards in the market. The Visa Signature and Visa World cards are designed for affluent customers who want international travel benefits along with adherence to Islamic banking principles. Cardholders earn KFH Rewards points on all transactions, which can be redeemed for travel bookings, shopping vouchers, or statement credits.

These cards include unlimited airport lounge access, concierge services, and even free international roaming data through Flexiroam for certain plans. Additional benefits such as travel insurance and purchase protection add more value for frequent travelers. The Visa Signature requires a minimum salary of around KWD 1,000, while the Visa World card typically requires around KWD 1,500. Annual fees range from KWD 75 to KWD 100, with potential waivers for high spenders. This makes KFH cards an ideal option for customers who value both Sharia compliance and premium privileges.

5 Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) Diner’s Club and Visa Cashback Cards

Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait offers a range of cards, but the Diner’s Club and Visa Cashback variants have gained popularity for their strong dining, entertainment, and travel benefits. The Diner’s Club card provides unlimited access to over 800 airport lounges worldwide and exclusive dining offers. It also includes travel insurance and purchase protection, making it a well-rounded option for both leisure and business travelers.

The ABK Visa Cashback card focuses on simplicity, giving cardholders a straightforward cashback percentage on all eligible purchases. This is especially attractive to customers who prefer immediate monetary benefits rather than complex points systems. Minimum salary requirements start at around KWD 1,500, with an annual fee of approximately KWD 50. Both cards are suitable for customers who want great travel and lifestyle benefits at a relatively lower cost compared to other premium cards in Kuwait.

Conclusion – Which Credit Card Should You Choose in Kuwait?
When it comes to choosing the best credit card in Kuwait, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice should depend on your income, spending habits, and lifestyle preferences. If you are a high spender and frequent traveler, the NBK Visa Infinite or Mastercard World Elite offers unmatched flexibility and top-tier perks. If you want premium travel benefits with a slightly lower income requirement, the Gulf Bank Visa Infinite is a solid alternative. For Qatar Airways loyalists, the Burgan Bank co‑brand card offers exceptional value through generous Qmile earnings. Customers who prefer Sharia-compliant products should consider the KFH Visa Signature or Visa World, while those looking for strong dining, entertainment, and cashback benefits at a lower annual fee will find ABK’s Diner’s Club or Visa Cashback card highly rewarding.

The Kuwaiti credit card market in 2025 offers something for everyone, from luxury travelers to savvy savers. By carefully assessing your needs and comparing benefits, you can choose a card that maximizes rewards and enhances your financial lifestyle. The right card not only saves you money but also opens the door to privileges and experiences that go far beyond simple payments.