Emirates NBD Darna Select Visa
6.25% back at Aldar destinations — free for life
at Emirates NBD's secure site
Terms & conditions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
"Free forever, 5,000 salary, and 6.25% back everywhere Aldar operates — as a second card kept purely for Yas Mall and Yas Island days, the Select is impossible to argue with. Just don't let its 0.75% base rate anywhere near your everyday spending."
Earning and redeeming Darna Points
Darna Points have a fixed value — 10 points = 1 — so the Select earns a clean 6.25% back at 1,200+ Aldar destinations: Yas Mall, the Yas Island theme parks, Aldar hotels, spas and golf courses. Everything else, at home or abroad, earns 0.75%.
Redemption is the best part: tell the cashier you're paying with points, pick "Darna Points" on the terminal, and the amount comes straight off the bill — or convert points to gift cards and cashback in the Darna app. Balances live in the Darna app or ENBD X.
Rates and fees
- Annual fee
- 0 — free for life, no joining fee
- Interest rate
- 3.69% per month (44.28% p.a.); 3.25% per month for UAE nationals
- Interest-free period
- Up to 55 days when the full balance is paid
- Minimum salary
- 5,000 per month
- Foreign transaction fee
- 1.99% plus Visa's ~1.15% scheme fee
- Cash advance fee
- 3.15% of the amount (minimum 103.95)
- Late payment fee
- 241.50 per month
- Supplementary cards
- Free issuance
- Card network
- Visa
Rates shown are from the Emirates NBD Key Facts Statement and Credit Card Price Guide, inclusive of 5% VAT, and are subject to change by the bank.
Card benefits
Darna Silver tier
Automatic Silver membership in Darna Rewards by Aldar, with member offers across Aldar destinations — full benefits in the Darna app.
Points that spend like cash
10 Darna Points = 1, redeemed instantly at the POS across 1,200+ Aldar merchants or converted in the Darna app.
Movie ticket BOGO
Buy 1 Get 1 free on movie tickets for nights out that pay for themselves.
0% Aldar instalments
0% instalment plans at no cost on Aldar Education & Property qualifying payments.
Security & assistance
24/7 roadside assistance, SMS alerts, emergency medical and legal referral, and optional Credit Shield Pro cover.
Pros and cons
- Free for life — no joining fee, no annual fee, confirmed in the bank's KFS
- 6.25% value back at 1,200+ Aldar destinations is exceptional for a no-fee card
- Points spend like cash at the till — 10 points = 1
- Low 5,000 salary requirement opens Darna rewards to most earners
- 0% instalment plans at no cost on Aldar Education & Property
- Just 0.75% back outside Aldar destinations — weak for everyday spending
- No airport lounge access and no welcome bonus
- No golf, valet or concierge perks — those sit on the Signature and Infinite
- High 3.69% monthly interest rate if you carry a balance
- 1.99% foreign-currency fee plus Visa's ~1.15% scheme charge
Is it right for you?
Get this card if
- You visit Yas Mall, Yas Island parks or Aldar hotels even a few times a year
- You want a free-forever card with zero fee risk
- You earn 5,000–12,000 and can't reach the Signature's salary bar
- You pay Aldar school fees or property instalments and want 0% plans
Consider skipping it if
- You want one card for everything — 0.75% outside Aldar is beatable everywhere
- You expect lounge access, golf or valet perks at this tier
- You carry a balance; 3.69% a month is expensive
- You earn 12,000+ — the Signature nearly doubles the rates for free (for now)
Alternatives to consider
7.5% at Aldar, Gold tier, lounge access and a 3,000-point bonus — currently free for life too.
Another free ENBD co-brand, but aimed at Lulu grocery runs instead of Aldar destinations.
Best grocery cards →Not sure which way to go? Put them side by side in our card comparison tool or browse the full ranked list.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Emirates NBD Darna Select Visa card free?+
Yes — it is free for life, with no joining fee and no annual fee. The bank's Key Facts Statement lists both as free.
What is the minimum salary for the Darna Select Visa?+
AED 5,000 per month — the lowest bar in the Darna range.
How do Darna Points work on this card?+
You earn 6.25% value back as Darna Points at 1,200+ Aldar destinations and 0.75% everywhere else. 10 Darna Points = AED 1, redeemed instantly at the POS terminal or via the Darna app.
What Darna tier does this card give me?+
Automatic Darna Silver tier, with member offers across Aldar destinations. Full tier benefits are listed in the Darna app.
Does the Darna Select Visa include airport lounge access?+
No. Lounge access starts with the Darna Visa Signature; the Select's benefits centre on Aldar earning, the Silver tier, movie ticket offers and 0% Aldar instalment plans.
What interest rate does this card charge?+
3.69% per month (44.28% p.a.) on unpaid balances — 3.25% per month for UAE nationals. Up to 55 interest-free days apply when you pay in full.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank or card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.