MoneyVS

Citi Cash Back vs HSBC Cash+

Two cashback cards compared on the things that decide which one pays you back.

Citibank UAE Citi Cash Back Credit Card
Citibank UAECiti Cash Back Credit Card
HSBC UAE HSBC Cash+ Credit Card
HSBC UAEHSBC Cash+ Credit Card

Key differences

  • Citi Cash Back is cheaper to keep: AED 315 from yr 2 a year against AED 1,050 from yr 2.
  • Citi Cash Back has the lower salary requirement (AED 8,000 vs AED 30,000).
  • Citi Cash Back headline: 3% on non-AED spend. HSBC Cash+ headline: 1% cashback on all purchases, no minimum spend, no cap.
  • Welcome bonus spend: Citi Cash Back: AED 6k in 60 days; HSBC Cash+: no bonus listed.

Which should you choose?

Choose Citi Cash Back if

People who want uncapped cashback without monthly targets.

Watch out: Fee from year two unless you spend AED 9,000 a year.

Choose HSBC Cash+ if

High earners who want simple, uncapped cashback.

Watch out: Needs AED 30,000 salary; fee waived only with AED 24,000 yearly spend.

Side by side

Citi Cash BackHSBC Cash+
BankCitibank UAEHSBC UAE
Annual feeAED 315 from yr 2Free in year one. From year two, free with AED 9,000 annual spend, otherwise AED 300 + VAT.AED 1,050 from yr 2AED 0 for the first 12 months, then AED 1,050 incl. VAT
Fee waiverSpend AED 9,000 a yearSpend AED 24,000 a year
Minimum salaryAED 8,000AED 30,000
Who can applyAnyone who meets the salaryAnyone who meets the salary
Welcome bonus
  • AED 300 statement creditSpend AED 6,000 within 60 days
None listed
Top rates needNo minimumNo minimum
Reward capNone statedNone stated
What you earn
  • 3% on non-AED spend
  • 2% on groceries and supermarkets
  • 1% on everything else
  • No minimum spend and no caps
  • 1% cashback on all purchases, no minimum spend, no cap
  • 10% bonus cashback when you meet minimum spends
BenefitsAirport loungesAirport lounges, Cinema offers
IslamicNoNo
View on Citi siteView on HSBC site

Both cards checked against the banks' own pages on 21 Oct 2026. Information only, not financial advice.

Questions people ask

What's the difference between Citi Cash Back and HSBC Cash+?

Citi Cash Back is cheaper to keep: AED 315 from yr 2 a year against AED 1,050 from yr 2. Citi Cash Back has the lower salary requirement (AED 8,000 vs AED 30,000). Citi Cash Back headline: 3% on non-AED spend. HSBC Cash+ headline: 1% cashback on all purchases, no minimum spend, no cap. Welcome bonus spend: Citi Cash Back: AED 6k in 60 days; HSBC Cash+: no bonus listed.

Which has the lower annual fee, Citi Cash Back or HSBC Cash+?

Citi Cash Back (AED 315 from yr 2). HSBC Cash+ costs AED 1,050 from yr 2.