How to Get a Tabby Physical Card in the UAE – A Complete 2025 Guide

Tabby is one of the most popular “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) platforms in the UAE, offering flexible installment options with no interest and no hidden fees. While most users know Tabby for its app and online integration with stores, many people don’t realize you can also apply for a Tabby Card—a physical Visa card that works just like a debit card, but with Tabby’s split-payment benefits. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process of getting your own Tabby physical card, how it works, and how to use it.

What Is the Tabby Card?

The Tabby Card is a physical Visa card offered by Tabby that allows you to shop in stores and split your payment into four equal parts. You can use it at any store in the UAE that accepts Visa, not just Tabby-partnered shops. It functions similarly to a debit card—but with the benefit of buy now, pay later built in. No interest, no hidden fees, and no paperwork required.

Who Can Get a Tabby Card?

To get a Tabby Card, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID.

• Have a working UAE mobile number.

• Have an active Tabby account with successful order history.

• Pass a credit assessment (done automatically within the app).

Tabby doesn’t ask for salary slips or bank statements. Your shopping and repayment behavior inside the app determines your eligibility.

How to Apply for the Tabby Card

Follow these steps to get your Tabby Card:

1. Open the Tabby app (or download it from the App Store or Google Play).

2. Make sure your account is fully verified with Emirates ID and phone number.

3. On the home screen, tap the “Tabby Card” option.

4. If eligible, you’ll see a “Request Card” button.

5. Confirm your delivery address and tap to apply.

6. Your card will be processed and shipped in 7–10 business days.

If the Tabby Card option is not visible, it means you haven’t yet met the internal eligibility criteria. Keep using Tabby, repay on time, and try again later.

How to Activate the Card

Once your Tabby Card arrives:

1. Open the Tabby app and go to the Card section.

2. Tap “Activate Card.”

3. Enter the last 4 digits of your card number.

4. Choose your PIN code for ATM and in-store purchases.

5. Your card is now ready to use at any UAE store that accepts Visa.

How the Tabby Card Works

Your Tabby Card is linked to your Tabby account and follows the 4-payment split system:

• You pay 25% upfront at the time of purchase.

• The remaining 75% is paid in 3 equal monthly installments.

• No interest or fees if you pay on time.

There’s no credit limit like a traditional bank card—your spending power depends on your repayment behavior and Tabby’s internal assessment.

Where Can You Use the Tabby Card?

• In-store shopping at malls, supermarkets, salons, and electronics stores.

• Any UAE merchant that accepts Visa cards.

• Not limited to Tabby partner stores like Namshi or Sharaf DG.

You can also use it online if the merchant accepts card payments, though Tabby usually promotes in-store use for this card.

Managing Your Payments

You can view all upcoming payments directly in the Tabby app. The app notifies you when a payment is due and allows early repayment if you prefer. You can pay using:

• Debit card.

• Credit card.

• Apple Pay or Samsung Pay.

Make sure to have funds available on your payment due dates to avoid penalties. If you miss a payment, your card might be paused until the balance is cleared.

Tabby Card Fees and Charges

The Tabby Card has:

• No annual fee.

• No issuance fee.

• No interest.

• No late payment fee currently (as of 2025), but repeated missed payments may restrict your future usage.

Benefits of Using the Tabby Card

✅ Shop anywhere: Not limited to Tabby merchants—use it at your favorite stores.
✅ Instant credit: No approval delays—you know your available balance via the app.
✅ Flexible payments: Pay over 4 months, interest-free.
✅ No paperwork: No salary proof, no bank letters—just your ID and Tabby account.
✅ Instant tracking: The app gives you full visibility of all spending and due dates.

Tabby Card vs Regular Credit Card

• No interest vs high APR.

• No minimum income required vs bank salary requirements.

• Buy now, pay later automatically vs full credit billing cycle.

• No paperwork vs full application process.

Tabby’s model is simpler and easier for young shoppers or freelancers who don’t want traditional credit cards.

Troubleshooting and Issues

Didn’t receive your card?
Delivery may take up to 10 days. If delayed, contact Tabby via in-app support or email.

Can’t activate card?
Make sure your app is updated. Enter the correct last 4 digits. If problems persist, delete and reinstall the app.

Payment declined in-store?
Check your available balance. Some stores may require PIN—set your PIN through the app.

Card paused?
This usually happens if you missed a payment. Repay and it’ll auto-reactivate.

FAQs About Tabby Physical Card

Can I use it internationally?
Not at the moment. It’s currently restricted to the UAE.

Can I withdraw cash from ATMs?
No, the Tabby Card doesn’t support cash withdrawals.

Can I get a second card?
No, only one Tabby Card per account is allowed.

How do I increase my card limit?
Your limit increases automatically as you use the card and repay on time. There’s no manual way to request an increase.

Final Thoughts

The Tabby Card is a powerful tool for UAE residents who want the convenience of shopping with installment payments—but without the complications of credit cards. It’s easy to apply, fast to receive, and accepted almost everywhere that takes Visa. As long as you manage your repayments responsibly, the Tabby Card can give you smart purchasing power with zero stress. If you’re already a Tabby user, applying takes just minutes—open the app and check your eligibility today.