Home Insights Features Do You Have The Best UAE Credit Card Deal? We compare the interest rates, annual fees and perks offered by financial institutions in the UAE. by Aarti Nagraj April 10, 2013 Increased use of credit and debit cards in the UAE added $4.2 billion to the country’s GDP between 2008 to 2012, according to a recent study by Moody’s Analytics and Visa. Electronic payments are beneficial due to “enhanced security, convenience of operating without cash or checks and increased efficiency at checkout,” stated Kamran Siddiqi, Visa general manager for MENA. As usage of cards increases, rising competition is healthy, he added. But with an assortment of credit cards on offer, each presenting a range of rewards and benefits, consumers are often left thoroughly confused. It is best to choose a card based on your personal usage, and the criteria that matters the most to you – interest rates/annual fee or the added benefits. Also, ensure that you check the fine print; it is always easy to fall into the trap of a “free” something, which is not actually free. Here are some of the best credit deals currently on offer in the UAE. Name Interest rate Annual fee Perks Standard Chartered Titanium MasterCard 2.75% – 3.25% pm Free – Dhs750 10% cash back on supermarket purchases, utility bills and school fees Up to 50 % discounts in cinemas, restaurants, lifestyle outlets and entertainment venues 0% payment plans Mashreq Platinum Elite Credit Card 2.99%- 3.09% pm Dhs650 Up to 50% off green fees at leading golf clubs Complimentary visits to airport lounges worldwide Complimentary Travel Insurance Discounts at wellness centres and restaurants Barclaycard Edge Infinite Card 2.99% Dhs750(First year free for bank customers) 2.5% rewards on all purchases redeemable on any airline 10% cash back on dining anywhere in UAE Airport lounge access and golf privileges worldwide Travel insurance coverage of up to $1 million RAKBANK Titanium Credit Card 2.69% pm Free for life Cashback of up to 5% for payments to international merchants and up to 3% for domestic purchases Chance to win Dhs1million every six months Offers on electronics, jewellery, holidays, dining, furnishing Free supplementary cards, purchase protection and travel accident insurance NBAD Platinum Credit Card 2.59% pm Free for life Rewards on airline tickets, jewellery, home decor, Skywards Miles, flydubai e-vouchers Free supplementary cards and travel accident insurance up to $500,000 Instant cash of up to 75% of credit card limit Extended Warranty up to 12 months Complimentary lounge access at airports Dubai First Titanium Life Card Flexible from 2.69% pm Dhs400 Choice from five luxury welcome gifts Cashback of up to Dhs12,000 per year, including bonus of up to 10% on duty free and weekend spends. Free airline ticket every year and complimentary airport lounge access Access to premium health clubs across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah Emirates NBD Platinum Credit Card 2.99% pm Dhs700 Airport lounge access Golf and health club privileges Discounts on air tickets and holiday packages HSBC Platinum Credit Card 2.99%- 3% pm Dhs600 Shopping, dining and leisure offers from 19,000 merchants worldwide Up to two supplementary credit cards Extended Warranty up to 12 months ADCB Platinum Credit Card 3.09% Dhs500 Up to 50% cash-back on cinema tickets and entertainment venues during weekends Complimentary golf Airport lounge access 0% installment payment plans Citi Life Infinite Credit Card 2.99% Dhs600 Complimentary golf once a month at premier golf clubs Discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, beauty and well-being outlets Access to over airport VIP lounges around the world Up to five supplementary cards Also read : Are You Being Scammed About A ‘Lifetime Free’ Credit Card? 0 Comments