Comparing Different Cards

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.