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.

Card Comparisons

Name Annual fee Perks
Standard Chartered Titanium MasterCard 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