How to Choose a Perfect Credit Card for your Needs in the UAE?

Depending upon your use for this plastic card, it can either end up becoming your best buddy or the worst foe. Whether you use it for tiding over a period of financial strain, managing daily finances, maintaining cash flow, or just indulging in exquisite tastes, your credit card can either come in very handy or turn out to be a debt trap.

With a low minimum salary requirement per month, the credit cards have now become accessible to a lot of residents of the UAE. But, before you apply for credit card in UAE, you need to know that the one you are opting for will complement your needs. This is how you can choose that perfect credit cards for your requirement while ensuring that you make the most of out of it.

Knowing your Expenses

Before anything else, you need to know those expenses for which you need the credit card. If you do not have any idea regarding your spending habits, then it won’t be possible for you to select the best credit card for yourself. Hence, it is recommended for you to have a fair idea of your expenses.

Analyze whether you spend more on dining or travel, or simply on payment of utility bills or purchase of grocery items? Or the school fee of your child might be your largest expense. Knowing your expenses, helps you apply for credit card you require as the providers offer various types of cards for meeting the basic needs of the cardholders.

Some of the common services on credit cards according to the spending of the users include cashback credit cards, air mile credit card, education finance credit card, and many more.

Rates of Interest

Each credit card charges separate rates of interest that may be different from one card to another. It is very satisfying to find single-digit rates of interest on your amount outstanding. It is recommended that before you opt for a credit card, compare various credit cards online on the basis of interest rates and additional charges if any.

The Islamic Banks follow principles that are Sharia-compliant so they don’t levy interest on the amount outstanding. Hence, you can consider credit cards offered by Islamic banks in case you don’t wish to pay interest on your amount outstanding.

Credit Limit on the Credit Card

It is recommended that you apply for credit card that is suitable with your monthly income. Do not go for a card that has high limits for spending. Otherwise, you may end up under the burden of debt.

Annual Fees

The card members have to pay an annual fee on their credit card for ensuring proper maintenance. There are a few providers who do not levy any annual fees, that is, they offer credit cards that are free for life.

As compared to free for life credit cards, the paid cards offer a host of privileges and benefits which could be useful for the cardholders. Hence, select the credit card according to your convenience.

Privileges, Benefits, and Rewards

Air miles, cashback, bonus points, rewards- there are various benefits that can be availed on credit card. First of all, you should be clear about the type of privileges and benefits you want. Eventually, this will help you in making the most out of your card.

It should be noted that some of the privileges and benefits have specific terms and conditions like minimum spend requirement or participant vendor restricted. Therefore, it is advised that you check these terms and conditions before selecting a card for yourself. Apart from this, a lot of banks offer introductory benefits after your credit card application has been approved.

Easy Payment Plans

A lot of renowned financial institutions and banks offer interest-free easy payment plans for making retail purchases that range from 3 months onwards. You can conveniently convert the retail purchases into simple monthly installments.

Therefore, before you opt for any credit card, do not forget to compare various credit cards for checking which ones offer the best installment schemes for retail shopping.

International Transaction Fees

If you plan on using your credit card abroad, then make sure you enquire provider about the foreign transaction charges. A few banks might charge a certain part of your expenses as processing fees every time you make use of your credit card for international transactions.

Reading the Term and Conditions

It happens with a lot of people that without reading the terms and conditions thoroughly, they agree to them. It should be noted that the terms and conditions of any credit card include all the important information. You should invest considerable time in going through all this information mentioned in the terms and conditions properly before you apply for credit card in UAE.

Check for hidden charges levied on not using the card for a specified period of time. Also, look for additional fees charged on using the credit card for availing any offer. After reading the terms and conditions thoroughly, you can get your hands on the card of your choice confidently.

The Ending Note!

Mentioned above are some important things that must be kept in mind while opting for a credit card. It is recommended that you compare various credit cards either offline or online before selecting the most suitable one. However, the suitability of any credit card depends upon your personal needs and lifestyle. So, it is not necessary that the best credit card for you is equally best for someone else. Make sure you carefully decide on your choice of the credit card to avoid landing up in serious trouble.