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A practical and stress-free guide to maximising and enjoying the rewards from your UAE credit cards
4 November 2020
| Last updated on 22 February 2021
There are many types of credit cards available in the UAE, featuring a variety of ways customers can earn rewards.
Navigating the world of credit cards doesn't have to be a daunting thing. With so many different cards available in the UAE, you'll find many with tantalizing benefits and offers that will allow you to earn rewards.
Credit cards in the UAE can offer a variety of perks, such as travel miles, cashback, or points that can be used for store credit and bills, and daily deals.
The key to maximising these benefits is to fully understand the value that each card offers, and we've compiled a handy, stress-free guide to reaping those rewards.
How world travellers can reap their rewards
There's no shortage of credit cards in the UAE that can fit a variety of lifestyles. For those who fly frequently due to work or enjoy travelling, or if you have a bucket list trip planned, you'd want a card that will reward your spending habits with air miles, plane tickets, seat upgrades, hotel bookings, travel packages, and access to airport lounges.
The Citi Prestige Card, for example, would appeal to customers as it doesn't just offer the above-mentioned travel perks, but it provides a lot of flexibility and the option to choose from 14 airline partners including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and British Airways to name a few.
If you enjoy high-end experiences and benefits, you'll find plenty of luxury cards that encourage customers to spend, making it easier for you to redeem your credit card rewards points on hotels, restaurants, leisure and entertainment attractions that are partnered with the bank.
The Emirates Citibank Ultima Credit Card's wide variety of benefits including earning Skywards Miles on your purchases, bonus miles for signing up, Skywards Silver Tier membership, access to airport lounges, unlimited golf and more, makes this 100% metal card an all-around winner.
These high-tier credit cards may come accompanied with annual or monthly maintenance payments, but generally the sign up bonus’ reduce these fees significantly. They may require you to have meet a specific minimum salary in order to be eligible.
How shoppers can reap their rewards
Cashback is one of the most widely-used benefits offered by credit cards, allowing cardholders a simple and straightforward way to earn rewards every time they swipe or tap. Cashback credit cards enable customers to earn a certain percentage of their purchases.
The Citi Cashback Credit card offers unlimited, automatic cashback on all spend with no spend categories excluded every month.
If you want more freedom in regards to where and how you can use the points you've earned, the Citi Thank You Rewards programme is for you.
Cardholders can redeem Thank You Points cash rebates by using points to pay for transactions at the click of a button or many other redemption options such as shopping mall vouchers, staycation bookings or merchandise to name a few via the Citi Global Rewards Portal.
What to know before you sign up for your credit card
Credit cards and loyalty programmes
Credit card and loyalty rewards programmes offer a great deal of value for customers, but less is more.
Try to avoid signing up for several credit cards or loyalty programmes simply for the perks, as consumers will typically earn more rewards by having just one card.
To best earn these rewards, consider getting supplementary cards for members of your family (usually only issued to blood relatives). This is one easy way to earn more rewards points and spread the benefits to those near and dear, as most banks do not charge for supplementary cards.
It's important to note that as the primary cardholder, it's your responsibility to set spending limits on supplementary credit cards, and to settle the bills when due.
Do your research
Before committing to a new credit card, ask yourself what kinds of rewards and benefits offer the most value to you. Have a look at your spending habits and narrow down the list so you can get a better picture of which type of credit card would be the best match for your lifestyle.
Remember to read all of the fine print before sending in your credit card application. Let yourself be clear about all the terms and conditions that apply to the credit card, loyalty programme, or bank you are committing yourself to. It's one of the best ways you can avoid disappointment or any unwanted financial surprises in the future.
Credit cards and loyalty programmes can be an excellent source of funds and benefits for consumers. By keeping these tips in mind, you can earn extra and put those points to good use down the road.
Apply for Citibank Credit Card
