Most of us are comfortable using credit cards, especially in UAE, a spending-savvy country. However, credit cards come with the risk of debt accumulation, high-interest charges, risk of theft, etc.
So, is there an alternative option that is convenient and cheaper than credit cards?
Let’s learn the alternative solutions to credit cards and how they can help you manage your payments better.
Credit cards in the UAE come with several downsides. The risk of accumulating debt is high, especially with interest rates that skyrocket daily. If you miss a payment, these interest charges compound quickly.
Annual fees are another issue to ponder upon. Many cards charge fees ranging from AED 200 to AED 750 per year, regardless of how often you use the card. Your credit score is also at stake. Late payments can reduce your score, affecting loan eligibility and employment in some sectors.
Fraud risk is another concern. Lastly, the APR can fluctuate, leading to unpredictable interest charges. For example, a card with a variable APR might start at 15% but could rise to 20% within a year, increasing your financial burden.
While credit cards offer convenience, they have significant financial risks and costs. Alternative payment solutions may offer a more secure and cost-effective way to handle transactions in the UAE. In such cases, alternative payment methods would be used in approximately 60% of Internet purchases and more than 40% of in-person transactions.
In the UAE, the financial landscape is evolving, offering more than just traditional credit cards for managing your money. From mobile wallets to virtual cards, the alternatives are convenient and packed with features that cater to a modern lifestyle.
Let’s look into them in detail.
Ever found yourself without your credit card and needed to make a quick purchase? Enter mobile wallets, a game-changer in the UAE’s financial scene. One standout is Payit, a mobile wallet that’s making waves. To add on, it is a feature-rich mobile wallet and a standout choice since it offers:
Bill Payments: No need to log into multiple platforms; pay all your bills in one place.
Mobile Top-Up: Keep your phone charged with easy top-ups.
International Money Transfers: Send money abroad without the hassle of going to a money exchange.
Cashbacks and Promo Codes: Save more with special offers and promotions.
It’s a comprehensive solution that goes beyond the basic functionalities of a mobile wallet, making it a solid alternative to traditional payment methods in the UAE.
An electronic version of your regular debit or credit card is called a virtual card. You get all the essentials like a card number, expiration date, and CVV code, but it’s all securely stored in your mobile wallet.
Designed for the modern user, it allows you to shop online, pay bills, and even book flights without needing a traditional bank account. It’s like having a debit card without the physical plastic and without being tied to a bank.
Also, read Future of Payment Cards: Are Virtual Cards Taking Over the Physical Cards?
Online transfers are a way to send money from one bank account to another without physical cash or checks. You can initiate a digital transaction from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can transfer money to someone else’s bank account, pay bills, or move money between your accounts. It’s quick, usually secure, and often can be scheduled in advance or even set up as a recurring transaction.
You may like: Best Ways to Send Money to your Home Country
In mobile wallets like Payit, online transfers can also include sending money to friends or family using the same app. It simplifies the process, making it as easy as selecting a contact and entering an amount. These transactions are typically faster than traditional methods because they’re all digital. So, online transfers are all about convenience and speed, helping you manage your money without the hassle of going to a bank or writing a check.
More: Do’s and Don’ts For Successful online Money Transfers
Peer-to-peer payment apps, often called P2P apps, are a modern convenience that lets you send money directly to someone else via your mobile device. Think of it as a digital wallet that you can use to split dinner bills with friends, pay your share of the rent, or even send a birthday gift to a family member. It’s like handing over cash, but digitally.
Such payment apps take the mobile wallet’s peer-to-peer payments up a notch. These apps also allow you to send money to friends and family, even if they don’t have a bank account. All they need is the Payit app, via which they can receive and spend the money you send them.
So, peer-to-peer payment apps are more than just a way to send money. They’re a way to simplify your life, manage shared expenses, and keep your financial transactions secure and convenient.
Technology is constantly evolving, and with each evolution comes innovative solutions. You can explore these alternative solutions to credit cards that are quite convenient and can help you manage your finances more effectively.
Ready to take charge of your finances? Download the Payit mobile wallet app.