Credit card is a facility that helps in making payments on time, sometimes internationally as well, leaving the matter between you and the bank for method and duration of payment.
For salaried employees it is always a difficult decision to go for credit card or not. It’s a double edged sword, can be of great benefit as well as great trouble depending upon your payment history. Some credit cards though are not that big of a burden and if you have monthly salary around PKR 30,000 you can go for the basic ones that several banks offer.
For your convenience we have compared and compiled a list of credit cards from various banks in Pakistan that can be availed and be light on pocket.
*All information extracted from Schedule of Charges July-December 2015 documents of respective banks
**Where required information was not available, we have mentioned “Unknown” in the chart above
We had assumed the salaries since most credit card companies require minimum 25k salary and two references (ideally existing credit card holders). The card limit that is assigned to any customer is based on the salaries, net worth and other factors, usually this limit is multiple of 2.5 to 3 of individual’s salary. Since calculations of possible spending limits would be out of scope of this comparison, we decided to leave that part out.
Conclusion
It is difficult to declare one credit card as the best of the lot since each comes with its own benefits. The special features of each card is what matters, apart from the obvious financial factors, because your card use and relevant benefits make the card best for you.
For example, for those who shop a lot and eat out, Faysal Bank would be best option as they offer up to 15% discount on number of restaurants and easily redeemable reward points, while those preferring direct debit monthly payments and internet banking would likely go for Standard Chartered bank cards. For some the rate of foreign transactions would matter while for others the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) rate would be a major factor.
Ideally, whatever card you choose, make sure it is providing you the maximum benefits based on your needs and requirements.
Sorry if I missed, but what is APR?
Annual Percentage Rate
thanks!
Thanks for the post. What about MCB’s offerings?
At the time of writing this article, MCB didn’t have an option in which employees with salaries around the 30,000PKR mark were eligible.
Hello. Great post. I wanted to ask if there is a way to waive off Annual Fee every year. Normally, banks offer waiver for the first year and for the 2nd year they ask you to spend let’s say 2500 rupees within first two months to meet the condition of waiver. So do the banks waive off the annual fee and we don’t have to pay any additional fee? Am I right or am I missing something?
Plus kindly also tell me that if I make all of my payments in time (every time), would I be charged anything by the bank? Like mark-up or any other annual or monthly charges?
I plan to use credit cards and make timely payments. But I don’t want to pay any fees (annual or monthly or markups, etc.)
Aneef, you’ll have to pay the annual fee at first and after spending a specific amount you’re bank will waive off your annual fee and it will be debited in your third month’s bill.
If you make timely payments within the grace period you’ll not have to pay any fees or charges.
Hope it helps!
Thanks. Quite helpful!
https://smartchoice.pk/blog/2016/05/5-tips-save-money-using-credit-card/
https://smartchoice.pk/blog/2016/05/best-fuel-saver-credit-card-2016/
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Regards,
Team SmartChoice.PK
Thanks guys. Great reads.
A good post, Actually i am thinking to have credit card only to buy hosting (online purchases) no more use even a full year. What should i choose, of course i would like to go with minimum or no annual fee option.
For online purchases we would recommend you Faysal Bank Credit Card for online purchases as you’re planning to buy hosting which will be in US Dollars. It gives the best Dollar to Rupee conversion rates. The annual fee can also be waived upon spending a specific amount within a set period of time.
HI, I want to get the credit card for my routine monthly expenditures. i wana know that what is its procedure to apply and how can i contact the bank representative for submission my application along with required documents.
Hello Sabir,
Thankyou for reading our article regarding credit cards. To apply for any credit card you can call up the respective bank’s helpline and tell them your requirements for credit card after which they will ask you for your details and then send a bank employee to get the required documents from you after which your application will be submitted and you will be issued your credit card if you meet all the pre-requisites.
Additionally in the near future we plan to offer credit cards on our website for online comparison. You will be able to apply for a credit card online as well. For updates please like our facebook page to get the latest news.
Regards,
Team SmartChoice.PK
hi,
i am a doctor and working in saudi arabia. my wife is currently in pakistan, she has an account in standard chartered bank. she is a housewife and i send monthly to her account. is she eligible to get a credit card? whats the procedure to get it?
Yeah very easily she can get …just call to any bank and request them for credit card, you will wonder to see within next two to three hours they will be at your door step…
which bank credit card is best for paying the alibaba membership fees?
Is there any way for a salaried person to get a credit card who receives his salary in cash. The only proof of salary will be a simple register with employees sign+thumb impressions?
i am a pharmaceuticals employ in sales department my monthly salary 30,000 can i get credit card?
Kya house wife credit card ly skti hy aur ly skti Hy tu kasy ly skti hy