UAE banks offer three new debit cards

The emphasis is on convenience as much as features for three new debit cards, from Emirates Islamic Bank, Mashreq, and Dubai Islamic Bank.

Banks want to put debit cards in shoppers’ hands. Andrew Henderson / The National

Emirates Islamic Bank Prepaid Card

Benefits: The Sharia-compliant bank says its new card is not only easy to use, but easy to acquire. The bank assures potential users that "it has made the application process for the prepaid card convenient and user friendly, with minimal documentation". The card can be topped up at a bank machine, online or at a branch.

Watch out for: Any claims or disputes are considered invalid if submitted one month after the transaction processing date.

Supplementary Debit Card from Mashreq

Benefits: The bank says its new debit card "can be offered to any member of an account holder's family without the need of opening a joint account ... The primary account holder can easily apply for the supplementary card without the need to submit any additional documents, by simply visiting a Mashreq branch, via the call centre or even through Mashreq Online." The account holder can also set a sub-limit for purchases.

Watch out for: The primary account holder must make the application.

Dubai Islamic Bank Visa Signature Debit Card

Benefits: The Visa Signature brand offers rewards and benefits usually associated with credit cards but now available for debit cards too. This one by Dubai Islamic Bank has the latest EMV chip and pin technology. The cards also come with

priority customer service as well as benefits that also include emergency assistance and concierge services.

Watch out for: The card is available to the bank's premier and priority customers only.