Credit card sales agents in the UAE—from RBS (Remote Banking Sales) teams to in-branch reps—are trained to meet aggressive targets. Their job is simple: get you to sign up.
Your job? Stay smart and in control.
Before we dive in:
🚨 Important Reminder:
Never share personal documents (like your Emirates ID, salary certificate, or bank statements) with random callers or mall promoters. Always ask agents to email you from an official bank email and verify their identity.
Now… let’s uncover the most common sales tricks agents use—and how to protect yourself.
1. The Pressure Sales Tactic: “Limited Time Offer!” ⏳
You’ll often hear:
“This offer expires today! Apply now or miss out!”
Reality check:
✅ Most genuine bank offers run for weeks—sometimes months.
✅ All official offers are listed on the bank’s website.
👉 Pro Tip:
Take your time. Never apply just because an agent sounds stressed about their target.
2. The Fake “Pre-Approval” Trap 🚩
Sales agents love to say:
“You’re pre-approved… just a few quick steps left!”
But guess what?
Pre-approval doesn’t guarantee final approval. It’s just a marketing filter. Many customers still get rejected after submitting full documentation.
👉 Pro Tip:
Always ask:
“Is this 100% approved or still subject to bank assessment?”
3. Hidden Fees & The Not-So-Free Credit Card 💸
A common UAE complaint:
You think you’re getting a “free-for-life” card… but later realize it’s only first-year free, or has minimum spend conditions.
👉 How to avoid it:
- Download the Schedule of Charges from the bank’s website.
- Read the Key Fact Statement carefully before signing anything.
Remember: Agents get paid when you sign, not when you save money.
4. Push for Phone Calls (Avoiding WhatsApp) 📞➡️📱
Phone calls allow agents to make verbal promises they never have to prove later.
👉 Your power move:
Insist on communicating over WhatsApp or email.
When things are written, agents are forced to answer truthfully.
True story: I once asked an agent to send details on WhatsApp. He kept calling instead. Big red flag.
5. Rushing Through Application Calls: “Just Say Yes” ✅✅✅
Agents often speed through legally required disclosures (per UAE Central Bank rules) and ask you to say “yes” to everything—fast.
The risk?
You might unknowingly agree to:
- Annual fees
- Insurance add-ons
- Unfavorable terms
👉 Pro Tip:
Tell the agent:
“I’ll fill the form at my own pace. I’ll message you if I have questions.”
6. Hiding Digital-Only Deals & Online Bonus Offers 💻✨
Banks like ENBD, FAB, and ADCB regularly run exclusive digital onboarding offers:
- Bonus cashback
- Extra reward points
- Waived fees
But RBS agents won’t tell you about them—because they don’t get commission on digital applications.
👉 Pro Tip:
Always check the bank’s website before applying through an agent. You could save hundreds of dirhams.
7. Misleading Social Media Recommendations (Facebook & Reddit) 📱👀
Ever asked for credit card advice on a Facebook group or Reddit UAE thread?
Cue: Dozens of agents pushing their own bank’s cards… without knowing your income, spending habits, or lifestyle.
👉 Why CardsMatcher Exists:
We don’t sell cards.
We don’t get paid by banks.
We give personalized, unbiased recommendations based on your needs—using our Match Now Survey.
8. Bundling Unwanted Products (Like Credit Shield Insurance) 🧾
Many UAE residents unknowingly sign up for Credit Shield, payment protection, or insurance products—all adding monthly charges.
Why?
Because the agent either:
- Doesn’t explain it properly
- Or quickly includes it in your application script
👉 Pro Tip:
Clearly state:
“I want the card only. No insurance. No extras.”
And get it in writing.
9. Over-Requesting Sensitive Documents 📑
Some agents ask for unnecessary documents:
- Other bank credit card statements
- Extra salary slips
- Additional ID proofs
Sometimes it’s just poor training. But sometimes, it’s about data fishing in a competitive sales environment.
👉 Pro Tip:
If a document seems unnecessary, ask:
“Is this a Central Bank requirement or your internal process?”
If unsure, double-check with the bank’s official customer support.
10. The FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Play 😱
A sneaky psychological trick:
“We’ve already signed up dozens of people today… you’re lucky I called!”
This creates urgency and FOMO… making you say yes faster than you should.
👉 Pro Tip:
Never make a financial decision out of fear or pressure.
Take a day. Sleep on it. Compare options first.
Final Word: Knowledge = Financial Power 💪
At CardsMatcher, we’re not here to sell you anything.
We’re here to help you choose the right card for your needs—based on facts, personalization, and transparency.
No agent pressure. No hidden fees. No unwanted calls.
👉 Ready to take control?
Try the Match Now Survey to find the best credit cards for your lifestyle, income, and spending habits.
Because when it comes to your money… you should always stay in control.
