Which is Better: Gold, Platinum or Titanium Credit Card?

UAE’s banking sector is dominated by credit cards from Visa and Mastercard. These two payment gateways offer Gold Card (Visa) and Platinum and Titanium credit cards (Mastercard). Here’s a difference between these three credit card variants that rule the banking industry.

Cashback up to AED 2,000
Rewards + Welcome Offers
No Annual Fee
Travel benefits
Dining Discounts
Entertainment Benefits

An Overview: Gold, Platinum & Titanium Card

A gold credit card is a credit card variant offered by major banks in the UAE. The same applies to platinum and titanium cards. Each of these credit card variants has its own eligibility criteria and rewards systems.

Each of these cards is the same, as they can be used both domestically and internationally. The primary difference in each of these credit card variants is their rewards and features offered to the cardholders.

Gold Credit Card

Among the three variants, Visa Gold credit cards mark the entry-level credit cards. These cards have lower eligibility criteria for applicants compared to platinum or titanium cards.

Benefits & Features of Gold Credit Cards

Offered by most major banks in the UAE
Some gold cards have zero joining fees
Lower annual fees compared to platinum and titanium cards
Lower eligibility criteria
Some gold cards offer fraud protection on online transactions

Titanium Credit Card

Titanium credit cards offer premium features and benefits.

Benefits & Features of Titanium Credit Cards

Access to reward point programs, which can be redeemed for cashback and discounts
Insurance for the cardholder is offered by some banks in the UAE
Lifestyle and travel-focused rewards
Access to domestic and international airport lounges in case of flight delays
No Cost EMI facility on transactions with select retailers

Platinum Credit Card

Platinum credit cards are considered the most exclusive and premium credit cards. They offer the highest benefits and rewards among the listed credit card variants. They also have higher joining fees and card renewal charges, along with strict eligibility criteria.

Benefits & Features of Platinum Credit Cards

Complimentary airport lounge access in the UAE, GCC region, and even in foreign countries
Some platinum credit cards offer golf course access
Reward point redemption with key retail partners
Some platinum cards offer travel booking discounts through select partners
No interest, easy payment plans at select merchant outlets

What Is The Difference Between Gold, Platinum, and Titanium Credit Cards?

All three (gold, titanium, and platinum) cards are premium credit cards. The main differences between them range from the rewards and benefits they offer. It is also crucial to note that the rewards and benefits of each variant differ among banks in the UAE.

Comparison Factor	Gold Credit Card	Titanium Credit Card	Platinum Credit Card
Eligibility Criteria	Simple eligibility requirements, with some banks allowing anyone over the age of 21 to apply for a gold credit card with minimum salary requirements.	Moderate eligibility criteria, which may include the enforcement of minimum salary requirements and employer verification	Strict eligibility criteria, which include a minimum salary requirement, and may even require an existing relationship with the credit card issuing bank.
Annual Fee	Low or zero annual fees in some cases.	Annual fees may be comparable to those of Platinum credit cards at some banks in the UAE	Comparatively higher annual fees compared to gold and titanium cards.
Rewards	Basic reward point system with minimal or no reward point multiplier access. Reward point redemption is also limited to a smaller network of retailers.	Reward points across all spends with reward point multiplier access for specific spend categories such as dining, entertainment, travel, or fuel. Reward points can be redeemed for discounts.	Maximum reward points across all spends, with maximum reward points on spends on dining and travel categories
Access Benefits	Limited or no airport lounge access, which may even be limited to domestic terminals.	Basic lounge access in the UAE and the GCC area, with some banks offering international airport lounge access as well.	Extensive airport lounge access in the UAE, GCC area, and even in foreign countries at international airports. Cardholders also get access to golf clubs, concierge services, and select travel benefits
Best Suited For	Suited for people looking to get their first premium credit card.	Best suited for people with high spending in specific categories who can reap the maximum rewards	Platinum cards are best suited for people who need to travel frequently and who spend a significant amount of money every month.
Apply	Apply Now	Apply Now	Apply Now

Conclusion

Choosing between gold, platinum, and titanium credit cards depends on your monthly spending, income, and spending categories. If you don’t have a premium credit card yet, it is best to get started with a gold credit card. If you have premium credit cards and want to access higher perks, credit limits, and better privileges, you can consider opting for titanium or platinum credit cards.

FAQs

Ans: In the UAE, platinum credit cards are often marked above titanium credit cards by issuing banks. However, in some cases, they have comparable features, benefits, and annual fees.

Ans: Among gold and titanium credit cards, titanium reigns supreme thanks to its additional benefits and features for cardholders. These cards have more reward point benefits and better reward point redemption features than gold cards.

Ans: The primary difference between platinum and titanium credit cards is that platinum cards offer select benefits and features that are not available to titanium credit card holders. Platinum cards also earn maximum rewards points on spending in the travel and dining categories.