How CreditSouq Works
We calculate the real annual value of every credit card in the UAE based on how you actually spend.
Enter Your Numbers
Tell us your monthly salary and how much you spend across categories like dining, groceries, travel, and online shopping.
We Do the Maths
Our engine calculates the Net Effective Value of every eligible card, factoring in rewards, perks, fees, and foreign exchange costs specific to your spending profile.
Compare and Apply
See your results ranked by real value. Tap any card for a full breakdown, then apply directly on the bank’s website.
What Is Net Effective Value?
Most comparison sites rank cards by cashback rate or annual fee alone. That is misleading: a card with 5% cashback but a high annual fee and steep FX markup can cost you more than a simpler card with lower rates and no fee.
Net Effective Value (NEV) is a single number that tells you what a card is actually worth to you per year. It accounts for everything that affects your wallet:
Rewards Value
Cashback or points earned across every spending category, calculated at your actual monthly amounts, with monthly and annual caps applied.
Perk Value
The monetary value of card perks like airport lounge access, valet parking, and travel insurance, estimated based on typical usage frequency.
Welcome Bonus
First-year bonuses are included in the calculation but amortised over three years, so they do not artificially inflate a card’s ranking.
Annual Fee
The full annual fee after VAT. If the card has a fee waiver threshold and your spending meets it, the fee is set to zero in the calculation.
FX Cost
The foreign exchange markup applied to international and online purchases in foreign currencies, calculated on your estimated foreign currency spending.
NEV = Rewards + Perks + Welcome Bonus – Annual Fee – FX Cost
A higher NEV means more value back for the way you spend. A negative NEV means the card costs you more than it returns.
What We Don’t Do
We are not a bank
We do not issue cards or approve applications. When you click “Apply,” you go directly to the bank’s official website.
We do not store your data
Your salary and spending inputs are used only during your session to generate results. Nothing is saved or shared.
Rankings are not paid placements
Card rankings are determined entirely by the NEV calculation. No bank pays to appear higher in results.
Try It Yourself
Enter your monthly salary and spending. See which card gives you the highest return, no sign-up, no email, just numbers.
Go to Card Finder →