What it means
The smallest amount you must pay by the due date to avoid a late fee — usually a small percentage of your balance. Interest still applies to the rest.
Credit Cards
Minimum Payment
The smallest amount you must pay by the due date to avoid a late fee — usually a small percentage of your balance. Interest still applies to the rest.
CategoryCredit Cards
Pro tip inside1 quick win
What “Minimum Payment” really means
The meaning, how it works in the UAE, and why it matters to your money.
How it works in the UAE
The minimum payment is the smallest amount you must pay to avoid a late fee — usually a small percentage of your balance, with a fixed minimum.
Why it matters
Paying only the minimum keeps the account in good standing, but interest keeps growing on the rest.
PRO TIPPay as much above the minimum as you can, ideally the full balance.
Test yourself
Which of these best describes Minimum Payment? Tap an answer.
Read more about Minimum Payment
Guides that use this term — and a tool to put it into practice.
Credit Cards
The minimum payment trap — and how to escape it
Paying only the minimum keeps you out of late fees but not out of debt. See why, and the three ways out.
Credit Cards
TRY THE TOOLZero annual fee credit cards in the UAE: are they really free?
A zero annual fee credit card can reduce one recurring cost, but that does not make the card completely free. Other fees and conditions still matter.
Find My Card
Run your own numbers and see how Minimum Payment affects you.