Credit cards often get a bad reputation — and for good reason. Overspending, sky-high interest rates, and sneaky fees can turn them into financial traps. But when used responsibly, your credit card can be more than just a tool for shopping — it can actually help you out when you’re low on cash.

That’s exactly what happened to me recently. I ran into an unexpected expense — not a huge emergency, but something that needed to be paid immediately. I didn’t want to go through the long process of applying for a personal loan, and borrowing from friends or family wasn’t an option I felt comfortable with.

Then I remembered a message I had received from my credit card provider about a feature called ‘Cash on Credit’. I decided to give it a try — and to my surprise, the process was quick, easy, and stress-free.

After a short call with the bank’s customer service team, I was approved for a cash loan equal to 90% of my available credit limit. Even better, they had a promotion running — zero interest for six months and just a small processing fee. Within two business days, the money was in my account. No lengthy forms, no need for income verification, no hassle at all.

What is ‘Cash on Credit’?

Many credit card issuers in the UAE offer a Cash on Credit facility. It’s a pre-approved loan that lets you borrow against your existing credit limit. It’s not the same as withdrawing cash from an ATM, which usually comes with high fees and interest. Instead, this option gives you actual funds directly in your bank account, with flexible repayment options and often at lower rates.

Here’s how it works:

• You can borrow up to 90% of your available credit limit.

• There’s usually a one-time processing fee, typically 1% to 3% of the loan amount.

• Repayment is done through monthly installments (EMIs) over 3, 6, 9, or 12 months.

• Some offers include zero-interest periods or low fixed interest rates, depending on the provider.

And since it’s pre-approved, you skip the usual loan application paperwork or credit checks.

Final Thoughts

Using your credit card’s Cash on Credit feature can be a smart way to access quick funds without falling into debt traps — as long as you repay responsibly. For me, it was the perfect solution to cover an urgent expense with minimal stress.

If you have a credit card in the UAE, it’s worth checking if your provider offers this service. You never know when it might come in handy.