Banks must clearly explain these points to the client when issuing the card, whether through the contract or explanatory messages. Ali believes that improving transparency in this matter enhances clients' trust in the banking sector and reduces complaints and misunderstandings between banks and clients, noting that an informed client and a bank that adheres to transparency together form the foundation of a healthy and sustainable banking relationship. Ali also emphasized the need to carefully read the terms of the credit card before approving it and to know the annual fees, interest rates, and associated benefits. He advises against activating any card that the client does not intend to use and to request its cancellation immediately to avoid any future fees on the card itself. Ali added that before closing a credit card, it is advisable to check several matters to avoid any issues later: ensure there are no financial transactions recorded on the card, confirm there are no outstanding or overdue fees, and use or transfer reward points if they exist before cancellation. Finally, request an official confirmation from the bank stating that the card has been closed. On the other hand, banker Mohammed Gazi said that canceling an unactivated credit card is possible and relatively simple, but it requires clear steps and direct communication with the card-issuing bank to ensure it is closed officially. He added that clients have the right to request the cancellation of a credit card even after receiving it and before using it. They suggested that fees should be linked to activating the card or using it for the first time, not just to its issuance, calling on banks to clarify these points to clients when issuing the card. They also advised clients not to leave unused credit cards unattended and to check several things before closing them, such as ensuring there are no financial transactions on the card and no outstanding or overdue fees. In detail, clients said that the banks they deal with impose "issuance fees" and annual fees on credit cards that have not been activated, whether the client requested the card and then changed their mind about using it, or it was issued to them as part of a financing package or when opening an account. They explained on the digital platforms of the newspaper "Emirates Today", commenting on last week's publication about some banks issuing credit cards to clients without their request, that the banks require these fees when applying to cancel the credit card, despite it not being used. They demanded a clear mechanism for closing unused credit cards, whether they were activated or not, noting that the fees themselves vary from one bank to another, which also requires a review by bank administrations. In response, banker Isa Abdulrahman Ali told "Emirates Today": "The issue of imposing fees on a credit card before its activation requires a higher level of transparency and clarification for clients, as many clients may request the card or it may be issued to them as part of a banking package, but they do not activate it or actually use it, and yet some may be surprised by the existence of an annual fee on such a card or an issuance fee for it." Ali added: "From the client's experience perspective, it would be better if the fees were linked to activating the card or using it for the first time, not just to its issuance." In many cases, if the card is not activated or used for any financial transactions, the cancellation process becomes faster and less complicated, and therefore it is not recommended to leave the card unattended, as some banks may start charging an annual fee or account-related fees after a certain period, even if the card was not used or activated. Gazi continued: "There are several ways to close the card officially," noting that the first and fastest step is to contact the card issuer's customer service center, where the client can directly request the card's cancellation and submit an official request in the system. He pointed out that most banks in the UAE offer card management services through smart applications, where one can block the card, request its cancellation electronically, or visit a branch. He said: "In some cases, clients prefer to go directly to the branch, where a card cancellation form is signed and the closure of the linked account is confirmed." They called through "Emirates Today" for a clear mechanism for closing unused credit cards, whether they were activated or not. Meanwhile, two bankers confirmed that the issue of imposing fees on a credit card before its activation requires a higher level of transparency and clarification for clients, noting that some clients are surprised by the existence of annual fees or issuance fees on cards they did not request, or that were provided to them as part of a package of services. They affirmed the client's right to cancel a credit card even after receiving it and before using it.
