New platform lets UAE tenants pay rent via credit card – for free
Tenants earn points on rent payments, while landlords enjoy a free solution
DUBAI: The UAE’s rental market is undergoing a major transformation with the launch of Tern Rewards, the country’s first digital rental payment and rewards platform.
This innovative service allows tenants to pay rent via credit card while earning loyalty points, offering a seamless, cost-free experience for both tenants and landlords.
Backed by leading FinTech investors and aligned with Dubai’s digital transformation initiatives, the platform is poised to redefine rental payments across the UAE.
UAE’s first digital rental payment platform
Tern Rewards is completely free to use, meaning tenants can make rent payments without incurring extra credit card fees while simultaneously earning double the rewards—their bank’s credit card points plus Tern’s own loyalty points. These points can be redeemed at a diverse range of major brands, including Amazon, Noon, Netflix, Carrefour, Yas Waterworld, and more.
For landlords and property managers, the platform provides an effortless solution to monitor and manage rental portfolios. By eliminating payment delays and streamlining rent collection, Tern Rewards ensures landlords get paid on time while enjoying a hassle-free experience. The service is also open to individual landlords, further broadening its impact on the rental ecosystem.
Strong investor backing
Tern Rewards has secured $1.5 million in pre-seed funding and is incubated under the Dubai Land Department’s (DLD) REES initiative, which supports the digitisation of real estate services. The platform has already attracted an exclusive network of major landlords through the Tern Alliance, with applications open to all property managers and landlords across the UAE.
The investment backing comes from prominent industry leaders, including VentureSouq (VSQ)—a MENA-based venture capital firm with a global portfolio—and BYLD, an institutional VC firm focusing on early-stage technology investments in the Middle East and Africa. These strategic investors bring deep expertise in real estate and property management, positioning Tern Rewards for rapid adoption.
UAE’s digital vision
Co-founder Said Al Sayyed highlighted the outdated nature of traditional rent payments, stating: “Rent and the way we pay it hasn’t changed in decades. At Tern, we are redefining the rental experience by turning the largest single expense into rewarding opportunities. This model has succeeded in other markets, and we expect it to dominate rent payments in the UAE within the next few years.”
Fellow co-founder Mohammad Shaitou reinforced the platform’s alignment with the UAE Digital Government Strategy, which aims to integrate digital transformation across all government initiatives. “The shift to digital rental payments supports the UAE’s vision to modernise payment solutions and drive digital innovation across key sectors,” he noted.
With the UAE rapidly advancing in digital finance and real estate technology, Tern Rewards stands at the forefront of shaping the future of rental payments—one that is digital, seamless, and rewarding.