Tamara Vs Tabby: Tamara Reviews
With Tamara, you can take the product immediately after making the initial payment (usually half or a portion of the total price, depending on the store’s policy). Tamara’s “buy now, pay later” model allows you to receive your purchase right away while spreading the rest of the payment over a set period, often interest-free if paid within the agreed timeline.
Introduction to Tamara
In the ever-growing landscape of “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services in the UAE, two names stand out: Tamara and Tabby. Both platforms provide a flexible payment model that allows customers to make purchases today and pay later in interest-free installments, making shopping more manageable. However, when choosing between these two platforms, Tamara has become my preferred option due to its flexibility, broader acceptance of payment methods, and more favorable credit limits.
App Link : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.tamara.user&hl=en
Tamara is a Saudi-based BNPL service that has quickly gained traction in the Middle East, especially in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It allows users to split their payments into 3 or 4 installments, providing a hassle-free shopping experience without the pressure of immediate full payment. While Tabby also offers similar BNPL services, there are a few critical differences that make Tamara a better choice for me—and possibly for many others—when shopping in the UAE.
Let’s dive into the reasons why I prefer using Tamara over Tabby, exploring factors like flexibility in payment methods, higher credit limits, and overall convenience.
Flexibility in Payment Methods
One of the primary reasons I use Tamara instead of Tabby is the flexibility it offers in terms of payment methods. Tamara allows users to pay using any bank account, including online bank accounts such as Neobanks or digital-only banks. This is a massive advantage for anyone who prefers managing their money through modern banking solutions, as it doesn’t limit your choices based on your bank.
- Tamara Accepts More Banks: Whether you have an account with a traditional bank like Emirates NBD or use an online-only bank like Liv, Tamara lets you pay without restrictions. It even accommodates international banks, which can be a game-changer if you manage finances across different regions.
- Tabby’s Limitations: On the other hand, Tabby has limitations on the banks it accepts. It restricts users to a smaller number of local banks, which can be frustrating if your bank isn’t on their list. For example, Tabby may not allow you to pay using certain online banks or international accounts, which means that you could miss out on the convenience of using your preferred banking method.
This broader acceptance of bank accounts by Tamara makes the process smoother and less restrictive, allowing me to make payments without worrying about whether my bank is supported.
Higher Credit Limit
Another significant advantage of using Tamara is its higher credit limit compared to Tabby. In a BNPL service, the credit limit refers to the maximum amount you can spend at one time using the platform. A higher limit means you can make larger purchases without hitting the ceiling, which is particularly useful if you’re buying big-ticket items.
- Tamara Offers Higher Spending Power: Tamara tends to offer higher credit limits than Tabby, giving me more flexibility when making purchases. This has been particularly helpful when shopping for expensive items like electronics, furniture, or high-end fashion, as I can spread the cost over several installments without worrying about maxing out my limit.
- Tabby’s Lower Credit Limit: While Tabby is a solid BNPL platform, its credit limits are generally lower compared to Tamara. This can be restrictive, especially if you frequently shop for higher-priced items. In some cases, I found myself unable to use Tabby for larger purchases simply because I had already hit the credit limit, which can be frustrating when you need that extra flexibility.
The higher credit limit offered by Tamara has allowed me to make more significant purchases without any issues, and this is one of the key reasons why I prefer it over Tabby.
Better User Experience with Tamara
When it comes to ease of use, Tamara also stands out. The user interface of the Tamara app is sleek and intuitive, making it easy to track your purchases, payments, and available credit in real-time. I’ve found the app to be straightforward and easy to navigate, with everything I need at my fingertips.
- Seamless Payments: The payment process with Tamara is quick and hassle-free. You can make payments directly through the app or through various online payment gateways without the need for manual intervention. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, Tamara integrates smoothly with many popular merchants.
- Automatic Reminders and Notifications: One feature I particularly appreciate is the automatic payment reminders and notifications that Tamara sends out. These reminders ensure that I never miss a payment, keeping my credit limit healthy and my finances on track. The notifications are timely, allowing me to plan my payments without any last-minute surprises.
While Tabby also offers a clean user experience, I’ve found that Tamara’s system feels more streamlined, and I rarely encounter glitches or issues when managing my payments through the app.
Accepted by a Wide Range of Merchants
Both Tabby and Tamara have partnered with a vast number of merchants across the UAE. However, Tamara appears to be more widely accepted, particularly with online retailers and e-commerce platforms. I’ve found that more of my favorite stores offer Tamara as a payment option, which has contributed to my preference for this platform.
Tamara’s extensive merchant network makes it easier to use the service in a variety of settings, from online shopping to in-store purchases. Whether I’m shopping for clothes, gadgets, or home essentials, I know that Tamara will likely be accepted as a payment method.
Transparent Fees and No Hidden Costs
Like Tabby, Tamara prides itself on having no hidden fees or interest charges, which is crucial for maintaining financial transparency. You can split your payments into three or four installments, and as long as you make your payments on time, there are no additional costs involved.
This interest-free model is one of the main reasons I started using BNPL services, and Tamara delivers on its promise. They also provide a transparent breakdown of your payment schedule and credit usage, allowing you to stay on top of your spending.
Here are the answers to the FAQs about Tamara:
1. Is the Tamara app legit?
Yes, Tamara is a legitimate and trusted Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform. It is widely used across the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Tamara partners with many reputable merchants and provides a secure platform for customers to make interest-free installment payments.
2. How does Tamara work in the UAE?
In the UAE, Tamara allows customers to make purchases and split payments into 3 or 4 interest-free installments. When shopping with participating merchants, you can select Tamara at checkout as your payment method. The app will then charge the first payment immediately, while the remaining payments will be spread over the next few weeks. You can manage all your payments directly through the Tamara app.
3. What happens if you don’t pay Tamara?
If you don’t pay Tamara on time, you may face late payment fees or restrictions on your account. Tamara provides payment reminders to help you avoid missing deadlines, but if a payment is not completed, they may suspend your ability to use their service for future purchases until the outstanding payment is settled.
4. What is the maximum limit of Tamara in UAE?
The maximum credit limit for Tamara in the UAE varies depending on factors like your creditworthiness and purchase history with Tamara. While there isn’t a fixed publicized limit, many users report that Tamara provides higher spending limits than other BNPL platforms in the region. The limit increases as you build a good payment track record.
5. Why am I not eligible to pay with Tamara?
You may not be eligible to pay with Tamara for several reasons, including:
- Insufficient credit limit: Your credit limit may not be high enough to cover the purchase.
- Location restrictions: You may not be in a country where Tamara operates.
- Merchant restrictions: Some merchants may not accept Tamara as a payment method.
- Incomplete payment history: If you have missed payments in the past, Tamara might restrict your account.
- Eligibility criteria: You might not meet Tamara’s minimum eligibility criteria (e.g., age, credit history).
6. Which countries is Tamara available in?
Tamara is currently available in several countries across the Middle East, including:
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
Tamara is continuously expanding, so it may become available in more countries in the future.
7. Who is eligible for Tamara?
To be eligible for Tamara, you typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid national ID or resident ID for the country you’re shopping in.
- Have a valid bank account or credit/debit card for making payments.
- You must be shopping in a country where Tamara operates.
8. Who is the CEO of Tamara UAE?
The CEO of Tamara is Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, who co-founded the company. He oversees the operations across the Middle East, including the UAE, and has played a key role in Tamara’s rapid expansion.
9. How to cash out Tamara?
Tamara is a Buy Now, Pay Later service, and it does not offer a direct cash-out feature. It is designed to help customers pay for goods and services in installments. You cannot withdraw funds from Tamara, as it is a payment solution rather than a traditional credit or cashback service. However, you can manage your payments and installment schedules through the app.
