Dubizzle Group has announced a strategic investment in proptech startup Tern, a move that will introduce credit card rent payments across its property platforms and create a more flexible rental experience for tenants, landlords, and property agents.
The investment, made through Dubizzle Group Ventures, will see Tern’s rental rewards platform integrated exclusively into Dubizzle and Bayut. Through the partnership, tenants will be able to pay rent using their credit cards without additional card-related fees while earning loyalty rewards that can be redeemed across a range of travel, retail, and lifestyle categories.
The initiative reflects the growing convergence of fintech and proptech in the UAE, where digital payment experiences are increasingly becoming a differentiator in customer engagement and property management.
As rental markets continue to evolve and consumer expectations shift toward convenience and rewards-driven experiences, the partnership could help modernise how rent is collected and managed across the country.
What this Partnership Means
The collaboration between Dubizzle and Tern is designed to simplify rent payments while creating tangible benefits for all participants in the rental ecosystem.
Traditionally, rent payments in the UAE have relied heavily on cheques, bank transfers, or direct payments, which often offer little flexibility for tenants. The integration of Tern’s technology introduces a digital-first alternative that aligns more closely with modern consumer payment habits.
By enabling credit card rent payments, tenants gain greater flexibility in managing cash flow while also benefiting from rewards programmes typically associated with everyday spending.
At the same time, landlords and agents gain access to faster and more streamlined rent collection processes.
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How the Tern Platform Works
Tern operates as a rental rewards ecosystem that connects multiple stakeholders within the property and payments landscape.
The platform links:
- Tenants making rental payments.
- Landlords collecting rent.
- Property agents managing rental transactions.
- Banks supporting payment infrastructure.
- Merchants participating in rewards programmes.
This ecosystem allows rent payments to be integrated into a broader loyalty network, transforming what is traditionally a mandatory expense into an opportunity for users to accumulate value through rewards.
According to the company, rewards earned through rent payments can be redeemed for flights, consumer electronics, and lifestyle-related services.
How Credit Card Rent Payments Benefit Tenants
The introduction of credit card rent payments reflects a broader shift towards digitisation within the real estate sector.
Across many markets globally, consumers have become accustomed to using digital payment methods for everything from utilities and subscriptions to travel and retail purchases. Rent payments, however, have often remained one of the last major expenses tied to traditional payment methods.
By bringing credit card functionality into the rental process, the partnership addresses several longstanding challenges.
Benefits for Tenants
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Payment Flexibility | Greater control over monthly cash flow management |
| Loyalty Rewards | Ability to earn points on one of the largest recurring expenses |
| Digital Experience | Simplified payment management through online platforms |
| No Hidden Fees | Payments can be made without additional card premiums |
Benefits for Landlords and Agents
| Benefit | Impact |
| Faster Collections | Reduced delays associated with traditional payment methods |
| Improved Tenant Experience | Enhanced convenience may support tenant retention |
| Digital Tracking | Greater visibility into payment activity |
| Property Appeal | Flexible payment options may attract more renters |
The combination of flexibility and convenience may help create a more efficient rental ecosystem for all participants.
What This Means for the UAE Proptech and Fintech Sectors
The investment highlights several important trends shaping the UAE’s digital economy.
Fintech and Proptech Convergence
The partnership illustrates how financial technology is becoming embedded within property transactions. Rather than treating payments as a separate function, companies are integrating financial services directly into user journeys.
Loyalty Programmes Are Expanding
Historically, rewards programmes have focused on retail spending and travel. The ability to earn rewards on rent introduces a new category that could significantly increase customer engagement.
Alternative Payment Methods Are Growing
Consumers increasingly expect flexibility in how they pay for goods and services. Rent is now joining a growing list of expenses being transformed by digital payment innovation.
Marketplace Platforms Are Becoming Financial Platforms
Large digital marketplaces are increasingly leveraging their user bases to offer adjacent financial services, creating new revenue streams while enhancing customer retention.
About Dubizzle Group
Dubizzle Group is one of the Middle East’s leading digital marketplace companies, operating platforms across real estate, automotive, classifieds, and employment sectors.
Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Bayut and Dubizzle, serving millions of users across the region. Through Dubizzle Group Ventures, the company also invests in emerging technology startups that align with its long-term vision of building integrated digital ecosystems.
About Tern
Tern is a UAE-based proptech and fintech startup founded in 2024 by Said Al Sayyed and Mohamad Shaitou.
The company operates a multi-stakeholder rental rewards ecosystem that connects tenants, landlords, banks, agents, and merchants through a unified platform. By enabling tenants to earn rewards on rent payments, Tern aims to modernise rent collection while creating value for all participants in the rental market.
The platform currently processes more than AED 150 million in annualised rent payment volume.
Conclusion
Dubizzle’s investment in Tern brings together property technology, payments innovation, and loyalty rewards within a single ecosystem. As digital payment expectations continue to rise and consumers seek greater flexibility in managing large recurring expenses, solutions that combine convenience with tangible benefits are likely to gain traction.
The partnership not only strengthens Tern’s growth prospects but also demonstrates how Credit Card Rent Payments could become an increasingly common feature of the country’s digital property landscape.
