Expats Hit Hard UAE Bank Transfer Charges Strike Remittances In 2025

June 28, 2025 | Dubai, UAE. UAE bank transfer charges are set to increase for Emirates NBD , one of the biggest banks in the United Arab Emirates. NBD has announced that it will penalize customers with fees beginning on September 1, 2025, for international money transfers. Each time an Emirates NBD client makes a cross-border payment (via the Direct Remit service), the bank will charge a fee of Dh26.25 (including VAT).

The Impact of UAE Bank Transfer Charges

Emirates NBD’s plans to charge a fee will impact a lot of its customers who use DirectRemit to send money abroad. The benefit of free transfers associated with DirectRemit will be stopped, as the fee will be deducted with every international transfer. Subsequently, customers will have to factor in the new fee if they regularly send money to friends or family abroad.

Customers can send money instantly to banks in India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Egypt, Sri Lanka and the UK with Emirates NBD’s famous DirectRemit service. Many expatriates in the UAE have utilized the service to send money home to their families. Transfer limits vary from country to country, starting at a minimum of Dh100. UAE bank transfer charges will now be part of this service.

Emirates NBD’s imposition of fees for international money transfers is in line with what is generally accepted in the marketplace. The fees charged by other UAE banks for similar services depend on the delivery channel and destination but range from Dh20 to Dh60. UAE bank transfer charges are now becoming more common, while banks may place promotions or discounts for different types of accounts and fees.

Expats Hit Hard as UAE Bank Transfer Charges Strike Remittances

However, if customers affected by the UAE bank transfer charges schedule are looking for ways to send money abroad, please know they may want to look for alternative options to send money abroad. For example, relative to standardized banks, certain online money transfer services may be less expensive and more competitive concerning fees. Consumers wishing to make international transfers might also consider using banks or financial institutions that offer more competitive rates.

Despite the introduction of DirectRemit fees, it still provides a convenient and safe way for customers to send money internationally. Initiating transfers is usually instant, so it is a quick and simple way to send money to customers overseas. Customers can also track their transfers using the Emirates NBD mobile app or the internet.

What’s Next For Industry?

As the banking sector continues to evolve, customers can expect an even more evolving scope in the months ahead. As Emirates NBD tries to keep pace with all UAE bank transfer charges, they might alter existing products or create new ones. Clients should always be informed of changes made by the bank, whether it’s policies or services. This way clients know what changes there are and what options they have to make informed decisions on their financial transactions.

All customers of Emirates NBD will be affected by the bank’s decision to introduce UAE bank transfer charges for international transfers. Customers can continue to safely, securely, and conveniently send money internationally if they plan ahead of time and use the information they have gained. Customers can also research their options and implement measures to mitigate the impact of the new fees on international payments.

Tips To Save And Send Money Smarter

Few are the tips where customers can save and send money more smartly:

1. Profile latest transfers.

2. Analogize charges and costs with remittance services.

3. Consider using internet money transfer platforms.

4. Schedule remittances beforehand.

Hence, By staying informed about UAE bank transfer charges and other changes in the banking sector, customers can generate the maximum financial and optimal solutions shortly.