UAE banks to raise international transaction fees on credit, debit cards

Fees on overseas card purchases will climb to 3.14 percent of the transaction amount

Last updated: July 28, 2025 | 15:14

1 MIN READ

Lenders across the country are re-evaluating the fees imposed on various banking services

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Abu Dhabi: Local banks in the UAE have notified their customers that starting September 22, 2025, fees on international transactions made with credit cards or debit cards will be increased, Al Khaleej Arabic daily reported.

Also Read: UAE: Transferring money to strangers could land you 10 years in prison

In a notice circulated to clients by one of the banks, the surcharge for using cards abroad will rise to 3.14 percent of the transaction amount, up from the current 2.09 percent.

Also Read: Money transfers: UAE expats get fee cuts as currencies drop against dollar

Banking sources said that lenders across the country are re-evaluating the fees imposed on various banking services. Such fees, they noted, are typically adjusted — whether upward or downward — in line with operational requirements and broader cost structures.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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