Emirates NBD Remittance Fees 2026: What’s Changing and How It Affects You
Every day, millions of people living in the UAE send money back home. Every month, expats transfer money to their families in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, Sri Lanka, or the UK, often using Emirates NBD’s Direct Remit because it’s fast, secure, and free.
But starting September 1, 2025, Emirates NBD will introduce a transfer fee of Dh26.25 for some international remittances. This update has caused confusion among customers, so here’s a clear explanation of what’s changing, which countries are affected, and how you can still send money affordably.
Quick Summary – Emirates NBD Remittance Fees
Why the Change?
In June 2025, Emirates NBD Remittance Fees emailed customers about the news. At first, many thought the bank was ending free remittances for everyone. Later, the bank clarified through an official statement:
“To clarify: Emirates NBD will not be charging Dh26 for remittances to key corridors such as India, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Philippines. The fee applies only to non-core corridors, in line with Central Bank regulations.”
So if you send money to one of the six main countries, your transfers will stay free. If you transfer to other destinations such as Nepal, Indonesia, Bangladesh, or European countries not listed, a Dh26.25 fee will apply.
Core and Non-Core Corridors
| Type of Corridor | Countries | Transfer Fee |
| Core Corridors (Zero Fee) | India, Pakistan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Philippines, UK | Free for transfers above AED 100 |
| Non-Core Corridors | All other countries | Dh26.25 (inclusive of VAT) |
For new destinations added in 2025, small exchange-rate margins or correspondent bank fees may also apply depending on the currency.
How Direct Remit Works
DirectRemit is Emirates NBD’s instant digital money transfer service. It allows customers to send funds abroad within 60 seconds directly from the ENBD X app or online banking.
You can use it anytime, day or night, without visiting a branch. As long as your recipient’s country is on the zero-fee list, the transfer remains free.
For other destinations, a flat Dh26.25 charge will apply, along with the regular exchange rate conversion margin.
Breakdown of Possible Charges
| Transfer Method | Typical Fee | Extra Details |
| DirectRemit (Core Corridors) | Free | Minimum transfer AED 100 |
| Online/Mobile Transfer (Non-Core) | Dh26.25 | Includes VAT; no correspondent bank fee |
| Branch Transfer (Any Country) | Dh78.75 or more | Depends on banking package |
| Transfer Recall or Cancellation | Up to Dh26.25 | Applies to local and international recalls |
Private Banking, Priority Banking, and Beyond Personal customers will continue to enjoy zero-fee international transfers as part of their benefits.
Why Emirates NBD Added This Fee
Analysts explain that the new charge is part of a wider banking adjustment. UAE banks are updating their pricing to match global standards and manage rising compliance costs.
Other banks such as RAKBank and Mashreq already charge between Dh15 and Dh26 for similar transfers. Emirates NBD’s fee aligns with that range.
Because Emirates NBD is one of the UAE’s largest lenders, this decision could also encourage other banks to revise their own fee structures in 2025.
How This May Affect You
If you send money every month, the new fee could slightly increase your yearly expenses.
Example: Sending AED 1,000 monthly to a non-core country after September 2025
The change will impact people who send small, frequent transfers or those transferring to countries not in the zero-fee list.
How to Reduce Your Transfer Costs
- Use Zero-Fee Corridors
Continue using DirectRemit if your family lives in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Egypt, or the UK.
Compare Rates Before Sending
Apps such as Wise, Remitly, Hubpay, Botim Pay, and Careem Pay often offer lower total costs and transparent exchange rates. Use comparison websites like Monito to find the cheapest option. - Send Larger, Less Frequent Transfers
Instead of sending AED 500 twice, send AED 1,000 once to pay the fee only once. - Avoid Branch Transfers
Branch transactions are more expensive than online ones, often exceeding Dh70. - Check Beneficiary Details Carefully
Enter the correct account information to avoid recall or cancellation fees.
UAE’s Global Role in Remittances
The UAE ranks among the top three countries in the world for sending remittances, after the United States and Saudi Arabia.
What to Do Next
Emirates NBD will:
Before September 1, log in to your app or online banking and confirm whether your destination country appears in the zero-fee list.
If it does, nothing changes for you.
If not, explore alternative money-transfer options in advance.
Tips for Smooth Transfers
Final Thoughts
Emirates NBD Remittance Fees new transfer fee may sound concerning, but most expats will not be affected. Transfers to India, Pakistan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and the UK will still be free through DirectRemit.
The small Dh26.25 charge only applies to other destinations and helps the bank maintain secure, fast systems for global transfers. By understanding how the changes work and comparing your options, you can continue to send money home quickly, safely, and without unnecessary cost.
When it comes to supporting your family, every dirham matters—so stay informed and plan your transfers wisely.
