Opening a savings account, for most people, is a no-brainer. And with processes easing, and going digital, people usually only consider the interest rate being offered, for choosing a savings account. However, it is also important to know about the various charges and fees the banks may charge because in most cases, a little bit of awareness can help you avoid these charges. While the kind of charges and amounts may vary from bank to bank, you must be aware of the most common ones.

the most common Savings account charges by banks in UAE are;

Savings Accounts Bank Charges in UAE

Minimum Balance Charges

Let us start with the most obvious one. Needless to say, most banks in UAE charge a monthly fee for the non-maintenance of a savings account. Savings accounts usually carry a minimum balance requirement. If you cannot maintain that, then there may be charges levied to your account. Banks usually charge a monthly fee of AED 25 to AED 200 if the account holder fails to maintain the minimum balance as suggested. These can be different with each bank, so make sure that you check the minimum balance required. 

ATM withdrawal charges

Avoid making ATM cash withdrawals from banks other than your own to avoid additional costs. Banks charge a standard fee for cash withdrawals from ATMs owned by other banks inside and outside the UAE. For example, when using another bank’s ATM in the UAE, you will be charged AED 2 for cash withdrawals and AED 1 on balance inquiries. You will be charged AED 6 on cash withdrawals and AED 3 on balance inquiries for using another bank ATM’s in GCC countries. The fee for withdrawing cash from any other international ATM is AED 20 along with a 2 per cent processing fee.

Account closure charges

Most banks charge their customers a fee to discourage them from closing an account before a certain period. In UAE, many banks charge around AED 100, if you choose to close your account within the first six months or a year.

Account statement fees

A bank account statement is necessary to have a clear picture of the transactions that are performed on the account. However, most banks in UAE charge around AED 25 – AED 30 per month statement to provide the statement.

Charges for cash withdrawal through credit card

The cash advance feature allows you to withdraw cash using your credit card through ATMs or over the counter at a bank. Generally, it is not a good idea to use your credit card to withdraw cash as most providers impose a hefty cash advance fee of up to 3 percent. There is no interest-free period and interest starts accruing from the date of the transaction and can be higher than the standard interest rate on your card.

Foreign exchange fees

These are charged on your credit card purchases abroad or in a different currency. They usually range from 1 percent to 3 percent of the transaction amount. You will also be charged a conversion fee by Visa or MasterCard. If you are a frequent traveller, and are looking for a travel credit card, check this fee before applying.

Remittance charges

UAE expatriates who frequently make international fund transfers, either for meeting financial commitments back home or investment purposes, can rack up thousands of dirhams in charges a year, according to some financial experts. Standard service fees alone can vary, depending on where the money is being forwarded to. Funds moved to Asian countries, for example, can range between AED 7 and AED 22 per transaction. 

Standing instructions fees

If you have set a regular standing instruction or order for payments towards utility bills, loan instalments or rent, make sure to check the costs associated with setting it up. Most banks in the UAE charge around Dh50 for setting up a standing instruction. Make sure you maintain sufficient funds in your account for the date when the standing instruction transaction is due. If your transaction gets declined due to insufficient funds, you will be charged about Dh25 per failed transaction.

Why is it important to read the fine print?

When you open an account, ask for full details about the account and read them. More than a few people sign forms for accounts and plans without checking what they are committing to. Some banks may have a requirement for a minimum balance in their savings account. The failure to have that amount can incur fees or a reduced interest rate. So check the terms, read the fine print and see if there is a minimum balance requirement or any limits on moving money in or out of your savings account, whether through the branch, an ATM or by electronic transfer. Sit with the banking officer and ask for all the details.

List of Bank Charges on Saving Accounts in UAE

The charges mentioned above may vary across banks and types of accounts. So, before you choose a savings account, carefully examine the schedule of applicable charges that will help you keep your savings intact. In the case of an existing savings account, you can check the charges on the website of the bank. Most importantly, stay aware and avoid paying additional charges unless necessary. Open a savings account only after good study on it. Always ensure that along with the benefits and rewards, you are also aware of every single kind of charges and fees, and all attached terms and conditions before opening an account.