Emirates NBD has addressed recent customer concerns regarding international money transfer fees, assuring that its popular DirectRemit service will continue to offer free transfers to six major remittance destinations, including India, Pakistan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and the UK.
Fee Clarification and Affected Corridors
Following an email notification sent to customers on Friday, which stated that from September 1, 2025, a transfer fee of Dh26.25 (inclusive of VAT) would apply to all international transfers via the bank’s digital platforms, many customers expressed worry about the end of zero-fee remittances.In a clarification statement sent in response to media reports, the bank said: “To clarify: Emirates NBD will not be charging Dh26 for remittances to key corridors such as India, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Philippines. These corridors will remain free of charge for our customers. The Dh26 fee applies only to non-core corridors, in line with Central Bank regulations.”Further emphasizing the commitment to its customers, the spokesperson said: “Emirates NBD remains committed to offering seamless and cost-effective banking solutions for our valued customers. As part of this commitment, Emirates NBD DirectRemit Transfers to India, Pakistan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and the UK will continue to be offered free of charge to all Emirates NBD customers.”
Details of the New Transfer Fees and Service Expansion
The Dh26.25 fee will only apply to international transfers sent to countries outside the bank’s designated zero-fee corridors, and only when transfers are initiated via online, mobile banking, or the ENBD X digital channels. Transfers within the six core countries will continue to have no charge, provided the transfer amount meets the minimum threshold of Dh100.The bank is also expanding its DirectRemit service to over 30 additional countries, allowing customers to benefit from near real-time transfers. The spokesperson added:“Customers will no longer be charged any correspondent bank fees and will just be charged a nominal transfer fee of up to Dh26.25 (inclusive of VAT). All other international transfers will also incur a nominal fee of up to Dh26.25. These charges will be effective from September 1, 2025.”Additionally, Emirates NBD’s Private Banking, Priority Banking, and Personal Banking Beyond customers will continue to enjoy free DirectRemit and international transfers as usual.
How DirectRemit Works and Alternative Options
DirectRemit is a digital money transfer service enabling Emirates NBD customers to send money quickly, within 60 seconds, to India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, and the UK. This ease and speed have made it a preferred choice for many expatriates in the UAE.Outside of Emirates NBD, there are other apps such as Botim, Careem Pay, e& money, and Taptap Send, which offer free or minimal fees for money transfers from the UAE. Some of these apps require no registration fees, no minimum balance, and no bank account—only an active UAE mobile number, a debit or credit card, or online banking access.These apps not only facilitate global and local money transfers but also support bill payments, merchant payments, and transfers directly to mobile wallets.
UAE’s Significant Role in Global Remittances
The UAE ranks as the third-largest sender of remittances worldwide, after the US and Saudi Arabia. Last year, Indian expatriates sent $21.6 billion to India from the UAE, representing 19.2% of the country’s total dollar inflows, making the UAE the second-largest source of global remittance to India after the US.Filipino workers in the UAE remitted approximately $1.52 billion in 2024, contributing to the Philippines’ record $38.34 billion in total overseas remittances for that year, as reported by Statista and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Philippine Central Bank). Major sources of these remittances include the US, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UAE.
What Customers Should Do Next
Emirates NBD is preparing to send electronic direct mails (EDMs) to customers affected by the fee changes and plans to release a formal press statement to further clarify the details.Customers are encouraged to check the list of eligible zero-fee corridors on their Emirates NBD app or online platform before initiating transfers to confirm whether their intended destination qualifies for free remittance.
