Starting September 1, 2025, Emirates NBD will impose a Dh26.25 fee for each international money transfer made via its DirectRemit service—marking the end of its previously free remittance offering for select countries.
The bank informed its customers via email that the new charge, inclusive of VAT, will apply to transfers done through its ENBD X mobile app and online banking platform. This means that even transactions to countries such as India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and the UK—which previously benefited from zero fees—will now carry a fixed cost.
“Effective Monday, September 1, 2025, charge of Dh26.25 will be applicable for International Transfers (Including DirectRemit) remittance service initiated from ENBD X or Online Banking,” the notice read.
Until now, DirectRemit had been a go-to option for many expatriates in the UAE sending money home, as it offered instant, free transfers with a minimum of just Dh100. The latest move brings the service in line with the standard cross-border transfer charges implemented by most UAE banks, which typically range between Dh20 and Dh60.
No changes have been announced regarding exchange rates or transfer processing times. Customers are encouraged to review their transfer habits and explore alternative remittance options to determine the most cost-effective solution moving forward.
