Khaleej Times, 20 May 2025: Several banks in the UAE have announced an increase in the minimum balance requirement from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 as per the Central Bank’s personal loan regulations.

Customers who do not maintain the new minimum balance will incur a monthly fee of AED 25, unless they hold a credit card or have personal financing with the bank. The decision aims to enhance banks’ deposit levels and cover the costs of maintaining customer accounts.

Customers with a total balance of AED 20,000 or more, or a monthly salary transfer of AED 15,000 or more, will be exempt. Those with salary transfers between AED 5,000 and AED 14,999 who also have a credit card, overdraft facility, or loan will also be exempt.

Finance experts have raised concerns about the financial disadvantage to low-income workers, urging banks to reconsider the increase or offer varied minimum balances based on salary ranges. Alternative options, such as using money exchanges or financial institutions for salary disbursement, are suggested to mitigate the impact on affected workers.

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