Emirates NBD, one of the largest banking groups in the UAE, is set to implement a fixed fee of Dh26.25 (inclusive of VAT) for international money transfers made through its DirectRemit service, starting September 1, 2025. This decision marks a shift from the bank's previous policy of offering free remittances to specific countries.

The new fee will apply to all international transfers initiated via the Emirates NBD X mobile app and the bank's online banking platform. An email notification was sent to customers, stating that the fixed charge would be deducted for each cross-border transfer initiated through these digital channels. The notification specifies, "Effective Monday, September 1, 2025, a charge of Dh26.25 will be applicable for International Transfers (Including DirectRemit) remittance service initiated from ENBD X or Online Banking. The fee is inclusive of VAT".

Previously, Emirates NBD's DirectRemit service allowed instant and free transfers to banks in several countries, including India, the Philippines, Pakistan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and the United Kingdom, with a minimum transfer amount of Dh100. This update means the end of free transfer benefits previously associated with DirectRemit, the bank's digital remittance tool known for completing cross-border transactions in under 60 seconds.

This change aligns Emirates NBD's DirectRemit with the fee structure already applied to most other forms of international transfers across UAE banks. International wire transfers by other UAE banks typically range from Dh20 to Dh60, depending on the channel and destination.

In addition to the new transfer fee, Emirates NBD has introduced a cancellation fee of up to Dh26.25 for recalling or canceling any local or international transfers, whether the transaction is completed or pending.

Customers are advised to review their transfer history to understand how this change may affect them and to consider comparing rates and fees with other available services. While Emirates NBD has not announced any changes to its existing exchange rate margins or processing times, customers may want to explore alternative remittance options to manage costs effectively.