Business account costs in the United Arab Emirates come mainly from monthly platform or maintenance fees, minimum balance rules, and transfer charges. Digital banks publish flat monthly fees, while some traditional accounts waive a fee only above a set balance.
- Typical monthly fee
- Free to about 249 dirhams a month
- Minimum balance
- Often none at digital banks
- Zero balance option
- Yes, for example RAKBANK RAKstarter
- Charged in
- UAE dirham (AED)
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
How business account fees work in United Arab Emirates
Fees fall into a few groups. A monthly platform or maintenance fee is the headline cost at most digital banks. A minimum or average balance requirement is common at traditional banks, where the monthly fee is waived only if the balance stays above a set level. On top of these sit transaction costs, such as charges for international transfers, currency conversion away from the mid market rate, cheque books, and cash deposits. As of 1 May 2026, Wio Business lists an Essential plan at 99 dirhams a month and a Grow plan at 249 dirhams a month with no minimum balance, Mashreq NeoBiz lists a Lite plan at 200 dirhams a month with no minimum balance and a Prime plan that waives the fee above an average balance of 50,000 dirhams, and RAKBANK markets the RAKstarter startup account with no minimum balance. Confirm current pricing with the provider.
Monthly fees and minimum balance
Digital banks tend to charge a flat monthly fee and skip a balance requirement, which makes costs predictable for a new company. Traditional accounts may show no monthly fee on paper but require a sizeable average balance, with a charge applied in any month the balance falls below the set level.
Transaction and currency costs
Many businesses in the United Arab Emirates pay suppliers abroad, so transfer and conversion charges can matter more than the monthly fee. Compare the cost for each transfer, the exchange rate margin, and any limits on free transfers, since these vary widely between providers.
What drives the cost
Three things drive what a business account costs in the United Arab Emirates, as of 1 May 2026. Verify with the provider
- A monthly platform or maintenance fee, charged flat at most digital banks.
- A minimum or average balance requirement, more common at traditional banks, with a charge in any month the balance falls below the set level.
- Transaction costs, such as international transfers, currency conversion, cheque books, and cash deposits.
How to compare on fees
- List the fees that apply to how you will actually use the account, including transfers abroad and cash handling.
- Compare the monthly fee against any minimum balance requirement, since a zero fee account can still tie up cash.
- Confirm the current fee schedule with the provider before you apply, as pricing changes.
Compare business accounts available in United Arab Emirates
These providers accept business customers in United Arab Emirates. Fees and eligibility shown as of 1 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about business account fees in United Arab Emirates
How much does a business bank account cost in the United Arab Emirates?
Is there a business account with no monthly fee in the United Arab Emirates?
What is a minimum balance requirement?
Are international transfer fees high in the United Arab Emirates?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 1 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.