Reading Time: 28 minutes
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.2 / 5
Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) is a Dubai government-backed bank built around its mobile app rather than a large branch network. It was established in 1969 under an Emiri Decree from the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
For the six months to June 30, 2026, CBD reported a net profit before tax of AED 1,885 million and total assets of AED 154.5 billion.
Net loans passed AED 100 billion for the first time, and Fitch rates the bank’s long-term issuer default rating at A-.
CBD is majority owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, the Dubai government’s investment arm. It operates 9 branches across 4 emirates and pushes most everyday banking, personal and now small-business, through its app and web portals.
This review checks CBD’s current account rules, fees, credit cards, loans, and digital banking against the bank’s own published pages and its branch and fee data live on cbd.ae, so you can see exactly what changed and what to verify yourself before applying.
Best For
- Salaried employees earning AED 5,000 or more who want a bank built primarily around its app rather than its branches
- Expats who regularly send money to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or the Philippines and want it to land in minutes through the app
- Households that spend consistently on groceries, fuel, school fees, and utility bills and want that spending to earn cashback under the Super Saver card’s B.E.S.T categories
- Homebuyers comparing mortgages, given rates from 3.99% and a 0% processing fee on buyouts from other UAE banks
- Micro and small business owners who want to open a business account digitally through UP by CBD, the bank’s mobile-first business banking app launched in July 2026
- Higher-income customers who want airport lounge access, golf privileges, and cinema discounts bundled into one card
Not Ideal For
- Freelancers and contract workers with fluctuating income, since a balance under AED 5,000 with no qualifying salary transfer triggers a AED 105 monthly fee
- Anyone based outside Dubai who wants easy branch access, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah each have exactly one CBD branch
- Customers who send remittances often, since the January 2025 fee change means faster transfers to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines now cost AED 10.50 each with no free monthly allowance for personal customers
- Anyone who pays credit card bills late occasionally, since CBD’s late payment fee is AED 241.50, higher than some competitors
Commercial Bank of Dubai at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
| Bank Type | Commercial, Retail, SME, Private, and Islamic Banking (CBD Al Islami) |
| Founded | 1969, via Emiri Decree from Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum |
| Head Office | Al Ittihad Street, Port Saeed, Deira, Dubai |
| Major Shareholder | Investment Corporation of Dubai |
| Total Assets | AED 154.5 billion (June 30, 2026) |
| Net Profit Before Tax (H1 2026) | AED 1,885 million |
| Net Loans (H1 2026) | Above AED 100 billion |
| Branches | 9 full-service branches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah |
| ATM/CDM Network | 9 branches plus roughly 58 further standalone ATM/CDM locations nationwide |
| Mobile App | CBD – Instant digital banking, 4.8/5 on the App Store, 4.6/5 on Google Play |
| Online Banking | CBD Online Banking (cbdonline.cbd.ae) |
| Business Banking App | UP by CBD, launched July 2026 for micro and small businesses |
| Languages | English and Arabic |
| SWIFT/BIC | CBDUAEADXXX |
| Credit Rating | A- (Fitch) |
| Listed On | Dubai Financial Market, ticker CBD |
CBD Official Links & Support
- Official Website: cbd.ae
- Fees and Charges: published in full on CBD’s fees and charges page
- Branch and ATM Locator: available on the CBD site and within the mobile app
- Customer Care: 600 575 556 within the UAE, +971 600 575 556 from abroad, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM for general service and 24/7 for lost cards and fraud reporting
- Email: customercare@cbd.ae
- Aysha, CBD’s 24/7 virtual chatbot, is available on the website for quick queries
✅ What We Like About CBD
- Highly Rated Mobile App – “CBD – Instant digital banking” holds 4.8/5 on the App Store from around 42,000 ratings and 4.6/5 on Google Play from around 39,700 reviews.
- Fast International Transfers – Instant remittances to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines directly through the app.
- Free-for-Life CBD One Credit Card – No annual fee, up to AED 135 monthly cashback at selected merchants, plus 8 complimentary airport lounge visits a year.
- New Digital Business Bank – UP by CBD, launched in July 2026, lets micro and small businesses open a zero-balance account digitally and links directly to a Dubai Unified Licence.
- Government-Backed Stability – Majority owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, with an A- Fitch credit rating.
- Competitive Home Loans – Mortgage rates from 3.99%, financing up to AED 25 million, terms up to 25 years, and no processing fee on buyouts from another bank.
- Islamic Banking Available – CBD Al Islami offers a full range of Shari’ah-compliant banking products.
- Consistent Earnings – The CEO described H1 2026 as showing “the continued resilience of our franchise and strength of our customer relationships,” with net loans passing AED 100 billion for the first time.
❌ Where CBD Could Improve
- High Minimum Balance Fee – Falling below AED 5,000 with no qualifying salary transfer triggers a AED 105 monthly charge.
- Limited Branch Network – Only 9 branches, and Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah each have just one.
- Customer Support Complaints – Reviews on Google Play and the App Store include reports of long waiting times for phone support.
- No Free Remittances – Since January 2025, transfers to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines cost personal customers AED 10.50 each, with no free monthly allowance.
- Account Closure Restrictions – Closing within six months of opening costs AED 105, charged after a 5-working-day cooling-off period.
- Higher Late Payment Fee – Missing a credit card payment costs AED 241.50, on the higher end for the UAE market.
Commercial Bank of Dubai Products Review: Accounts, Credit Cards, Loans & Mortgage Options
Commercial Bank of Dubai offers a well-rounded portfolio for everyday banking, borrowing, and now small-business banking. Most products can be opened, applied for, and managed through the CBD mobile app.
CBD Current Account: A Smart Choice for Everyday Banking
Best for: Salaried professionals earning AED 5,000 or more per month.
This account waives the monthly AED 105 service fee when you maintain a AED 5,000 average balance, transfer your salary to CBD, or hold an active CBD loan or mortgage. It includes a free debit card and access to CBD’s lending products.
Things to know
- AED 5,000 minimum monthly average balance, or a qualifying AED 5,000 salary transfer
- Free debit card
- Instant remittances and SWIFT transfers through CBD Online Banking or the app
- Easy access to loans and mortgages through the app
CBD One Credit Card: A No-Annual-Fee Cashback Card
Best for: Everyday spending and first-time credit card users.
The CBD One Credit Card is free for life and pays up to AED 135 cashback a month at selected merchants once you spend at least AED 5,000 in that month. Purchases can also be converted into 0% instalments.
Key highlights
- Free for life, no annual fee
- Up to AED 135 monthly cashback at selected merchants, with a AED 5,000 minimum monthly spend
- 8 complimentary airport lounge visits a year through the Visa Airport Companion App, covering over 1,000 lounges worldwide
- 0% instalment plans of up to 36 months on eligible purchases
- Minimum salary: AED 5,000
CBD Visa Infinite Credit Card: Premium Travel Rewards
Best for: Frequent travelers and higher-income professionals.
The Visa Infinite card is built around travel and lifestyle perks: airport lounges, golf, cinema discounts, and travel insurance, on top of a CBD Rewards points program.
Key highlights
- Minimum salary: AED 15,000
- No annual fee in the first year; no annual fee in later years if you spend over AED 100,000 a year on the card
- 12 complimentary airport lounge visits a year through the Visa Airport Companion App, covering over 1,000 lounges
- Up to 3 CBD Rewards points per AED 1 spent, redeemable for Skywards Miles or cashback
- 4 complimentary monthly golf rounds at select clubs after AED 10,000 in monthly spend
- 50% off up to 6 VOX Cinemas tickets a month, plus up to 7% off Booking.com stays
- Travel insurance and purchase protection
CBD Super Saver Credit Card: Cashback for Households
Best for: Families with regular monthly household expenses.
The Super Saver Card pays up to 10% cashback on CBD’s four B.E.S.T categories: Bills, Education, Supermarket, and Transport, up to a AED 600 monthly cap.
Key highlights
- Up to 10% cashback in B.E.S.T categories: Bills (water, electricity, telecom), Education (school and university fees), Supermarket, and Transport (fuel)
- Maximum AED 600 cashback per month
- Minimum salary: AED 5,000
CBD Personal Loan: Financing for Salaried Employees
Best for: Salaried UAE residents who transfer their salary to CBD.
CBD’s personal loan is priced individually per applicant, so check your own rate offer before comparing banks. The loan amount and term follow set limits below, and an existing loan from another bank can be transferred in.
Key highlights
- Up to AED 750,000 for expatriates, or 20 times monthly salary, whichever is lower
- Up to AED 2.5 million for UAE nationals, or 20 times monthly salary, whichever is lower
- Repayment up to 48 months for most borrowers, extending to 60 months for Armed Forces pensioners
- Loan buyout from other banks available
- Salary transfer to CBD is mandatory
CBD Home Loan: Mortgage Solutions for UAE Buyers
Best for: Buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage.
CBD’s mortgage combines rates from 3.99% with digital pre-approval and a real edge for switchers: no processing fee on buyouts from another UAE bank.
Key highlights
- Rates from 3.99% per annum
- Financing up to AED 25 million
- Repayment terms up to 25 years
- Minimum income: AED 12,000 a month for salaried applicants, AED 30,000 a month for self-employed applicants
- 0% processing fee on mortgage buyouts from another bank
UP by CBD: A New Mobile Bank for Small Businesses
Best for: Micro and small business owners and early-stage entrepreneurs in the UAE.
CBD launched UP by CBD on July 15, 2026, a standalone mobile banking app for small businesses, built with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism as part of Dubai’s D33 economic agenda.
Key highlights
- Digital account opening linked directly to a Dubai Unified Licence
- Zero balance account with flexible subscription plans instead of a minimum balance requirement
- Fast access to a business credit card for early cash flow needs
- Payroll, transfers, and savings tools inside one app
- Access to Dubai Founders HQ and “SME in a Box” support resources
CBD has not published specific subscription fees for UP by CBD in its general fees and charges page as of this review, so confirm current pricing directly in the app or with CBD before opening an account.
Why CBD’s Product Range Stands Out
CBD has built almost its entire retail and, since July 2026, small-business banking experience around digital onboarding rather than branches. Most accounts, credit cards, loans, mortgages, and now business accounts can be applied for and managed through an app.
What a CBD Debit Card Costs, By Banking Segment
CBD prices its debit card by segment, not by card. The schedule below is the bank’s own, effective 23 June 2026, and every figure includes 5% VAT.
| Charge | Personal | Executive | Elite | Private |
| Card issuance and annual fee | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Card replacement | AED 26.25 | AED 26.25 | Free | Free |
| Cash withdrawal at a CBD ATM | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Cash withdrawal at another UAE bank’s ATM | AED 2 | 1 free a month, then AED 2 | 3 free a month, then AED 2 | Free |
| Cash withdrawal at a GCC ATM | AED 6 | AED 6 | 1 free a month, GCC or international | 2 free a month, GCC or international |
| Cash withdrawal at an international ATM | AED 20 | AED 20 | Counts toward the free monthly withdrawal | Counts toward the 2 free monthly withdrawals |
| Balance enquiry at another UAE bank’s ATM | AED 1.05 | Free | Free | Free |
| Balance enquiry at a GCC ATM | AED 3.15 | Free | Free | Free |
| International transaction fee | 2.1% plus scheme charges, on AED and non-AED transactions alike | |||
The real overseas cost is 2.1% plus about 1.2%. CBD states that the scheme fee charged by Mastercard and Visa is approximately 1.2%, and that its own 2.1% international transaction fee sits on top. That applies even to a purchase billed in dirhams, if the merchant is domiciled outside the UAE.
CBD Credit Card Annual Fees and Finance Charges
CBD publishes one schedule covering the whole credit card range. Every amount below includes 5% VAT, and VAT does not apply to the interest charges.
| Card | Annual fee on the primary card |
| CBD One Visa Signature | Free |
| Yes Rewards | AED 208.95 |
| Super Saver Visa Signature | AED 420.00 |
| Smiles Visa Signature | AED 525.00 |
| Visa Infinite | AED 787.50 |
| Supplementary card, any type | Free for life |
Every primary card comes with the first year free. The fee starts from the second year and is reversed automatically if you hit the annual spend target CBD sets for that card.
| Charge | Amount |
| Interest on retail purchases and cash advances | 3.85% a month, or 1.50% a month on the CBD Private Visa Infinite Metal Card |
| Late payment fee | AED 241.50 |
| Over limit fee | AED 304.50 |
| Cash withdrawal at an ATM | AED 204.75 |
| Card replacement | AED 78.75 |
| Liability letter | AED 52.50 |
| Copy of a sales slip | AED 26.25 |
| Credit shield insurance | 1% of the total outstanding balance |
| International transaction fee | 3.5% of the transaction amount |
What It Costs to Spread a Balance
| Plan | Processing fee | Interest |
| Balance transfer | Not listed separately | Up to 1.39% a month |
| Balance transfer at 0% interest | Up to 6.3% | None |
| Cash on Call | Up to 2.625% of the amount | Up to 1.89% a month |
| Easy Payment Plan on a retail transaction | Up to 9.45% of the transaction | Up to 2.10% a month |
| Easy Payment Plan on a retail balance | Up to 2.65% of the balance | Up to 1.29% a month |
Settling any of those plans early costs 1.05% of the outstanding amount or AED 105, whichever is higher, a charge CBD applied from 17 December 2025. Interest runs on a reducing balance, and CBD shows the equivalent fixed rate at the time of booking.
CBD Fees & Charges Explained: What You Actually Pay
The figures below come from CBD’s own fees and charges page and its credit card schedule of charges, both checked in September 2026. Most amounts are unchanged since a January 2025 update, though a few card fees changed again in December 2025.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
| Minimum monthly average balance | AED 5,000 | Current and savings accounts |
| Breach of minimum balance | AED 105 per month | Waived with a qualifying salary transfer or active loan/mortgage |
| Online SWIFT transfer | AED 57.75 | Effective January 1, 2025 |
| Branch SWIFT transfer | AED 105 | Effective January 1, 2025 |
| GCC transfer (online / branch) | AED 15.75 / AED 78.75 | – |
| Faster remittance to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or the Philippines | AED 10.50 per transfer | No free monthly transfers for personal customers since January 1, 2025 |
| Foreign currency cash commission | 1% of amount, minimum AED 21 | Teller services, VAT applies |
| Account closure | AED 105 | If closed within 6 months, after a 5-working-day cooling-off period |
| Returned cheque | AED 105 | Due to insufficient funds |
| First cheque book | AED 105 | AED 157.50 for the second book onward |
| Credit card late payment | AED 241.50 | – |
| Credit card early settlement | 1.05% of outstanding or AED 105, whichever is higher | Effective December 17, 2025 |
Which Fees Deserve the Most Attention?
The removal of free remittance transfers still matters most for expats sending money home regularly. Two transfers a month to India now cost AED 21, where they used to be free.
On the card side, the late payment fee of AED 241.50 is higher than the AED 200 figure often quoted for CBD, so budget for the current amount. Most customers avoid the AED 105 minimum balance fee entirely once their salary is transferred to CBD.
Quick tip: Set up a salary transfer or keep AED 5,000 in your account, and pay card bills on time. That avoids the two fees CBD customers hit most: the AED 105 monthly charge and the AED 241.50 late fee.
How to Open a CBD Account: Step by Step
- Download the “CBD – Instant digital banking” app from the App Store, Google Play, or Huawei AppGallery.
- Choose an account type, such as the Current Account or Digital Current Account.
- Scan your Emirates ID and complete a selfie verification.
- Submit any additional documents the app requests, such as salary certificate details.
- Fund the account or set up your salary transfer to avoid the AED 105 monthly fee.
Business owners open UP by CBD the same way, through its own app, using a Dubai Unified Licence instead of an Emirates ID employment check.
CBD Digital Banking Experience, Customer Support & Branch Network
CBD channels almost every everyday task through its digital platforms rather than its branches. Here is how the app, web banking, and branch network perform.
CBD Mobile App & Online Banking: Is It Easy to Use
The CBD app, “CBD – Instant digital banking,” holds 4.8/5 on the App Store from about 42,000 ratings and 4.6/5 on Google Play from about 39,700 reviews. It supports account opening, credit card and loan applications, mortgage pre-approval, and day-to-day banking.
Beyond the consumer app, CBD runs several other digital channels: CBD Online Banking (cbdonline.cbd.ae), iBusiness (ibusiness.cbd.ae) for corporate clients, CBD FX Trader (fxtradr.cbd.ae), and a Supply Chain Finance portal (scf.cbd.ae).
A chatbot named Aysha answers common questions 24/7 on the CBD website.
What Works Well
- 4.8/5 on the App Store and 4.6/5 on Google Play
- Digital account opening in minutes for both personal and, since July 2026, small-business accounts
- Instant remittances to major countries
- Self-service credit card and loan management
- Separate portals for FX trading, supply chain finance, and business banking
Where the Digital Experience Falls Short
App store reviews mention occasional login timeouts and session expirations. Some requests, including account closure and complex disputes, still need a phone call or branch visit.
Customer Support & Contact Options
CBD’s main customer care line is 600 575 556 within the UAE, or +971 600 575 556 from abroad, staffed from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Lost-card reporting and fraud assistance are available 24/7.
You can also reach CBD by email at customercare@cbd.ae, or use the Aysha chatbot on the website for routine questions. Elite and Private Banking customers get dedicated support lines.
Customers can also use the app or website to:
- Block lost or stolen cards
- Report fraud
- Find branches and ATMs
- Submit service requests and track complaints
CBD Branch Network & UAE Coverage
CBD’s own branch locator listed exactly 9 staffed branches when we checked in September 2026, alongside roughly 58 further standalone ATM and cash deposit machine (CDM) locations across the UAE.
The 9 branches are:
- Main Branch, Al Ittihad Street, Port Saeed, Dubai
- Jumeirah Branch, Dubai
- Sheikh Zayed Road Branch, Dubai
- Al Quoz Branch, Dubai
- Immigration Branch, Dubai
- Nad Al Sheba Mall Branch, Dubai, open until 10:00 PM on weekdays
- Zayed The First Branch, Abu Dhabi
- Al Zahia City Centre Branch, Sharjah, open until 10:00 PM on weekdays
- Ras Al Khaimah Branch
Most branches open 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Thursday and Saturday, and 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Friday.
The two mall branches, Nad Al Sheba Mall and Al Zahia City Centre, stay open into the evening and on Sundays.
Who Will Appreciate CBD’s Branch Network?
Customers who bank mainly through the app are unlikely to notice the smaller branch footprint. Anyone who regularly needs in-person help, such as complex disputes or account closure, may prefer a bank with wider branch coverage across the UAE.
Where to Take a Complaint CBD Does Not Fix
Complain to CBD first and keep the date they received it. Give the bank its own internal process before going further.
If 30 calendar days pass without a resolution, escalate to Sanadak, the independent ombudsman unit created under the Central Bank of the UAE. Sanadak is on 800 726 2325 and sits in the Emirates Institute of Finance building in Abu Dhabi.
Its hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 11:30am on Friday. Commercial Bank of Dubai is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, so it falls inside that remit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I open a CBD bank account?
The fastest option is through the CBD mobile app. Scan your Emirates ID, complete a selfie verification, and submit the required documents; most applications can be completed without visiting a branch.
Can non-residents open a CBD account?
Most retail banking products are designed for UAE residents. Non-residents, investors, and business customers should contact CBD directly to discuss available options.
What is the minimum balance requirement?
Customers must maintain an average monthly balance of AED 5,000 or meet the salary transfer requirement to avoid the AED 105 monthly fee.
How much do international transfers cost?
Online SWIFT transfers cost AED 57.75, while branch transfers cost AED 105. Faster remittances to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines cost AED 10.50 per transfer, effective since January 2025.
What is CBD’s SWIFT/BIC code?
CBDUAEAD. The BIC registry lists that code against Commercial Bank of Dubai on Al Ittihad Street. Some senders add XXX for the head office, and correspondent banks occasionally use branch-specific suffixes, so confirm with your sender.
What is UP by CBD?
UP by CBD is CBD’s mobile-first business banking app for micro and small businesses, launched in July 2026. It offers a zero-balance account, digital onboarding through a Dubai Unified Licence, and a business credit card.
What does CBD charge to use another bank’s ATM?
AED 2 a withdrawal on a Personal Banking debit card. Executive gets 1 free withdrawal a month, Elite gets 3, and Private Banking pays nothing.
What does CBD charge for a card payment abroad?
2.1% on the debit card plus the scheme charge, which CBD says is about 1.2% from Mastercard and Visa. The credit card international transaction fee is 3.5%.
How much is the CBD credit card interest rate?
3.85% a month on retail purchases and cash advances, or 1.50% a month on the CBD Private Visa Infinite Metal Card. VAT does not apply to interest charges.
Which CBD credit card has no annual fee?
The CBD One Visa Signature. The rest run from AED 208.95 for Yes Rewards up to AED 787.50 for Visa Infinite, all VAT inclusive, and every primary card is free in year one.
Does CBD reverse the credit card annual fee?
Yes. CBD reverses the fee automatically once you reach the annual spend target it sets for your card type, which is published on each card’s features page.
What does it cost to settle a CBD instalment plan early?
1.05% of the outstanding amount or AED 105, whichever is higher. CBD applied that charge from 17 December 2025 across balance transfers, Cash on Call and Easy Payment Plans.
Where do I escalate a CBD complaint?
To Sanadak, the independent ombudsman unit created under the Central Bank of the UAE. Complain to CBD first and wait 30 calendar days from the date they received it, then call Sanadak on 800 726 2325.
Official sources
Everything above is compiled from primary sources checked in September 2026. Check these directly before you act, because fees and product terms change often and without notice.
- Credit card schedule of charges: CBD’s own document, the source for every annual fee, interest rate, penalty and instalment plan figure above.
- Debit card schedule of charges: CBD’s own document, effective 23 June 2026, for the ATM and international transaction fees by banking segment.
- All published fees: CBD fees and charges hub, where the bank posts each schedule.
- Branches and ATMs: CBD branch and ATM locator.
- Regulator: Central Bank of the UAE, which licenses and supervises Commercial Bank of Dubai.
- Complaints: Sanadak, the independent ombudsman unit for licensed UAE banks.
- Our method: how we research each bank and what our ratings mean is set out in our editorial policy and ratings methodology.
Other major UAE banks
Still comparing? See the full list of all 62 banks licensed in the UAE, or read how we assess each one in our ratings methodology.