If you use your UAE-issued credit or debit card abroad, take note — international transaction fees are going up. Starting September 22, 2025, several local banks will apply a 3.14% surcharge on the total value of purchases made outside the country.
That’s a notable increase from the current 2.09%, and it applies each time your card is used internationally. These fee changes are not uncommon, and they typically fluctuate depending on the bank’s internal strategies and market conditions.
This isn’t the only update affecting local cardholders. Just last week, it announced that one-time passwords (OTPs) will no longer be sent via SMS or email. Customers will need to switch to more secure authentication methods, like in-app approvals.
If you regularly travel or shop online using international merchants, it may be worth checking with your bank to understand how the changes will affect you — and to explore alternative options if needed.
