📊 UAE credit score explained: how to check and improve it
- Kacper Duda
- Jan 21
- 5 min read
Credit scores in the UAE continue to evolve, with more data being integrated (some rent and service fee payments will soon start to impact your rating), and more institutions likely verifying your score before offering you credit.
The start of the year is a good time to check your credit score, and come up with a plan to fix it if needed. Improving your credit score does not happen overnight. It’s a process that takes time and discipline.
Read on to find out:
What a UAE credit score is and why it’s important
How to check your credit rating and improve it if needed
January habits round 3: Pay yourself first (so saving stops being optional)
What is a UAE credit score and why is it important
In the UAE, credit scores are managed by the Etihad Credit Bureau. Think of it as a snapshot of your creditworthiness based on your payment behaviour and overall borrowing profile. Your score typically ranges from 300 to 900, and any bank offering you a credit card, loan, or mortgage will usually check it before approving you.
You might not feel like you “need” a strong score right now. But life changes fast. A new car, a home move, a better card, a sudden need for financing. A healthy score is basic financial hygiene, and it keeps your options open when you actually need them.
It’s also worth checking your credit report periodically. Not just for curiosity, but to spot errors, strange accounts, or early signs of fraud or identity theft while you can still act quickly.
How do I check my credit score?
Checking your credit score is simple and comes at a small cost for financial peace of mind. You have two options:
Full credit report (includes the score as well as details of your current financial products (loans, cards, utilities) - AED 84
Score only (shows you the calculated score between 300-900, often helpful when you’re about to take out credit) - AED 10.50
You can access either report through the Etihad Credit Bureau website, their official app, or DubaiNow and TAMM apps. Some third party providers also run periodic promotions, allowing you to access your credit score for free.
In all cases, you will need your personal details to log in and/or authorise access using UAEPass.
What does a good credit score look like?
Your UAE credit score ranges from 300 (very poor) to 900 (excellent). It’s essentially a risk rating: the higher the number, the lower the perceived risk for lenders. While each bank sets its own cut-offs, here’s a general guide to how scores are viewed:
731 and above - Excellent: A very good score with high chances of approvals and access to the best rates.
680-730 - Good: Solid standing with most lenders, though you may not always get top-tier deals.
620-679 - Fair: You might get approved, but expect stricter terms or higher interest.
300-619 - Poor: High risk in the eyes of lenders. Approvals will be rare without improving your score first.
How are credit scores calculated?
The exact formula is complex and not publicly shared. But it broadly follows the same logic as international scoring models. Here are the main factors that shape your score:
Payment history (~35%): The biggest driver. It tracks whether you pay on time. This includes more than loans and credit cards. Late telecoms and utility payments can also hurt you.
Credit utilisation (~30%): How much of your available credit you use. Regularly maxing out your card is a red flag. Aim to stay under 30%, and avoid going above 50% unless you have to.
Length of credit history (~15%): A longer, clean track record helps. If your oldest account has no fees and is well-managed, keep it open.
Credit mix (~10%): Having both instalment credit (personal loan, car loan, mortgage) and revolving credit (credit cards) can help. Not essential, but it’s a positive signal.
Credit inquiries (~10%): Lots of applications in a short time can look like distress. When comparing deals, limit it to 2–3 providers at once.
These weights are industry estimates. Credit bureaus don’t publish the exact scoring model.
How do I improve my UAE credit score?
Pay everything on time: Late payments are one of the fastest ways to damage your score. Banks report missed or late payments to the Etihad Credit Bureau, and the impact can stick around for years.
Keep utilisation low: Use credit, but don’t lean on it. A good rule is to keep your total balance below 30% of your limit. Example: on an AED 10,000 limit, aim to stay under AED 3,000.
Protect your credit history: A longer track record helps. Keep older accounts open if they have no fees. Even one small purchase a month is enough, as long as you clear it in full.
Keep debt manageable vs income: Lenders care how much of your monthly income goes to debt repayments. Lower is better. If you’re juggling multiple debts, prioritise paying down the highest interest balances first.
Check your credit report: Review it regularly to spot errors and track progress. Once a year is a sensible minimum. If something looks wrong, raise it with the bureau quickly so it doesn’t drag your score down.
Remember, improving your credit score is a gradual process that requires consistency and patience. There aren't any shortcuts, but following these guidelines will help you build a strong credit profile over time.
January habits - round 3: Pay yourself first (so saving stops being optional)
Today, we continue our series of January habits - little tricks you can use to set yourself up for a financially strong 2026.
Once you pay off any cards or loans you don’t want to carry, you should turn your attention to savings. The classic plan is: spend money, then save what’s left. The end of the month comes, and there is often not much left.
The only reliable way to save
Treat saving like a bill. A non-negotiable one.
Do this:
Create a separate savings account (a different ‘pot’ changes behaviour).
Set a transfer reminder within 24 hours of payday.
Start with an amount you can sustain, then increase it gradually.
A simple rule that works: step it up by 1% every 2–3 months.
Tiny action today (1 minute): Set yourself a specific calendar reminder for payday - “Transfer AED x to my savings account”
Disclaimer: Please bear in mind that this email does not constitute financial advice. Any choices you make you are solely responsible for. We always aim to provide highest quality, independent views but do your own research to ensure you’re comfortable with any changes you make to your personal finances.
