Commercial Bank of Dubai · business account
CBD Business Account
Conventional-bank business account from a CBUAE-licensed local bank: full branch network plus iBusiness online banking — suits companies that want an established bank relationship over a digital-only account.
Is CBD Business Account worth it?
- free-zone companies: CBD Business Account onboards free-zone entities on its published criteria.
- founders outside the UAE: CBD Business Account requires a branch visit — plan to be in the UAE for onboarding.
- import-export businesses: CBD Business Account lists only AED + major currencies — narrow for import-export flows.
Eligibility
- Eligibility notes
- Minimum balance and package fees vary by business package and are not published as a single rate card — confirm current terms with CBD.
- Not suitable for
- founders wanting fully digital onboarding — CBD is a conventional commercial bank with relationship-led account opening. Very small businesses that only need a payment wallet
Business operations
- Approval time
- 2–6 weeks
- Free-zone companies
- Yes
- Branch visit
- Required
- Multi-currency
- AED + major currencies
How onboarding goes
- Application: Submit the request through the provider’s channel and upload documents
- Compliance review: KYC checks and document verification
- Branch visit: In-person visit for an authorised signatory
- Decision: Typical timing: 2–6 weeks
- Go live: Access activated and the product is live
Documents you'll typically need
- Valid UAE trade licence (mainland or free zone)
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Passports and Emirates IDs of shareholders and authorised signatories
- UBO (ultimate beneficial owner) declaration
- Office tenancy contract, Ejari or flexi-desk agreement
- Recent invoices or contracts for new companies; 6–12 months of bank statements for operating businesses
Typical pack for this category — the provider confirms the exact list on application.
Not for you if…
- You want fully remote onboarding — a branch visit is required.
Package terms, minimum balance and transaction fees are agreed per business package; public minimum-balance figures vary between packages. Branch visit typically required.
Verified answers
What does CBD publish in its business fee schedule?
CBD’s business fees page lists business card interest of 3.45% or 2.99% monthly (by card tier), a 2% foreign-exchange fee, a card replacement fee, a late payment fee and an overlimit fee of 3% of transaction value or AED 105 (whichever is higher). Letter of credit issuance runs 0.20% per month (min. 3 months) with a AED 750 minimum plus handling, SWIFT and courier charges.
Source: cbd.ae · verified
Frequently asked questions
Is CBD Business Account worth it for free-zone companies?
Yes — CBD Business Account onboards free-zone entities on its published criteria.
Is CBD Business Account worth it for founders outside the UAE?
No — CBD Business Account requires a branch visit — plan to be in the UAE for onboarding.
Is CBD Business Account worth it for import-export businesses?
No — CBD Business Account lists only AED + major currencies — narrow for import-export flows.