UAE Credit Score: Complete AECB Guide
Understanding your AECB credit score - how to check it, what affects it, and proven strategies to improve your creditworthiness in UAE.
5 min read • Updated December 2025
Quick Facts
Your UAE credit score ranges from 300 to 900, with 700+ considered good. The score is maintained by AECB (Al Etihad Credit Bureau) and costs AED 84 to check. Payment history and credit utilization have the biggest impact on your score.
Understanding Credit Score Ranges
800-900
Excellent
Excellent creditworthiness. Best rates and highest approval chances.
700-799
Good
Good credit standing. Most lenders will approve with favorable terms.
600-699
Fair
Acceptable credit. May face higher rates or require additional documentation.
500-599
Poor
Below average credit. Limited options, higher rates, may face rejections.
300-499
Very Poor
Significant credit issues. Most applications will be declined.
What Affects Your Credit Score
| Factor | Impact | Description | How to Improve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment History | High (35%) | On-time payments on loans, cards, and bills | Never miss payments, set up auto-pay |
| Credit Utilization | High (30%) | How much of your available credit you use | Keep below 30% of limits |
| Credit History Length | Medium (15%) | How long you've had credit accounts | Keep old accounts open |
| Credit Mix | Medium (10%) | Variety of credit types (cards, loans) | Diversify credit types gradually |
| New Credit | Medium (10%) | Recent applications and new accounts | Avoid multiple applications |
Payment history and credit utilization together account for about 65% of your score.
How to Check Your Credit Score
Visit AECB Website or App
Go to aecb.gov.ae or download the AECB app from App Store/Play Store
Register/Login with UAE Pass
Use your UAE Pass credentials for secure authentication
Select Report Type
Choose Credit Score (AED 84) or Full Report (AED 105)
Make Payment
Pay via card or Apple Pay. Report available immediately
Review Your Report
Check score, accounts, inquiries, and any issues
Pro tip: You can also check your score through some banking apps (Emirates NBD, ADCB) or through the AECB app. The official AECB report is the most comprehensive.
What Your Credit Report Contains
Personal Information
- • Name
- • Emirates ID
- • Date of birth
- • Contact details
Verify accuracy - errors here could mean mixed files
Credit Score
- • Score (300-900)
- • Score factors
- • Score history
Main number lenders use for decisions
Credit Accounts
- • Credit cards
- • Personal loans
- • Auto loans
- • Mortgages
Shows payment history and current balances
Credit Inquiries
- • Hard inquiries
- • When you applied for credit
Too many recent inquiries can hurt score
Public Records
- • Bounced cheques
- • Legal judgments
- • Defaults
Serious negatives that stay for years
How to Improve Your Credit Score
Pay all bills on time
Highest Impact⏱ 1-2 months to see improvement
Even one late payment can drop your score significantly. Set up auto-pay for minimum amounts as backup.
Reduce credit utilization
High Impact⏱ Next billing cycle
Pay down balances to below 30% of your credit limit. Lower is better - aim for under 10% for best results.
Don't close old accounts
Medium Impact⏱ Immediate negative if closed
Old accounts show credit history length. Keep them open even if unused (unless annual fees apply).
Limit new credit applications
Medium Impact⏱ Each inquiry impacts for 6-12 months
Multiple applications in short time looks desperate. Space out applications by 3-6 months.
Become an authorized user
Medium Impact⏱ 1-2 months
Being added to a family member's well-managed card can boost your score.
Dispute errors on your report
Varies Impact⏱ 30-45 days
Check for incorrect late payments, wrong balances, or accounts that aren't yours.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Score
❌ Missing payments
Impact:
50-100+ point drop
Recovery Time:
6-12 months of on-time payments
Prevention:
Set up auto-pay, calendar reminders
❌ Maxing out credit cards
Impact:
30-50 point drop
Recovery Time:
1-2 billing cycles after paying down
Prevention:
Stay below 30% utilization
❌ Closing old accounts
Impact:
20-40 point drop
Recovery Time:
Time - history length matters
Prevention:
Keep old accounts open if no annual fee
❌ Multiple applications
Impact:
5-10 points per inquiry
Recovery Time:
6-12 months per inquiry
Prevention:
Research before applying, space out applications
❌ Ignoring small debts
Impact:
Can lead to collection, major damage
Recovery Time:
Years if sent to collection
Prevention:
Pay all debts, even disputed ones while resolving
Credit Score & Leaving UAE
Your UAE credit history does not transfer to other countries - each country has its own credit bureau. However, outstanding debts can prevent you from leaving UAE or result in legal issues. Always settle all debts and get liability clearance letters before departing. Your AECB record stays for reference if you return to UAE in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) is the UAE's official credit bureau, similar to Equifax or TransUnion in other countries. All banks and financial institutions report your payment behavior to AECB monthly. This data is used to calculate your credit score, which lenders use to make lending decisions.
Check at least annually, or before major applications (loan, mortgage, credit card). Regular monitoring helps catch errors early and track improvement. The AED 84 cost is worth it for peace of mind and catching issues before they cause problems.
No. Checking your own credit score is a "soft inquiry" and does not affect your score. Only "hard inquiries" from lenders when you apply for credit affect your score. Check as often as you like.
Late payments: 2-5 years. Defaults and collections: 5-7 years. Bounced cheques: Until settled, plus additional years. Bankruptcy: 7-10 years. The impact decreases over time even while on your report.
You'll develop a credit file once you have UAE financial products. New expats start with no score (not zero). After 3-6 months with a credit card or loan, you'll have enough history for a score. Building from scratch typically results in a "fair" starting score if managed well.
It's more difficult but not impossible. Options include: higher interest rates, lower amounts, requiring a guarantor, secured loans (backed by deposits), or salary transfer requirement. Focus on improving score for better terms.
Contact AECB directly with documentation supporting your dispute. They'll investigate with the reporting institution. Common errors include: wrong late payment dates, accounts that aren't yours, incorrect balances. Resolution takes 30-45 days typically.
Know Your Credit Score
Check your score before applying for credit. It helps you understand your options and negotiate better terms.