Opening and running your first account

Opening an account is mostly paperwork, but running it well is a habit. Get the documents right the first time, understand what the bank expects, and know exactly where to go if something goes wrong.

Before you apply

• Decide what you need first: an everyday current account, a savings account, or both.
• Compare at least three things: any minimum balance and the fee for falling below it, monthly or card fees, and how good the mobile app is.
• Read the account terms and the fee list before signing. If anything is unclear, ask the bank to explain it in writing.
• Check the provider is licensed: in the UAE by the CBUAE, in the UK by the FCA.

Documents usually asked for in the UAE

• The UAE Government portal lists the common documents as your Emirates ID, a valid UAE residence visa, your passport or family book, and a salary certificate or employment letter.
• Proof of address is required in some cases, and self-employed applicants may need a trade licence.
• You can apply at a branch, online or in a bank's app; some banks verify your identity digitally.
• Approval usually takes from a few hours to a few days. Once approved you receive a debit card and access to online and mobile banking.

If you are under 18

• A minor account in the UAE is normally opened by a father or legal guardian, often one who already has an account with that bank.
• Banks commonly ask for the child's Emirates ID and passport, plus the residence visa for expatriate children. Some ask for a birth certificate or a notarised guardianship letter.
• Some youth accounts are opened entirely through the parent's banking app and come with a debit card for the teen.
• When you turn 18, visit or contact the bank to move the account into your own name. One UAE bank's terms allow suspension if this is not done within a month.

Opening an account elsewhere (for example the UK)

• UK banks usually ask for two documents: one to prove who you are (such as a passport) and one to prove where you live (such as a recent bill).
• If you do not have the usual documents, Citizens Advice says the bank should accept a letter from a responsible person who knows you, such as a teacher or GP.
• International students have extra steps, covered in the banking abroad lesson.

Running the account well

• Turn on app notifications so every payment pings your phone. You will notice mistakes and fraud within minutes rather than weeks.
• Keep your balance above any minimum balance level so you do not pay a monthly fee for nothing.
• Know your IBAN. In the UAE, it is what people need to send you money electronically.
• Keep your mobile number and email up to date with the bank, since security codes and alerts go there.
• Check your balance at least once a week and before any large payment.

If something goes wrong: complaints in the UAE

• Always complain to the bank first, formally, and keep the reference number.
• If the bank does not resolve it, you can take the complaint to Sanadak, an independent unit set up by the CBUAE, but only after waiting 30 calendar days from your complaint to the bank.
• Sanadak is free. It handles problems with a product or service, unfair discrimination, and losses caused by misleading, deceptive or unfair conduct.
• Sanadak can reject a complaint if you skipped the bank, did not wait 30 days, the matter is already in court, or it is outside the CBUAE's remit.