In the UAE, your credit score is more than just a number; it’s the foundation of your financial credibility. Managed by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB UAE), this three-digit score ranges between 300 and 900 and is used by banks, lenders, and even telecom providers to evaluate your creditworthiness.

Whether you’re applying for a loan, a credit card, or a mortgage, understanding your credit score is essential. This guide explains the UAE credit score range, what affects your AECB score, and how to check and improve it.

What Affects Credit Score in UAE?

Your AECB credit report UAE is compiled from financial data shared by banks, telecom providers, utility companies, government entities, and courts. The factors that affect AECB score UAE include:

1. Payment history: Timely repayments are critical. Late payments, defaults, or bounced cheques hurt your score. To improve payment history UAE credit score, set up auto-payments.
   
   
2. Credit utilisation: Using too much of your available credit signals financial risk. Keeping it low improves your profile.
   
   
3. Length of credit history: A longer, stable record shows reliability.
   
   
4. Types of credit: A healthy mix of loans, mortgages, and cards boosts confidence with lenders.
   
   

These are the key factors that affect credit score UAE. By managing them, you’ll know exactly how to improve credit score in UAE and access better financial products.

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UAE Credit Score Range Explained

Here’s the UAE credit score range in plain terms:

1. 750 to 900 = Excellent
   
   
2. 700 to 749 = Good
   
   
3. 650 to 699 = Fair
   
   
4. 300 to 649 = Poor
   
   

So, what is a good credit score in UAE? Anything above 700 is good, while 750+ is excellent.

Good vs bad credit score UAE:

1. Good scores (700+) lead to higher approvals, better terms, and lower interest rates.
   
   
2. Bad scores (below 650) make borrowing harder and more expensive.
   
   

Most lenders set UAE credit score requirements for banks at 700 or more for mortgages and premium credit cards.

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Minimum Credit Score for Loans and Credit Cards in UAE

Banks decide eligibility based on your credit score:

1. Minimum credit score for loan in UAE: Usually 651 and above.
   
   
2. Credit score for mortgage UAE: Typically 700+.
   
   
3. Minimum credit score for credit card in UAE: Around 650 for standard cards; 700+ for premium cards.
   
   

This is how banks use credit scores in UAE—to approve, deny, or adjust your loan and card conditions.

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How to Check Credit Score in UAE

Checking your score is quick and accessible:

1. AECB website or the official AECB mobile app.
   
   
2. Credit Score Check DubaiNow app, directly linked to the Bureau.
   
   
3. While usually paid, you can sometimes learn how to check credit score in UAE for free via promotions.
   
   
4. You can also check credit score in UAE online without visiting a branch.
   
   

Both individuals and businesses can access their Al Etihad Credit Bureau UAE score and report.

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How to Increase AECB Score in UAE

Here’s how to increase AECB score UAE effectively:

1. Pay all bills and loans on time.
   
   
2. Lower credit card balances to reduce utilisation.
   
   
3. Avoid multiple loan or card applications in a short span.
   
   
4. Keep a balanced mix of credit types.
   
   
5. Review your AECB credit report UAE regularly and fix inaccuracies.
   
   

For expats building credit in UAE, the process is the same: start with a credit card, repay it responsibly, and build history over time.

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Final Thoughts

The UAE credit score explained simply: it’s a three-digit measure of your financial trustworthiness. Whether you’re a resident or an expat, your score affects everything from mortgage approvals to credit card eligibility.

By understanding what affects credit score UAE, checking regularly via the AECB website or DubaiNow app, and following steps to improve it, you’ll secure better borrowing terms and access premium financial products.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a good credit score in UAE?
A score of 700 or higher is good, while 750+ is excellent.

2. What affects credit score in UAE the most?
Payment history has the strongest impact, followed by credit utilisation, credit history length, and credit mix.

3. What is the minimum credit score for a loan in UAE?
Most banks require at least 651. Higher scores increase approval chances and lower rates.

4. What credit score is required for a mortgage in UAE?
Typically, 700 or above is needed for mortgage approval.

5. What is the minimum credit score for a credit card in UAE?
Around 650 for standard cards, while premium cards often need 700+.

6. How can I check my credit score in UAE?
Through the AECB website, AECB app, or DubaiNow app.

7. Can I check my credit score in UAE for free?
Yes, during special promotions by AECB or banks.

8. How can I increase my AECB score in UAE?
Pay bills on time, reduce balances, avoid too many applications, and maintain a mix of credit.

9. How can expats build credit in UAE?
Start with a credit card, repay on time, and build history gradually.

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