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UAE Credit Score (AECB) Explained: Check and Improve

Your UAE credit score sits between 300 and 900 and directly affects loans, cards, and rental approvals. Learn how to check it for AED 26 and raise it quickly.

·6 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
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What Is the AECB Credit Score?

The Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) holds your official UAE credit score. Scores range from 300 to 900. Lenders, banks, and landlords use this number to decide whether you qualify for credit cards, personal loans, car finance, or even some rental contracts.

How to Check Your Score

You can request your AECB report online or at approved bank branches. The fee is AED 26 for a basic report that shows your score and payment history. Full reports with detailed account information cost AED 73. Reports are usually available within minutes once you complete the secure online verification using Emirates ID or passport.

How Credit Cards Affect Your Score

Each credit card you hold appears on your AECB report. Late payments, maxed-out limits, and multiple new applications in a short time lower your score. Keeping balances below 30 percent of your limit and paying every statement in full on time helps maintain or improve the number. Closing old cards can also hurt the length-of-credit factor, so review terms before cancelling.

Loan Eligibility and Your Score

Banks set internal cut-offs. Most personal loans require a minimum score of 650. Car loans and mortgages often need 700 or higher. A score above 800 usually secures the best interest rates. If your score sits below 600, lenders may ask for a guarantor or reject the application outright.

Steps to Improve Your Score

  • Pay every bill and instalment on or before the due date.
  • Reduce total credit-card balances to less than 30 percent of limits.
  • Limit new credit applications to two or three per year.
  • Check your report every six months for errors and dispute them with AECB within 30 days.
  • Keep older accounts open if they show positive history.

Timeline for Improvement

Positive payment behaviour appears on your report within 30 days. Consistent on-time payments over six to twelve months can raise a score by 50 to 100 points, depending on starting level and total debt load.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does an AECB report cost?

A basic score report costs AED 26. A detailed report with account breakdowns costs AED 73.

How long until my score improves?

On-time payments show within 30 days. Noticeable gains usually appear after six months of good behaviour.

Can I check my score without Emirates ID?

You can use a valid passport plus visa copy for online verification if Emirates ID is unavailable.

Does a low score block rentals?

Some landlords request AECB reports. Scores below 550 may require extra deposits or a local guarantor.

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