Credit Card Bill Payment Online & Offline in UAE

Understanding UAEFTS

The United Arab Emirates Fund Transfer System is a Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) payment system that’s hosted and managed by the Central Bank of the UAE. 

This payment system allows banks and financial institutions in the UAE to make payments among each other through the accounts they hold. 

This system facilitates real-time payment settlements, ensuring payments are secure and timely, especially for time-sensitive payments like credit card bill payments.

How the UAEFTS System Operates in the UAE

The UAEFTS system is highly secure and functions on predetermined protocols to ensure real-time transactions. The following list highlights how the system operates.

• The process starts with your bank initiating a transaction with defined payment instructions
• The UAEFTS system validates the payment instructions and verifies the presence of sufficient funds in your bank account
• If the verification is successful, the funds are debited from your account and credited to your beneficiary's account in real-time
• Once the transaction is complete, both parties receive confirmation of the settlement

Key Features of the UAEFTS System

The UAEFTS system is highly sophisticated. The following list details some of its top features.

• The system offers real-time settlements, which reduces settlement risks
• Payments are secure and irreversible once settlements are complete
• Highly secure payment gateways to protect against fraud and unauthorised payments
• Supports high-value transactions and is used by the government and corporates for payment settlements
• The UAEFTS system allows the full transaction value to be transferred to beneficiaries without netting

Making Credit Card Payments Through UAEFTS in the UAE

Pay your credit card bill through UAEFTS easily. You can check out how to pay online with a credit card below, or you can make a credit card bill payment through any exchange houses in the UAE.
Steps to Pay via UAEFTS

• Log in to your bank account or mobile banking app
• Initiate a fund transfer, and select the option for local bank transfer (it may be labelled as UAEFTS or something similar)
• Add the credit card as a new beneficiary using your credit card number
• Enter the details, like the amount you need to pay, and select the purpose code ‘Credit Card Payment.’
• Confirm the payment and authorise the transfer

If you are making your credit card bill payment through exchange houses, ensure to check for the fee required and the processing time, which may be the next day.

What are the Credit Card Payment Methods in the UAE?

In the UAE, there are various helpful and easy ways for credit card bill payments online and offline. 

• Make online card payments through the internet and mobile banking
• Pay the credit card bill in person at your bank’s nearest branches and ATMs
• Set up Direct Debit to pay your credit card bill through automatic debits every month
• Pay at Exchange Houses via the UAEFTS
• Make the credit card bill payment directly at the bank’s cash deposit machines (CDMs)
• You can also pay through cheques; however, processing may take longer than other methods

Top UAE Banks Offering UAEFTS Payment Facilities

Some of the well-known top banks that are offering UAEFTS payment facilities for you include:

• First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
• Emirates NBD
• ADCB
• Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)

Using Wallet Apps to Make Credit Card Payments

Certain wallet apps in the UAE, like Payit, can be used to make bill payments, such as credit card payments. However, these apps do not support credit card-to-credit card payments. 

The payment is generally settled from the prepaid balance available in the wallet or via a linked bank account. The exact steps to make credit card payments through wallets differ based on the wallet of your choice. 

However, wallet apps like Google Pay and Apple Pay do not allow credit card bill payments in the UAE.

How to Make Credit Card-to-Credit Card Payments in the UAE

Generally, it is not possible to directly pay a credit card bill with another credit card in the UAE. However, you can still do it by availing a cash advance on your credit card. The following steps detail how you can make a credit card to credit card bill payment.

• Step 1: Visit any ATM that supports credit card cash withdrawal
• Step 2: Withdraw cash from the credit card that you wish to use for paying off a credit card bill as a cash advance
• Step 3: Visit the respective branch of your credit card issuing bank and opt for a cash deposit for credit card bill payment
• Step 4: Deposit the cash, and your credit card bill should be reflected as paid in 48 to 72 working hours.

Note: While this method works, it can lead to additional fees, such as a cash advance fee and high interest charges on the availed cash advance.

Can You Automate Your Credit Card Bill Payments in the UAE?

Yes, most UAE banks allow you to automate your credit card bill payments through Direct Debit or AutoPay. This feature ensures that your credit card bill is paid automatically every month without needing to initiate the payment manually.

You can set up automation through your bank’s mobile or online banking portal and choose:

• Full outstanding balance
• Minimum amount due
• A fixed monthly amount (based on bank policy)

What Happens If You Miss a Credit Card Payment in the UAE?

Missing a credit card payment can have immediate financial consequences and long-term credit implications.

1. Late Payment Fees

Banks charge a fixed penalty for missing the due date. This fee is added to your next statement until cleared.

1. Higher Interest Charges

Interest starts accumulating on the outstanding balance, and you may also lose your interest-free grace period on future transactions.

1. Impact on Your AECB Credit Score

Banks report missed credit card payments to the al etihad credit bureau (AECB). Even a single late payment can reduce your credit Score, affecting your eligibility for loans, new credit cards, and limit increases.

1. Credit and Account Restrictions

Repeated missed payments may lead to:

• A reduced credit limit
• Card suspension or blockage
• Collection reminders or follow-ups

1. Possible Legal Consequences

Severely overdue payments may result in legal action from the bank, especially if the outstanding amount continues to increase.

FAQs About Credit Card Payment