Top 15 Salary Accounts in UAE 2026

Salary accounts are often selected in a rush when starting a new job, without paying much attention to their features or long-term value. You should understand that a wrong choice can result in higher charges, limited benefits, and missed rewards. In 2026, when choosing the best salary account in UAE, you should have access to benefits, like better interest rates, cashback offers, travel perks, and quicker transfers. 

As every salary account is designed for different income levels and needs, we’ve put together a list of the top 15 salary accounts in the UAE that support both your lifestyle and monthly income.

What is a Salary Account in UAE?

A salary account in the UAE is a type of bank account in which you receive your monthly salary directly from your employer. It doesn’t have to be a separate account all the time, as many UAE banks allow you to turn your existing savings or current account into the best salary account in UAE just by transferring your salary into it.

Once you get regular salary credits, you enjoy added benefits, such as zero-balance requirements, special interest rates, and exclusive banking perks, making everyday money management simpler and more rewarding.

List of the Best Bank for Salary Account in UAE

Tabled below are the best banks with their promising salary accounts in the UAE:

Best Bank to Open Salary Account in UAE	Best Salary Account	Key Features of Salary Accounts
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)	FAB iSave Account	High interest rate Available in AED No minimum balance requirement
	Elite Current Account	No minimum balance requirement Multi-currency account Unlimited cheque books
	FAB One Account	Features-packed debit card No minimum balance requirement Free airport lounge access
Emirates Islamic Bank	e-Savings Account	Available in AED and USD No minimum balance requirement Earn a quarterly profit on your savings
	Super Savings Etihad Guest Account	No minimum balance requirement Earn quarterly profits Earn up to 3,000,000 Etihad Guest Miles
Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB)	Salary Account	Enjoy a joining bonus of up to AED 16,000 Zero balance account Online international transfer with no cost
Liv. Bank	Goal Account	Online account opening and management Earn up to 4% interest rate Automatic transfer facility
RAKBANK	RAKmore Salary Transfer Account	Current account with no minimum balance requirement Lifetime free credit card Minimum salary requirement- AED 5,000
Emirates NBD	Current Account	Free debit card Flexibility to open an account in a foreign currency Chequebook facility
Mashreq Neo	Salary Transfer Account	Earn up to AED 3500 cashback Minimum salary transfer requirement of AED 5,000 Easy to open
HSBC	Advance Account	Minimum monthly salary transfer- AED 10,000 Instant domestic and international money transfers Free cash withdrawals from any ATMs across the UAE
	E-Saver Account	Easy money withdrawal facility Transfer funds in multiple currencies Get a high interest rate
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)	Active Saver Account	High interest rate, up to 2.25% (AED account) Available in multiple currencies Easy fund transfer
Standard Chartered	Salary Suite Bank Account	Unlimited deposits and withdrawals No minimum balance requirement Free debit card and first cheque book
Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)	Current Account	Salary transfer of AED 5,000 is required Complimentary debit card Account opening in foreign currency

If you want to convert your existing savings or current account into a salary account in the UAE, contact your employer and the bank. Once the account is linked for salary transfer, your salary will be credited to the same account.

Best Salary Account in UAE

Opening a bank account with the leading financial institution is crucial to managing your finances effectively. Here, we have elaborated on the key features and benefits of the best salary account in UAE:

1. FAB iSave Account

The FAB iSave Account is a digital savings account where you receive your salary and earn a competitive interest rate. It’s easy to open and manage through the FAB mobile app, saving your valuable time.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Instant account opening through the FAB mobile app and online banking
• You don’t need to maintain a minimum balance 
• Earn a competitive interest rate, up to 4.25% on recently credited funds*
• You can enjoy unlimited withdrawals

*On new deposited funds from 1 May 2023 to 31 ‎March 2026

2. FAB Elite Current Account

FAB is the best bank in UAE for salary account, and the Elite Current account is a perfect option to be opened from the comfort of your home through online and mobile banking. Below are some key features of this bank account.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• No need to maintain a minimum balance in the account 
• Enjoy unlimited cheque books with no cost 
• You can operate this account in multiple currencies 
• Get a free elite gold Mastercard World Debit Card
• One free international remittance per month
• Daily ATM cash withdrawal limit- AED 40,000
• Enjoy exclusive FAB rewards 
• Free cash withdrawals from any UAE ATM, and 4 free withdrawals outside the UAE
• Get free airport lounge access at over 1,300 locations with the debit card

3. FAB One Account

This salary account from FAB is the top choice of salaried residents in the UAE. It offers exciting benefits, including a free Platinum Mastercard debit card. Additionally, there’s no minimum balance requirement, and you can open the account instantly via the FAB mobile app.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• No minimum balance fees
• Receive a free Platinum Mastercard debit card
• Open this account easily with the FAB mobile app 
• Complimentary airport lounge access at selected airports 
• Earn and easily redeem FAB rewards

4. Emirates Islamic e-Savings Account

If you're searching for the best bank to open a salary account in UAE, Emirates Islamic Bank should be your top choice. One of its standout options, the e-Savings account, makes receiving your salary quick and hassle-free.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Earn up to 4% expected profit rate yearly 
• Enjoy unlimited online transfers and easy bill payments 
• Quarterly profit earnings 
• No minimum balance requirement
• No restrictions on cash withdrawals 
• Open this account through online and mobile banking

5. Emirates Islamic Super Savings Etihad Guest Account

Emirates Islamic Bank offers Shariah-compliant banking services, and its Super Savings Etihad Guest account is perfect for those who are seeking more than just an account for saving. It stands out as the best salary transfer account in UAE, allowing easy transfers of AED 5,000 or more.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Get an internationally recognised debit card with exclusive perks
• Maintain a minimum average quarterly balance of AED 5,000
• Earn quarterly profits in your savings 
• Earn up to 3 million Etihad Guest Miles (depends on your average quarterly balance)
• Exclusive phone banking facility

6. DIB Salary Account

The DIB XTRA salary transfer account from  Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) is designed to reward customers who transfer their monthly salary to DIB. It combines a standard salary account with a range of bonuses, benefits, and exclusive financial privileges.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Earn a joining bonus of up to AED 16,000
• No requirement to maintain a minimum monthly balance
• You get free international wire transfers
• Enjoy exclusive benefits on DIB cards- valet parking, airport lounge access, EK silver membership, and much more
• Enjoy personal finance up to AED 5 million with an instant holiday of up to 180 days
• No evaluation fees on home finance

7. Liv. Goal Account

The Liv Goal account is a digital savings account designed to help you achieve specific financial goals. With this account, you can easily receive your salary and enjoy easy withdrawal and real-time tracking through the Liv app.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Earn a competitive interest rate of up to 4% annually 
• Set up automatic transfers 
• Manage your account at your fingertips

8. RAKmore Salary Transfer Account

The RAKmore Salary Transfer Account is a zero-minimum balance salary account in the UAE. It offers a free debit card, a monthly cheque book, unlimited domestic transfers, and more. Eligible customers may also receive a free-for-life credit card and extra benefits.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Current account with no minimum balance
• Free monthly cheque book
• Get a free debit card with global Mastercard access
• Free-for-life credit card (for eligible customers)
• Unlimited free domestic remittances
• 1 free international SWIFT transfer per month
• Up to 3 free non-RAKBANK ATM withdrawals monthly
• Exclusive benefits for higher salary tiers

9. Emirates NBD Current Account

Emirates NBD is the best bank in Dubai for salary account. This current account offered by the bank is a top choice of salaried customers in the UAE, as it offers a range of benefits, including a free debit card, quick money transfers, and more. 

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• No account opening fees
• Receive a debit card at no extra cost
• Enjoy the cheque book facility 
• Make easy transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and bill payments
• A minimum monthly average balance of AED 3,000 is required 
• Up to 10 free teller transactions in a month

10. Mashreq Neo Salary Transfer Account

Mashreq Neo is the best bank to open salary account in UAE. It helps individuals easily transfer their salary into the account and earn exciting cashback and rewards. Transfer your salary into this account and get up to AED 3,500 as cashback.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Easy to open through the Mashreq mobile app
• Get up to AED 3,500 cashback by transferring your salary 
• Enjoy the joining bonus

11. HSBC Advance Account

This account, offered by HSBC, is a premium current account for salaried individuals in the UAE. It offers free UAE and GCC ATM withdrawals, international money transfers, online and mobile banking, and many more benefits.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Gives you the flexibility to manage your salary 
• You can send money quickly in the UAE or internationally using HSBC’s online and mobile banking
• Unlimited free cheque books
• Get an Advance credit card with no annual membership fee
• Enjoy exclusive rewards on shopping, dining, and travel

12. HSBC E-Saver Account

The HSBC E-saver account is a simple online savings account with no minimum balance requirement and no monthly fees. You can manage it fully online and earn interest on your savings. HSBC is the best bank in UAE for salary account, as it allows you to transfer your salary and convert the account into a salary account.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Earn up to 3% interest rate on your deposits 
• Easy money deposit and withdrawal through online banking 
• Transfer funds in multiple currencies

13. ADCB Active Saver Account

ADCB’s Active Saver account offers a smart way to maximise your savings with competitive tiered interest and seamless online banking. It is ideal for those wondering which bank is best for salary account in UAE, as you can easily receive your salary into this account and enjoy significant benefits.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Flexibility to manage accounts in multiple currencies- AED, USD, and GBP 
• Attractive interest rate- Up to 2.25% on AED account and 2% on USD account 
• Easy bill payments, fund transfers and TouchPoints redemption 
• Manage the account from anywhere and anytime

14. Standard Chartered Salary Suite

This salary account featured by Standard Chartered Bank is the prevailing choice among salaried individuals in the UAE. It offers unlimited transactions, requires zero minimum balance (with qualifying salary), a free debit card and first chequebook, 0% balance transfers, and access to credit card and loan options, with optional Shariah-compliant services.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• No minimum balance requirement (for salary above AED 5000)
• Unlimited deposits and withdrawals
• Free debit card and first chequebook
• Pay local bills (DEWA, Etisalat, Du) online
• 0% balance transfers on credit cards
• Preferential rates and quick loan processing

15. CBD Current Account

The CBD current account is a UAE-based everyday banking account designed for routine financial needs. It offers convenient banking, a complimentary debit card, access to 1,000+ discount offers, instant foreign currency account opening, and instant remittances to major South Asian countries. A monthly service fee can be waived by meeting criteria such as maintaining an average balance or transferring salary.

Key Features of the Bank Account:

• Easy access to the account through the CBD mobile app 
• Instant account opening in foreign currency 
• Enjoy 1000+ discounts and offers 
• Optional salary transfer requirement of AED 5,000
• Instant remittance to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines
• Enjoy a free debit card 
• Monthly service fee waived with an AED 5,000 average balance or salary transfer

Requirements to Open the Best Salary Account in UAE

The best salary account in UAE is easy to open through a top bank. You should be 21 years old, working in the UAE, and hold a valid residence visa.

Furthermore, you will need to submit certain documents while opening a salary account, and those will be:

• Valid passport copy 
• Emirates ID 
• UAE residence visa
• Address proof 
• Salary certificate or income proof 
• Passport-sized photograph

In certain cases, banks may require you to provide some additional documents, so keep them handy.

How to Open a Salary Account in the UAE?

Opening a salary account in the UAE is quick and hassle-free. Whether you choose the ease of an online application or the support of a bank branch, UAE banks offer flexible options with minimal paperwork. 

You can easily open the best salary account in UAE through both online and offline methods. Here are the simple steps to follow:

Online Method (Mobile or Internet Banking)

• Visit the bank’s official website or download its mobile app
• Choose the ‘Salary Account’ option that meets your needs
• Provide the basic details, including personal information and employment details, and upload the required documents 
• Submit your application online and follow the further instructions given on the screen 
• Typically, you get the approval for opening a salary account in a quick time with the online method

Offline Method (Visiting a Branch)

• Visit the nearest bank branch with the valid documents 
• Request a salary account opening form and fill it out with the correct details 
• Submit the required documents to the bank executive
• The bank representative will guide you further

How to Choose the Best Salary Account in UAE?

Paisabazaar.ae makes it simple to choose the best salary account in UAE by bringing together multiple banks and their salary account options on one platform. Whether you are a salaried professional or self-employed,

• You can explore a wide range of accounts designed to match different income levels and financial needs.
• It also lets you easily compare features, benefits, minimum salary requirements, and additional perks, helping you make a wise decision. 
• With a fully digital account-opening process, minimal documentation, and quick approvals, you can open your salary account without visiting a bank branch. 

Summing Up

Choosing the best salary account in the UAE requires careful consideration, as an inadequate account can impact your finances. Your savings or current account can also be used as a salary account by crediting your monthly salary to it. All the accounts mentioned above are popular among UAE residents for their convenience and benefits. If you are new to the UAE, it is advisable to choose zero-balance accounts; those looking to grow their savings should opt for banks offering higher interest rates.

Frequently Asked Questions