Have a Bad Credit? Here’s How You Can Still Get a Personal Loan in the UAE!

Personal finance can be quite useful in different scenarios, whether you want funds to settle existing debts, go on a vacation, or so on. But is it possible to get a personal loan in the UAE with a bad credit score? For those with a poor score, getting this loan can be challenging. At the same time, many options are still available. ...read more

What is Considered a Bad Credit Score in the UAE?

Here’s a quick overview of credit Score: it is a number that shows your creditworthiness. In the UAE, this number ranges from 300 to 900. It is calculated by the al etihad credit bureau (AECB), which considers your credit history and various other factors.  Coming to the query above, AECB credit scores below 650 are usually considered poor. In effect, banks and financial institutions require a score of at least 650-700 to approve loans and credit cards. 

Is It Possible to Apply for a Personal Loan in the UAE With a Bad Credit Score?

Getting a personal loan with a bad credit score in UAE can be easier than getting a secured (collateral-based) loan such as a mortgage loan, car loan, and more. Personal finance usually has more flexible requirements compared to other types. 

However, in itself, getting a personal loan with a poor score can still be challenging. Before approving a loan, banks and financial institutions consider various factors. Your score is a key one — it indicates your record with debt and whether you can successfully manage a new one.

A poor score significantly reduces the chances of approval. This is because it shows that you’re at high risk in terms of debt repayment. Even if approved, the loan is likely to come with higher interest rates and less favourable terms. This beats the whole purpose of debt and can actually increase your financial burden over time.

New to the UAE and No Credit History, But Want a Personal Loan? 

If you’ve just moved to the UAE, getting a loan without a credit history can be a bit tough. However, if you have a good salary and a stable job, you can still get a loan! In this case, the bank can check whether you repay all your utility bills on time.  

How Can I Get a Personal Loan with a Bad Credit Score in the UAE? 

As discussed above, it’s difficult to get a loan with a poor credit score, but it’s not impossible. Moreover, you can also find a few alternatives that can work for you. Some of them, in fact, may also come under cash loan without credit check UAE. Let’s understand the top ways that include loans with and without credit score checks —

Secured Loans

With a secured loan, you borrow money by pledging an asset like property, a car, or a valuable asset as collateral. Since the lender has security, approval is easier even with a bad score. But if you fail to repay, the lender can recover the amount by taking the asset you pledged.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) Lending

P2P lending lets people borrow money directly from other individuals through online platforms instead of banks. These platforms connect borrowers and lenders, often with faster approvals. While some lenders may review your credit history, others might not. This has become a popular way to get a loan, even with a low credit score in the UAE.

Salary in Advance 

A salary advance loan gives you quick access to cash before payday. In effect, you simply borrow against your monthly income. Once your salary is credited, the lender automatically deducts the repayment, either in full or in instalments. It’s a convenient option for salaried individuals who need an urgent cash loan without a credit check UAE.

Credit Card Loans 

Credit cards can be an easy way to access quick cash through loans against your limit. While convenient, these loans often come with high interest rates, making them expensive. For smaller amounts, you can also explore options like ‘buy now pay later’ (BNPL) plans. These plans let you split purchases into instalments. Though they may not improve your score, they can help manage short-term expenses more easily.

List of Financial Institutions Offering Low Credit Score Personal Loan in the UAE

Listed below are some of the top banks in the UAE where you can secure a personal loan with a low credit score: 

Bank Name Minimum Salary Requirement Reducing Interest Rate Starting from Fixed Interest Rate Starting from Salary Transfer
HSBC AED 7,500 6.99% N/A Required
Deem Finance AED 5,000 15.99% N/A Not Required
FAB (New Residents) AED 7,000 6.07% 3.24% Required
Dubai Islamic Bank AED 7,000 5.99% 4.9% Required
RAKBANK AED 10,000 5.49% 2.85% N/A

The interest rates are for reference purposes only. Actual rates may depend on your credit score, monthly salary, loan amount, and more. 

When Should I Consider a Personal Loan with a Bad Credit Score? 

A poor score makes it harder to get a personal loan in UAE. In fact, you may also incur high interest rates. However, there are still times or situations when you can think of taking a loan with a low credit score.

  • Clearing High-Interest Debt: If you are stuck with costly credit card bills or other debts, personal finance with better terms can reduce your interest. It can also help you merge all payments into one and repay this loan faster.
  • Managing Emergencies: For sudden needs like medical expenses, a quick loan can be a more affordable option than using credit cards. This is especially true if your card has a high interest rate. 
  • Improving Your Score: If you’ve a low score but are getting a small loan, you can actually consider it to improve your score quickly. Just make sure that you pay all instalments on time. 

Pro Tips to Improve Your Credit Score in the UAE

While the above-mentioned options are quite useful for a low-credit score personal loan, it’s always good to think in the long term. Rather than jumping to such loans that may come with quite high interest, you should focus on improving your score. With a good score, you can enjoy easier approvals, better interest rates, and more. 

Here are some tips to build a good credit score

  • Pay all your debts and utility bills on time 
  • Don’t apply for multiple loans or credit cards in a short timeframe
  • Keep your credit utilisation ratio below 30%
  • Regularly check your credit report and remove errors (if any)

Final Wording

If your credit score is low or poor, getting a personal loan in the UAE can be tricky but not impossible. Options such as secured loans, salary advances, or peer-to-peer lending can provide the support you need. Just be smart — compare rates, avoid costly offers, and borrow only when it truly makes sense. Meanwhile, focus on improving your score. This will open doors to better and more affordable loans or finance opportunities in the future.

FAQs on Private Money Lenders in Dubai

Can I get cash loan without credit check UAE?

Most banks and traditional lenders require a credit check for personal loans. Still, you may qualify by exploring alternative options like P2P lending, salary advance, and more, or negotiating directly with the bank.

What is the minimum credit score for a personal loan in the UAE?

Banks generally ask for a credit score of 650 or higher for a personal loan with low interest rates and favourable terms and conditions.

Can I get a loan with a 300 credit score?

With a 300 credit score in UAE, getting a loan would be very difficult. This is the lowest possible score, which indicates a troubled financial history. Consequently, banks are likely to reject your application. With such a score, you certainly need to work on improving it first.

What should I do if I get rejected for a low credit score personal loan?

You should look for alternatives such as a salary advance, P2P lending, secured loan, and credit card. 

What documents are required to get a loan for bad credit?

If you have a bad score, banks in the UAE may generally require other documents and details such as your salary/income proof, employment type, residence details, Emirates ID, and more.

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