What is a Universal Account?
Enhanced Banking Services!
Universal Account is a Current Account in UAE Dirhams (AED) designed for individuals earning monthly salary/ income of AED 5,000 or less and can be accessed digitally or using linked Debit Card.
Receive your salary and use essential banking services such as payments, withdrawals, and transfers without the need to maintain minimum balance in addition to a unique IBAN number linked to your Account.
Additional services:
- Transfer or Receive money to/from other banks or senders directly.
- Enjoy international transfers at competitive rates
- Debit card for everyday transactions such as bill payments, shop online and in-store in addition to cash withdrawal through ATM
- Access to mobile banking services through SIB Digital App.
*Effective 8th May 2026 Payroll Prepaid Cards have been upgraded to Universal Debit Card Accounts.
Card features and benefits
| Account Limits | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Account Balance Requirement | Zero Balance |
| Daily POS Purchase Limit | AED 15,000 |
| Daily e-com Purchase Limit | AED 15,000 |
| Daily ATM Cash Withdrawal Limit (SIB)/(Non-SIB) | AED 10,000 |
| Cheque Deposit/Transfer (EOSB only from Employer) | AED 50,000 |
| Monthly Maximum Inward Transfer Limit including salary/income | AED 15,000 |
| Monthly Outward Transfer - Domestic or International | AED 15,000 |
| Monthly Bill Payments | AED 10,000 |
| Wallet Access (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, etc) | Yes (POS purchase limits will apply) |
Required Documents
- Application form
- Passport & Emirates ID copy
- Valid residence visa for expats
What would you like to do?
Give us feedback
Write to us and we will get back to you soon.
Apply for a card
Sign up by filling out an online application.
Compare Cards
We can help you choose the ideal option according to your lifestyle and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is changing?
• Your SIB payroll prepaid card will be upgraded to debit card linked to a Universal Account.
• Dedicated IBAN linked to your Universal Account.
• You will be able to send/ receive money to/ from other banks or senders directly to your Universal Account.
• No minimum balance requirement
• Continued access to domestic and international fund transfers.
• Bill payments and in-shop/online payments using Debit Card or SIB Digital App
• Access digital banking services using SIB Digital App
Will payroll processes change?
No. Salary transfers will continue as usual using IBAN numbers.
Will there be disruption?
No disruption and No action required from Payroll Prepaid Cardholder. We will manage the upgrade to Universal Account.
Will current payroll prepaid customers need to receive a new card?
• No, existing Payroll Prepaid Card will be upgraded to Universal Account Debit Card.
• No action will be required from the existing Payroll Prepaid Cardholder.
For an optimal experience, please