Banque Banorient France Review
A French Bank Built for Trade and Term Deposits in the UAE?
Editor’s Verdict for Banque Banorient France
Banque Banorient France is a French-licensed bank with deep Mediterranean and Gulf roots, operating in the UAE through just two branches – one in Dubai (Business Bay) and one in Sharjah (Al Majaz). Established in 1976 and formerly known as BLOM Bank France, it sits within an international network spanning Paris, London, Romania, and Geneva. This is not a mass-market retail bank: it focuses on corporate clients, trade finance, term deposits, and a streamlined range of personal accounts. If you want branches on every corner and a slick rewards app, look elsewhere. If you value a relationship-driven bank with strong trade-finance expertise, it earns its place.
✓ Best For
- Business owners and corporates needing trade finance, working capital facilities, and project financing
- Savers looking for term and fixed deposits with attractive interest rates
- Customers who prefer a personal, relationship-based banking experience over a large branch network
- UAE residents earning AED 5 000 or less who need a no-minimum-balance Universal Account
✗ Not Ideal For
- Customers who want an extensive branch and ATM network across all seven emirates
- Those seeking premium travel rewards or cashback credit cards (the bank issues debit cards, not rewards credit cards)
- Anyone wanting a feature-rich, digital-first mobile banking app
- Cardholders who need to use their card in India or Indonesia (not supported)
Quick Facts
| Bank Type | Commercial / Corporate / Retail (French-licensed bank) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1976 (formerly BLOM Bank France) |
| Headquarters | Paris, France (UAE regional office: Prime Tower, Business Bay, Dubai) |
| Branch Network | 2 branches in the UAE (Dubai & Sharjah) |
| International Network | Paris, London, Romania, Geneva, Dubai & Sharjah |
| Main Products | Current & term deposits, Universal Account, trade finance, working capital facilities, personal & auto loans, Mastercard debit cards |
| Channels | Branches, e-Banking (internet banking), ATM cards (NSWITCH / NETWORK / UAE Switch) |
| Languages Supported | English, Arabic, French |
| SWIFT/BIC Code | BLOMAEAD (full: BLOMAEADXXX) |
📄 Schedule of Fees
📍 Branches & Contacts
Banque Banorient France Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Strong trade finance expertise
A reference name for letters of credit, documentary collections, and import/export finance - Attractive term deposits
Fixed deposits from AED 50 000 with competitive interest rates - Universal Account
No minimum balance, optional free debit card, and digital banking for residents earning AED 5 000 or less - Relationship banking
Personalized service with direct access to branch managers - International network
Part of a group with offices in Paris, London, Geneva, and Romania
✗ Cons
- Tiny branch footprint
Only two branches in the UAE, both in Dubai and Sharjah - No rewards credit cards
The bank issues Mastercard debit cards, not miles or cashback credit cards - Card restrictions
Cards do not work in India or Indonesia - Higher current account minimum
AED 105/month fee if balance falls below AED 25 000 on standard current accounts - Limited digital ecosystem
No feature-rich mobile app comparable to large UAE retail banks
Banque Banorient France Popular Products
Universal Account
No Minimum Balance
Who it’s for: UAE residents earning AED 5 000 per month or less who do not already hold an active current or savings account in the UAE.
The Universal Account is an easy-access banking option built to meet Central Bank of the UAE requirements for affordable, essential banking. It carries no minimum balance, offers free ATM withdrawals, deposits, and balance checks at the bank’s own ATMs, and supports salary transfers, local and international payments, and bill payments. An optional debit card is provided free of charge, along with access to digital banking.
Term & Fixed Deposits
Best for Savers
Who it’s for: Customers seeking secure savings with predictable returns.
Banque Banorient France offers term deposits tailored to your convenience with attractive interest rates. Fixed deposits start from a minimum of AED 50 000 (or equivalent) for personal accounts, with higher tiers available for corporate clients. Deposits can be placed in AED or major foreign currencies.
Trade Finance & Working Capital
For Businesses
Who it’s for: Corporates, traders, contractors, and SMEs operating in the UAE.
This is where the bank’s pedigree shows. Working capital facilities cover overdrafts, cheque discounting, and short-term bridge financing. Trade finance services include import and export letters of credit, documentary collections, letters of guarantee, and shipping guarantees. Project financing is available for new ventures, with the bank helping structure the right financial setup for each client.
Banque Banorient France Hidden Fees & Charges
Understanding the fee structure prevents unpleasant surprises (all charges include 5% VAT):
Digital Experience
e-Banking & Cards
The digital banking offering at Banque Banorient France is functional rather than flashy. The bank provides internet banking (e-Banking) with free subscription, secured by a hardware token (AED 200 refundable security deposit). This is geared toward everyday account management, transfers, and bill payments rather than the gamified, feature-rich experience offered by large UAE retail banks.
What works well: e-Banking subscription is free, and online foreign currency transfers (AED 52,50) cost less than half the branch rate (AED 110,25). The bank’s Mastercard direct debit cards work locally and worldwide, and ATM cards connect to NSWITCH, NETWORK, and UAE Switch for broad ATM access across the UAE.
What to keep in mind: There is no large-scale consumer mobile app comparable to major retail banks. Debit cards explicitly do not work in India or Indonesia. Card expenses are charged directly to your account and require a positive balance.
Online Banking
The bank’s website at banorientfrance.com serves as the main information and access point for UAE customers, with the internet banking portal handling routine transactions. Complex matters – facilities, trade finance, and account changes – are handled through the branch relationship.
Banque Banorient France Contact Information & Support
Customer Service
UAE Regional Management
Sharjah Branch
Dealing Room
Debit Card Support
Customer Complaint Unit
Debt Management / Counselling
Fraud Reporting
Fax (Regional Management)
Fax (Sharjah Branch)
Fax (Complaint Unit)
Dubai Branch — Email
Sharjah Branch — Email
Customer Complaint Unit — Email
UAE Head Office
Prime Tower, Burj Khalifa Street, Business Bay Area
P.O. Box 4370, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Fax: +971 4 2 236 260
Quick Actions
Banque Banorient France SWIFT Code
Banque Banorient France uses a single SWIFT/BIC code for all its UAE operations. Both the Dubai and Sharjah branches route international payments through the same code.
| SWIFT Code | Branch / Department | Emirate | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLOMAEAD | Head Office / Dubai Main Branch | Dubai | Prime Tower, Floor 26, Burj Khalifa Street, Business Bay Area, P.O. Box 4370 |
| BLOMAEAD | Sharjah Branch | Sharjah | Al Muhannad Tower, Hassan Ben Thabet Street, Al Majaz 3, P.O. Box 5803 |
If you’re not sure what this means, see what is a SWIFT code. To browse every bank, open the full UAE SWIFT code table, or check this SWIFT code.
The 11-character format BLOMAEADXXX is used when an 11-digit code is required (XXX denotes the primary/head office). Always confirm the code with the bank before sending an international transfer.
Banque Banorient France Branch Network
Banque Banorient France operates two branches in the UAE, located in Dubai and Sharjah. There is no presence in the other five emirates. Both branches offer the bank’s full range of corporate and personal banking services.
Dubai
| Branch | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Main Branch (Prime Tower) | Prime tower, Burj Khalifa street, Business Bay Area, P.O. Box 4370 Dubai, UAE | +971 4 230 7230 |
Sharjah
| Branch | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Sharjah Branch | Al Majaz 3, Hassan Ben Thabet Street, Al Muhannad Tower, P.O. Box 5803, Sharjah, UAE | +971 6 530 836 |
Information may change – verify current terms on the official Banque Banorient France website before making financial decisions. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
FAQ – Banque Banorient France
How do I open an account at Banque Banorient France in the UAE?
Visit the Dubai branch in Prime Tower (Business Bay) or the Sharjah branch in Al Majaz 3 with a valid passport, Emirates ID, and proof of address. Residents earning AED 5 000 or less can apply for the no-minimum-balance Universal Account. Corporate clients should contact the branch directly to discuss documentation and facilities.
What is the Banque Banorient France SWIFT code?
The SWIFT/BIC code is BLOMAEAD (full 11-character format: BLOMAEADXXX). The same code is used for both the Dubai and Sharjah branches, with payments routed through the head office at Prime Tower, Business Bay, Dubai.
How many branches does Banque Banorient France have in the UAE?
Two: one in Dubai (Prime Tower, Burj Khalifa Street, Business Bay) and one in Sharjah (Al Muhannad Tower, Hassan Ben Thabet Street, Al Majaz 3). The bank does not operate in the other five emirates.
What is the minimum balance requirement?
Standard current accounts charge AED 105 per month if the balance falls below AED 25 000, and are free above that. The Universal Account, designed for residents earning AED 5 000 or less, has no minimum balance requirement.
What is the minimum for a fixed deposit?
Fixed deposits start from AED 50 000 (or equivalent) for personal accounts. Withdrawing before maturity triggers a 2% penalty applied at the prevailing market rate at the bank’s discretion.
Does Banque Banorient France offer credit cards?
The bank issues Mastercard direct debit cards (Classic or Premium) in AED that can be used locally and worldwide, with charges applied directly to your account. Note that these cards do not work in India or Indonesia. The bank does not focus on rewards or miles credit cards.
How much do international transfers cost?
Local AED transfers are free. Foreign currency outward transfers cost AED 52,50 online or AED 110,25 at the branch. Inward foreign currency transfers credited to your account cost around US$ 21 or equivalent. All inward transfers are subject to AML clearance.
How do I close my account?
Visit your branch with your Emirates ID, clear any outstanding balances, and return any cards or cheque books. A closure fee of AED 105 applies. Dormant accounts incur no fees.
What should I do if my card is lost or I suspect fraud?
Contact Debit Card Support on +971 4 597 4017 to block a lost or stolen card. Report any suspected fraud to Fraudreporting.ae@banorientfrance.com. Card replacement and PIN reissue each cost AED 26,25.
What trade finance services does the bank offer?
Banque Banorient France provides import and export letters of credit, documentary collections, letters of guarantee, shipping guarantees, working capital facilities (overdraft, cheque discounting, bridge financing), and project financing. Setup and renewal of facilities are charged at 0,25% of total facilities (minimum AED 10 000, maximum AED 50 000).
