Commercial Bank International (CBI)
Is CBI the Best Boutique Bank in the UAE for Personal Service?
Editor’s Verdict for CBI
Commercial Bank International (CBI) is a UAE national bank established in 1991 in Ras Al Khaimah, with its operational headquarters in Dubai (Jumeirah). With 6 full-service branches plus Electronic Banking Units across 4 emirates, CBI positions itself as a relationship-driven bank focused on affluent personal banking and corporate clients rather than mass-market volume. The bank reported total assets of AED 21.9 billion in 2025, a net profit before tax of AED 311.1 million (+40% year-on-year), and holds a BBB+ Stable Outlook credit rating from Fitch Ratings (affirmed 13 February 2025). CBI is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and Qatar National Bank (QNB) is its major shareholder (~40%), alongside the Ras Al Khaimah Government and other UAE shareholders.
✓ Best For
- Salaried professionals earning AED 15 000+ monthly who value a personal banker relationship over mass-market banking
- Affluent and high-net-worth clients eligible for the CBI First priority banking programme (salary AED 50 000+ or deposits AED 300 000+)
- Homebuyers seeking competitive mortgage rates from a nimble, relationship-focused lender
- Corporate clients and SMEs looking for a responsive wholesale banking partner with dedicated relationship managers
✗ Not Ideal For
- Budget-conscious customers seeking free, zero-balance banking – CBI charges AED 25/month if you fall below AED 3 000 minimum balance
- Those who need a vast branch and ATM network – CBI’s 6 branches cannot compete with ENBD’s 200+ locations
- Digital-first customers expecting a cutting-edge mobile app – the CBI app is functional but not class-leading (3.3/5 on iOS)
- Freelancers and self-employed individuals – CBI requires salary transfer and minimum AED 15 000 monthly income for most products
Quick Facts
| Bank Type | Commercial / Retail / Corporate / Islamic Banking |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 (Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah) |
| Headquarters | Jumeirah Street, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE (operational HQ); Incorporated in Ras Al Khaimah |
| Branch Network | 6 full-service branches plus Electronic Banking Units across 4 emirates |
| ATM Network | ATMs and CCDMs at branch locations and select partner sites across UAE |
| Mobile App | CBI Personal Banking (iOS rating: 3.3/5 with 25 ratings) |
| Online Banking | CBI Internet Banking |
| Languages Supported | English, Arabic |
| SWIFT/BIC Code | CLBIAEADXXX (All CBI Swift Codes) |
| Credit Rating | BBB+ Stable Outlook (Fitch, affirmed 13 February 2025) |
| Listed On | Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: CBI) |
| Major Shareholder | Qatar National Bank (QNB) – ~40% |
📄 Schedule of Fees
📍 Branch Locator
CBI Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- Dedicated relationship managers
As a smaller bank, CBI provides genuinely personal service; CBI First clients get a named relationship manager, priority branch access, and same-day processing - Competitive home loan rates
Home loans are a key growth area with attractive pricing that can undercut larger competitors, starting from approximately 1.65% (variable) - Fitch investment-grade rating (BBB+)
Provides confidence in the bank’s financial stability, backed by the Ras Al Khaimah Government and QNB as major shareholders - No-fee Mastercard Titanium credit card
Lifetime-free credit card with 100% cashback on up to 4 movie tickets monthly and dining/lifestyle discounts - Presence across key emirates
CBI maintains branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, plus Electronic Banking Units in Al Ain and Sharjah (Al Majaz 2)
✗ Cons
- Small branch and ATM network
6 branches and limited ATM locations make CBI less convenient for everyday cash access compared to major banks - Mobile app needs improvement
The CBI Personal Banking app receives mixed reviews (3.3/5 on iOS) with complaints about login issues, user interface, and limited features - High minimum salary for products
Most personal banking products require a minimum salary of AED 15 000/month, which excludes many entry-level expats - Limited digital innovation for retail
While CBI invests in AI and fintech partnerships on the corporate side, the retail digital experience lags behind competitors like ENBD X or Liv. - Minimum balance fee
AED 25 monthly fee kicks in if your average monthly balance drops below AED 3 000
CBI Popular Products
Personal Current Account
Core Product
Who it’s for: Salaried residents who prefer banking with a more personal touch and don’t mind a smaller branch footprint.
The CBI current account is a standard transactional account that comes with a Mastercard debit card, chequebook (first 25 leaves free), online and mobile banking access, and the option to set up standing orders. Salary transfer to CBI is required for most credit products, and maintaining this account unlocks access to personal loans (up to 20x salary) and credit cards.
The minimum average monthly balance is AED 3 000. If your balance falls below this threshold, a fee of AED 25 per month applies. Account closure within 6 months of opening costs AED 100.
CBI First – Priority Banking
Best for Affluent Clients
Who it’s for: Affluent clients earning AED 50 000+ monthly (or holding AED 300 000+ in deposits, or a mortgage above AED 2 million).
CBI First is the bank’s priority banking segment, offering dedicated relationship management, priority phone banking, free ATM withdrawals, free online remittances, preferential FX rates, priority branch access, same-day processing, pre-approved services, and a comprehensive loyalty programme. The CBI First credit card is included free of charge.
The programme is designed for clients who want a concierge-style banking experience at a smaller institution where they won’t be lost in a crowd of thousands. CBI First clients receive accelerated turnaround on service requests and a level of personalisation that larger banks reserve for ultra-high-net-worth tiers.
CBI Mastercard Titanium Credit Card
No Annual Fee
The CBI Mastercard Titanium is a lifetime-free credit card that charges no annual membership fee. It includes exclusive dining and lifestyle discounts accessible via a mobile app, plus 100% cashback on up to 4 movie tickets every month.
Supplementary credit cards are free across all tiers. Minimum monthly payment is 4.5% of the outstanding balance. Flexible payment options attract interest charges on unpaid balances. For rewards-focused spending, the CBI Rewards World Credit Card earns CBI Rewards points on all purchases, redeemable for flights, hotel stays, and merchandise. The invitation-only World Elite Exclusive (WEE) card, in partnership with Mastercard, is reserved for affluent clients.
CBI Personal Loan
Up to 20x Salary
Who it’s for: UAE Nationals and Expatriates who transfer their salary to CBI and need financing for personal goals.
CBI personal loans offer interest rates ranging from 6.75% to 9.75% per year, with a borrowing capacity of up to 20 times your monthly salary (maximum AED 1 million). The maximum loan tenure is 48 months. A processing fee of 1% of the loan amount applies (minimum AED 500, maximum AED 2 500).
Eligibility requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 15 000, minimum age of 21 (maximum 65 for UAE Nationals, 60 for Expats), and a minimum length of UAE employment of 3 months for Nationals and 6 months for Expats. An optional pre-approved Rewards Credit Card and overdraft facility on your current account are included.
CBI Fees & Charges
Understanding the fee structure prevents unpleasant surprises. All fees are subject to 5% VAT where applicable:
Digital Experience
CBI Personal Banking Mobile App
The CBI Personal Banking app allows you to view account balances, check transaction history, transfer funds to saved beneficiaries locally and internationally, make CBI credit card payments, and manage all accounts, cards, loans, and mortgages from a single interface. Login supports biometrics, and transactions are authenticated using a one-time password (OTP).
What works well: The app covers basic banking needs – viewing balances, making transfers, and paying bills. Registration is straightforward if you have an Emirates ID and phone number registered with the bank. The same credentials work across both mobile and internet banking. At 66.3 MB, the app is lightweight and doesn’t consume excessive storage. Over 75% of online banking users have rated their experience as “very good” according to CBI.
What frustrates users: The app has received consistently low ratings with complaints about login difficulties, particularly after updates. The user interface is dated and unintuitive compared to apps from larger UAE banks. There is no mobile app available for corporate accounts. Users note the app lacks modern features common in competitor apps – no spend categorisation, no savings goals, no real-time notifications. Some reviews describe it as “not user-friendly at all” and report persistent login errors.
Online Banking
The web portal at cbionline.cbi.ae provides account management including balance checks, transaction history, statement downloads, fund transfers to CBI and non-CBI accounts, standing orders, utility bill payments, and cheque status checks. Registration requires Emirates ID or passport details and a valid mobile number or email on file with the bank. If you register via the online portal, you get immediate access. Complex transactions like loan applications and account closures still require a branch visit or a call to 600 544 440.
CBI Contact Information & Support
Customer Service
Main Contact (24/7)
International Callers
Complaints
Headquarters
Jumeirah Street, Jumeirah 1
Dubai, UAE
P.O. Box 4449
Registered Office: P.O. Box 793, Ras Al Khaimah
Quick Actions
CBI Branch Network
Commercial Bank International operates 6 full-service branches plus Electronic Banking Units across 4 emirates of the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah). Despite being a smaller bank, CBI maintains a focused nationwide presence supported by ATMs and Cash & Cheque Deposit Machines at additional locations. Branch hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Friday 7:15 AM – 12:15 PM; Sunday closed. Dubai Mall branch operates extended hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Friday 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM; Sunday closed.
Abu Dhabi
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Branch | Al Bateen Street, Abu Dhabi |
| Al Ain Electronic Banking Unit | Al Ain, Abu Dhabi |
Dubai
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Dubai Main Branch | Al Riqqa Street, Deira, CBI Building, P.O. Box 4449 |
| Dubai Mall Branch | Dubai Mall, unit no. TDM-LG-150, Banking Area Financial Centre Road, UAE |
| Jumeirah Branch | Jumeira St, Jumeirah, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE |
| Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront | Lobby Area, Dubai Waterfront, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE |
Sharjah
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Sharjah Buhaira Branch | Al Dana Tower Buhaira Corniche, 151 Corniche St, Al Majaz 3, Sharjah, UAE |
| Sharjah Electronic Banking Unit | Business Tower, Al Majaz 2, Sharjah, UAE |
Ras Al Khaimah
| Branch | Address |
|---|---|
| Julphar Towers Branch | Shops Nos. 1, 2, 3, & 4, Ground Floor Julphar Towers Shopping Center, Al Hesen Street, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE |
Information may change – verify current terms on the official CBI website before making financial decisions. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
FAQ – Commercial Bank International (CBI)
How do I open a CBI personal account?
Residents need a valid passport, Emirates ID, and a salary certificate or salary transfer letter from their employer. CBI requires salary transfer for most credit products. Visit any CBI branch with your documents – account opening is typically completed within a few business days. The minimum salary requirement for a personal loan is AED 15 000 per month.
Can non-residents open a CBI account?
CBI primarily caters to UAE residents. For non-resident banking enquiries, contact CBI directly at 600 544 440 or submit an enquiry form on their website at cbiuae.com. Requirements and eligibility may vary based on individual circumstances.
What is the CBI minimum balance requirement?
The minimum monthly average balance for a personal current account is AED 3 000. If your balance falls below this threshold, a monthly fee of AED 25 applies. Salary account holders who maintain regular salary credits may have different terms – confirm directly with your branch.
What is the CBI SWIFT code?
The main SWIFT/BIC code for CBI is CLBIAEAD (or CLBIAEADXXX). For a full list of branch-specific SWIFT codes, see our dedicated page: CBI SWIFT Codes.
How do I register for CBI online or mobile banking?
Download the CBI Personal Banking app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Click “Register” and follow the on-screen instructions using your Emirates ID or passport details, along with a mobile number or email registered with the bank. If you register online, you receive immediate access to both internet and mobile banking platforms. You can also register in-branch at the time of account opening.
What credit cards does CBI offer?
CBI offers the Mastercard Titanium (no annual fee, lifetime free, 100% cashback on up to 4 movie tickets monthly), the CBI Rewards World Credit Card (earn points on all spending, redeemable for flights, hotels, and merchandise), the CBI First Credit Card (for priority banking clients), and the World Elite Exclusive (WEE) card – a by-invitation-only product in partnership with Mastercard designed exclusively for affluent clients.
How do I close a CBI account?
Visit a CBI branch with your Emirates ID, debit card, and chequebook (if issued). Clear all outstanding balances, cancel linked services (credit cards, loans, standing orders), and return your chequebook. A fee of AED 100 applies if the account is closed within 6 months of opening. No fee applies for accounts older than 6 months.
What are the requirements for a CBI personal loan?
Salaried employees need a minimum monthly salary of AED 15 000, salary transfer to CBI, minimum age of 21 (max 65 for UAE Nationals, 60 for Expats), and minimum UAE employment of 3 months for Nationals or 6 months for Expats. You can borrow up to 20 times your salary with a maximum of AED 1 million. Interest rates range from 6.75% to 9.75% per year with a maximum tenure of 48 months.
Does CBI offer Islamic banking?
Yes, CBI offers Islamic banking solutions alongside its conventional banking products. Contact CBI at 600 544 440 or visit any branch for details on Sharia-compliant products.
Who owns Commercial Bank International?
Qatar National Bank (QNB) is CBI’s major shareholder with approximately 40%. The Ras Al Khaimah Government and other UAE shareholders hold the remaining shares. CBI is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: CBI). The Board of Directors is majority comprised of UAE nationals, led by Chairman Saif Ali Al Shehhi. CEO: Ali Sultan Rakkad Al Amri.
