Bank App Transfers in the UAE
Domestic AED transfers, Aani instant payments, international SWIFT, and WPS salary context — educational guide.
How do UAE bank app transfers work?
UAE bank apps support: (1) domestic AED transfers — instant via Aani (mobile number proxy) or standard via IBAN; (2) international SWIFT transfers to foreign bank accounts. For salary, UAE employers use WPS (Wage Protection System). For international transfers, bank SWIFT may be less competitive than exchange houses or remittance apps — compare on remit.ae. remit.ae does not process any transfers.
What are you trying to do?
Select your goal — we'll point you to the right information. remit.ae does not process payments.
Important: Aani is for domestic UAE payments (AED only). It cannot send money internationally. For international transfers, use an exchange house or remittance app. remit.ae does not process any payments. Disclaimer
Domestic AED transfers via bank app
Most UAE bank apps support multiple methods for sending AED within the UAE:
Aani instant transfer
Available in Aani-enrolled bank apps. Send AED by mobile number in ~10 seconds. No IBAN required. Access: bank app › instant payment or Aani section.
Domestic UAE only. Not for international transfers.
Standard IBAN transfer
Transfer to another UAE account by IBAN. Processing time varies — check with your bank. Used for rent, bills, and payments that require formal bank account references.
Editorial context — verify features with your specific bank.
What is Aani (آني)?
UAE domestic instant payment system
Aani is the UAE's national domestic instant payment network, operated by Al Etihad Payments (AEP) — a subsidiary of the UAE Central Bank (CBUAE). Launched in October 2023 under the Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme.
Core features
- ✓Instant AED transfers using a mobile number as proxy — no IBAN required
- ✓Request-to-pay — send a payment request to a UAE contact
- ✓Bill splitting among UAE contacts
- ✓QR code payments at participating merchants
- ✓Settlement in under ~10 seconds
- ✓Transaction limit: up to AED 50,000 (verify current limit at official source)
What Aani is NOT
- ✗Not an international remittance service — Aani is domestic UAE only, AED only
- ✗Cannot send money to India, Pakistan, Philippines, or any other country
- ✗remit.ae does not integrate with Aani — remit.ae is an information platform only
- ✗remit.ae cannot initiate or process Aani payments
Source: Al Etihad Payments (aletihad.ae) / CBUAE (centralbank.ae). Participant list and limits as of October 2023 launch documentation. Always verify current status at official sources.
International transfers via bank app
UAE bank apps typically support international SWIFT transfers to foreign bank accounts. This is separate from Aani — Aani is domestic UAE only.
Important before you use bank SWIFT internationally:
- • Bank SWIFT fees and exchange rates may be higher than exchange houses or remittance apps
- • Always compare the final recipient amount and total fee before sending
- • Transfer time: typically 1–3 business days (varies by bank and destination)
Editorial context. Verify current fees and rates with your bank.
WPS — Wage Protection System
The UAE Wage Protection System (WPS) requires employers to pay employee salaries electronically through approved financial institutions. Your employer typically directs you to a specific bank or exchange house for your WPS salary account.
What this means for you:
- • Your employer specifies the WPS-approved institution
- • Salary lands in your UAE account — then you can use Aani for domestic payments
- • For international transfers (sending money home), you choose your preferred method
Open Finance and pay-by-bank UAE
Regulation liveThe UAE Open Finance Regulation (CBUAE, April 2024, Circular 03/2025) creates the legal framework for consent-based payment initiation directly from bank accounts — the foundation for future pay-by-bank products. Consumer-facing pay-by-bank products may not yet be widely available.
Open Finance and pay-by-bank UAE →Compare international transfer options
For sending money abroad, compare exchange houses and remittance apps — often more cost-efficient than bank SWIFT.
remit.ae does not transfer money. Verify with provider.
FAQ
Can I use my UAE bank app to pay someone abroad?
Yes via SWIFT international transfer — but verify fees and exchange rates. Exchange houses and remittance apps may offer better rates for international transfers.
What is Aani in my bank app?
Aani is the domestic instant payment feature. It lets you send AED to another UAE account by mobile number in ~10 seconds. Domestic UAE AED only — cannot be used internationally.
Which UAE banks have Aani?
Initial participants include Mashreq, ADCB, Emirates NBD, FAB, and others. The list may have grown since October 2023. Check your specific bank app or ask your bank.
Does remit.ae recommend a specific bank?
No. remit.ae does not recommend specific banks and does not provide banking advice. Consult your employer (for WPS) or the bank directly.