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How to open Al Maryah Community Bank account in UAE (Mbank)

How to open Al Maryah Community Bank account in UAE (Mbank)
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Anastasia Davidova
Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
April 06, 2026
If you prefer digital banking solutions over traditional banks, Al Maryah Community Bank (Mbank) could be an option for your personal or business needs in the UAE. This article will walk you through the steps to open an account with MBank, including the required documents, fees, and important details.

Why choose Mbank (Al Maryah Community Bank) for banking in the UAE?

Mbank is the first fully digital bank in the UAE, catering to individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Despite its status as a digital bank, it is a reliable bank that has shown steady profit growth and positive trends in return on assets, which are important factors when choosing a bank. Moreover, Mbank has become the first bank in the world to receive the "International Digital Customer Experience" certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) with a score of 97.25%.

In addition to the bank's own branches and ATMs, customers can deposit cash through partner terminals operated by one of the UAE's largest banks, FAB Bank.

Who is Mbank best for?

  • Digital nomads and freelancers

    Who may not have a steady AED 10,000+ salary certificate but still require a local IBAN.

  • New expats

    Who need an account the second their Emirates ID is issued to start paying bills.

  • Parents

    Their "Eyalna" minor account is one of the best in the region for teaching kids financial literacy. It comes with a dedicated "Gen α" app.

  • SMEs and startups

    Mbank offers a free digital business account with no minimum balance, which is a literal lifesaver for new companies in the UAE.
To open an account with that bank (or any bank in the UAE), you'll need to prepare some documents. To make it easier and save time, you could hire a professional to help you gather all the paperwork. This would increase your chances of completing the process on the first try.
Get assistance

Types of accounts available at Mbank (Al Maryah Community Bank)

Personal savings and current Mbank accounts

  • "Free-for-Life" Account

    This is the ultimate entry point. It requires no minimum salary and no monthly minimum balance. It comes with a free virtual Mastercard (and an optional physical one).

  • Gold Personal Account

    A unique digital account that allows you to buy, hold, and sell gold directly in the app with zero annual fees.

  • Salary Transfer Account

    If you choose to credit your salary here, you get added perks like free chequebooks and better rates on personal loans.

Joint Mbank accounts

Mbank is one of the few banks in the UAE that offers a fully digital experience for opening a joint account. You don't need to visit a branch together; you just need your phones.
  • At least one of the account holders must have a minimum salary of AED 3,000.
  • You can choose between "Single Signatory" (where either person can spend or transfer funds) or "Joint Signatory". Both must approve every transaction via a push notification in the app.

Minor's account (Eyalna)

Designed for children under 18, this tool aims to teach financial literacy. Parents can create α digital savings account for their children, set spending limits, and monitor transactions in real time through a simplified interface.

Mbank business account options

  • Current Accounts

    Cost-effective, zero-maintenance fee accounts designed for smooth daily operations, offering seamless integration with local and international payment systems.

  • Fixed Deposits

    These accounts allow businesses to earn competitive, guaranteed interest rates on surplus funds with flexible terms ranging from 30 days to five years.

  • Real Estate Escrow Accounts

    Specifically for developers, these accounts securely hold project funds and release them only after verified construction milestones are reached in compliance with UAE regulations.

  • Client Money Account

    This account is designed for professionals such as lawyers and accountants. It provides strict segregation and transparent management of third-party funds to meet regulatory standards.

Special features: AEC Wallet & Stablecoin

The AEC Wallet is a digital wallet within the Mbank ecosystem that is designed to hold, manage, and facilitate transactions with AE Coin (AEC), the UAE's first regulated stablecoin denominated in AED. It lets you experience the speed of blockchain tech while keeping the 1:1 exchange rate between AED and AEC.

  • What is AE Coin?
AE Coin is a stablecoin, a type of cryptocurrency whose value is typically pegged to the UAE dirham (AED). AE Coin is issued by AED Stablecoin LLC. One AE Coin is always worth the same amount as one AED (1 AE Coin = 1 AED).

This could be a viable option for businesses that conduct transactions using cryptocurrency.

Eligibility: Who can open an Mbank personal account?

Any UAE resident (national or expatriate) who is at least 18 years old and has a valid Emirates ID and an active UAE Pass can open an account. Parents or legal guardians can open Eyalna accounts for children under the age of 18.
💡 Note: If you're a tourist without a resident visa or Emirates ID, you can't open an account with Mbank using the app at the moment, because the digital registration is linked to the UAE Pass system, which requires residency in the UAE.

What documents are required to open an Mbank account?

Personal Mbank account opening requirements

  • UAE Pass

    This is the primary requirement. Mbank uses your UAE Pass profile to instantly retrieve all your verified data.

  • Emirates ID

    You will need to scan the physical card using your phone’s NFC or camera during the app setup process.

  • Mobile number

    This is linked to your UAE Pass for one-time password (OTP) verification.

Business account requirements

  • Trade license

    A valid copy of your UAE mainland or Free Zone trade license.

  • Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)

    The Memorandum or Articles of Association showing the ownership structure.

  • Shareholder documents

    Passport copies and Emirates IDs for all partners/shareholders.

  • Proof of business address

    It is usually an Ejari for the mainland or a lease agreement for the Free Zones.

  • UAE Pass

    The person opening the account must have a verified UAE Pass to sign the digital application.

Joint account requirements

To open this account, you will need the standard set of documents required for a personal account, as well as some additional documentation.

  • Individual Mbank accounts

    Both parties must already have their own verified personal Mbank accounts.

  • Proof of income

    At least one holder must have a recorded income of at least AED 3,000.

  • Digital consent

    Both parties must give their consent through the biometric feature on their respective apps.
Paperwork can be time-consuming, especially when starting a new business. To save time and money, you may want to consider delegating this task to professionals who specialize in assisting businesses in the UAE with their paperwork needs.
Delegate to pros

Mbank account opening minimum salary and zero balance

While many banks claim to offer a "zero balance" account (but often have hidden fees), Mbank's Free-for-Life Account truly requires*:

  • No minimum balance

  • No minimum salary

  • No monthly maintenance fees

* This information is accurate as of the date of this article, and is provided for general information purposes only. Please always check the specific terms and conditions at a bank branch before opening an account.

Mbank vs. Traditional banks in the UAE: Quick glance

How to open an Mbank account (step-by-step process)

Since the bank is fully integrated with the UAE’s digital identity infrastructure, you can avoid the paperwork and branch visit altogether.

  • Download the app

    Search for "Mbank UAE" on the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Huawei AppGallery.

  • Select account type

    Open the app and select the account you want to open, such as the "Free-for-Life" Personal Account or the Gold Account.

  • Authenticate with UAE Pass

    Tap the "Log in with UAE Pass" button to automatically import your verified name, nationality, and contact details.

  • Scan your Emirates ID

    When prompted, use your phone’s camera to scan both sides of your original Emirates ID to verify your residency status.

  • Complete a liveness check

    Follow the on-screen instructions to take a selfie for a quick facial recognition scan and ensure that you are the person in the ID.

  • Enter professional details

    Confirm a few final details, such as your employment status and estimated monthly income. Note that a salary certificate is not required for basic accounts.

  • Instant approval

    Once you hit submit, your account is usually activated instantly. You will immediately receive your IBAN and a virtual debit card that you can add to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Then, you can start spending right away.

What is the cost of opening an Mbank account in the UAE?

In 2026, the fee to open a personal, business, or gold account will still be AED 0. The entire process is conducted via the app free of charge.
Not sure about the details of opening an account or other paperwork? We're here to help - just let us know.
Talk with movingo

Benefits of opening an Mbank bank account

  • Financial freedom

    Enjoy a zero-balance account that is free for life with no minimum salary requirements or monthly maintenance fees.

  • Instant onboarding

    Open your account in under five minutes with UAE Pass to receive an instant virtual Mastercard for Apple or Google Pay.

  • Wealth building

    Access unique digital Gold Accounts to buy or hold 24,000 gold and enter the Mbank Millionaire draws with a balance of just AED 1,000.

  • Lifestyle perks

    Earn MPoints for every purchase and enjoy premium travel benefits, such as access to airport lounges and exclusive dining discounts.

  • AEC Wallet integration

    Seamlessly manage the UAE's regulated stablecoin, AE Coin, for faster local and international payments on the blockchain.

How to activate your Mbank card & Find your Mbank account number

Expats find it easier as long as they have a visa. Non-resident (tourist) customers can open "Savings" or "Call" accounts, but they may need to meet a higher minimum balance requirement (often AED 10,000+), and there may be more paperwork required at a physical branch.

Virtual card activation

Once your account is approved, a virtual debit card will be generated automatically in the app.
  • Step 1: Log into the Mbank UAE App.
  • Step 2: Go to the "Cards" section from the bottom menu.
  • Step 3: Tap on your virtual card and select "Activate" (if not already active).
  • Step 4: You can now instantly add it to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Wallet for contactless spending.

Physical card activation

You must activate your physical card before using it at an ATM or store. The card will be delivered by the courier.

  • Via the Mbank app

    1. Open the Mbank UAE App and navigate to the "Cards" tab.
    2. Select your physical card from the list.
    3. Tap "Activate Card".
    4. You will be prompted to set a 4-digit PIN. Confirm the PIN, and your card is ready for use.

  • Via Customer Engagement Center

    1. Call Mbank’s 24/7 support at 600 57 1111.
    2. Follow the IVR prompts for "Card Activation" or speak to an agent.
    3. You will need to verify your identity and provide the last 4 digits of your new card.

FAQs about Mbank bank account opening

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