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Uae atm withdrawal charges hit shocking 9.1%

9.1% ATM Withdrawal Fee Sparks Outcry | Revolut Users Ask Why?

By

Aisha Mohammed

Oct 9, 2025, 07:43 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A person withdrawing money from an Abu Dhabi ATM with a displayed withdrawal fee of 9.1%

A recent post from a Revolut customer about a staggering 9.1% fee for an ATM withdrawal in Abu Dhabi has sparked concern among other people. This high charge surfaced during a routine withdrawal of 50 AED, with no prior warning at the ATM. People express frustration over possible hidden fees.

Context of the Rising Fees

The growing discontent revolves around a customer's experience where the ATM interface didn’t disclose any potential operational fees. With Revolut typically transparent about charges, this unexpected fee raises red flags.

A long-term Revolut user, who stated, "This is the first time I see such a fee," highlights the deviating nature of their recent experience when withdrawing a mere 10 euros-worth of AED.

Voices from the Community

Comments reveal that high fees are not exclusive to the UAE. Patterns emerge showing that varying ATM fees are common.

  • One commentator noted that in Turkey, ATM charges range from 8-10%.

  • Another shared negative experiences with commissions reaching 20% when withdrawing in different currencies.

  • Clarifications emerged that the 9.1% fee is likely charged by the ATM owner, with no hidden costs from Revolut, aligning with some users' understanding of fees in the region.

"That's the ATM owner's fee," commented a user, addressing the confusion.

Sentiment and Concerns

The overall sentiment appears negative, with concern over lack of transparency from ATM providers in the UAE. Despite Revolut's reputation for clarity, it's evident that more information is needed regarding local ATM costs.

Key Insights

  • ⚠️ 9.1% fee seen as excessive for a quick withdrawal

  • πŸ” Comments reveal high ATM charges in Turkey as well

  • πŸ“‰ Some believe Revolut remains straightforward about its fees

As this situation unfolds, consumers will likely demand clearer information when it comes to fees at ATMs. Will transparency become the norm?

Stay tuned for further updates as Revolut addresses these growing concerns.

What’s Next for ATM Fees?

There’s a strong chance that this outcry over the 9.1% ATM fee will prompt immediate action from both consumers and financial institutions. Experts estimate that within the next few months, there’ll be increased pressure on ATM operators in the UAE to clearly display fees. This could lead to a more transparent environment, especially as competition among financial tech firms grows. If Revolut and other companies can successfully advocate for better disclosure practices, we might see a shift towards lower fees and enhanced consumer rights, making the market fairer for all.

A Historical Reflection on Unexpected Costs

Looking back to the late 1990s, the rise of internet service providers brought about a similar situation. Customers often faced hidden installation fees and unexpected monthly charges, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. This struggle prompted regulatory changes that established clearer guidelines for pricing in the telecom sector. Just like the current ATM scenario, it exhibited how consumer pushback can reshape an industry toward greater transparency and fairness, highlighting the indispensable role of feedback in not only improving services but also guiding future regulations.