(Credit - WAM)
Micro-Loans Now Appear on UAE Credit Reports
Etihad Credit Bureau has added micro-loan account data to UAE credit reports. Borrowing through short-term micro-loan apps, which used to sit outside the main credit framework, can now show up alongside your bank loans and cards. The change builds on the bureau’s earlier inclusion of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and other short-term credit data, with providers such as Tabby and Tamara named as sources.
What is included
The first provider data comes from Botim Finance, formerly Quantix, which submits account information for CashNow customers. The change covers existing and new customers and includes relevant historical account information. Botim Finance has submitted data linked to more than one million CashNow customer profiles, and submissions began in the second quarter of 2025.
Why the bureau did it
Until recently, small digital loans and short-term credit lines were hard for lenders to see, which made it harder to judge a borrower’s total debt. With traditional loans, credit cards, BNPL and micro-loans in one report, lenders can see a more complete picture when assessing credit.
How to see your own record
You can view your credit report in the Etihad Credit Bureau app and download it as a PDF. Check that any micro-loan or BNPL commitments appear as you expect, and that balances and repayment status look right. If something looks wrong, raise it with the lender that supplied the data.
What it means for borrowers
Timely repayments can now become part of your credit history, which may help you build a record with banks. The flip side is that missed or late payments on small app loans can also be visible when you apply for a larger loan, car finance or a mortgage. Our CashNow borrower guide covers the practical side for app users.
