How It Works

Three official ways to check your FAB Ratibi card balance — pick the one that suits you best. All methods are safe, and the ATM method is completely free.

🏭

ATM

Cost: Free at FAB ATMs

Speed: Immediate

Most popular
📞

SMS

Cost: Operator SMS rate

Speed: ~30 seconds

Best for remote areas
📱

App / Online

Cost: Free (needs internet)

Speed: Immediate

Full transaction history

🏭
Via FAB ATM — Step-by-Step

✓ Free of charge 🕐 Takes about 2 minutes 💳 Card + PIN required
  1. 1
    Find a FAB ATM

    Look for a First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) ATM near your home or workplace. FAB ATMs are green and widely available across all UAE emirates. Using non-FAB ATMs may incur a small fee of approximately AED 1–2.

  2. 2
    Insert Your Ratibi Card

    Insert your card with the gold chip facing up and towards the machine. Wait for the screen to display the language selection or main menu.

  3. 3
    Select Your Language

    If prompted, select your preferred language — English or Arabic — from the on-screen options.

  4. 4
    Enter Your 4-Digit PIN

    Type your secret 4-digit Personal Identification Number. Always shield the keypad with your other hand to prevent anyone nearby from seeing your PIN.

  5. 5
    Select "Balance Inquiry"

    From the main ATM menu, tap or press the button next to "Balance Inquiry" or "Check Balance". Do not accidentally select "Withdraw".

  6. 6
    View Your Balance

    Your current available balance will appear on the screen in AED. You may also choose to print a receipt for your personal records.

  7. 7
    Collect Card and Leave Safely

    Press Cancel or Finish, then collect your card and any printed receipt. Never leave your card in the machine and always take it with you.

⚠ Security Tip: If the ATM looks unusual, has loose parts attached to the card slot, or asks for your PIN a second time — cancel the transaction immediately and call FAB at 600 52 5500.

📞
Via SMS — Step-by-Step

Send this SMS:

BAL

to number

2121

⚠ Important: You must send the SMS from the exact mobile number that is registered with your Ratibi card. Messages from unregistered numbers will not receive a balance reply.
  1. 1
    Open Your SMS App

    Open the built-in Messages or SMS application on your mobile phone — not WhatsApp or any other chat app.

  2. 2
    Create a New Message

    Tap "Compose" or the new message icon to start a fresh SMS.

  3. 3
    Type "BAL" in the Message Body

    In the message text field, type exactly: BAL — uppercase or lowercase both work. Do not add spaces, dots, or other characters.

  4. 4
    Set the Recipient to 2121

    In the "To" field, type: 2121 — this is the official FAB SMS short code.

  5. 5
    Send the Message

    Press the send button. You will be charged a standard SMS rate by your mobile operator (Etisalat/e& or Du). This is usually a very small amount.

  6. 6
    Wait for the Reply

    Within a few seconds, you will receive an automated SMS reply from FAB showing your current Ratibi card balance in AED.

  7. 7
    Check the Message

    The reply SMS will show your available balance. Screenshot or save the message if you need to keep a record.

📱
Via FAB App / Online — Step-by-Step

✓ Full transaction history ✓ Available 24/7 on any device Internet connection needed
  1. 1
    Download the FAB Mobile App

    Search for "FAB Mobile" in the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS). Download and install the official app. Alternatively, visit bankfab.com on a computer.

  2. 2
    Open the App and Choose Registration Type

    If it is your first time, tap "Register" or "New User". Choose "Ratibi Card" as your account type if prompted.

  3. 3
    Enter Your Card Details

    To register or log in, you will need your Ratibi card number (the 16 digits on the front of your card) and your 4-digit PIN.

  4. 4
    Verify via OTP

    A One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter it to verify your identity and complete the login.

  5. 5
    Go to the "Cards" or "Accounts" Section

    After logging in, tap the "Cards" tab at the bottom or the "Accounts" icon on the home screen to view your linked cards.

  6. 6
    Select Your Ratibi Card

    Tap on your Ratibi card from the list. Your current available balance will be shown prominently at the top of the screen.

  7. 7
    View Transaction History

    Scroll down to see a full list of recent transactions including salary deposits, ATM withdrawals, and store purchases.

ℹ Security Tip: Only use the official FAB Mobile app from the official app stores. Never log in through links sent in SMS or email — these could be phishing scams designed to steal your credentials.

Need more help?

Read our safety tips, understand the fees, or check the FAQ for common issues.

Safety Tips → View FAQ →