Frequently Asked Questions

The Ratibi card is a prepaid payroll card issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) for workers in the UAE earning up to AED 5,000 per month. It is fully compliant with the UAE's Wages Protection System (WPS) and allows users to receive their salary securely, withdraw cash at ATMs, and make purchases at stores and online.

No. Ratibi Guide is a completely independent, non-commercial educational website. We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) or the UAE government in any way. We simply provide easy-to-understand guidance. For official support, contact FAB directly at 600 52 5500.

There are three official ways: (1) Insert your card at any FAB ATM and select "Balance Inquiry" — this is free. (2) Send an SMS with the word BAL to 2121 from your registered mobile number. (3) Log in to the FAB Mobile app or bankfab.com and view your balance online. All methods are described in detail on our "How It Works" page.

It depends on the method. Checking via a FAB ATM is completely free. The FAB Mobile App is also free (mobile data charges may apply). The SMS method (BAL to 2121) charges the standard SMS rate from your mobile operator (Etisalat or Du), which is usually a very small amount. Non-FAB ATMs may charge a small fee of around AED 1–2.

Send the word BAL (you can also type bal in lowercase — both work) to the short code 2121. The SMS must be sent from the mobile number that is officially registered with your Ratibi card. You will receive a reply within a few seconds with your current balance.

Yes. You can register your Ratibi card directly on the FAB Mobile app using your card number (the 16 digits on the front of the card) and your 4-digit PIN. Once registered, you can view your balance, check transaction history, and manage your card digitally without needing a full bank account.

First, check with your employer or HR department to confirm that the salary transfer has been submitted through the WPS system. Under UAE law, employers must pay salaries on time. If your employer confirms it was sent but the money has not appeared after 24–48 hours, contact FAB directly at 600 52 5500. If the problem is on the employer's side, you may also contact the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE).

Start by checking your recent transaction history via the FAB Mobile App or an ATM mini-statement printout. Look for any unauthorized withdrawals or transactions you don't recognize. If you find suspicious activity, immediately call FAB's 24/7 customer care line at 600 52 5500 to report it and request a card block if needed.

Do not try to guess your PIN multiple times — entering the wrong PIN too many times will block your card. To reset your PIN, call the FAB Customer Care Center at 600 52 5500 or visit any FAB branch in person with your Emirates ID. They will guide you through the secure PIN reset process.

A card can be blocked if the wrong PIN was entered multiple times or if FAB detected suspicious activity. To unblock your card, call FAB at 600 52 5500 or visit a FAB branch. They may need to verify your identity using your Emirates ID or passport before unblocking the card.

Yes, the Ratibi card is a Mastercard or Visa prepaid card and can generally be used internationally at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals that accept the card network. However, international ATM withdrawals and balance inquiries may incur foreign transaction fees. Contact FAB at 600 52 5500 before travelling for specific fee information.

No. The interactive balance check tool on our homepage is a purely educational simulation designed to demonstrate the process visually. It does NOT connect to any banking system, it does NOT retrieve your actual balance, and any card number you type is NOT sent over the internet or stored anywhere. It is 100% safe and only for learning purposes.

The Wages Protection System (WPS) is a UAE government initiative managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). It requires employers to pay their workers' salaries electronically through approved financial institutions like FAB. The Ratibi card is one of the official tools used in the WPS system, ensuring workers receive their full, on-time salary payment in a traceable way.

The Ratibi card is primarily a payroll card for receiving salary and making local transactions. For international money transfers (remittances), you would typically need to use a dedicated money transfer service like Al Ansari Exchange, Western Union, or similar providers available across the UAE. Check with FAB for any official transfer features available on your specific card.