FAB Prepaid or Ratibi Card: Complete Guide to Features, Benefits, and Balance Enquiry
The First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) offers a wide range of financial services to suit different customer needs, and among its most popular offerings are the FAB Prepaid Card and the FAB Ratibi Card. Both cards are designed for convenience, security, and accessibility, especially for employees and individuals who want to manage their salaries or funds without opening a traditional bank account.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the FAB Prepaid and Ratibi Cards, including their features, benefits, eligibility, usage, and how to check balances through mobile, online, ATM, and SMS.
What is the FAB Prepaid Card?
The FAB Prepaid Card is a reloadable card that can be used for day-to-day purchases, online transactions, and ATM withdrawals. Unlike a credit card, it is not linked to a loan or borrowing facility. Instead, you can load money into the card and spend only what you have available.
Key Features of FAB Prepaid Card
- Reloadable: Funds can be topped up easily through FAB branches, mobile app, or salary transfers.
- Widespread Acceptance: Usable at all Visa or Mastercard-supported merchants and ATMs worldwide.
- Secure Transactions: Protected with PIN and chip technology.
- No Overdraft Risk: You only spend the money loaded on the card.
Who Should Use It?
- People who want a safe card for online shopping.
- Travelers needing a convenient card without carrying cash.
- Employees receiving allowances or stipends outside their main salary.
What is the FAB Ratibi Card?
The FAB Ratibi Card is part of the UAE’s Wages Protection System (WPS). It is primarily issued to employees whose salaries are transferred directly to the card by their employers, without requiring them to open a full bank account.
Key Features of FAB Ratibi Card
- Salary Payments: Employers load monthly salaries directly onto the card.
- No Minimum Balance Requirement: Unlike standard accounts, there are no balance limits.
- ATM Access: Employees can withdraw cash from FAB ATMs and other ATMs in the UAE.
- Safe & Secure: Offers a cashless salary disbursement method.
Who Should Use It?
- Employees who don’t have or don’t want to maintain a traditional bank account.
- Workers in organizations that pay salaries through WPS.
FAB Prepaid vs Ratibi Card: Key Differences
| Feature | FAB Prepaid Card | FAB Ratibi Card |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | General purchases, travel, allowances | Salary disbursement through WPS |
| Top-Up Method | Manual reload or transfer | Employer salary transfer only |
| Target Users | Travelers, online shoppers, individuals | Salaried employees in UAE |
| Flexibility | Can be reloaded anytime | Restricted to salary deposits |
| Bank Account Needed | No | No |
Both cards are convenient, but the Ratibi card is specifically tied to wages, while the prepaid card offers broader flexibility for daily spending.
How to Check FAB Prepaid or Ratibi Card Balance
One of the most common queries is how to perform a FAB Balance Check for Prepaid or Ratibi cards. FAB offers multiple options:
1. Mobile App
- Download the FAB Mobile Banking App.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Select your prepaid or Ratibi card to view the current balance instantly.
2. Online Banking
- Visit the FAB online banking portal.
- Log in with your card number or account credentials.
- Navigate to the card section for balance and transaction history.
3. ATM Machines
- Insert your FAB Prepaid or Ratibi Card at any FAB ATM.
- Enter your PIN.
- Select “Balance Inquiry” to view your balance.
4. SMS Enquiry
FAB provides an SMS alert system where balance updates and salary credit notifications are sent to your registered mobile number.
Benefits of FAB Prepaid and Ratibi Cards
Both cards offer unique benefits tailored to different users:
FAB Prepaid Card Benefits
- Worldwide acceptance at Visa/Mastercard locations.
- Safe online transactions with no direct link to a bank account.
- Ideal for budgeting since you can only spend what you load.
FAB Ratibi Card Benefits
- Hassle-free salary disbursement through the WPS system.
- No minimum balance or account maintenance required.
- Easy withdrawals at ATMs across the UAE.
Eligibility and Application
FAB Prepaid Card Eligibility
- Available for UAE residents above 18.
- Requires valid Emirates ID and supporting documents.
FAB Ratibi Card Eligibility
- Provided through the employer under the Wages Protection System.
- Employees need only a valid Emirates ID and labor card.
Security Features
Both cards are designed with security in mind:
- Chip & PIN protection reduces fraud risks.
- SMS alerts for every transaction keep users updated.
- No overdraft ensures you never spend beyond your balance.
Tips for Using FAB Prepaid or Ratibi Cards Wisely
- Register for SMS Alerts to track every transaction.
- Use the FAB mobile app for instant access to balances and history.
- Reload prepaid cards in advance if planning travel or online purchases.
- Check balance regularly to avoid declined transactions.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately to FAB customer care.
FAQs on FAB Prepaid and Ratibi Cards
Q1: Can I use the Ratibi card internationally?
No. Ratibi cards are typically restricted to domestic usage in the UAE, unlike prepaid cards that work worldwide.
Q2: Can I reload my Ratibi card manually?
No. Only employers can load salaries onto the Ratibi card.
Q3: Are FAB prepaid cards linked to a bank account?
No. These are standalone cards that require manual top-ups.
Q4: Is there a monthly fee for using these cards?
The Ratibi card has no monthly maintenance fee. Prepaid cards may have small reload or service fees depending on usage.
Q5: Can I check my Ratibi card balance online?
Yes. Using the FAB online portal or mobile app, you can check your balance and transaction history anytime.
Final Thoughts
Both the FAB Prepaid Card and the FAB Ratibi Card provide easy, secure, and efficient ways to manage money. The prepaid card is ideal for those who need flexibility for purchases and travel, while the Ratibi card is tailored for employees receiving salaries through the Wages Protection System.
By offering multiple ways to check balances, whether through mobile, online, ATM, or SMS—FAB ensures users always stay in control of their finances. These cards reflect FAB’s commitment to convenience, financial inclusion, and modern banking solutions for residents across the UAE.
