Ratibi Card is perfect for all those individuals or employees who earn AED 5,000 or less per month and want to simplify their finances. If you work in the UAE, you must have needed to check Ratibi Card balance or are already using it. It is a prepaid salary card that allows you to receive your salary, make online transactions, and even send money abroad without the need for a bank account.
But how to check your Ratibi Card balance? What are its benefits? And how to make the most of it? In this blog post, you will find information on checking your balance, activating the card, hidden benefits, and troubleshooting common problems.
Why is the Ratibi Card important?
The Ratibi Card, issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), is designed for low-wage workers under the UAE’s Wage Protection System (WPS). It eliminates the need for a bank account for individuals whose income is less than 5,000 dirhams while providing the following benefits:
- Instant Ratibi Card Salary Check – There are no payment delays.
- No monthly fees – There are no monthly fees or hidden charges, unlike regular bank accounts.
- Free ATM Withdrawals – Enjoy free ATM Withdrawals anytime in the UAE.
- International Money Transfers – You can send money to over 200 countries from the Ratibi app.
- Bill Payments & Mobile Recharge – Pay Etisalat, du, Salik, and other utility bills online.
- Salary Loan – Borrow up to 50% of your salary through the Pay It app.
I have been working in the UAE for over 5 years, and I have tested several financial services such as FAB Card and Al Ansari Card. Since I have been using this card for over a year, I will give you some insider tips. This will help you avoid common mistakes and maximize its benefits.
How to check Ratibi Card balance? (3 easy ways)
Method 1: Online via FAB Prepaid Portal (Quick Check)
If you do not want to install the app, this is the fastest way to check your balance without the app. For this, you can check your Ratibi Card balance without logging in.
- Step 1: Go to FAB’s Ratibi Card inquiry page.
- Step 2: Enter the last two digits of the card number.
- Step 3: Enter your Card ID (listed on the back of the card).
- Step 4: Click “Go” to view your balance and transaction history.
💡 Expert Tip: Bookmark this page in your internet browser. This will allow you to check quickly in the future—no login required!
Method 2: Via FAB Mobile App (Easiest)
If you check your balance frequently, the FAB app (Android/iOS) is the best:
- Register using your Ratibi Card number, Emirates ID, and mobile number.
- Log in, go to “Cards” and select “Check Balance”.
Bonus: You can also lock/unlock your card from the app if it gets lost.
Method 3: Via SMS (without internet)
This method is successful and useful when you don’t have internet access or don’t want to check online. You may have to pay some charges with this method.
- Send an SMS to FAB’s short code (1010) by typing “BAL”.
- You will receive an automated response with your current balance.
⚠ Note: Normal SMS charges may apply.
Ratibi Card ATM Withdrawal Fees
| ATM Type | Withdrawal Fee |
|---|---|
| FAB (NBAD/FAB) ATMs | Free |
| Non-FAB (UAE) ATMs | AED 2–3 per transaction |
| International ATMs (Abroad) | AED 20 per transaction |
How to activate Ratibi Card in 5 minutes?
Luckily, you don’t need to go to an ATM; you can activate your card from anywhere using your mobile phone. If you have received a new Ratibi card, follow these steps to activate it immediately:
- Step 1: Download the Pay It app (Android / iOS).
- Step 2: Register with your mobile number and Emirates ID.
- Step 3: Link your Ratibi Card by entering the 16-digit card number and CVV.
- Step 4: Verify via OTP (sent to your registered number).
- Step 5: You can now use it for payments, withdrawals, and salary loans.
🔶 Important: If activation fails, call FAB Customer Care on 600 52 5555.
5 Best Benefits of Ratibi Card That You May Not Know
Not only can you receive your salary with this card and app, but it also has many other benefits that you should know about.
Get a salary loan amount (up to 50%)
When you become an old user, you can take a 50% salary advance through the Pay It app. You will not have to pay any interest on this, and the amount will be deducted automatically when your next salary comes.
Suppose you receive a salary of 2000 AED every month on this card, then you can borrow 1000 AED without interest.
Send money overseas at cheap rates:
With the help of this app, people can send money directly to India, Pakistan, Philippines, etc. There will be no need to go to expensive exchange centers. The app has the best exchange rates, and money is transferred instantly.
Pay bills and recharge mobiles without standing in any queue:
You can easily pay bills and recharge for any telecom operator, be it Etisalat, DU, or Virgin Mobile, using this app.
Shop online and in stores (5000+ UAE stores)
Use the Ratibi Card like a debit card—at Carrefour, Lulu, Amazon.ae and more.
Free insurance coverage
You can also get personal accident insurance with this card. This is a rare feature for prepaid cards.
Ratibi vs Traditional Bank Accounts
| Feature | Ratibi Salary Card | Traditional Bank Account |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Salary disbursement for low-income earners | Full banking services for individuals & businesses |
| Eligibility | For salaries below AED 5,000/month (non-salaried expats) | Any salary, usually AED 3,000+ for opening |
| Provider | Offered by FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank) | Offered by all banks (Emirates NBD, ADCB, etc.) |
| Minimum Balance Requirement | No minimum balance required | Usually AED 3,000 (or penalty applies) |
| Monthly Fees | No monthly fees | May apply if balance falls below minimum |
| ATM Access | Free access to FAB ATMs | Free access to bank’s ATMs |
| International ATM Access | Limited or charges apply | Available (charges may apply) |
| Online Banking | Not available | Fully available (internet & mobile banking) |
| Cheque Book | Not issued | Cheque book available (Current account only) |
| Debit Card | Yes (limited use) | Yes (full use, online and POS transactions) |
| Salary Over AED 5,000 | Not allowed | Allowed and common |
| Interest Earning | No | Yes (on Savings account) |
| Loan Eligibility | Not eligible | Eligible (if income meets criteria) |
| Transfer Money Locally | Limited or via exchange houses | Full access (bank transfers, WPS, etc.) |
| International Transfers | Not available | Available |
| Mobile Recharge/Bill Pay | Limited | Fully available |
| Ideal For | Workers, laborers with low income | Professionals, businesspersons, general public |
How to apply for a Ratibi Card? (Steps for Employer and Employee)
Both the Employer and the Employee can apply for the Ratibi card online using the given details. First, complete the requirements and then start the application submission online.
For Employer:
- Must have a corporate account with FAB.
- Fill out the Rateeb application form (available from FAB branches).
- Submit employee details (Excel sheet with name, Emirates ID, salary, etc.).
- Wait for approval (usually 3-5 business days).
For Employee:
- Your employer will need to enroll you.
- Once issued, activate it from the Pay It app (as per the steps above).
Frequently Asked Questions (Expert Answers)
Yes! It’s a prepaid card—no bank account required.
Immediately reset it from the Pay It app or call FAB support.
Yes—up to AED 5,000 per day (may vary by card type). You can find out the limit for your card using the app.
Call FAB immediately at 600 52 5555 to have it blocked.
Final Verdict: Is the Rate Card Useful?
After more than a year of use, I recommend the Ratibi card especially for:
- For low-wage workers (AED 5,000 or less).
- For foreign workers who send money home (remittance at a cheaper rate).
- For employers who pay salaries under the WPS (easy payment system).
If you are using another account for your salary, you can still use it to send money abroad. This can save you from paying additional bank fees. Remember, keep your card ID and PIN safe to avoid fraud.
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