FAB Ratibi Card Guide: How It Works, Balance Check, Fees and Uses

The FAB Ratibi Card is an employer-issued prepaid payroll card designed for UAE employees earning up to AED 5,000. Employers transfer salaries directly to the card, allowing employees to withdraw cash and make in-store or online payments without opening a separate personal bank account.

This FAB Ratibi Card Guide explains eligibility, the application process, balance-checking methods, ATM use, current published fees, WPS salary payments, security tips and what to do if your salary or card is not working as expected.

Quick Answer: What Is the FAB Ratibi Card?

The FAB Ratibi Card is a prepaid salary card arranged by an employer through First Abu Dhabi Bank. The employer must hold a FAB corporate account, while the employee must generally be a UAE resident with complete and updated KYC details.

Key points include:

• It is a payroll card, not a credit card.
• A separate personal bank account is not required.
• Salaries are loaded by the employer.
• It can be used at ATMs, retail stores and online merchants.
• FAB supports salary payments through the UAE Wages Protection System.
• Online balance checks are available through the official prepaid card enquiry portal.
• FAB states that cardholders do not need to maintain a minimum balance or pay monthly cardholder charges.

What Is a FAB Ratibi Card?

The Ratibi Card is a prepaid payroll solution for employees who receive their wages through an employer. It holds money loaded by the company, so the cardholder can spend or withdraw the available balance.

Unlike a credit card, Ratibi does not provide a borrowing facility. FAB’s prepaid card information also states that no interest applies to prepaid cards.

The card may operate through Visa or Mastercard networks, depending on the card issued. International use is subject to merchant acceptance, card settings and applicable charges.

Who Is Eligible for a Ratibi Card?

FAB’s published requirements include both employer and employee conditions.

Employer requirements

The employer must:

• Hold a corporate account with FAB.
• Submit the required Ratibi application documents.
• Provide accurate employee information.
• Act as the main contact between employees and the bank.
• Educate employees about card usage and PIN security.

Employee requirements

The employee must generally:

• Be a resident of the UAE.
• Have complete and up-to-date KYC information.
• Receive salary payments through the participating employer.
• Use the card only for personal transactions.

The AED 5,000 salary figure comes from FAB’s product description. Final acceptance depends on the employer arrangement, employee records and the bank’s approval process.

How to Apply for a FAB Ratibi Card

Employees normally do not apply for Ratibi as an independent personal banking product. The employer begins the process.

The usual process is:

1. The employer completes the Ratibi application form.
2. Employee details are submitted through the required spreadsheet or payroll file.
3. The employer applies for corporate online banking access if card management is required.
4. The application is submitted to a FAB branch or community banking branch.
5. FAB issues the cards to the employer for distribution.
6. The employer provides the cards and explains basic usage to employees.
7. Salary payments are transferred to the cards through the selected payroll process.

If you need a Ratibi Card, speak with your HR, payroll or company administration department first. They can confirm whether your employer participates in the Ratibi programme and whether your salary details have been submitted correctly.

How to Check FAB Ratibi Card Balance Online

The official FAB Ratibi page links to the Magnati prepaid card enquiry portal. The portal requires basic card identification details.

Steps for an online balance enquiry

1. Open the official FAB Ratibi page or the official Magnati prepaid card enquiry portal.
2. Enter the last four digits of your Ratibi Card number.
3. Enter your Card ID.
4. Complete the security verification or CAPTCHA.
5. Select the option to view your balance.

The Card ID is different from your PIN. Never enter your PIN into an unofficial website or share it with another person.

Other ways to check your balance

You may also be able to check the available balance through:

• A FAB ATM using your card and PIN.
• Salary credit SMS alerts.
• Assistance from the employer’s authorised Ratibi contact.
• FAB Ratibi customer support.

SMS alerts can confirm that a salary payment has been credited, but they may not show your updated balance after purchases or cash withdrawals. Checking the online portal before a large payment can help prevent declined transactions.

How to Use the FAB Ratibi Card

ATM cash withdrawals

The card can be used to withdraw money from ATMs. FAB’s current Key Facts Statement lists cash withdrawal at FAB ATMs as free.

Other ATM networks may have different fees or restrictions. Check the ATM screen before confirming a withdrawal, particularly when using a non-FAB, GCC or international ATM.

In-store purchases

Use the card at participating retail stores by inserting, tapping or swiping it, depending on the merchant’s payment terminal. Make sure the available balance is sufficient before completing the transaction.

Online purchases

The Ratibi Card can be used for online purchases where the relevant card network is accepted. Use only secure websites and avoid saving your card information on unfamiliar platforms.

PIN selection and reset

FAB states that cardholders can select their own PIN through FAB ATMs. The current prepaid card information also lists PIN issuance and reset as free.

Keep your PIN private. Do not write it on the card or disclose it to friends, colleagues, callers or online support accounts.

FAB Ratibi Card Fees and Charges

FAB’s product page states that cardholders do not need to maintain a minimum balance and do not pay monthly cardholder charges. However, individual service fees may still apply.

The following amounts are listed in FAB’s published prepaid card Key Facts Statement:

The listed amounts are stated before applicable VAT in the Key Facts Statement. FAB also explains that some service charges may be paid through the employer’s corporate account, while additional charges may apply to cardholders depending on the arrangement.

Before relying on any fee list, check the latest FAB terms and ask your employer which charges apply to your card.

Personal Accident Insurance Benefits

FAB’s Ratibi product information describes free personal accident insurance for eligible cardholders. The listed benefits include:

• Accidental death or permanent total disability: up to five times the monthly salary, subject to a maximum of AED 25,000.
• Hospitalisation caused by an accident for at least 24 hours: AED 50 per day for up to 30 days, with a total limit of AED 1,500.
• Repatriation of mortal remains: actual expenses up to AED 5,000.

These benefits are subject to the applicable insurance policy, eligibility conditions, exclusions and claim requirements. The figures should not be treated as a guaranteed payment in every situation.

How Ratibi Works With the UAE WPS

The UAE Wages Protection System, commonly called WPS, is an electronic payroll framework designed to support safe and timely wage payments.

Under the system, salary information and funds move from an employer through approved financial institutions or payment agents. The system also supports monitoring of wage payments and employee-level balances.

FAB states that Ratibi supports salary payments under UAE WPS guidelines. For employees, this means the card provides a regulated channel for receiving wages. However, Ratibi does not decide when your employer processes payroll. Salary timing still depends on the employment agreement, payroll submission and employer processing.

What to Do If Your Salary Is Not Credited

If your salary has not appeared on the card, follow these steps:

1. Confirm the expected payment date with your HR or payroll department.
2. Ask whether the salary file or WPS payment was submitted successfully.
3. Confirm that your employee details and Ratibi card information are correct.
4. Check your balance through the official enquiry portal.
5. Ask the employer for the payment status or transaction reference.
6. Contact FAB Ratibi support if the employer confirms that the payment was sent but the balance remains unchanged.

Do not share your PIN, password or one-time security code while asking for help. If the matter becomes a wider wage dispute, use official UAE labour authority channels for guidance.

What to Do If Your Ratibi Card Is Lost or Stolen

Report a lost or stolen card as soon as possible.

• Contact FAB Ratibi support to request that the card be blocked.
• Inform your employer or authorised payroll representative.
• Ask the employer to begin the replacement process.
• Review recent transactions for anything you do not recognise.
• Do not accept help from unknown people claiming they can recover the card.

FAB’s current published fee information lists AED 25 for replacing a lost or stolen Ratibi Card before applicable VAT.

If an ATM keeps your card, contact your employer and FAB. FAB’s Ratibi information states that the receiving bank may destroy a confiscated card and that the employer must request a replacement.

Benefits and Limitations of the Ratibi Card

Simple Money-Management Habits for Ratibi Users

A few basic habits can make the card easier to manage:

• Check the balance after your salary is credited.
• Keep a simple record of groceries, transport, bills and other regular expenses.
• Check the available balance before online purchases.
• Keep enough money available for essential payments.
• Review SMS alerts and transaction records regularly.
• Avoid repeated transactions when the balance is insufficient.
• Check the latest fees before using another bank’s ATM.

These habits help you understand your available money and reduce avoidable declined transactions.

Common Ratibi Card Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing the Card ID with the PIN.
• Using unofficial websites for balance checks.
• Assuming every ATM withdrawal is free.
• Sharing the PIN or one-time security codes.
• Waiting several days without asking payroll about a missing salary.
• Failing to report a lost card immediately.
• Ignoring card expiry or replacement instructions.
• Leaving the card unused for a long period without checking the applicable inactivity rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Ratibi Card without opening a bank account?

Yes. FAB describes Ratibi as a salary card that does not require the employee to maintain a separate bank account. The employer must still hold a FAB corporate account.

What is the salary limit for a Ratibi Card?

FAB describes Ratibi as a payroll solution for employees earning up to AED 5,000. Eligibility also depends on the employer arrangement, UAE residency and updated KYC information.

How can I check my Ratibi balance online?

Use the official prepaid card enquiry portal linked from FAB’s Ratibi page. You normally need the last four digits of the card number, your Card ID and the security verification code.

Is the Ratibi Card a credit card?

No. It is a prepaid payroll card. You use the balance loaded by your employer, and FAB’s prepaid card information states that no interest applies.

Can I use Ratibi for online shopping?

Yes. FAB states that Ratibi cards can be used for online and in-store purchases, subject to card-network and merchant acceptance.

Can I withdraw cash from any ATM?

The card is designed for ATM use, but fees and acceptance may vary by ATM network and country. FAB’s current Key Facts Statement lists cash withdrawal at FAB ATMs as free.

What should I do if my salary is missing?

Contact your HR or payroll department first to confirm that the salary payment was submitted. If the employer confirms payment but it is not showing on the card, contact FAB Ratibi support.

Can I apply for Ratibi by myself?

Ratibi is generally arranged through the employer. The company submits the application and employee details to FAB, then distributes the cards to eligible employees.

What should I do if I lose my card?

Contact FAB Ratibi support immediately to block the card and notify your employer. The employer usually helps arrange the replacement.