If you receive your salary on a FAB Ratibi card, doing a quick Ratibi balance check helps you confirm salary credit, avoid failed withdrawals, and plan expenses before you visit an ATM or exchange house. This guide covers the most common ways to check your Ratibi salary card balance online, by ATM, and (where available) via SMS/phone.
What is a FAB Ratibi salary card?
Ratibi is a salary card solution issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) for employees who may not have a traditional bank account. Your employer deposits your salary to the card, and you can use it to withdraw cash (and in many cases pay at merchants) depending on your card type and program rules.
What you need before checking your Ratibi balance
- Your Ratibi card (and PIN for ATM inquiries)
- Card details such as the card number (useful for some digital/support channels)
- Registered mobile number (required for any SMS alerts or certain verification steps)
If you are also managing other employer-issued cards, you may want to compare steps with this guide on Lulu salary check UAE (another popular salary card program) to understand differences in channels and requirements.
Method 1: Ratibi balance check online (FAB digital channels)
Many users can check their available balance through FAB’s official digital services, depending on the card program and whether digital access is enabled. For official information about FAB services and digital banking, refer to the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) official website.
Option A: FAB mobile app (if your Ratibi card supports it)
Some Ratibi cardholders can view balances through the FAB Mobile app after registration/verification.
- Step 1: Install the FAB Mobile app from your phone’s app store.
- Step 2: Choose registration/sign-in options available for cardholders.
- Step 3: Complete verification (often via OTP to your registered mobile).
- Step 4: Open your card/account section to view the available balance and recent transactions.
If your Ratibi card is not eligible for app login, use the ATM method below (most reliable) or contact FAB support.
Option B: FAB online banking (availability may vary)
In some cases, FAB online banking access may be available for cardholders after enrollment. If you cannot register, it usually means your card program is not enabled for that channel.
Method 2: Ratibi balance check at a FAB ATM (fastest for most users)
Checking your balance at an ATM is commonly supported for Ratibi salary cards and works even if online access is not available.
- Step 1: Insert your Ratibi card into a FAB ATM.
- Step 2: Enter your PIN.
- Step 3: Select Balance Inquiry (or Account Balance).
- Step 4: View your balance on screen (and print a mini statement if needed).
For a broader guide that also applies to other FAB-issued cards, see this related post on FAB balance check.
Method 3: Ratibi balance check by SMS (only if SMS banking/alerts are enabled)
SMS balance inquiry is not always available for every Ratibi program. If your card comes with SMS alerts or SMS banking, you may be able to request your balance via a specific keyword/format.
- Step 1: Check the back of your card, your welcome kit, or employer HR notes for the official SMS number and command format.
- Step 2: Ensure your mobile number is registered with the card program.
- Step 3: Send the approved SMS command and wait for the reply with your balance/last transactions.
If you do not have the correct SMS format, do not guess. Use the ATM method or contact FAB to avoid failed messages or unnecessary charges.
Method 4: Balance inquiry via customer support
If you cannot access online channels or ATMs, you can usually confirm your balance by contacting FAB customer support (identity verification will be required). Keep your Emirates ID and card details ready.
Common issues and fixes
“Salary not credited” but employer says it was paid
- Wait for the bank processing window (credits may reflect later than payroll time).
- Check your balance at a FAB ATM and review recent transactions/mini statement.
- Confirm the salary payment date and bank file submission time with HR/payroll.
ATM says “Incorrect PIN” or card blocked
- Do not retry repeatedly; cards may lock after multiple failed attempts.
- Contact FAB to reset/unblock the PIN according to bank procedure.
Online/app registration not working
- Some Ratibi card programs do not support full online banking registration.
- Use the ATM balance inquiry as the primary method.
Safety tips when checking Ratibi card balance
- Never share your PIN or OTP with anyone, including callers claiming to be “bank staff”.
- Use official channels only (FAB ATMs, official app/site, verified support).
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for any banking/app login.
For general guidance on UAE banking consumer safety and dispute pathways, you can consult the UAE Central Bank website.
Related salary-card and payroll guides
If you frequently manage salary timings and entitlements (not just card balance), you may also find these helpful: leave salary calculation in UAE.
FAQs
Is “available balance” the same as my salary amount?
Not always. Your available balance may be lower if you have already withdrawn cash, made purchases, paid fees, or if a transaction is pending. Use a mini statement to confirm your last salary credit and deductions.
Can I check Ratibi balance from any ATM?
Usually you can check at FAB ATMs most reliably. Other bank ATMs may work depending on network rules, but they may charge fees or display limited information.
Does Ratibi have a fixed SMS number for balance inquiry?
It depends on your card program and whether SMS services are activated. Always use the SMS number/format provided in official documentation (card sticker, welcome pack, employer HR instructions) or confirmed by FAB support.
What should I do if my card is expired or damaged?
Contact your employer HR and FAB for replacement guidance. You may still be able to verify salary credits via support while waiting for a replacement card, subject to identity checks.
Summary
The quickest Ratibi balance check is typically through a FAB ATM using the Balance Inquiry option. If your program supports it, you may also view your balance through FAB digital channels; SMS balance checking may be available only for certain card setups. For consistent results, keep your registered mobile number updated and use official channels for verification.
