If you’re working in the UAE and earning up to AED 5,000 per month, the Ratibi card is likely your salary solution. It’s a prepaid salary card issued by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) that lets you receive your wages, withdraw cash, and make purchases—all without needing a traditional bank account. Over 300,000 workers across the UAE rely on this card because it’s simple, compliant with UAE labour laws, and comes with built-in insurance protection.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Ratibi card in 2026: who qualifies, what benefits you get, how employers can apply, and how it fits into the UAE’s Wage Protection System.
📌 Key Facts About FAB Ratibi Card:
- What it is: Prepaid salary card by FAB for employees earning up to AED 5,000/month
- No bank account needed: Salary loaded directly onto the card via WPS
- Free personal accident insurance: Up to 5x monthly salary (max AED 25,000) + hospitalization cover
- Where to use it: ATMs nationwide, online payments, in-store purchases, international transactions
- Eligibility: UAE residents with valid Emirates ID; employer must have FAB corporate account
- Cost: Zero monthly fees, free salary credits, free SMS alerts; nominal fee for card replacement
What is Ratibi Card in UAE?
The Ratibi card is a prepaid salary card designed for employees who don’t have—or don’t need—a full bank account. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) issues it specifically for workers earning up to AED 5,000 per month. Your employer loads your salary onto the card through the UAE Wage Protection System (WPS), and you can use it immediately for withdrawals, shopping, or bill payments.
Unlike a debit card linked to a savings account, the Ratibi card is strictly prepaid. You can only spend what’s loaded onto it. There’s no overdraft, no credit limit, and no minimum balance requirement.
The card is part of FAB’s payroll solutions and is fully compliant with UAE labour regulations under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations.
Who uses it?
Construction workers, retail staff, hospitality employees, security personnel, domestic workers—anyone whose monthly salary falls within the AED 5,000 threshold and whose employer uses FAB for payroll.
Ratibi Card Eligibility Requirements 2026
Not everyone can get a Ratibi card. There are conditions for both employees and employers.
Employee Eligibility
To qualify for a Ratibi card, you must:
- Be a resident of the UAE with a valid Emirates ID
- Have your salary paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS)
- Earn AED 5,000 or less per month (basic salary, excluding allowances)
- Provide complete KYC (Know Your Customer) documents: passport copy, visa page, Emirates ID, and proof of employment
- Be employed by a company with a corporate account at FAB
If your salary exceeds AED 5,000, you’re not eligible for Ratibi. In that case, your employer would typically open a regular salary account for you at FAB or another UAE bank.
Employer Requirements
For companies to issue Ratibi cards to employees, they must:
- Hold a corporate account with First Abu Dhabi Bank
- Be registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and use WPS for salary transfers
- Submit bulk employee data via FAB’s iBanking platform
- Ensure all employees meet KYC compliance standards
Employers cannot issue Ratibi cards independently. The process goes through FAB’s corporate banking division.
How Does the Ratibi Card Work?
Salary Loading Process
Your employer doesn’t hand you cash or transfer money to a personal account. Instead, they upload a salary file to FAB’s system. The bank processes it through WPS, and your wages land on your Ratibi card on payday—usually within 24 hours of the transfer.
You get an SMS alert the moment your salary is credited. No delays, no cheques, no cash handling.
Using Your Ratibi Card
Once your salary is loaded, you can:
- Withdraw cash from any FAB ATM (free) or non-FAB ATMs (small fee may apply)
- Shop in-store at any retailer that accepts Visa or Mastercard
- Pay bills online through e-commerce sites, utility portals, or telecom recharge services
- Send money internationally via Payit app or MoneyGram partners
- Check your balance anytime using the PPC Magnati portal, FAB mobile app, SMS, or ATM
The card works exactly like a debit card, except it’s not linked to a savings account.
Real Example:
Ahmed earns AED 3,200/month as a retail assistant in Dubai. His employer credits his salary on the 1st of every month. Ahmed withdraws AED 500 at a FAB ATM (free), uses AED 1,200 for groceries and transport, sends AED 1,000 to his family in Pakistan via Payit, and keeps AED 500 on the card for emergencies. No bank account needed.
Ratibi Card Benefits: What You Get
1. No Bank Account Required
The biggest advantage? You don’t need to open a bank account, maintain a minimum balance, or deal with account statements. Your card is your account.
This is especially helpful if you’re new to the UAE, don’t meet bank account eligibility requirements, or simply prefer a simpler financial setup.
2. Free Personal Accident Insurance
Every Ratibi cardholder gets automatic personal accident insurance coverage at no extra cost. Here’s what’s covered:
| Event | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Death or permanent total disability due to accident | 5x monthly salary OR AED 25,000 (whichever is lower) |
| Hospitalization due to accident (minimum 24 hours) | AED 50/day for up to 30 days (max AED 1,500) |
| Repatriation of mortal remains | Up to AED 5,000 |
Worked Example:
If you earn AED 4,000/month and suffer permanent disability in an accident, you’re eligible for AED 20,000 (5 x AED 4,000). If you’re hospitalized for 10 days due to an accident, you receive AED 500 (10 days x AED 50).
This insurance is automatic. You don’t apply for it separately.
3. WPS Compliance = Salary Protection
Because Ratibi cards operate under the UAE Wage Protection System, your salary is legally protected. Employers cannot delay payments beyond the due date, and MOHRE monitors all transactions.
If your employer fails to pay on time, you can file a complaint with MOHRE, and the system flags the violation automatically. This protects you from wage theft or delayed salaries.
4. Zero Monthly Fees
There’s no monthly maintenance charge, no annual fee, and no hidden costs for regular usage. Salary credits are free. SMS alerts are free. Balance inquiries are free.
You only pay:
- Card replacement fee if lost/damaged (around AED 25–50)
- Withdrawal fees at non-FAB ATMs (varies by ATM operator)
- International transaction fees (if applicable based on merchant location)
5. Global Acceptance
Your Ratibi card works worldwide wherever Visa or Mastercard is accepted. You can use it for online shopping, hotel bookings, or ATM withdrawals abroad (currency conversion fees apply).
How to Apply for Ratibi Card: Employer Guide
Employees don’t apply individually. Your employer handles the entire process. Here’s how companies can get Ratibi cards for their workforce:
Step 1: Open a Corporate Account with FAB
If your company doesn’t already bank with FAB, you’ll need to open a corporate account. This requires trade license, memorandum of association, passport copies of authorized signatories, and Emirates ID.
Step 2: Register with MOHRE WPS
Your company must be registered with MOHRE and enrolled in the Wage Protection System. This is mandatory for all UAE employers.
Step 3: Submit Ratibi Application Form
Download the Ratibi application form from FAB’s corporate banking portal or request it from your relationship manager. Fill in company details: trade license number, authorized signatory, number of employees eligible for Ratibi.
Step 4: Provide Employee Details
Prepare an Excel sheet with employee data: full name, Emirates ID number, passport number, visa file number, salary amount, mobile number for SMS alerts. FAB provides a template.
Step 5: Complete iBanking Setup
Fill out the iBanking application form to enable online card management. This allows your HR team to track card issuance, monitor balances, and reorder cards if needed.
Step 6: Submit to FAB Branch
Submit all documents—application form, employee Excel sheet, iBanking form, trade license copy—to the nearest FAB branch or community banking center.
Step 7: Card Issuance
FAB processes the application within 5–7 business days. Cards are delivered to your company’s registered address. Distribute them to employees along with a welcome kit that includes the card PIN (sent separately for security).
Step 8: Activate & Load First Salary
Employees activate their cards by calling FAB customer support or using the Payit app. Once activated, load the first salary via WPS, and the cards are live.
Ratibi Card Fees and Charges 2026
Most Ratibi card services are free, but there are a few exceptions:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Monthly maintenance | Free |
| Salary credit | Free |
| SMS alerts | Free |
| Balance inquiry (FAB ATM) | Free |
| Cash withdrawal (FAB ATM) | Free |
| Cash withdrawal (non-FAB ATM) | AED 2–5 per transaction (varies by ATM operator) |
| Card replacement (lost/damaged) | AED 25–50 |
| International ATM withdrawal | 2.5%–3% of withdrawal amount + ATM operator fee |
| PIN change at ATM | Free |
If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to FAB customer support. A replacement card costs around AED 25–50 and takes 3–5 business days to issue.
Ratibi Card vs Other FAB Prepaid Cards
FAB offers several prepaid salary cards. Here’s how Ratibi compares:
| Feature | Ratibi Card | FAB Nafis Card | FAB DWallet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target users | Employees earning ≤AED 5,000 | UAE Nationals (Emirati youth) | Government employees |
| Bank account required? | No | No | No |
| Insurance included? | Yes (accident cover) | Yes (enhanced benefits) | Yes |
| International use? | Yes (Visa/Mastercard network) | Yes | Yes |
| WPS compliance? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Eligibility | Expats + UAE nationals | UAE nationals only | Government sector only |
If you’re an expat earning below AED 5,000, Ratibi is your only option. UAE nationals have access to Nafis, which offers higher coverage limits and additional perks.
How to Check Ratibi Card Balance
There are multiple ways to check your Ratibi card balance. We’ve covered these in detail in our Ratibi Card Balance Check guide, but here’s a quick overview:
1. PPC Magnati Portal (Online)
Visit the PPC inquiry portal at ppc.magnati.com, enter the last 2 digits of your card and your full Card ID (on the back), and click Go. Your balance appears instantly. Learn more in our PPC Magnati Balance Enquiry guide.
2. FAB Mobile App
Download the FAB mobile app, register with your Ratibi card number and Emirates ID, and view your balance anytime.
3. SMS
Send your 13-digit Ratibi card number to 2121 from your registered mobile number. You’ll receive your balance via SMS within seconds.
4. FAB ATM
Insert your card at any FAB ATM, enter your PIN, select Balance Inquiry, and view your available funds on screen.
5. Customer Support
Call FAB’s 24/7 helpline at 600 522 298 (UAE) or +971 2 499 6279 (international). Follow the IVR prompts to check your balance via automated voice service.
Ratibi Card and the Wage Protection System (WPS)
The Ratibi card is fully integrated with UAE’s Wage Protection System, a government initiative managed by MOHRE and the Central Bank to ensure timely salary payments.
How WPS Works:
- Employer uploads salary file to their bank (FAB in this case)
- Bank verifies payment details and processes through WPS
- MOHRE receives confirmation that salaries were paid
- Employee receives salary on card within 24 hours
- MOHRE monitors for any delays or violations
If your employer fails to pay on time, WPS flags it as a violation. Repeated violations can result in:
- Suspension of work permits
- Fines imposed on the employer
- Ban on hiring new employees
- Legal action by affected workers
This system protects you. If your salary is delayed, you have legal recourse through MOHRE.
What to Do If Your Ratibi Card is Lost or Stolen
Step 1: Call FAB Immediately
Contact FAB customer support at 600 522 298 or +971 2 499 6279 and report the card as lost or stolen. The bank will block it instantly to prevent unauthorized transactions.
Step 2: File a Police Report (If Stolen)
If your card was stolen, file a report at the nearest police station. You’ll need this for insurance claims or disputes.
Step 3: Request a Replacement Card
Ask FAB to issue a replacement card. The fee is around AED 25–50. You’ll receive it at your employer’s registered address within 3–5 business days.
Step 4: Activate the New Card
Once you receive the replacement, activate it via the Payit app or by calling customer support. Your balance transfers automatically to the new card.
Common Ratibi Card Problems & Solutions
Problem 1: Balance Not Updated After Salary Credit
Solution: Wait 2–4 hours. WPS transfers can take time to reflect. If it’s been more than 24 hours, call FAB support or ask your employer to check the WPS portal for payment confirmation.
Problem 2: Card Declined at POS Terminal
Solution: Check your balance first. If funds are available, the merchant’s terminal may not accept prepaid cards. Try another retailer or withdraw cash instead.
Problem 3: SMS Alerts Not Received
Solution: Your mobile number may not be registered with FAB. Visit a branch with your Emirates ID and Ratibi card to update your contact details.
Problem 4: Forgot PIN
Solution: Call FAB customer support to reset your PIN, or visit any FAB ATM and use the “Forgot PIN” option. You’ll receive a new PIN via registered mail within 3–5 days.
Problem 5: Card Expired
Solution: Ratibi cards typically have a 3–5 year validity period. Your employer will receive a replacement card automatically before expiry. If not, contact HR to request one.
Real Talk: What FAB Won’t Tell You
Most banks make prepaid salary cards sound flawless. Here’s what they don’t advertise:
1. Non-FAB ATM fees add up fast.
If you withdraw cash from Emirates NBD, ADCB, or ENBD ATMs regularly, you’re paying AED 2–5 per transaction. Over a year, that’s AED 120+. Stick to FAB ATMs whenever possible.
2. International transactions have hidden fees.
That “great deal” you found on Amazon US? You’ll pay 2.5%–3% currency conversion fees on top of the purchase price. Factor this in before buying abroad.
3. Insurance claims require paperwork.
The accident insurance is real, but claiming it isn’t instant. You’ll need medical reports, police reports (if applicable), and employer confirmation. Budget 2–4 weeks for claim processing.
4. You can’t transfer money directly to other bank accounts.
Ratibi cards don’t support direct transfers to IBAN accounts. If you need to send money to someone’s bank account, use Payit or MoneyGram—both charge fees.
5. Salary delays still happen despite WPS.
WPS protects you legally, but some employers still delay salaries and deal with fines later. If this happens repeatedly, document it and escalate to MOHRE—or start looking for a new job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I open a Ratibi card myself without an employer?
No. Ratibi cards are issued exclusively through employers with FAB corporate accounts. Individuals cannot apply directly.
2. What happens to my Ratibi card if I change jobs?
Your card remains active until your visa is canceled. However, your new employer (if using FAB) can link your salary to the same card, or you may receive a new one if they use a different bank.
3. Can I use my Ratibi card to apply for a personal loan?
No. Ratibi cards are prepaid and not linked to a bank account. Most UAE banks require a salary account to issue personal loans.
4. Is there a daily withdrawal limit on Ratibi cards?
Yes. The standard limit is AED 5,000 per day from ATMs and AED 10,000 for POS transactions. Check with your employer or FAB for specific limits.
5. Can I add money to my Ratibi card myself?
No. Only your employer can load funds via WPS. You cannot top up the card manually.
6. What if my employer doesn’t pay my end-of-service gratuity on time?
File a complaint with MOHRE within 14 days of leaving your job. MOHRE will investigate and enforce payment if the employer is at fault.
7. Can I link my Ratibi card to Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Currently, FAB does not support Ratibi card integration with digital wallets. You must use the physical card for transactions.
8. How long does it take to activate a new Ratibi card?
Activation is instant via the Payit app or FAB customer support. Once activated, the card is ready to use immediately.
9. Can I withdraw my full salary on payday?
Yes, as long as you stay within the daily ATM withdrawal limit (usually AED 5,000). If your salary exceeds this, withdraw over multiple days or use POS purchases.
10. What should I do if my employer asks me to return the Ratibi card?
If you’ve resigned or been terminated, your employer may request the card back for accounting purposes. Ensure your final salary and gratuity are credited before returning it.
