Bank cards have become an essential part of daily life, changing the way we manage money. Whether you are buying groceries, grabbing a coffee, or shopping online, they make payments fast, secure, and hassle-free. There is no need to carry cash or worry about having the right change—everything is just a tap or swipe away. Beyond convenience, bank cards also provide peace of mind, allowing you to make transactions safely across the UAE and abroad. From debit cards linked to your account to credit cards that help you manage spending, these cards give you flexibility and control over your finances.
However, most banks require a salary certificate and proof of earnings above AED 5,000 to open an account, which can be challenging for those with lower salaries. This is where FAB comes in, offering a simple and convenient solution. The Ratibi Card created by FAB has become one of the most popular payroll cards in the UAE. Designed specifically for employees earning less than AED 5,000 per month, it is the country’s only official salary card for this income bracket. The best part is that you do not need a regular bank account—your salary is loaded directly onto the card, making access to your funds quick and hassle-free.
Salary Card vs. Debit Card: What’s the Difference?
This is a common question, so let’s break it down.
- Salary Cards are issued through your employer. It is mainly for receiving your monthly pay, and in most cases, you won’t be charged fees.
- Debit Cards are linked to your personal bank account. You can use it for daily spending, but banks may apply minimum balance requirements or monthly fees. In short, a salary card is a simpler, fee-free alternative for workers who just want easy access to their wages without maintaining a minimum amount on their card.
What’s a Ratibi Card?
The Ratibi Card by FAB is a prepaid salary card that makes it easy for workers earning up to AED 5,000 a month to access their money. Instead of opening a traditional bank account, your salary is credited directly to the card. With it, you can:
- Withdraw cash from ATMs worldwide
- Make purchases in stores or online
- Skip minimum balance requirements or maintenance fees
- Enjoy free personal accident insurance
It is basically a no-frills, cost-effective way to manage your salary. If you earn slightly more than AED 5,000 and want to check traditional banking without worrying about minimum balance requirements , check out this list of 6 Best Zero Balance Bank Accounts in UAE
Why Employers Like It Too?
The Ratibi Card is not only useful for employees, it also helps employers simplify payroll. Businesses can deposit salaries directly onto the card, track payments in real time, and comply with the UAE’s Wage Protection System (WPS). It removes the difficulty of managing multiple salary transfers through different banks.
Key Features of the Ratibi Card
Ratibi Card comes packed with a lot of attractive features and benefits to accommodate the varying needs of employers and employees. Besides offering a simplified solution to receive salaries, the Ratibi Card offers a lot of other advantages including:
- Elimination of a bank account
- Salaries are transferred directly to the card
- Free personal accident insurance which provides a financial net in the face of accidents
- Round-the-clock access to CDMs and ATMs across the globe
- Quick withdrawal and deposit at any time of the day
- Zero balance requirement
- No monthly maintenance charges
- Can be used for making payments in stores and online
- Free SMS alerts
- Easy monitoring of funds
- Personalized PIN selection at FAB’s designated ATMs
- Complied with the UAE's WPS guidelines
- Salaries are credited automatically with simplified payroll processing
- Online card management
Who Can Use a Ratibi Card?
Individuals and establishments who can register for a Ratibi Card include:
- Employees earning AED 5,000 or less
If your monthly salary does not go above AED 5,000, you can have your wages sent straight to the card. There is no need to open a bank account, which means no minimum balance requirements and no surprise banking fees. For many low-income workers in the UAE, this is an easy way to receive money on time and avoid unnecessary stress. - Employers with an FAB corporate account
Businesses that already bank with FAB can use the Ratibi system to pay staff salaries. It makes payroll smoother and allows employers to track card activity in real time. This is especially useful for companies managing large teams, as it saves time and reduces errors. -
UAE residents under registered companies
Any resident of the UAE who works for a registered employer can apply for the card through their company. It is open to both expatriates and locals, as long as the employer is set up with FAB.
Eligibility Criteria
To obtain a Ratibi Card from FAB, you should fulfill the below-given requirements:
- The employer must have a corporate bank account with FAB.
- The employee for which the card is being requested must be a resident of the UAE
- Employees must have updated KYC details to be able to apply for a Ratibi Card.
How to Apply for a Ratibi Card?
To apply for a Ratibi Card, you must first log on to FAB’s official website and hover to the prepaid cards tab. From here on, select the Ratibi Prepaid Card. A dedicated webpage will open providing all details related to the bank card. Scroll down the page and you will find downloads.
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Visit the FAB website and head to the prepaid cards section.
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Download the Ratibi application form.
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Fill out the form with your details and attach the employee Excel sheet.
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Complete the iBanking application form if you want online access.
- Submit all the documents at your nearest FAB branch.
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How to Check Your Ratibi Card Balance Online and via ATM?
Keeping track of your salary with a Ratibi Card is straightforward and can be done in two ways.
Checking Online (FAB Balance Check)
- Visit the official FAB website.
- Go to the Prepaid Cards section and choose Ratibi Prepaid Card.
- On the Ratibi page, find the “Existing Ratibi Card Holder” option.
- Click on “Ratibi Prepaid Card Balance Inquiry.”
- Enter your Card ID and the last two digits of your card number.
- Click “Go,” and your available balance will appear on the screen.
Always use FAB’s official website when checking your balance and avoid unfamiliar links, as they may put your financial information at risk.
Checking at an ATM
You can also view your balance at any ATM:
- Insert your Ratibi Card and enter your PIN.
- From the main menu, select “Balance Inquiry.”
- The ATM will display your current balance.
- You can then choose to withdraw cash or simply exit.
This option is convenient if you are already at an ATM or do not have access to the internet.
FAQs
Can I withdraw cash using my Ratibi Card?
Yes. The card can be used at ATMs worldwide. Simply insert the card, enter your PIN, and choose “Withdraw Cash.”
What should I do if I lose my Ratibi Card?
Contact FAB customer support immediately. They will block the card to protect your money and guide you through requesting a replacement.
Are there any maintenance fees?
No. The Ratibi Card has no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. It is designed to make salary payments easy and cost-free.
Can I use the card for shopping or online payments?
Yes. The Ratibi Card can be used both in stores and online, locally and internationally.
Can I transfer money to another bank account?
No. The card is intended only for receiving salaries and spending directly. Transfers to other bank accounts are not available.
Is there a daily withdrawal limit?
Yes. There is a daily limit, which may vary depending on your employer and FAB’s policies.