Close FAB Account Guide for UAE Customers

It is important to manage a bank, but there are times when it’s necessary to close an account. First Abu Dhabi Bank customers, one of the largest and most respected financial institutions in the UAE, can close their accounts with ease but only after careful planning. If you’re moving abroad, changing banks, or not using your FAB Account anymore, follow these steps carefully to avoid any unnecessary fees and complications.

This guide will explain everything that you need to do to close FAB account. It covers the requirements, processes, fees, documentation, and helpful tips.

Understanding FAB Account Closure

What does closing a FAB account mean? Closing an AFB Account means your relationship with the bank for this account is officially over. After the account has been terminated, you will no longer be able to deposit money or make withdrawals, nor can you use your debit cards or write cheques.

What is the difference between suspension and closure?

Account suspension or freezing: The bank records your account, but it is inactive.
Closed permanently: The account will be closed, and you cannot reactivate it later.

Understanding closure is important. It is important to know the steps involved in closing a FAB account. This will help you avoid any penalties and protect your reputation. You can also ensure that other transactions, such as salary transactions, aren’t disrupted.

Must Visit: Fab Balance Check

There are many reasons why customers close their FAB accounts

Relocation Abroad

FAB has a significant number of expats as customers. If you are moving home to another country, it is necessary to close the FAB account to simplify your finances and avoid any maintenance fees.

Transferring to another bank

Customers often close their FAB accounts when they discover another bank that offers better digital banking features, lower fees, or more attractive deals.

Dormant or Unused Accounts

You may incur charges if you do not use your FAB current or savings account. Close it to avoid paying unnecessary fees.

The Salary Transfer Problem

Employees may need to change accounts if their employer switches payroll banks. It is not uncommon to close FAB account in this situation.

Personal Preferences

Account closure can be a result of dissatisfaction, slow processing, or poor customer service.

FAB Account Closure Fees and Processing Time

Service / Action	Cost (AED)	Details	Processing Time
Account Closure Fee	0 – 100	Charged mainly for early closure.	1 – 7 days
Balance Transfer	Variable	Fees apply for transferring funds to another bank.	1 – 3 days
Loan Settlement	Variable	Required if loans/overdrafts are linked to the account.	1 – 7 days
Credit Card Settlement	Variable	Pay off and close any linked FAB credit cards.	1 – 7 days
Document Retrieval	0 – 50	Fee for old account statements or related documents.	1 – 3 days
Check Cancellation	0 – 25 per check	Charged for canceling unused or uncashed cheques.	1 – 3 days
Direct Debit Cancellation	0 – 10 per order	Fee for canceling linked standing instructions or auto debits.	1 – 3 days
Inactive Account Fee	Variable	For closing/reactivating inactive or dormant accounts.	1 – 7 days
Balance Certification	0 – 20	Certificate confirming account closure and final balance.	1 – 3 days
Other Admin Fees	Variable	Miscellaneous charges based on bank policy.	1 – 7 days

Pre-Closure Requirements for FAB Account Termination

FAB asks customers to complete certain requirements before submitting their request for closure.

Clear Outstanding Dues

If you have any outstanding:

Loans
Card bills
Overdrafts
Planned payments

FAB rejects your request to close the account if you have not paid all dues.

Cancel standing instructions

Before closing your account, cancel any automatic payments you may have made for credit cards, bills, or transfers.

Keep Minimum Balance If Needed

Some FAB accounts have a required minimum balance. Before requesting to close your account, make sure that it meets the minimum balance requirement.

Update Employer Details

To avoid delays in salary transfers, FAB account holders should inform their employer of the new account number before they close their existing account.

Must Visit: FAB Bank Salary Account Balance Check Online

How to close the FAB account in Steps

The process of closing a FAB is multi-step and should be carefully followed.

Step 1: Remove the remaining funds

You can transfer your balance from one bank to another or cash out. Make sure your account is at zero balance before you proceed.

Step 2: Go to a FAB branch

FAB doesn’t allow online account closure. FAB branches in the UAE require that you visit them personally to close your account.

The Account Closure Form must be completed.

Request and fill out the FAB Account Closure Form at the branch. Fill in all details, including:

Number of Accounts
Information about you
Closure for a specific reason

Step 4: Provide all required documents

Please provide the following information:

Emirates ID Original + Copy
Copy of passport with visa valid page
Card debit/ATM
Checkbook (if issued).

Step 5: Return Bank Materials

FAB customers must return to:

Card Debit
Cheques Unused
Cheque books

Step 6: Confirmation of Closure

Your request will be processed by the bank within three to seven working days. You will be notified by email or written confirmation once your request has been approved.

Documents required for closing the FAB account

Emirates ID original and copy
Copies of the passport and visa
FAB Cheque Book (if Issued)
Card debit card/ATM
Completing the account closure form

Keep a copy of all documents submitted and your final closure request as proof.

Close a FAB account and incur charges

Close-out Charges

FAB will not usually charge you for a standard account closing if there aren’t any outstanding dues.

Charges for early closure

The bank could charge you an early closing fee if you cancel your FAB within 6-12 months.

Dormant Account Charges

You may have to pay a fee for dormant accounts if your account is inactive and has not been used recently.

Process Time to Close FAB Account

Personal accounts: Between 3 and 7 days.
Due to updates in employer payroll, it may take more time for salary accounts.
Accounts Corporate: Processing time can vary from 2-to 4 weeks, depending on the documentation.

FAB will then review your account and ensure that there are no remaining liabilities.

FAB Account Closure: Special Cases

How to close a FAB Salary account

Notify your employer of the closure before it occurs.
Please provide your new account information for the transfer of salary.
Verify that no wage holds have been issued.

Closing the Joint Account

The account closing form must be signed by all account holders.
The request will not be accepted if it does not have both signatures.

How to close a business or corporate account

Documents required for additional documents: Trade license, shareholder identification stamp of the company.
Personal accounts take longer to process.

How to close a non-resident account

Documents of departure or proof of relocation may be required from non-residents.
The passport and visa must still be valid when the closure is made.

Alternatives to Closing Your FAB Account

Closing your FAB may not always be required. Other options include:

To convert to an account for savings, instead of closing your account, you can downgrade it to one with no minimum deposit.
Request to Freeze the Account: You can freeze your account if you are temporarily moving out of the country.
FAB has a variety of account types that can be adapted to meet different requirements.

The Consequences of Closing an FAB Account

Although closures can benefit customers, they should also be aware of their potential negative consequences.

If you fail to pay before the closure, it will impact your credit rating.
If you don’t update your salary transfer in time, it can cause problems.
The loss of benefits or rewards linked to FAB loyalty programes.
Difficulty in reopening a similar account type.

How to close your FAB account smoothly

Request a final statement of account.
Check for any hidden charges or unpaid fees.
In advance, inform your employer and any service providers.
As proof, get a certificate of closure.
Keep copies of any documents you submit.

Conclusion:

If you plan, closing a FAB in the UAE can be a simple process. You can close your FAB account with no penalties if you clear dues, withdraw funds, submit the necessary documents, and return bank materials. Following the correct procedure is essential for a smooth account closure, whether you’re moving abroad, changing banks, or simply simplifying your finances.

To avoid disruptions, always request and keep your closure certificate. Also, inform your service provider and employer.

FAQs

How is FAB on the work line?

FAB does not allow customers to close their accounts without visiting a local branch.

What is the cost of closing a FAB?

Account closures are usually free of charge, though early cancellation may incur fees.

How long will it take me to close my FAB account?

Personal accounts typically take 3-7 business days. Accounts for business accounts can take longer.

How do I get my money back if there is still some in my account

The remaining balance must be withdrawn or transferred before the account is closed.

Is it possible for me to close my account?

You cannot unless you have a power of attorney that is valid and recognized by FAB.