The management of money is one of the significant aspects of everyday life, and it is usually the first step to know how much money is in your account or card. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) forms a core part of the bank deposits of salaries, prepaid card services, and day-to-day banking requirements of thousands of people and employees in the UAE. Be it a salary account, Ratibi card or a prepaid card; counting your money in seconds and safely is the only way to know you are not going to miss out on spending on your expenses.
This manual clarifies all the variations of the FAB balance check. It encompasses online banking, mobile application, ATM, SMS inquiries and balance check via the exchange banks such as Lulu and Al Ansari. It also brings out the distinction between FAB and NBAD balance enquiry, information regarding Ratibi salary cards, prepaid card systems and frequent problems encountered by users.
Knowing FAB and Its Banking Services
FAB or First Abu Dhabi Bank is the biggest bank in the United Arab Emirates. It was established when the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and First Gulf Bank (FGB) merged. Due to this merger, there are still a lot of people who are searching for NBAD balance check, but all these services are currently working under FAB.
FAB has a large number of customers:
- Salary-account employees.
- Employees holding Ratibi cards are prepaid salary cards for those who do not have conventional bank accounts.
- Customers with prepaid cards (PPC -PayPlus Card).
- People who use ATM and mobile services when carrying out fast transactions.
This is because its FAB is flexible and this is why most employers are using it to pay their workers and the reason why workers are confident that they can safely access their money using FAB
Methods of checking the FAB Balance
FAB provides a number of balance enquiry techniques. Online solutions, mobile apps, ATM, and SMS are all options with something available to anyone.
Fab Online Balance Check (Website Method)
Besides the mobile application, it is also possible to check your FAB card balance via the official FAB site. This will be particularly beneficial to Ratibi and prepaid card customers who desire to check their balance without necessarily logging into the internet banking.
Balance Checking Online Steps:
- Visit the FAB Prepaid Card online at ppc.magnati.com.
- In the first box, type the last 2 digits of your card number.
- In the second box, you should type in your card ID (printed on your card).
- Click Go to proceed.
- The amount that is available to you will show immediately on the screen.
Why is this useful?
- Internet banking credentials are not required.
- Both desktop and mobile browsers are supported.
- Easy and fast among the users of the simple and prepaid cards.
This is among the quickest techniques of verifying your salary deposit, or checking available funds before the issuance of payment.

Checking Balance with Mobile Application
The simplest method of tracking money for many users is using the FAB Mobile App. It is compatible with Android and iOS and allows the user to access balance information instantly.
Steps:
- Install the FAB Mobile App in the app stores of Google Play or the App Store.
- Using your online banking information, log in.
- Tap on My Accounts or My Cards.
- The balance in your bank will be reflected immediately.
The application not only helps check balance but also enables transferring of money, paying bills and managing prepaid card services. This would render it the most user-friendly to the majority.

FAB Balance Inquiry via SMS 2121
The other easy alternative is to use SMS banking to check your balance. This is especially common among the Ratibi cardholders who might not access the internet.
Steps:
- Ensure that your cell phone number is enrolled at FAB.
- Send a text message with the necessary message to 2121.
- In a few seconds you will get a message regarding your available balance.
The technique is quick and can be carried out on all mobile phones including those without the internet. Nevertheless, there may be normal charges for sending SMS depending on your telecom company.

FAB ATM Balance Check
FAB has a large ATM network within the UAE. These machines can help the customers of the salary account, Ratibi users as well as prepaid cardholders to check their balance.
Steps:
- Insert FAB card (salary, prepaid, or Ratibi) in the ATM.
- Enter your PIN code.
- You can choose the menu Balance Inquiry.
- The balance will be shown on the screen.
There are also numerous exchange house ATM systems, such as Lulu Exchange, which accommodate the FAB balance enquiries in addition to those of FAB itself.

Checking Balance through Customer Care / Phone Banking
FAB also offers a customer care hotline whereby the customer can make inquiries. Those customers who want to get to know the account balance can call the helpline whereby the automated system (IVR) will be used or make a direct call to a representative.
This would come in handy when your card is not operating at an ATM or when you have problems with online banking.
FAB Retail Prepaid Card and Balance Check
The FAB Ratibi Card is a pre-paid salary card that was introduced by the First Bank of Abu Dhabi to assist workers who lack a conventional bank account. It is primarily targeted at employees with monthly earnings of AED 5,000 or lower, which enables the companies to deposit the salaries into the card without any risk. It has been one of the most used payroll solutions in the UAE since its introduction in 2008.
Most important advantages of the Ratibi Card
- No bank account needed -salaries are deposited straight to the card.
- Free use of the 24/7 ATM network of FAB in the UAE.
- No fee and minimum balance per month.
- Accepted by Visa and MasterCard.
- Free SMS to inform of the deposit of salary.
- Free individual personal accident insurance.
- Completely in line with the Wage Protection System (WPS) in the UAE.
Checking Card Balance of Ratibi Cards
FAB makes it easy to monitor the salaries of the Ratibi cardholders with the help of several channels:
- ATM– Insert your card in any FAB ATM, type in your PIN and select Balance Inquiry.
- SMS 2121– Insert the form of your card details and send it to 2121 to receive an immediate SMS of your balance.
- Exchange Houses Visit Lulu Exchange, Al Ansari, or any FAB partner stores and swipe your card along with your Emirates ID to see how much money you have or to withdraw cash.
To most employees in the UAE, the ratibi card is the only financial tool they use daily and therefore FAB has ensured that balance enquiry is fast, easy and can be performed anytime.

FAB Prepaid Card and PPC Balance Enquiry
Besides Ratibi, FAB has prepaid cards, including Payplus Card (PPC). The cards are replenished with funds and can be used in shopping, travelling as well as paying bills online.
Methods to enquire about the balance in prepaid cards:
An internet advance payment enquiry system through the FAB website.
FAB Mobile App to track card history.
Exchange Houses such as Lulu, Al Ansari and Al Rostamani.
Checking the prepaid card balance is necessary in budgeting because most customers prepare these cards by loading them to use in everyday expenses.
📊 Comparison Table: FAB Ratibi vs Prepaid Card vs Salary Account
| Feature | Ratibi Card | Prepaid Card | Salary Account (Debit Card) |
| Target Users | Employees earning ≤ AED 5,000 | Shoppers, travelers, online users | Employees with a regular bank account |
| Bank Account Needed | ❌ Not required | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required |
| Salary Deposit | ✔ Direct from employer | Optional top-up by the user | ✔ Direct from employer |
| ATM Access | ✔ Free 24/7 FAB ATM access | ✔ Available | ✔ Available |
| SMS Alerts | ✔ Free on salary credit | Optional (depends on card type) | ✔ Available |
| Monthly Fees | ❌ None | ❌ Usually none | ❌ None for basic account |
| Insurance | ✔ Personal accident insurance | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included |
| Global Acceptance | ✔ Visa / MasterCard | ✔ Visa / MasterCard | ✔ Visa / MasterCard |
| Best For | Low-income workers in the UAE | Flexible payments & online shopping | Full banking services + savings |
FAB Balance Enquiry through the UAE Exchange Houses
Exchange houses are significant in the offering of facilities for checking balances to the users of FAB.
Lulu Exchange Balance Check
One of the most frequented locations where Ratibi and prepaid cardholders can check their balance is Lulu Exchange. They have ATMs and kiosks where people can check their balance and withdraw money.
Al Ansari Salary Check
FAB salary cards and prepaid cards are also supported by Al Ansari Exchange. The customers will be able to check their balance in any branch or ATM.
Al Rostamani Balance Check
Al Rostamani Exchange, another well-known company in the UAE financial market offers similar services.
Such alliances ensure that the balance enquiry is easy for the workers residing in various locations of the country.

Balance Inquiry (Formerly FAB) at NBAD
The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has been among the largest banks in the UAE before the formation of FAB. On its merger with First Gulf Bank, it became First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
In case you search for NBAD balance check, NBAD prepaid card enquiry, it will now redirect to FAB services. All the features like ATM, SMS, mobile application, and exchange houses will be retained with the same name.
Normal Problems with FAB Balance Check
Although balance enquiry is generally smooth, some users have problems with balance enquiry such as:
- The ATM is not displaying the balance.
- The balance inquiry of SMS is not working because it is not a registered mobile number.
- Lost user name or password for online banking.
- Card blocked or lost.
- Salary not credited on time.
The most appropriate option in such situations is to call the FAB customer support or visit one of the branches.
FAB Salary and Prepaid Card Security Advice
As prepaid cards and salary cards are a very common usage, security rules should be observed:
- Do not disclose your PIN or card number to other people.
- Official FAB only, either website or mobile.
- It is impossible to check the balance with a common WiFi or other devices.
- Always report a lost or stolen card immediately to FAB customer care.
- Change your mobile number so that you can receive SMS alerts.
- These steps will help you to secure your account and funds.
Eligibility Requirements of the FAB Ratibi Card
In order to apply for the FAB Ratibi Card, employees, as well as employers, have to meet some requirements. The employees must be UAE nationals whose salary is not above AED 5,000, and their employer must be registered on the Wage Protection System (WPS) of the UAE. Employers are also required to have a corporate account with FAB to pay out salaries without any hitches.
For Employees
| For Employees | Details |
| Residency Status | Must be a UAE resident |
| Salary Bracket | Earning AED 5,000 or less per month |
| KYC Compliance | Emirates ID, passport copy, and employment proof required |
| Employment Status | Must work for a company registered with WPS |
For Employers
| For Employers | Details |
| FAB Corporate Account | Must maintain an active account with FAB |
| WPS Registration | The company must be registered under the Wage Protection System |
| Compliance | Must follow UAE labor law requirements |
Conclusion
Various variations of balance enquiry have been offered by FAB and this makes it convenient for all customers. Regardless of which type of account you have a salary account, Ratibi card, prepaid card, or PPC, you can easily check your balance, regardless of which type of account you have, using online banking, mobile app, ATM, SMS, and exchange houses such as Lulu and Al Ansari.
FAB Mobile App would be the most convenient way to use it regularly, yet, in the case of workers who do not use smartphones, ATM and SMS checks of the balance are also popular. Regardless of the approach you take, FAB is secure and accessible, and hence, all people in the UAE will find it easier to utilize their finances.
FAQs
What is the online check balance of FAB?
The online banking platform and the mobile app allow you to check your balance within seconds in FAB.
Is it possible to check the balance of the Ratibi card without having access to the internet?
Yes, one can check the balance using SMS 2121 or any FAB ATM without the internet.
How many SMS do I make in inquiry of FAB balance?
Text 2121 by using your registered mobile number.
Is the FAB balance inquiry free?
There are no charges for ATM and mobile application enquiries. SMS questions are subject to the telecom fee.
Is it possible to check my balance at the Lulu Exchange salary account?
Indeed, Lulu Exchange ATMs and kiosks also handle FAB Ratibi and checking prepaid card balances.
How does the Ratibi card differ from the FAB prepaid card?
Ratibi is on deposits of salaries and prepaid cards can be loaded with money to spend.
Is the balance inquiry at NBAD still effective?
No, but FAB has acquired NBAD. All the operations are now under the name of FAB.
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