The United Arab Emirates has developed an inclusive and strong financial system that supports workers of all levels. Ratibi Bank Card is a convenient and secure solution to receive salaries for employees without traditional bank accounts.
The Ratibi Card, launched by First Abu Dhabi Bank in 2013, is a pre-paid salary card for employees with low incomes earning less than AED 5,000 a month. The Wages Protection System ensures that salary payments will be processed in compliance with UAE laws and safely.
What is a Ratibi Bank card?
First Abu Dhabi Bank‘s Ratibi Card allows employees to receive their salaries without opening a traditional bank account. The card allows the employee to get their salary without having to open a bank account.
It is integrated into the Wages Protection System, a system regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE. This makes it an accepted method of salary payment across the UAE.
The Ratibi Cards are widely used in:
- Construction workers
- Staff members
- Cleaning Staff
- Security guards
- Workers in retail and hospitality
Employees are able to withdraw money, purchase items, and view their balances using ATMs, POS devices, and online platforms.
The Ratibi Card: Key Benefits
Both employers and employees can benefit from the Ratibi Bank Card.
Main Benefits
- Minimum balance is not required
- You don’t need a bank to start a transaction.n
- Automatic credit of salary every month
- Get free SMS notifications for your salary deposit.
- FAB ATM: Cash withdrawal
- Accepted by POS terminals in the United States and abroad
- You can access your salary fund 24/7
- Financial inclusion of non-banked employees
The Ratibi Card is one of the best payroll solutions available in the UAE.
Ratibi Card Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Issuing Bank | First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) |
| Salary Range | AED 500 – AED 5,000 |
| Bank Account Required | No |
| WPS Compliance | Yes |
| SMS Alerts | Free |
| ATM Access | FAB and other UAE ATMs |
| Usage | ATM withdrawals, POS purchases |
Who can apply for a Ratibi card?
Individuals cannot apply for the Ratibi Card. Employers initiate the application process.
Eligible Employees
- Earnings of up to AED 5, 000 per month
- Employees without UAE bank accounts.
- Low-income and blue-collar workers
- Paying employees through the WPS
Eligible Employers
- Companies registered in the UAE
- Registering employers with the Wages Protection System
- Businesses with an active FAB/WPS Payroll Account
The documents required for the Ratibi Card Application
Before submitting their application, employers must obtain the necessary documents from the employees.
Employee Documents
- Emirates ID front and back
- Copy of passport (for expatriates).
- Visa for UAE residency
- Photographs of passport size
- Work card
Employer documents
- Trade license copy
- Labor contract or visa details
- Registration of the Company for WPS
- FAB business account details
What Employers Need to Know About Ratibi Bank Card Applications
Step 1: Create a Payroll Account Compliant with WPS
The employer must open a WPS payroll account at a bank that participates in the WPS, for example:
- First Abu Dhabi Bank
- ADCB
- Mashreq Bank
- RAKBANK
- Commercial Bank of Dubai
FAB must register the employer for Ratibi Cards.
Step 2: Complete the Ratibi Application Form
- Name as it appears on the Emirates ID
- Emirates ID Number
- Salary per month
- Mobile number
- Visa details
- Information about the company
Step 3: Employee documents must be submitted
All documents required by the company are submitted in bulk, either from HR or Pro.
Receiving and Distributing Cards
FAB will issue the Ratibi cards to employers, and they can then distribute them to their employees.
Document Requirement Table
| Document | Required From | Purpose |
| Emirates ID | Employee | Identity verification |
| Passport & Visa | Employee | Legal residency proof |
| Photo | Employee | Card issuance |
| Trade License | Employer | Company verification |
| Labor Contract | Employer | WPS compliance |
How to activate a Ratibi card
Before using the card, employees must first activate it.
Activation steps
- The activation code is on the back of the FAB Ratibi card.
- Please enter the card number as well as your Emirates ID.
- Create a 4-digit secure PIN.
- You will receive a confirmation of activation.
The card can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs or make purchases.
Must Visit: FAB Balance Check Complete Guide
You can check the balance of your Ratibi card by using this simple method
You can check your Ratibi Card’s balance in a few easy ways. FAB offers a variety of ways for employees to stay informed about their salaries at any given time.
1. SMS Alerts
The easiest way to keep track of your Ratibi Card’s balance is via SMS. FAB will automatically update your balance when your salary or withdrawal is made. You will be notified of all transactions immediately and can track your money without having to log into any systems.
2. Online Balance Inquiry
The FAB online portal allows you to check the balance of your prepaid FAB card. Visit the FAB prepaid card online portal, enter the Card ID and the last few numbers of the Ratibi Card. The system displays your recent transactions and current balance once you submit the form. It is particularly useful for a more detailed account history.
3. ATM Balance Check
You can also check the balance of your Ratibi Card at any ATM, FAB, or ATM. Insert your card and select Balance Inquiry to see your current salary balance. Employees who frequently withdraw cash from ATMs will find this method convenient.
4. FAB Mobile Banking App
Some Ratibi Card holders can use the FAB Mobile Banking App to access their accounts if they prefer it. This app offers a simple interface for checking balances, reviewing transaction histories, and managing card settings.
Fees and Charges for Ratibi Card
The Ratibi Card is generally free, but certain services may involve charges.
| Service | Charges |
| Card Issuance | Free |
| Salary Credit | Free |
| Lost Card Replacement | AED 25–50 |
| Non-FAB ATM Withdrawal | AED 2–3 |
| International Transactions | Currency conversion fee |
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Card not working
- Verify that the card has been activated
- Verify that your salary has been credited.
- You can try another ATM or POS device.
- Contact FAB customer support
Loss or Stolen Card
- FAB offers 24/7 assistance.
- Block the card
- You can request a replacement from your employer.
No SMS alerts
- Your employer should update your mobile phone number.r
- Contact FAB customerservicei.ce
Ratibi Card Alternatives in the UAE
Other WPS-compliant cards that are popular include
- Lulu Exchange Payroll Card
- Al Ansari Exchange Salary Card
- ADCB PayPack card
- Mashreq Neo Pay
The features of each option are similar, but there may be slight differences.
Is the Ratibi Card safe and compliant?
The Ratibi Card has been designed to be secure, compliant, and fully conformant.
- The WPS is compliant with UAE Central Bank Regulation.s
- Protected by Chip and Pin
- Issuanced by an authorised UAE bank
- Transaction monitoring via SMS Alerts
Conclusion:
Ratibi Bank Card offers a secure and comprehensive salary solution to low-income UAE workers. The Ratibi Bank Card eliminates the requirement for a bank account and ensures timely, compliant, secure, and safe salary payments.
Employers can simplify payroll management, and WPS will ensure compliance. Employees can easily access their wages, ATM withdrawals,s and daily transactions.
It is important to understand how the Ratibi Card works, including activation and usage, in order to ensure that your salary process runs smoothly and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ratibi Card valid outside of the UAE?
You can use it internationally to make purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs. However, you will be charged foreign exchange fees.
How do I move money from my Ratibi Card into a bank account
The direct bank transfer is not supported. Manual withdrawal and deposit of casareis are possible.
If I switch jobs, what happens to my Ratibi Card?
You may receive a new card from your new employer. It is important to deactivate the old card.
How soon can I expect to receive my Ratibi Card?
Usually, it takes between 5 and 10 days to process documents after submission.
Does a Ratibi Card require a certain minimum wage?
It is not a minimum wage requirement, but is used to pay salaries of up to AED 5,000.
Last modified: January 22, 2026
