First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) gives UAE residents six official ways to check their balance in 2026 — the PPC Magnati portal, the FAB Mobile app, SMS banking, ATM, phone banking, and the Payit wallet. Whether you hold a full FAB account, a Ratibi salary card, or a prepaid WPS card, the right method depends on your card type — and this guide covers the exact steps for each.
I am Haris Ali — a UAE resident with over eight years of hands-on experience with UAE identification documents and government services. I have personally tested every method in this guide, including the PPC Magnati portal, SMS banking to 2121, and the FAB ATM at Al Falah Plaza on Al Muroor Road. All steps were verified in April 2026.
Quick Answer: Ratibi or prepaid card holders → go to ppc.magnati.com/ppc-inquiry and enter your last 2 card digits + Card ID. FAB account holders → use the FAB Mobile app or SMS BAL 1234 to 2121.
Table of Contents
All FAB Balance Check Methods at a Glance 2026
Choose the method that fits your card type and situation. Every method below is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across the UAE
| Method | Best For | Internet Needed | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPC Magnati Portal | Ratibi & prepaid card holders | Yes | Instant |
| FAB Mobile App | All FAB account holders | Yes | Instant |
| SMS to 2121 | No smartphone / no data | No | Seconds |
| FAB ATM | All card and account types | No | Instant |
| Phone Banking 600 52 5500 | When app or ATM not accessible | No | 1–2 min |
| Payit Wallet App | Ratibi cardholders | Yes | Instant |
Method 1: FAB Balance Check via PPC Magnati Portal (Ratibi & Prepaid Card)
The PPC Magnati portal is the most searched FAB balance check method in the UAE. PPC stands for Prepaid Card — the official FAB system that manages all Ratibi, Nafis, DWallet, and other FAB prepaid salary cards. The portal is operated by Magnati, which is FAB’s payment subsidiary formerly known as Network International. You do not need a full bank account login to use this method.
This method works for: Ratibi card holders, WPS prepaid card holders, FAB Nafis card holders, and all other FAB prepaid salary cards.

What You Need Before You Start
- Your physical Ratibi or prepaid card
- The last 2 digits of your card number — printed on the front of the card
- Your Card ID — a 13-digit number printed on the bottom-left corner of the front of the card
- An internet connection on any device — phone, tablet, or computer
Where to find your Card ID: Look at the front of your Ratibi card. The 13-digit Card ID is printed at the bottom-left corner. It is NOT your 16-digit card number — it is a separate shorter code. If you cannot find it, call the Ratibi helpline on 600 52 2298.
Step-by-Step: Check Ratibi Balance on PPC Magnati Portal
- Open any browser on your phone or computer and go to: ppc.magnati.com/ppc-inquiry
- In the first box — enter the last 2 digits of your card number
- In the second box — enter your Card ID exactly as it appears on the card
- Complete the CAPTCHA human verification if it appears
- Click the “Go” button
- Your current balance and recent transactions appear instantly on the screen

Common Errors on the PPC Portal and How to Fix Them
- “Invalid Card Details” message — you have entered the wrong Card ID or wrong last 2 digits. Re-check your card carefully. The Card ID is the 13-digit code on the bottom-left, not the full 16-digit card number across the front.
- Portal loading slowly — this is normal on salary days between the 25th and 1st of each month due to high traffic. Try early morning before 7 AM UAE time or late evening after 10 PM for faster access.
- Balance showing zero — your salary has not yet been credited. Contact your employer’s HR department first. If they confirm salary was sent, call FAB Ratibi support on 600 52 2298.
Method 2: FAB Balance Check via FAB Mobile App
The FAB Mobile app — note: the app was renamed from “FAB Bank Mobile” to “FAB Mobile” in 2025, so search for the updated name in your app store — is the fastest and most complete tool for full FAB account holders. In 2026 it supports biometric login through Face ID and fingerprint, shows Available Balance separately from Current Balance on the dashboard, and includes a Spending Insights feature that automatically categorises your monthly expenses.
Step-by-Step: Check Balance on FAB Mobile App
- Download FAB Mobile from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Open the app and tap “Already a Customer” on the welcome screen
- Enter your Customer ID or your FAB debit or prepaid card number
- Enter the OTP sent to your registered UAE mobile number or email address
- Set up biometric login using Face ID or fingerprint — recommended for faster future logins
- Your account balance appears immediately on the home dashboard
- Tap any account to see the full breakdown: Available Balance, Current Balance, and recent transactions
First-time users: After entering your OTP, you will be prompted to create a 6-digit PIN. This PIN is used for future logins when biometric is not available.

New Features in FAB Mobile — 2026
- Biometric login — Face ID and fingerprint authentication
- Spending Insights — automatic breakdown of spending by category: food, transport, utilities, and more
- Available Balance vs Current Balance — displayed separately on the home dashboard
- Nol Card recharge — top up your Dubai transport card directly from the app
- RTA fines payment — pay Dubai traffic fines without leaving the app
Method 3: FAB Balance Check via SMS — No Internet Required
SMS banking is the best option for workers without a smartphone or for anyone in a location with poor data coverage. It works on any mobile phone — including basic handsets — and returns your balance within seconds.
Step-by-Step: Check FAB Balance by SMS
- Open the messaging app on any mobile phone
- Type: BAL followed by a space and the last 4 digits of your account number — example: BAL 1234
- Send this message to 2121 — FAB’s official SMS banking number, verified on bankfab.com
- Within seconds, FAB sends you an SMS reply showing your current account balance
Important: Your mobile number must be registered with FAB for SMS banking to work. If you have never set up SMS banking, visit any FAB branch with your Emirates ID to register. Standard UAE SMS charges apply — approximately AED 0.30 per message. From outside the UAE, international SMS rates apply.
When SMS Banking Works Best
- When you have no internet connection — construction sites, remote areas, or during travel
- When your phone battery is too low to run apps
- When you need quick confirmation that salary has been credited
- For workers on basic handsets without smartphone capability
Method 4: FAB Balance Check at ATM
FAB operates more than 400 ATMs across the UAE — one of the largest ATM networks in the country. Every FAB ATM accepts Ratibi cards, WPS prepaid cards, standard debit cards, and credit cards. Checking your balance at a FAB ATM is always free.
Note: Balance inquiry at a non-FAB ATM using the UAE Switch network may cost AED 1–2, depending on the host bank. Always use a FAB ATM for a free balance check.
Step-by-Step: Check Balance at FAB ATM
- Locate the nearest FAB ATM — search “FAB ATM near me” on Google Maps or use the ATM locator in the FAB Mobile app
- Insert your FAB debit card, Ratibi card, or prepaid card into the card slot
- Enter your 4-digit ATM PIN securely — cover the keypad with your other hand
- Select “Balance Inquiry” from the main ATM menu
- Choose whether you want the balance displayed on screen or printed on a receipt
- Your available balance and account details appear immediately
- Select “Mini-Statement” if you also want to see your last 5 transactions
- Press “Exit” or “Cancel”, wait for your card to be returned, and take it immediately

I spotted these FAB ATMs inside Al Falah Plaza on Al Muroor Road in Abu Dhabi — they are available 24 hours a day, accept all FAB cards including Ratibi, and the area is easily reachable from central Abu Dhabi. If your ATM PIN is blocked after three incorrect attempts, call 600 52 5500 immediately to reset it.
FAB ATM Tips for 2026
- If the ATM swallows your card after 3 incorrect PIN entries — report it immediately at 600 52 5500 and visit any FAB branch with your Emirates ID to recover the card
- FAB Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) also display your balance — follow the same steps as a standard ATM
- ATM queues are longer on salary days between the 25th and 1st of the month — early morning visits are faster
Method 5: FAB Balance Check via Phone Banking
Phone banking connects you directly to FAB’s IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system for an automated balance check — without needing internet, an app, or an ATM. This is the most reliable fallback when your app is locked, your PIN is blocked, or you have no data access.
FAB Contact Numbers — Verified April 2026
| Service | Number | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| FAB Main Customer Care (UAE) | 600 52 5500 | All account types, 24/7 IVR |
| Ratibi / WPS Card Helpline | 600 52 2298 | Ratibi card issues, salary queries |
| International Callers | +971 2 681 1511 | From outside the UAE |
Step-by-Step: Check Balance via Phone Banking
- Call 600 52 5500 from your registered UAE mobile number
- Listen to the IVR menu and select the balance inquiry option
- Verify your identity when prompted — enter your card number or account number using the phone keypad
- The automated system reads out your current account balance within seconds
- Stay on the line to speak with a live agent during business hours if you need further help
WhatsApp banking — the truth: FAB does NOT offer WhatsApp banking for balance inquiries. Dozens of websites — including the previous version of this page — list a US phone number (+1 704 771-0476) as FAB’s WhatsApp contact. This information is wrong. FAB only uses WhatsApp for fraud and scam reporting. Always use the official UAE numbers listed in the table above.
Method 6: FAB Ratibi Balance Check via Payit Wallet
Payit is FAB’s official digital wallet app. For Ratibi cardholders it offers real-time balance viewing, international money transfers to over 200 countries, and the ability to access up to 50% of your monthly salary before payday through the Money on Demand feature. This makes Payit particularly valuable for the large expat workforce — workers can send remittances home directly from their Ratibi balance without visiting an exchange house.
Step-by-Step: Check Ratibi Balance on Payit
- Download the Payit app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Register using your UAE mobile number
- Link your Ratibi card or FAB prepaid card to your Payit account
- Your balance appears on the Payit home dashboard in real time
- Tap your card to view transaction history and the exact date your last salary was credited
Payit Key Features for Ratibi Cardholders — 2026
- Real-time balance display — updates the moment salary is credited
- International money transfer — send to 200+ countries directly from your Ratibi balance
- Money on Demand — access up to 50% of your monthly salary before payday
- Bill payments — pay Etisalat, DEWA, Salik, and other UAE utilities
- Nol Card recharge — top up your Dubai transport card without visiting an RTA counter
What Is the FAB Ratibi Card? — Complete Guide for Salary Workers
The FAB Ratibi card is the most widely used prepaid payroll card in the UAE. It was introduced by First Abu Dhabi Bank in 2008 specifically for employees who earn AED 5,000 or less per month and do not hold a traditional bank account. As of 2026, millions of workers in construction, hospitality, retail, and domestic service receive their monthly salary directly on their Ratibi card through the UAE Wage Protection System (WPS).
The WPS is a mandatory salary transfer framework developed by the UAE Central Bank and the Ministry of Human Resources. It requires all UAE employers to pay salaries electronically on time, and the Ratibi card is the approved WPS vehicle for workers without conventional bank accounts. Every salary deposited through WPS triggers an automatic SMS notification to the cardholder’s registered mobile number.
Ratibi Card Features — 2026
- No bank account required — employers load salary directly onto the card each month
- Free 24/7 ATM withdrawals at all FAB ATMs across the UAE
- Free SMS alert every time salary is credited
- Accepted globally on Visa and Mastercard networks
- Personal accident insurance included at no extra cost
- International money transfers available via the Payit app
- No monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement
- Fully WPS-compliant — all salary credits are tracked and protected under UAE labour law
Ratibi Card vs FAB Regular Bank Account — Key Differences
| Feature | Ratibi Prepaid Card | FAB Regular Bank Account |
|---|---|---|
| Bank account needed | No | Yes |
| Monthly salary limit | Up to AED 5,000 | No limit |
| Online balance portal | ppc.magnati.com/ppc-inquiry | online.bankfab.com |
| International transfers | Via Payit app | Via FAB online banking |
| Minimum balance | None | AED 3,000 (savings account) |
| Cheque book | Not available | Available |
| Credit card facility | Not available | Available |
| WPS compliance | Yes — primary WPS card | Yes |
Key point: Ratibi cardholders use the PPC Magnati portal (Method 1) or ATM (Method 4) for balance checks. FAB account holders use the FAB Mobile app (Method 2) or online banking at online.bankfab.com. Both groups can use SMS to 2121 and phone banking on 600 52 5500.
How to Find Your Ratibi Card ID
Your Card ID is a 13-digit number printed on the bottom-left corner of the front of your Ratibi card. It is entirely separate from the 16-digit card number that runs across the front. If the number is worn or unclear on your card, call the Ratibi helpline on 600 52 2298 and request a Card ID reminder — have your Emirates ID.
Former NBAD Customers — Your Balance Check Guide
National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) merged with First Gulf Bank (FGB) in April 2017 to form First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). If you are searching for “NBAD balance check” or “NBAD prepaid card inquiry” — you are now a FAB customer, and all six methods in this guide apply to you without any changes.
What Former NBAD Customers Need to Know
- Your card may still show NBAD on the front — it works exactly as before with no action required
- The PPC Magnati portal accepts all legacy NBAD prepaid cards without any re-registration
- NBAD Ratibi card = FAB Ratibi card — same portal at ppc.magnati.com/ppc-inquiry, same helpline at 600 52 2298, same steps
- The NBAD SWIFT code NBADAEAAXXX was retained after the merger and remains the active code for all FAB international transfers today
- If your NBAD mobile banking login stopped working, register fresh on the FAB Mobile app using your card number and UAE mobile number
All NBAD services — including NBAD prepaid card inquiry, NBAD salary check, and NBAD balance enquiry — are now fully managed under the FAB brand through the Magnati infrastructure. There is no separate NBAD portal or phone number.
FAB Salary Not Credited — Step-by-Step Escalation Guide
If your balance check shows your salary has not arrived, follow this three-step path before calling FAB support. The majority of salary delay cases are resolved at step one or two and do not require a support call.
Step 1 — Wait Until the Following Morning
WPS salary credits are processed in batches, often in the evening. Your employer may have submitted the payment correctly and on time, but the credit has not yet posted to your card. Check your balance again the following morning before taking any action. Most reported missing salary cases resolve overnight without any intervention.
Step 2 — Contact Your Employer’s HR Department
If the salary is still missing by the following morning, contact your company’s HR or payroll department. Ask them to confirm two things: whether the WPS salary file was submitted on time, and what the WPS transfer reference number is. Write down that reference number before you call FAB — it significantly reduces the time spent on the support call.
Step 3 — Call FAB with the Reference Number
If your employer confirms the salary was sent but your balance still shows nothing, call FAB with the WPS reference number from HR:
- FAB Main: 600 52 5500
- Ratibi / WPS Card Helpline: 600 52 2298
- Have ready: your Emirates ID number, your card number, and the WPS transfer reference from your employer
Important: An expired Emirates ID can cause FAB to temporarily freeze your account for security compliance under UAE banking regulations. If your ID has expired, renew it and update your details via the FAB Mobile app or at any FAB branch before calling support.
Available Balance vs Current Balance — What Is the Difference?
The most common source of confusion among FAB customers — especially after salary day — is seeing two different balance figures on the app or ATM screen. Understanding the difference prevents unnecessary calls to support.
| Balance Type | What It Means | Common Cause of Confusion |
|---|---|---|
| Available Balance | Money you can spend right now | Lower than expected due to hotel or petrol station holds |
| Current / Ledger Balance | Total in account including uncleared transactions | Higher than available because it includes pending items |
| Pending Transaction | An authorised but not yet settled charge | Hotel check-in holds, fuel pre-authorisations, recent card purchases |
Real-World Examples of Why Your Balance Looks Wrong
Hotel check-in: UAE hotels place a temporary hold of AED 200–1,000 on your card at check-in. This reduces your Available Balance immediately but does not permanently leave your account. The hold clears within 24–72 hours after check-out, at which point your Available Balance returns to the correct figure.
Petrol station: UAE petrol stations pre-authorise AED 100–200 at the pump before confirming the actual transaction amount. The difference between the pre-authorisation and the real fuel cost shows as a pending item until the station finalises the charge — usually within 24 hours.
Salary credit timing: On the evening your salary is credited, the amount may appear in your Current Balance before it posts fully to your Available Balance. This difference disappears by the following morning and is not an error.
Rule of thumb: If your Available Balance and Current Balance show different figures, wait 72 hours. If they still differ after 72 hours, call FAB on 600 52 5500 with your transaction details.
How to Open a FAB Bank Account in the UAE
If you currently hold a Ratibi card and want to upgrade to a full FAB salary or savings account, you can apply online through the FAB Mobile app, through bankfab.com, or by visiting any FAB branch. The process takes approximately 15 minutes online when you have all documents ready.
Documents Required for FAB Account Opening
- Valid UAE passport copy
- Valid UAE residency visa copy
- Valid Emirates ID
- Salary certificate (for salary accounts)
- Approved labour contract
- Company trade licence (for business accounts)
- Tenancy contract for address verification
For full details on FAB financial products available to account holders, see our guides on FAB Personal Loan and FAB Car Loan.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAB Balance Check 2026
What is the fastest way to check my FAB balance online?
For Ratibi and prepaid card holders, the PPC Magnati portal at ppc.magnati.com/ppc-inquiry is the fastest online method — enter your last 2 card digits and Card ID, click Go, and your balance appears instantly without any login. For full FAB account holders, the FAB Mobile app shows your balance immediately on the home dashboard after biometric or PIN login.
How do I check my Ratibi card balance online?
Go to ppc.magnati.com/ppc-inquiry. Enter the last 2 digits of your card number in the first box and your 13-digit Card ID in the second box. Click “Go”. Your balance and recent transactions appear instantly on screen. No password or account registration is required.
What is the PPC Magnati portal and how does it work?
PPC stands for Prepaid Card — the official FAB infrastructure that manages all FAB prepaid salary cards including Ratibi, Nafis, and DWallet. Magnati is FAB’s payment subsidiary (formerly Network International) that operates this portal on behalf of FAB. The portal at ppc.magnati.com/ppc-inquiry is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free to use for all FAB prepaid cardholders.
How do I check FAB balance via SMS?
Send an SMS from your registered UAE mobile number: type BAL followed by a space and the last 4 digits of your account number — for example, BAL 1234 — then send to 2121. You receive your current balance within seconds. Standard UAE SMS charges of approximately AED 0.30 apply per message.
Can I check FAB balance without the internet?
Yes — three methods work without any internet connection. FAB ATM balance inquiry using your card and PIN works 24/7 across 400+ UAE locations. SMS banking by sending BAL 1234 to 2121 works on any mobile phone. Phone banking by calling 600 52 5500 connects you to the automated IVR balance inquiry system around the clock.
What is the FAB balance check phone number?
For main FAB customer care and balance inquiry, call 600 52 5500 — available 24/7 in the UAE. For Ratibi and WPS prepaid card inquiries specifically, call 600 52 2298. For callers from outside the UAE, the international number is +971 2 681 1511.
Is FAB the same as NBAD?
Yes. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) was formed in April 2017 through the merger of National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) and First Gulf Bank (FGB). All NBAD accounts, Ratibi cards, and prepaid cards are fully under the FAB brand today. If your card still shows NBAD on the front, it continues to work exactly as before — use the PPC Magnati portal and the FAB helpline numbers listed in this guide.
What is the difference between Available Balance and Current Balance in FAB?
Available Balance is the amount you can spend right now. Current Balance (also called Ledger Balance) is the total in your account including pending transactions such as hotel holds, petrol station pre-authorisations, and unsettled card purchases. Pending items typically clear within 24–72 hours. If the two figures differ, wait 72 hours before contacting support.
What is the minimum balance in a FAB account?
Most FAB accounts carry no minimum balance requirement. A FAB personal savings account — including the iSave account — requires a minimum balance of AED 3,000 to avoid monthly maintenance charges. The Ratibi prepaid card has no minimum balance requirement at all.
What is the FAB SWIFT code?
The FAB SWIFT/BIC code is NBADAEAAXXX. This code was retained from the NBAD era and remains active for all international wire transfers and interbank transactions at First Abu Dhabi Bank. It identifies the specific bank and branch for accurate international fund routing.
My FAB salary has not been credited — what should I do?
Follow the three-step process in this guide: first, wait until the following morning as WPS credits often post overnight. If still missing, contact your employer’s HR department and get the WPS transfer reference number. If your employer confirms the salary was sent but you have not received it, call FAB on 600 52 5500 — or 600 52 2298 for Ratibi cards — with your Emirates ID number and the WPS reference from HR.
Can I check my FAB Ratibi balance from outside the UAE?
Yes. The PPC Magnati portal at ppc.magnati.com/ppc-inquiry works from any country with an internet connection — open it in any browser, enter your card details, and your balance appears instantly. The FAB Mobile app also works internationally over any internet connection. For offline checking from abroad, call +971 2 681 1511 for the international phone banking service.








