Introduction
Receiving a brand new Ratibi card is an important moment for any worker in the UAE — it means salary payments are about to begin, and financial independence is one step closer. But for many first-time Ratibi cardholders, the excitement quickly turns into confusion. The card arrives with little to no instructions, and the FAB website offers no activation guide whatsoever. What exactly needs to be done before the card can be used? Is there a number to call? Does something need to be set up first? This guide answers every one of those questions. Every step of the Ratibi card activation process is explained here clearly and simply — so the card is ready to use as quickly as possible.
What Does “Activating” a Ratibi Card Mean?
When a new Ratibi card is issued, it is not immediately ready for use straight out of the envelope. Activation is the process of enabling the card so that it can be used for ATM withdrawals, in-store purchases, and online transactions.
For the Ratibi card specifically, activation is closely linked to PIN selection — because the card cannot be used until a personal 4-digit PIN has been set by the cardholder. This PIN is what authorises every future transaction made with the card.
Think of it this way — the card is the key, and the PIN is what makes the key work.
Who Issues the Ratibi Card and How Does It Reach the Cardholder?
Understanding how the card arrives helps avoid confusion during the activation process.
The Ratibi card is not applied for individually by the worker. Instead, it is the employer who applies for the card on behalf of their employees. The employer submits the employee’s details — including their name, Emirates ID, and registered mobile number — to FAB, which then issues the card.
The card is typically delivered to the employer, who then distributes it to each employee. This means:
- The worker receives the card from their employer — not directly from FAB or by post
- Any issues with the card — including activation problems — should first be reported to the employer
- The employer acts as the bridge between the worker and FAB for all card-related matters
Once the card is received from the employer, the activation process can begin.
Step-by-Step Guide — How to Activate a New Ratibi Card
Step 1 — Check the Card Upon Receipt
Before doing anything else, inspect the card carefully when receiving it from the employer:
- Check that the name on the card matches the correct name
- Confirm the card number on the front is clearly printed and readable
- Make sure the card has not been physically damaged, scratched, or tampered with
- Check that the card has a chip on the front and a magnetic strip on the back
If anything looks wrong with the card, report it to the employer immediately before attempting to activate or use it.
Step 2 — Locate the Nearest FAB ATM
The primary way to activate a Ratibi card and set the PIN is through a FAB ATM. This is the method recommended by FAB and the most straightforward option available.
To find the nearest FAB ATM:
- Visit bankfab.com and use the Branch and ATM Locator
- Search “FAB ATM near me” on Google Maps
- Ask the employer for the nearest FAB ATM location
Step 3 — Insert the Card Into the FAB ATM
Insert the new Ratibi card into the card slot of the FAB ATM with the chip facing up and towards the machine. The ATM will recognise the card and prompt the next step.
Step 4 — Select “PIN Selection” or “Set PIN”
On the ATM main menu, look for the option labeled “PIN Selection”, “Set PIN”, or “Create PIN”. This option is specifically designed for new cardholders who are setting up their PIN for the first time.
If this option is not immediately visible, navigate through the menu — it may be listed under “Card Services” or “Other Services.”
Step 5 — Enter a New 4-Digit PIN
The ATM will prompt the cardholder to enter a new 4-digit PIN of their choice. Choose a PIN that is:
- Easy to remember personally but difficult for others to guess
- Not an obvious sequence such as 1234, 0000, or 1111
- Not based on a birthday or other personal information that others might know
- Never shared with anyone — including the employer, colleagues, or family members
Enter the chosen PIN using the ATM keypad.
Step 6 — Confirm the PIN
The ATM will ask for the PIN to be entered a second time to confirm it. Enter the same 4-digit PIN again carefully. If the two entries match, the PIN will be set successfully.
Step 7 — Collect the Card and Confirmation
The ATM will confirm that the PIN has been set and the card is now active. Collect the card from the slot. The Ratibi card is now fully activated and ready to use for ATM withdrawals, purchases, and balance enquiries.
Can the Ratibi Card Be Activated Without a FAB ATM?
In some situations, a cardholder may not have easy access to a FAB ATM — particularly in remote work locations or labour accommodations far from the city. In these cases, the following alternatives may be available:
Option 1 — Call the FAB Ratibi Helpline Calling 600 52 2298 connects to the FAB Ratibi customer service team. A live agent may be able to assist with card activation or guide the cardholder to the nearest available option.
Option 2 — Visit a FAB Branch The nearest FAB branch can assist with card activation in person. Branch staff can set up the PIN and activate the card on the spot. The cardholder should bring their Emirates ID and the new card.
Option 3 — Ask the Employer Since the employer manages the relationship with FAB, they may be able to facilitate activation through their corporate banking channel or direct contact with FAB.
Important Rules About the Ratibi Card PIN
The PIN is the most critical security feature of the Ratibi card. Every cardholder should be aware of the following rules:
Never share the PIN — the PIN is personal and should never be given to anyone, under any circumstances. FAB will never ask for the PIN over the phone, by SMS, or by email.
Memorise the PIN — writing the PIN down and keeping it with the card is a serious security risk. The PIN should be memorised and never stored in a way that links it to the card.
Three wrong PIN attempts will block the card — if the PIN is entered incorrectly three times in a row at an ATM or payment terminal, the card will be blocked automatically as a security measure. The employer should be contacted to arrange unblocking.
The PIN can be changed at any time — if the PIN is forgotten or suspected of being compromised, it can be changed at any FAB ATM by selecting the PIN change option from the menu.
What to Do If the Card Cannot Be Activated
If the card is not activating or the ATM is not accepting it, the following steps should be taken:
Step 1 — Try a different FAB ATM — sometimes individual machines have technical issues that are unrelated to the card.
Step 2 — Check that the card is being inserted correctly — chip side up and facing the machine.
Step 3 — Contact the employer immediately — the employer can check with FAB whether the card has been properly issued and linked to the correct employee record.
Step 4 — Call the FAB Ratibi helpline at 600 52 2298 — the customer service team can check the card status and identify any issues with the account.
Step 5 — Visit the nearest FAB branch with the card and Emirates ID for in-person assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to activate a Ratibi card? The activation process at a FAB ATM takes less than five minutes. Once the PIN is set, the card is immediately ready to use.
Q: Can someone else activate the Ratibi card on behalf of the cardholder? No. The PIN selection process is personal and should only be done by the cardholder themselves. Sharing this process with another person creates a serious security risk.
Q: What if the chosen PIN is forgotten immediately after setting it? A new PIN can be set at any FAB ATM by selecting the PIN change option. Three incorrect PIN attempts will block the card, so it is important not to guess repeatedly.
Q: Is there an activation fee for the Ratibi card? No. There is no fee to activate the Ratibi card or set the PIN at a FAB ATM.
Q: Can the Ratibi card be used immediately after activation? Yes. As soon as the PIN is set at the ATM and the activation is confirmed, the card can be used immediately for purchases, withdrawals, and balance enquiries.
Q: What if the card arrives already activated? In some cases, FAB may issue cards that are pre-activated. However, a PIN must still be set before the card can be used. If the card is inserted into an ATM and it prompts directly for a PIN without offering a PIN selection option, it is likely pre-activated and the PIN selection step can be skipped — proceed directly to using the card services menu.
Final Thoughts
Activating a new Ratibi card is a simple process that takes just a few minutes at any FAB ATM. The key steps are finding the nearest FAB ATM, selecting the PIN creation option, choosing a secure and memorable 4-digit PIN, and confirming it. Once these steps are complete, the card is fully ready to use.
For workers who face difficulties during activation, the employer is always the first point of contact — followed by the FAB Ratibi helpline at 600 52 2298 for direct assistance.
For a complete overview of everything the Ratibi card can do — including all the ways to check the balance — Article #1: How to Check Ratibi Card Balance: All Methods is the ideal starting point for all new cardholders.
Coming up next — Article #7: How to Set or Change Ratibi Card PIN, where the complete PIN management process is explained in full — including how to change a forgotten PIN and what to do if the card gets blocked.