Introduction
For many Ratibi cardholders across the UAE, the ATM is the most familiar and trusted way to interact with their money. No apps, no portals, no internet — just a card, a PIN, and a machine that gives a straight answer. But surprisingly, many workers are unsure of exactly which buttons to press, which ATMs to use, and what to do if something goes wrong. This guide walks through every single step of checking the Ratibi card balance at an ATM — clearly, simply, and without any confusion — so every cardholder can walk up to any ATM in the UAE with complete confidence.
Why the ATM Is One of the Best Ways to Check Ratibi Balance
The ATM balance check method has some unique advantages that make it stand out from other options:
- No internet needed — the ATM works entirely offline from the cardholder’s perspective
- Physical confirmation — a printed mini-receipt provides a tangible record of the balance
- Widely available — FAB ATMs and compatible ATMs are found across the UAE in malls, petrol stations, supermarkets, and residential areas
- Works day and night — ATMs are accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- No smartphone required — any Ratibi cardholder can use this method regardless of the phone they own
- Instant result — the balance appears on screen within seconds of selecting the option
For workers who prefer a straightforward, physical interaction over digital methods, the ATM remains one of the most reliable tools available.
Which ATMs Can Be Used With the Ratibi Card?
The Ratibi Prepaid Card carries the Visa or Mastercard logo, which means it is accepted at a very wide range of ATMs across the UAE and internationally.
Accepted ATMs include:
- All FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank) ATMs across the UAE — these are the preferred option as they are free of charge
- All ATMs displaying the Visa or Mastercard logo across the UAE
- ATMs operated by other UAE banks such as Emirates NBD, ADCB, DIB, and others
- International ATMs worldwide — in any country where Visa or Mastercard is accepted
Important note on fees:
Using a FAB ATM for a balance enquiry is completely free. However, using ATMs operated by other banks or networks may involve a small fee. This fee — if applicable — will always be shown on the ATM screen before the cardholder confirms the transaction. The cardholder has the option to cancel without being charged if they do not wish to proceed.
Step-by-Step Guide — How to Check Ratibi Balance at an ATM
Step 1 — Find a Nearby ATM
Locate the nearest FAB ATM or any ATM in the UAE that accepts Visa or Mastercard. FAB ATMs are identifiable by the FAB logo and branding on the machine. Other bank ATMs will display the Visa or Mastercard acceptance symbols.
Step 2 — Insert the Ratibi Card
Insert the Ratibi card into the card slot on the ATM. The card should be inserted with the chip facing up and towards the machine — most ATMs have a small diagram on the slot showing the correct direction.
Step 3 — Enter the PIN
The ATM will prompt the cardholder to enter their 4-digit PIN using the keypad. The PIN should be entered carefully and privately — shielding the keypad with the other hand is always a good habit to protect against anyone watching nearby.
If the wrong PIN is entered three times in a row, the card will be blocked for security reasons. In this case, the employer should be contacted to arrange an unblocking or PIN reset.
Step 4 — Select the Language (If Prompted)
Some ATMs offer a choice of language on the screen. The cardholder can select their preferred language — English or Arabic — before proceeding.
Step 5 — Select “Balance Enquiry”
Once the PIN is accepted, the ATM’s main menu will appear on the screen. From the available options, select “Balance Enquiry” or “Check Balance” — the exact wording may vary slightly depending on the ATM brand and bank.
Step 6 — Select the Account Type
Some ATMs may ask the cardholder to select an account type — such as Current, Savings, or Credit. For the Ratibi prepaid card, select “Current” or “Prepaid” if that option is available. If neither appears, selecting “Current” is the standard choice.
Step 7 — View the Balance on Screen
The current available balance will be displayed on the ATM screen within a few seconds. This is the exact amount that can be spent or withdrawn at that moment.
Step 8 — Print a Mini Receipt (Optional)
Many ATMs offer the option to print a receipt showing the balance. This is a useful option for workers who want a physical record of their balance — especially around payday when confirming the salary has been credited.
Step 9 — Collect the Card and Receipt
Once finished, the ATM will return the card automatically. The cardholder should collect both the card and the printed receipt before walking away from the machine.
What to Do If the ATM Swallows the Card
One of the most stressful situations a Ratibi cardholder can face is having their card retained — or “swallowed” — by an ATM. This usually happens when:
- The wrong PIN has been entered too many times
- The card has expired
- The ATM has detected a potential security issue
- The card was not removed from the slot quickly enough after the transaction
Important: According to FAB’s policy, a card that has been confiscated by an ATM will be destroyed by the receiving bank. The original card cannot be recovered.
Steps to take immediately:
- Do not panic — the card and its balance are separate. The money on the Ratibi card is not lost
- Note the name of the bank and the location of the ATM where the card was retained
- Contact the employer immediately — the employer is the point of contact between the worker and FAB, and they are responsible for requesting a replacement card
- The employer will apply to FAB for a new Ratibi card on the employee’s behalf
- The balance on the original card will be transferred to the new card once it is issued
This process may take a few days, so it is worth informing the employer as quickly as possible to minimise any disruption to access to funds.
Tips for Safe ATM Use With the Ratibi Card
Using an ATM safely is just as important as using it correctly. Here are some practical tips every Ratibi cardholder should follow:
Always shield the keypad when entering the PIN — cover it with the free hand to prevent anyone from seeing the numbers being pressed.
Check the card slot before inserting the card — if anything looks unusual, loose, or attached to the machine, do not use that ATM and report it to the bank.
Use ATMs in well-lit, secure locations — inside malls, bank branches, or petrol stations are generally safer than isolated outdoor ATMs late at night.
Never share the PIN with anyone — including the employer, colleagues, or family members. The PIN is personal and should never be disclosed.
Collect the card and receipt immediately after the transaction is complete — do not leave either behind at the ATM.
Cancel and walk away if anything feels wrong — a suspicious ATM, an unfamiliar person standing too close, or an unusual screen message are all reasons to cancel the transaction and find a different machine.
How to Find the Nearest FAB ATM
Finding the nearest FAB ATM is straightforward through several methods:
- Visit the FAB website at bankfab.com and use the Branch and ATM Locator tool
- Search “FAB ATM near me” in Google Maps — FAB ATMs are listed on the map
- Call the FAB customer care line at 600 52 5500 from within the UAE and ask for the nearest ATM location
- Look for FAB signage in malls, supermarkets, petrol stations, and residential towers — FAB has one of the largest ATM networks in the UAE
ATM Balance Check vs Other Ratibi Balance Methods
| Feature | ATM | SMS Alert | Magnati Portal | FAB App | Phone |
| Internet required | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Printed receipt available | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Works 24/7 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free to use | Mostly | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Physical card needed | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Best for | Receipt + balance | Automatic alerts | Quick online check | App users | No internet |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a limit on how many times the balance can be checked at an ATM per day? There is no specific limit on balance enquiries at an ATM. However, excessive use of non-FAB ATMs may result in small fees for each enquiry, so FAB ATMs are always the better choice for regular checks.
Q: What if the balance shown at the ATM is different from the SMS alert? A very recent transaction may not have updated across all systems simultaneously. Waiting a few minutes and checking again usually resolves the discrepancy. If the difference is significant and unexplained, the employer should be contacted.
Q: Can the Ratibi card balance be checked at an ATM outside the UAE? Yes. Any ATM worldwide that accepts Visa or Mastercard can be used to check the Ratibi card balance. International ATM fees may apply.
Q: What if the ATM shows “Insufficient Funds” when trying to withdraw? This message means the amount being requested is more than the current available balance. A balance enquiry should be performed first to confirm the available amount, and then a withdrawal of a lower amount can be attempted.
Q: Can cash be withdrawn and balance checked in the same ATM visit? Yes. After completing the balance enquiry, the cardholder can return to the main menu and select “Withdrawal” to take out cash in the same session.
Final Thoughts
Checking the Ratibi card balance at an ATM is one of the most reliable and straightforward methods available — particularly for workers who do not use smartphones or internet services regularly. The process takes less than a minute from card insertion to balance display, and the option to print a receipt makes it the only method that provides a physical record of the balance.
By following the steps in this guide and keeping the safety tips in mind, every Ratibi cardholder can use any ATM in the UAE with full confidence.
For a complete overview of all the ways to check the Ratibi card balance — including SMS, online portal, mobile app, and phone — Article #1: How to Check Ratibi Card Balance: All Methods is the best place to start.
Coming up next — Article #5: Ratibi Balance Check by Phone — IVR Call Centre Walkthrough, where the complete step-by-step guide to checking the balance by phone is covered, including the exact numbers to call and how to navigate the automated menu