If you live and work in the UAE, you may have heard of Ratibi. It’s not a bank account, but it acts like one in many ways. Ratibi is a prepaid salary card mainly designed for low-income workers who don’t have a traditional bank account. It allows employers to pay their employees safely, quickly, and without cash. This card has changed how thousands of people receive and use their salaries.
What is the Ratibi Card System?
Ratibi was created by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). As a result, it helps employers meet the UAE’s Wage Protection System (WPS) rules. These rules ensure that all workers are paid fairly and on time. Moreover, the Ratibi card gives people a safe way to receive money without the need to open a bank account.
Anyone who earns AED 5,000 or less per month is eligible for a Ratibi card. This card is perfect for laborers, domestic workers, and low-income staff across different sectors. The main goal of Ratibi is financial inclusion. It allows even those without bank accounts to participate in the modern financial system.
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Benefits of Ratibi for Workers
Ratibi has become popular among workers for good reasons. It removes the need to wait in long lines to collect cash. Employees no longer worry about carrying large amounts of cash around.
The card can be used at ATMs and stores across the UAE and even internationally. Ratibi works through Visa or MasterCard networks, so it’s accepted in many places. There are no monthly fees, and cardholders can also check their balances easily using an ATM or online tools.
Important features include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Card Type | Prepaid Salary Card |
| Monthly Fee | None |
| Minimum Balance | Not required |
| Salary Alert | SMS alert sent when salary is credited |
| Insurance | Free personal accident coverage |
| ATM Access | 24/7 access at FAB and partner ATMs |
Ratibi vs Traditional Bank Accounts
Some people may wonder how Ratibi compares to regular bank accounts. The biggest difference is that Ratibi is a prepaid card, not a savings or checking account. You can’t deposit money on your own. Only your employer can load your salary to the card.
Ratibi doesn’t give you a chequebook or credit facilities. However, the lack of these services actually helps users avoid debt and overspending. It also gives the unbanked population access to essential financial services.
| Comparison Area | Ratibi Card | Bank Account |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fees | No | May apply |
| Minimum Balance | Not required | Usually required |
| Credit Facilities | Not available | Often available |
| Target Users | Low-income employees | All income groups |
| WPS Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
How Employers Use Ratibi to Pay Salaries
Employers benefit from using Ratibi too. Instead of giving out cash, they load salaries through a secure online system. This helps reduce errors, delays, and fraud. It also makes it easier to track payments and keep records. The system is WPS-compliant, so it helps companies avoid penalties and legal problems.
The card is issued only after the employer applies through FAB. Once approved, the card is delivered directly to the employee. The entire setup is safe, quick, and cost-effective.
Employers using Ratibi save time. They don’t have to handle cash or stand in line at the bank. Everything is digital and instant, making payroll management smooth and modern.
Salary Advance Through Payit App
Another reason Ratibi is powerful is because of its connection to Payit, FAB’s digital wallet. Employees can link their Ratibi card to the Payit app and unlock more features.
Payit allows users to transfer money, pay bills, and even request salary advances. This helps during emergencies when money is needed before payday. The app gives users the ability to manage their finances better, even without a full bank account.
Workers can also send money back home using Payit. This is especially useful for migrant workers who support their families in other countries.
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Insurance and Safety Features
A special feature of Ratibi is the free personal accident insurance it provides. If something unfortunate happens, the cardholder may get help with hospital bills or even support for family members. This benefit is rarely offered with regular payroll systems.
All cards are protected with PIN security. This means that even if the card is lost, money cannot be accessed without the user’s personal PIN. For extra safety, users can block or replace their card by contacting FAB’s 24/7 customer service.
How to Check Your Ratibi Balance
Checking your balance is simple. You don’t need internet or a bank app. You can use an ATM, the Payit app, or FAB’s online portal.
To use an ATM, insert your Ratibi card, enter your PIN, and choose “Balance Inquiry.” If you’re using the Payit app, the balance shows on the home screen after login. Users also receive an SMS alert whenever their salary is credited.
Quick Ways to Check Balance:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| ATM | Insert card > Enter PIN > Select “Balance” |
| Payit App | Log in > Home screen shows balance |
| SMS Notification | Automatic on salary credit |
Why Ratibi Supports Financial Inclusion
Many low-income workers in the UAE don’t have the paperwork or earnings to open a bank account. Without banking services, they often depend on cash or costly informal systems. Ratibi fills this gap.
By offering a free, reliable, and secure way to access earnings, Ratibi brings unbanked people into the financial world. It gives workers dignity, control, and security over their money. It also reduces the risks of theft and financial abuse.
This solution also improves money flow for employers and ensures that all labor laws are respected. It builds trust between companies and workers while keeping operations transparent and efficient.
Conclusion
Ratibi is more than just a salary card. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that helps improve the lives of low-income workers in the UAE. It also supports companies by making salary payments safe, legal, and easy.
By using Ratibi, both employees and employers gain a better, smarter, and safer way to manage money. It’s a perfect solution for today’s fast-moving, tech-friendly world.
Whether you’re an employer trying to manage a large team or a worker who just wants safe access to their wages, Ratibi can be the right tool for you.
