In the UAE, your salary usually lands in one of two places: a bank account or a salary card paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS). Bank balances are checked in your bank’s app, and salary cards in the card issuer’s app or at any ATM on the card’s network. The Central Bank of the UAE regulates both, and if your bank does not resolve a complaint, Sanadak takes it free of charge.
Do this next
- Not sure who issued your salary card? Look for the logo and small print on the card, then use the table below.
- Renewed your Emirates ID? Update it with your bank so your account is not restricted.
- Offered an instant loan with no documents? Check that the lender is licensed by the Central Bank before you share anything.
Salary cards at a glance
| Card | App or portal | Helpline |
|---|---|---|
| C3 (Edenred) | C3Pay app | 600 56 7772 |
| Ratibi (FAB) | Magnati prepaid card enquiry portal | 600 52 2298 |
| LuLu | LuLu Money app | 600 522 204 |
| Al Ansari PayPlus | Al Ansari Exchange app | 600 54 6000 |
| RPay (Al Rostamani) | RPay app | 600 540 004 |
An ATM shows the balance on any of these cards, though some issuers or ATMs charge for it. MOHRE can also confirm whether your salary went through the Wage Protection System.
- Check any salary card balance online
- C3 card balance check
- Move money from a C3 card to a bank
- FAB Ratibi salary check
- LuLu salary card balance
- Al Ansari Exchange balance check
- RPay balance enquiry
FAB accounts and cards
First Abu Dhabi Bank’s main customer care number is 600 52 5500. Ratibi, FAB Islamic and the Payit wallet each have their own lines, so check the right one before you call.
- FAB balance check
- FAB online banking login
- Open a FAB account
- FAB salary account
- Activate a FAB debit card
- Activate a FAB credit card
- Close a FAB account
- FAB customer care numbers
- Find a FAB branch
Other UAE banks
Every bank has its own app, codes and helpline. The balance check is almost always quickest in the app, with an ATM as the fallback.
Opening an account: IBAN, SWIFT and minimum balance
To open most accounts you need your Emirates ID, passport and residence visa, and some banks also ask for a salary certificate. Minimum balance rules vary by bank and account. A UAE IBAN always has 23 characters: AE, two check digits, a three-digit bank code and a 16-digit account number.
Calculators
These give estimates to plan with. Your bank or employer’s final figure can differ.
Tax numbers, bills and discount cards
A Tax Registration Number (TRN) has 15 digits, and you can verify one for free on the Federal Tax Authority website before you pay VAT to a new supplier.
Complaints and scams
Complain to your bank first, in writing, and keep the reference number. If you are unhappy with the outcome, take it to Sanadak, the independent ombudsman unit set up by the Central Bank for banks and insurers. Sanadak is free to use. Be wary of any “instant loan” that asks for a fee upfront or for your card details, and never share a one-time password.
Related guides
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my salary card balance without an app?
Use any ATM on your card’s network, or call the issuer’s helpline. Some issuers or ATMs charge for a balance enquiry.
What is the Wage Protection System?
It is the system through which private sector employers pay salaries in the UAE, supervised by MOHRE. Salaries can be paid into a bank account or onto a salary card.
How many characters does a UAE IBAN have?
23: the letters AE, two check digits, a three-digit bank code and a 16-digit account number.
What do I need to open a bank account in the UAE?
Usually your Emirates ID, passport and residence visa. Some banks also ask for a salary certificate, and minimum balance rules vary.
Who do I complain to about a UAE bank?
Complain to the bank first. If you are unhappy with the outcome, take it to Sanadak, the Central Bank’s ombudsman unit, which is free to use.
How do I check a TRN?
Use the TRN verification tool on the Federal Tax Authority website. It is free and needs no login.
Last updated: November 2026
Reviewed by: DubaiHowTo Editorial Desk
Disclaimer: Information reflects official and provider pages on the date above. Fees and terms can change without notice. DubaiHowTo does not give financial advice.