If you have an NBAD prepaid card (National Bank of Abu Dhabi, now part of First Abu Dhabi Bank – FAB), checking your balance and recent transactions is something you’ll probably need to do quite often.
Whether you’re shopping, traveling, paying bills, or just want to keep an eye on your spending, knowing your card balance quickly helps avoid declined transactions and embarrassing moments at the checkout.
In this updated 2026 guide, I explain every possible way to check your NBAD / FAB prepaid card balance — step by step, including:
- All official methods (mobile app, SMS, ATM, call center, website)
- Fastest & easiest options for busy people
- Fees (if any)
- What to do if your card is lost or balance shows wrong
- Common problems and quick fixes
Let’s jump right in.
Why Checking Prepaid Card Balance Matters
Prepaid cards are not linked to a regular bank account — they only have the money you loaded onto them. If the balance is low or zero:
- Transactions get declined
- You can’t pay at shops, online, or for fuel
- International use (travel, websites) can suddenly stop working
Checking regularly takes 30 seconds and saves a lot of stress.
1. Check Balance via FAB Mobile App (Fastest & Most Popular Method)
The FAB Mobile app is by far the easiest and fastest way in 2026.
Steps:
- Download/update FAB Mobile from App Store or Google Play
- Log in using your username, password, or biometric (face/fingerprint)
- Go to “Cards” section
- Select your NBAD / FAB prepaid card
- Tap on “View Balance” or “Card Details” → Balance + recent transactions appear instantly
Advantages:
- Free of charge
- Shows full transaction history
- Works 24/7
- You can also block card, set limits, or request replacement from the app
Tip: Enable push notifications in the app — you’ll get alerts for every transaction.
2. SMS Balance Check (Quick When You Don’t Have Internet)
How to do it:
- Send an SMS from your registered mobile number
- Type: BAL and send to 2424
- You’ll receive an instant reply with your current prepaid card balance
Cost: Usually free or very small SMS charge (depends on your telecom provider – Etisalat/Du)
Advantages:
- Works even without internet
- Takes 5–10 seconds
- No app or login needed
Note: Make sure your mobile number is registered with the card — otherwise SMS won’t work.
3. Check Balance at FAB ATM (Classic Method)
Steps:
- Insert your NBAD/FAB prepaid card into any FAB ATM in UAE
- Enter your PIN
- Choose “Balance Enquiry”
- Select the account type (usually “Current” or “Prepaid”) → Balance shows on screen + printed receipt (optional)
Advantages:
- No mobile data needed
- You can also withdraw cash at the same time
Disadvantages:
- You have to find an FAB ATM
- Small fee may apply for balance inquiry (usually free for FAB cards)
Tip: Most major malls, petrol stations, and FAB branches have ATMs.
4. Call the FAB Contact Center (When You Don’t Have Card or Phone Nearby)
How to do it:
- Call FAB customer service: 600 52 5500 (within UAE)
- Or international toll-free number (check FAB website for your country)
- Follow IVR prompts → select language → prepaid card balance inquiry
- Or speak to agent and give card number + security details
Cost: Call charges apply (usually standard mobile rates)
Advantages:
- Works if you lost your phone or card is not with you
- Agent can also help with blocked cards, lost/stolen issues
Real tip: Have your card number and registered mobile number ready — it speeds things up.
5. FAB Online Banking / FAB Website (Less Common for Prepaid Cards)
Steps:
- Go to www.bankfab.com or log into FAB Internet Banking
- Use your login credentials
- Navigate to “Cards” → “Prepaid Cards”
- View balance and mini-statement
Note: Not all prepaid cards are linked to full online banking — most people use the mobile app instead.
Current Fees for Balance Inquiry (2026)
| Method | Fee (AED) | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAB Mobile App | Free | Instant | Best option |
| SMS (BAL to 2424) | Free / SMS charge | Instant | No internet needed |
| FAB ATM | Usually Free | Instant | Printed receipt available |
| Call Center | Call charges | 2–5 minutes | Good for lost card / emergencies |
| Online Banking Website | Free | Instant | Limited prepaid support |
What to Do If Balance Shows Wrong or Card Not Working
Common problems and quick fixes:
- Balance shows AED 0 but you loaded money: Wait 10–30 minutes (sometimes loading takes time). If still wrong → call 600 52 5500
- Card declined even with balance: Check expiry date, check if card is locked, or call to activate international/online use
- Lost / stolen card: Immediately call FAB helpline to block it — then apply for replacement
- Transaction not reflecting: Some merchants take 24–48 hours to process — check again later
Final Thoughts – Which Method Should You Use?
For most people in 2026:
- Daily check: Use FAB Mobile app — free, fast, full history
- No internet: Send BAL to 2424 via SMS
- Need cash too: Use FAB ATM
- Emergency / lost card: Call 600 52 5500
The process is simple and quick — once you set up the app, checking balance takes 10 seconds.
Have you tried any of these methods? Which one works best for you? Or did you face any problem? Share in the comments — it really helps others!
Safe spending & happy travels!