How to use the Ratibi Prepaid Card for daily expenses

If you’re working in the UAE, chances are you’ve heard about the Ratibi prepaid card. It’s one of the most popular salary solutions, especially for employees who don’t have traditional bank accounts.

With this card, workers can receive their wages directly and use the balance for everyday expenses.

But many people still ask: How do I use the balance? Can I transfer money? Is it different from a debit card? This guide will answer these questions in simple terms, helping you use your Ratibi card wisely and avoid mistakes.

How to use prepaid card balance

Your Ratibi card works like a prepaid debit card. Every month, your employer loads your salary onto the card. Once the balance is available, you can use it in several ways:

1. Shopping in stores: just swipe the card at any shop that accepts Mastercard. You don’t need cash in hand.
   
2. Online purchases: use your Ratibi card details for buying items online, just like a debit or credit card.
   
3. Bill payments: many utility providers and telecom companies accept prepaid card payments.
   
4. ATM withdrawals: you can withdraw cash directly from ATMs, though be aware of possible withdrawal limits or small fees.
   

Example: Imagine you receive AED 2,000 on your Ratibi card. You can use AED 1,000 to pay your rent, AED 300 for groceries, and AED 100 online for mobile recharges, all directly from your card balance.

How to transfer money from Ratibi Card

One of the biggest concerns for expatriate workers in the UAE is sending money back home. The Ratibi card makes this possible in different ways. 

Some ATMs allow you to transfer funds directly from your card to another account or to a partnered exchange house. In addition, if your card is linked to a mobile banking app provided by the issuing bank, you may be able to initiate transfers digitally, without visiting a branch.

Exchange houses across the UAE also accept Ratibi cards for remittances. You can visit a center, swipe your card, and authorize the transfer to your family abroad. This system is convenient because you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash. However, it’s always wise to check the transfer fees and exchange rates before confirming. 

Some providers charge more than others, and comparing a few options can save you money over time.

For example, imagine a worker who sends AED 1,000 home every month. If one exchange house charges AED 15 and another only AED 10 for the same service, choosing the cheaper option saves AED 60 a year. 

That might not sound like much, but for someone on a limited salary, every dirham matters.

What is the use of debit plus prepaid card?

It’s easy to confuse a prepaid salary card with a debit card because both allow you to pay in stores and withdraw cash from ATMs. But they are not the same. 

The Ratibi card is a prepaid card, which means you can only spend what your employer loads onto it each month. Once the balance is finished, the card stops working until the next salary deposit.

It’s a straightforward system that helps you avoid debt because you cannot spend more than you have.

A debit card, on the other hand, is linked to a full bank account. This means you can deposit extra money from different sources, make transfers to other accounts, and sometimes access overdraft or credit services. 

Debit cards are part of a larger banking relationship that can help you build credit history and qualify for loans or other financial products in the future.

The prepaid Ratibi card is excellent for daily expenses and safety, especially for workers without a bank account. But if you want long-term financial growth, a debit card connected to a personal account provides far more flexibility.

What is the Ratibi salary card?

The Ratibi salary card is essentially a prepaid card created to pay workers’ salaries in a secure and efficient way. Employers who participate in the UAE’s Wage Protection System use this card to deposit monthly salaries for employees earning up to AED 5,000.

Instead of issuing checks or paying in cash, the company loads the money directly onto the card.

The Ratibi card has several advantages. You don’t need to open a traditional bank account, which is often difficult for lower-income workers. You can withdraw money at ATMs across the country, pay in shops, and even shop online.

Since it’s part of the WPS, your salary is guaranteed to be transferred on time and recorded officially. This increases transparency and reduces the risk of salary disputes.

Still, the Ratibi card has limitations. It doesn’t provide access to savings accounts, credit facilities, or investment tools. 

If you lose your job, the card becomes inactive, and you may need to rely on cash again. That’s why many financial advisors recommend using the Ratibi card as a starting point, but eventually moving toward opening a personal bank account when possible.

How to Use the Ratibi Card for Daily Expenses Effectively

To get the most out of your card, here are some practical tips:

1. Plan Your Spending: keep track of what you use the card for, rent, food, bills, so you don’t run out before the next payday.
   
2. Use ATMs Wisely: limit cash withdrawals to avoid extra fees. Try to use the card directly at shops instead.
   
3. Send Money Smartly: compare exchange houses for the best transfer rates before using your card for remittances.
   
4. Keep It Safe: treat the Ratibi card like cash. If it’s lost or stolen, contact the bank immediately.
   
5. Consider a Bank Account in the Future: while the Ratibi card is convenient, a bank account gives you more financial opportunities, like savings and credit.

Salary card vs debit card: which one helps you more?

For many workers, the Ratibi card is the first step toward financial independence. But it’s worth knowing the differences:

• With a salary card like Ratibi, you get easy access to your wages, but with limited banking services.
• With a debit card linked to a bank account, you gain access to savings, online transfers, credit history, and sometimes higher security.

A smart strategy is to start with Ratibi, learn to manage daily expenses, and then open a bank account once you’re ready for the next step.

The Ratibi prepaid salary card is a practical solution for workers in the UAE. It allows you to:

• Receive your salary directly.
• Use your balance for shopping, bills, and online purchases.
• Transfer money safely to your family abroad.

While it may not offer all the services of a full bank account, it’s an excellent tool for daily expenses and financial management. By using it wisely, you can control your budget, avoid fees, and take your first steps toward stronger financial independence.