How to Deactivate Your FAB Debit Card: latest Guide 2025

Deactivating your FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank) debit card quickly is crucial when facing loss, theft, or suspicious activity. This comprehensive guide walks you through every method to deactivate your FAB debit card safely and efficiently in the UAE.

When Should You Deactivate Your FAB Debit Card?

Understanding when to deactivate your card can prevent financial loss and protect your account security.

1. Lost or Misplaced Card

If you cannot locate your debit card after thorough searching, deactivate it immediately. Even if you think it’s at home, blocking it temporarily prevents unauthorized use until you find it.

2. Card Theft or Stolen Wallet

Report and deactivate your card within minutes of discovering theft. Every minute counts when preventing fraudulent transactions.

3. Unauthorized Transactions Detected

If your bank statement shows charges you didn’t make, your card details may be compromised. Deactivate immediately and review recent transactions.

4. Card Information Exposed Online

Data breaches, phishing scams, or accidentally sharing card details online require immediate deactivation to prevent misuse.

5. Damaged or Malfunctioning Card

Cards with worn magnetic strips or damaged chips may not work properly at ATMs or POS terminals. Deactivate the old card before requesting a replacement.

6. Traveling Abroad Without Needing the Card

Some customers prefer to deactivate their card temporarily when traveling to prevent unauthorized access in case of baggage loss.

3 Ways to Deactivate Your FAB Debit Card

FAB offers multiple convenient methods to deactivate your debit card. Choose the option that works best for your situation.

Method 1: Deactivate FAB Debit Card Using Online Banking

The fastest method if you have internet access and remember your login credentials.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit the official FAB website at www.bankfab.com
2. Click on “Login” in the top right corner
3. Enter your User ID and Password
4. Complete the security verification (OTP or security questions)
5. Navigate to “Cards” or “Card Management” from the main dashboard
6. Select the debit card you want to deactivate
7. Click “Block Card” or “Deactivate Card”
8. Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number
9. Confirm the action by clicking “Submit.”
10. You’ll receive instant confirmation that your card is deactivated

Time Required: 2-3 minutes

Availability: 24/7

Method 2: Deactivate FAB Debit Card Through Mobile App

Perfect for customers on the go who need immediate action from their smartphone.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Open the FAB Mobile Banking App on your smartphone
2. Log in using your username and password or biometric authentication (fingerprint/face ID)
3. Tap on “Cards” from the bottom menu
4. Select your debit card from the list
5. Tap “Block & Replace” or “Manage Card”
6. Choose “Block Card” from the options
7. Select the reason for blocking (Lost, Stolen, Damaged, etc.)
8. Confirm with the OTP sent to your phone
9. Tap “Confirm” to complete the deactivation

Time Required: 1-2 minutes

Availability: 24/7 (requires app installation)

Download Links:

• iOS: Available on App Store
• Android: Available on Google Play Store

Method 3: Deactivate FAB Debit Card by Calling Customer Service

Best option when you don’t have internet access or need assistance from a representative.

Contact Numbers:

• Within UAE: 600 52 5500 (Toll-free)
• Outside UAE: +971 2 681 1511 (Standard international rates apply)
• WhatsApp Banking: +971 56 654 3210

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Call the appropriate FAB helpline number
2. Select your preferred language (Arabic or English)
3. Choose the option for “Card Services” from the menu
4. Wait for a customer service representative
5. Provide your Account Number or Card Number (last 4 digits)
6. Answer security questions for identity verification (may include):
   • Date of birth
   • Mother’s maiden name
   • Recent transaction details
   • Registered mobile number
7. Request to deactivate your debit card
8. Confirm the deactivation when asked
9. Request a confirmation reference number
10. Note down the reference number and the date/time of your call

Time Required: 5-10 minutes (depending on wait time)

Availability: 24/7

Pro Tip: Call during off-peak hours (2 AM – 6 AM or 2 PM – 4 PM) for shorter wait times.

Method 4: Visit FAB Branch (In-Person Deactivation)

If you prefer face-to-face assistance or need to discuss additional banking services.

What to Bring:

• Emirates ID or a valid government-issued photo ID
• Account details (account number or registered mobile number)
• Any supporting documents if reporting theft (police report recommended)

Process:

1. Visit your nearest FAB branch
2. Take a token from the customer service counter
3. Wait for your turn
4. Provide your ID and account details to the representative
5. Request debit card deactivation
6. Sign the deactivation form
7. Collect the acknowledgment receipt
8. Optionally request a replacement card on the spot

Time Required: 15-30 minutes (including waiting time)

Branch Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (may vary by location)

What Happens After You Deactivate Your FAB Debit Card?

Understanding the immediate and long-term effects helps you manage your banking during this transition.

Immediate Effects (Within Seconds)

• All transactions are blocked instantly
• The card cannot be used at ATMs
• Online payments are declined
• POS purchases are rejected
• Recurring payments linked to the card will fail

Your Bank Account Remains Active

• Account balance stays untouched
• You can still transfer money online
• Salary deposits continue normally
• Standing instructions remain active
• Cheque services work as usual
• Other FAB cards (if you have multiple) function normally

Access to Alternative Banking Methods

While your debit card is deactivated, you can still access your funds through:

1. FAB Mobile App – Transfer money, pay bills
2. Online Banking – Complete transactions from your computer
3. FAB ATMs – Use other linked cards
4. Branch Services – Withdraw cash with ID
5. Cheques – Write cheques for payments

How to Get a Replacement FAB Debit Card

After deactivation, you’ll need a new card to access physical ATMs and make in-person purchases.

Requesting a Replacement Card

Option 1: Through Mobile App

1. Open FAB Mobile App
2. Go to the “Cards” section
3. Tap “Request Replacement Card”
4. Choose delivery method (branch pickup or home delivery)
5. Confirm your delivery address
6. Submit request

Option 2: Through Online Banking

1. Log in to FAB Online Banking
2. Navigate to “Card Services”
3. Select “Replace Card”
4. Fill in the replacement form
5. Choose delivery preferences
6. Submit and note the reference number

Option 3: Call Customer Service

• Follow the Method 3 steps above and request a replacement during the same call

Option 4: Visit Branch

• Visit with your Emirates ID and request instant card replacement (subject to availability)

Replacement Card Details

Factor	Details
Processing Time	5-7 business days
Delivery Method	Registered mail or branch pickup
Card Number	New card number (for security)
Replacement Fee	Usually free for first replacement; AED 50-100 for subsequent replacements
PIN Setup	New PIN required (generated at ATM or chosen during activation)
Card Validity	3-5 years from issue date

Activating Your New FAB Debit Card

Once you receive your replacement card:

1. Call 600 52 5500 and follow activation prompts
2. OR use the FAB Mobile App to activate
3. OR visit any FAB ATM and complete PIN setup
4. Make a small test transaction to ensure it works
5. Update card details on recurring payment platforms (Netflix, subscriptions, etc.)

Security Tips After Deactivating Your FAB Debit Card

Protect your account with these essential security measures:

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

Monitor Your Account Daily

• Check transactions every morning
• Set up balance alerts
• Review statements weekly

Enable Transaction Alerts

• SMS alerts for every transaction
• Email notifications for online purchases
• Push notifications via mobile app

Update Merchant Information

• Cancel saved card details on shopping websites
• Update subscription services with new card info
• Remove old card from digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

Ongoing Security Practices

Create Strong PINs

• Avoid birthdays, anniversaries, or sequential numbers
• Never use 1234, 0000, or repeated digits
• Don’t share PIN with anyone

Secure Your Digital Banking

• Use strong passwords (12+ characters, mixed case, numbers, symbols)
• Enable biometric login (fingerprint/face recognition)
• Log out after each session
• Avoid public WiFi for banking

Stay Alert for Phishing

• FAB will never ask for a full PIN or password via email/SMS
• Verify the sender before clicking links
• Call the bank directly if a message seems suspicious

Regular Security Checkups

• Update contact details every 6 months
• Review transaction history weekly
• Check for unknown linked devices in app settings

Common Issues and Solutions When Deactivating FAB Debit Card

Problem 1: OTP Not Received

Possible Causes:

• Network issues
• An incorrect mobile number is registered
• SMS delays from the telecom provider

Solutions:

• Wait 2-3 minutes before requesting a resend
• Check if your phone has a signal
• Try an alternative verification method (email OTP)
• Update the mobile number at the branch if incorrect
• Use the “Call Me” option for phone verification

Problem 2: FAB Mobile App Not Working

Possible Causes:

• Outdated app version
• Phone storage full
• App cache corrupted
• Server maintenance

Solutions:

• Update the app to the latest version from App Store/Play Store
• Clear app cache: Settings > Apps > FAB Mobile > Clear Cache
• Restart your phone
• Uninstall and reinstall the app
• Use online banking as an alternative
• Wait 30 minutes if server maintenance is announced

Problem 3: Online Banking Login Failed

Possible Causes:

• Forgotten password
• Account locked after multiple wrong attempts
• Browser compatibility issues
• Cookies/cache problems

Solutions:

• Click “Forgot Password” and reset it
• Clear browser cookies and cache
• Try incognito/private browsing mode
• Switch to a different browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
• Wait 30 minutes if the account is locked, then try again
• Call support at 600 52 5500 to unlock the account

Problem 4: Long Wait Times on Customer Service

Peak Hours (Longest Wait):

• 9 AM – 11 AM (morning rush)
• 1 PM – 3 PM (lunch break)
• Saturday mornings (weekend banking)

Best Times to Call (Shortest Wait):

• 6 AM – 8 AM (early morning)
• 3 PM – 5 PM (afternoon)
• 8 PM – 11 PM (evening)
• Weekdays are better than weekends

Alternative Solutions:

• Use WhatsApp Banking for text-based support
• Try the mobile app first
• Visit a branch if urgent
• Use online chat support on the FAB website

Problem 5: Deactivation Request Not Processing

Solutions:

• Refresh the page and try again
• Check the internet connection stability
• Verify you selected the correct card
• Ensure the account has no pending restrictions
• Call customer service if the issue persists after 3 attempts
• Visit the branch for manual processing

Important Information About FAB Debit Card Types

FAB offers various debit card types. Deactivation works the same way for all:

Card Type	Features	Replacement Time
FAB Classic Debit Card	Basic banking needs	5-7 days
FAB Silver Debit Card	Enhanced benefits	5-7 days
FAB Gold Debit Card	Premium services	3-5 days
FAB Platinum Debit Card	Exclusive privileges	2-4 days
FAB World Debit Card	International travelers	3-5 days
FAB Infinite Debit Card	Ultra-premium banking	1-3 days

Legal and Financial Considerations

Liability for Fraudulent Transactions

According to the UAE Central Bank regulations:

• Before Reporting: Customer may be liable up to AED 500 for unauthorized transactions before the card is reported lost/stolen
• After reporting: Zero liability once deactivation is confirmed
• Delayed Reporting: If you delay reporting beyond 48 hours, liability may increase

Pro Tip: Report immediately to minimize liability.

Police Report for Stolen Cards

While not always mandatory, filing a police report is recommended for:

• Insurance claims
• Dispute resolution
• Identity theft documentation
• Future reference if fraud occurs

FAQs About Deactivating FAB Debit Cards

Alternative: Temporary Card Freeze vs Permanent Deactivation

FAB offers a temporary freeze option that’s different from permanent deactivation:

Temporary Freeze

• Use Case: Misplaced card, but might find it
• Duration: Until you manually unfreeze
• Reversible: Yes, can unfreeze anytime
• Card Number: Stays the same
• How: FAB Mobile App > Cards > Freeze Card

Permanent Deactivation

• Use Case: Lost, stolen, or compromised card
• Duration: Permanent
• Reversible: No, requires replacement
• Card Number: The New card gets a new number
• How: All methods described in this guide

Recommendation: Use a temporary freeze if you’re unsure about the card location. Use permanent deactivation if the card is definitely lost or compromised.

Checklist: Steps After Deactivating Your FAB Debit Card

Print or save this checklist to ensure you’ve covered all bases:

• [ ] Deactivate card through preferred method
• [ ] Note down confirmation/reference number
• [ ] Request replacement card
• [ ] Monitor account for unauthorized transactions
• [ ] Enable SMS and email alerts
• [ ] Update card details on subscription services
• [ ] Remove old card from digital wallets
• [ ] Destroy old card (cut through chip and magnetic strip)
• [ ] Set up PIN for new card when received
• [ ] Test the new card with a small transaction
• [ ] Update card info on frequently used merchants
• [ ] File police report (if stolen)
• [ ] Review account security settings

Additional Resources

FAB Customer Service Channels

• Phone: 600 52 5500 (UAE) | +971 2 681 1511 (International)
• WhatsApp: +971 56 654 3210
• Email: contactus@bankfab.com
• Website: www.bankfab.com
• Branch Locator: Available on FAB website

Working Hours

• Phone Support: 24/7
• WhatsApp Banking: 24/7
• Branches: Saturday-Thursday 8 AM – 2 PM (varies by location)
• Online Banking: 24/7

Conclusion

Deactivating your FAB debit card is simple, fast, and essential when facing loss, theft, or fraud. The entire process takes less than 5 minutes through any of the methods outlined above.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you suspect any issue with your FAB debit card, deactivate it now and protect your hard-earned money. Visit uaebalancecheck.com for more guides.

Related FAB Banking Guides

Looking for more helpful FAB banking information? Check out these comprehensive guides:

• FAB Balance Check Online – Check your balance instantly from anywhere
• FAB Mobile App – Master all features of the FAB mobile banking app
• FAB Online Bankin– Recover access to your account quickly
• FAB ATM Locations Near You – Find the nearest FAB ATM or branch
• FAB Customer Service Guide – Get help fast with all contact method