Activating your First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) credit card is a quick and secure process that ensures your card is ready for transactions, online payments, and ATM usage. Whether you just received your new card or a replacement, activation is mandatory before you can start using it.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through all activation methods, including mobile app, ATM, SMS, and customer support, so you can choose the easiest option.

Step 1 – Activate FAB Credit Card via Mobile App (Recommended)

The easiest and fastest way is through the FAB Mobile Banking App. Here are the steps you can follow to activate your FAB credit card via mobile:

1. Download or open the FAB Mobile App
2. Log in using your credentials
3. Go to Cards Section
4. Select your new credit card
5. Tap “Activate Card”
6. Set or confirm your PIN
7. Submit and confirm

Your card is usually activated instantly

Why this method is best:

• Fastest option
• Secure login authentication
• Allows PIN setup immediately

Step 2 – Activate via FAB ATM

If you prefer a physical method, you can activate your card at any FAB ATM.

Steps to follow for activating FAB credit card via FAB ATM:

1. Insert your new credit card into the ATM
2. Enter the temporary PIN (if provided)
3. Select “Create/Change PIN”
4. Enter a new PIN
5. Confirm the PIN

Once PIN is set, your card is automatically activated.

Step 3 – Activate FAB Credit Card via SMS

FAB also offers activation through SMS (for eligible users).

Steps:

1. Use your registered mobile number
2. Send an SMS in this format:
   ACT <last 4 digits of card>
3. Send it to FAB’s official SMS number

You will receive a confirmation message once activated.

Note: SMS activation may vary depending on your account type.

Step 4 – Activate via Customer Care (Phone Banking)

If you face any issues, you can activate your card by calling FAB support.

Steps:

1. Call FAB Customer Care (from registered number)
2. Follow IVR instructions
3. Select credit card services
4. Choose “Activate Card”
5. Verify identity (OTP or personal details)

Activation is completed during the call.

Step 5 – Activate via Online Banking

You can also activate your card through FAB internet banking.

Steps:

1. Log in to FAB Online Banking
2. Navigate to Cards Management
3. Select your credit card
4. Click Activate
5. Confirm details

How Long Does FAB Credit Card Activation Take?

• Mobile App: Instant
• ATM: Instant
• SMS: Few minutes
• Phone Banking: Immediate

In most cases, activation is completed within seconds.

Common Issues During Activation (And Fixes)

Card Not Activating

• Ensure your mobile number is registered
• Try another method (app or ATM)

Wrong PIN Error

• Reset PIN via ATM or app

No SMS Response

• Check network or use app instead

App Login Issues

• Reset password or use phone banking

Safety Tips After Activation

• Never share your OTP or PIN
• Enable transaction alerts
• Set spending limits via app
• Monitor transactions regularly

FAQs – FAB Credit Card Activation

Final Thoughts

Activating your FAB credit card is simple and takes only a few minutes. I always recommend using the mobile app because it’s the quickest and most convenient method. However, FAB provides multiple options, ATM, SMS, online banking, and phone support—so you’re never stuck.