Opening a FAB bank account in the UAE requires an Emirates ID, valid residency visa, and passport, with most current accounts needing a minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000. Account opening itself is free, and salaried UAE residents can open an account instantly through the FAB Mobile App using facial verification, with approval typically within 24–48 hours.
Do this next:
- Confirm which account fits your salary — AED 10,000+ for FAB One, no minimum for iSave
- Download the FAB Mobile App and have your Emirates ID ready
- Complete the facial verification step to avoid a branch visit
Table of Contents
FAB Bank Account Types Compared
“First Abu Dhabi Bank” is the UAE’s largest banking group by assets, formed from the 2017 merger of NBAD and FGB, with branches across more than 19 countries.
| Account | Minimum Salary/Balance | Monthly Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAB One (current) | AED 10,000 salary or deposit | Free if maintained | Salaried residents wanting lifestyle rewards |
| Personal Current Account | AED 3,000 balance | AED 25–26.25 if below minimum | Everyday banking, no salary requirement |
| iSave (savings) | AED 0 | None | Zero-balance digital saving |
| Elite Current Account | No minimum balance | Free | High-net-worth, multi-currency needs |
The iSave account has no minimum salary requirement and no monthly fee, unlike the FAB One account, which requires either a AED 10,000 monthly salary transfer or an equivalent deposit to waive its balance conditions. This distinction matters directly for anyone comparing “zero balance” options, since not every FAB account described that way carries the same threshold.
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How to Open a FAB Bank Account Online
The FAB Mobile App is the fastest route for UAE residents with an Emirates ID, avoiding a branch visit entirely.
- Download the FAB Mobile App from the App Store, Google Play, or AppGallery
- Scan your Emirates ID, front and back
- Complete facial verification (a short liveness check)
- Enter employment and contact details
- Submit and wait for approval — usually 24 to 48 hours for residents
Non-resident and branch applications generally take 3 to 5 business days, since these cases require additional Know Your Customer verification that the instant digital flow cannot complete alone.
Pro tip: Applicants using the FAB One Account should double-check that their employer’s WPS salary transfer will actually reach the AED 10,000 monthly threshold before applying — falling short after approval can trigger the account’s fee conditions from the following month.
Fees and Charges
FAB does not charge an account opening fee on any personal account, but maintenance conditions vary by account type.
| Charge | Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly maintenance | AED 25–26.25 | Personal Current Account balance below AED 3,000 |
| Account closure | AED 105 | Closed within 6–12 months of opening |
| Debit card replacement | AED 26.25 | Lost or damaged card |
| International card transaction | 2.1% of amount + scheme charges | Non-UAE currency purchases |
FAB does not charge for domestic ATM withdrawals at its own machines, though non-FAB ATM withdrawals within the UAE, GCC, and internationally carry separate charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary to open a FAB bank account?
The minimum salary depends on the account. The FAB One current account requires AED 10,000 per month, while the iSave digital savings account has no minimum salary or balance requirement at all. Non-salaried applicants for FAB One can qualify instead with an initial deposit of AED 10,000.
Can non-residents open a FAB bank account opening application?
Yes, but with restrictions. Non-residents are generally limited to savings or investment-focused accounts rather than full current accounts, and face stricter Know Your Customer checks along with a higher typical minimum balance, often AED 10,000 or more.
Is the FAB zero balance account really free?
The iSave account carries no minimum balance and no monthly maintenance fee, making it genuinely free to hold. This differs from accounts marketed with “zero-balance flexibility,” such as FAB One, which waives its balance rule only when the AED 10,000 monthly salary condition is met.
How long does FAB bank account opening take?
For UAE residents applying via the FAB Mobile App with a valid Emirates ID, approval typically takes 24 to 48 hours. Non-resident or branch-based applications generally take 3 to 5 business days due to additional verification requirements.
Last verified: July 2026 Reviewed by: UAE Content Team Source: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
