What is Blocked Amount in FAB With Great Dubai

In the current digital banking era, customers are frequently confused by words such as pending transactions, holds, and blocked amounts. If anyone is an account holder in the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), they might find a section of their balance with a label of blocked or on hold. In this detailed and informative guide, we will know what a blocked amount in FAB is, why it occurs, how long it remains, and how you can see or unblock it with ease. Moreover, we will also provide all updates for the 2025 FAB account holders..

Understanding the Blocked Amount in FAB

A blocked amount in your FAB account refers to the temporary freezing of a specific portion of your funds. At this time, this amount is not withdrawable or usable until the hold is lifted by FAB. You can consider it a security measure;e, your money is not lost; it is merely held up to a transaction or verification procedure. 

Once the bank confirms all details with the merchant or authority involved, the blocked amount automatically becomes available again. In other words, FAB’s blocked balance ensures the bank and merchant can finalize a transaction securely as well as accurately.

Why FAB Blocks an Amount: Common Scenarios

Your FAB account can have a blocked balance due to a number of valid reasons. The most frequent are discussed below:

Pending Transactions

In case you make a purchase using your FAB debit or credit card, FAB temporarily reserves that amount until the merchant authenticates the transaction.

• Duration: 1–7 business days

• Example: Online shopping or card swipe at restaurants

• Tip: The hold is automatically discharged in a few days in case the merchant does not make the payment.

Security Deposits

Hotels, car rentals, or equipment hire companies often block a security deposit on your card.

• Duration: Until the service is completed

• Example: A car rental company may block AED 1,000 as a refundable deposit.

• Note: It is not a charge; it is just a temporary hold. The amount is discharged after returning the car.

Merchant Authorization Holds

An extensive range of merchants put a temporary hold to check the validity of your card.

• Duration: 1–14 days

• Example: Online subscriptions or trial-based services.

Regulatory or Compliance Requirements

In some cases, FAB can normally freeze some funds due to legal or regulatory reasons.

• Duration: It takes some time, depending on the case.

• Example: Checking of accounts or adherence to the policies of the Central Bank UAE.

Fraud Prevention & Transaction Verification

In order to avoid unauthorized access, FAB can block the suspicious or unverified transactions before it confirms your identity.

• Duration: Until the verification is done

• Example: Unusual overseas card activity, high-frequency transfers of amounts

Loan Processing or Overdraft Protection

FAB may hold a part of your balance when you apply for a loan or activate overdraft protection until it is processed.

• Duration: Until loan approval or overdraft finalization

Must Read: Check Your FAB Balance Online Anytime, Anywhere | Simple Steps to Follow

How does a Blocked Amount Affect your Account

FAB Blocked Amount Duration Overview

How Does a Blocked Amount Affect Your FAB Account?

Knowledge of the effect makes you better manage your balance.

Reduced Available Balance

The blocked money is not reduced from your account, but you cannot use it. The available balance will be smaller until it is released.

Possible Overdraft or Decline

When your money is blocked and you attempt to make another payment, you may either incur overdrafts or have payments refused.

Delay in Large Payments

Large purchases or transfers could not be completed when you have a blocked amount of money in your account.

Temporary Financial Confusion

You might believe your balance is incorrect without verifying your pending transaction,, but the problem is most likely that you are facing a hold.

How to Check Blocked Amount in FAB (2025 Updated Methods)

FAB offers a range of ways to track and confirm any blocked or held amounts. Here’s how you can check them easily:

FAB Mobile Banking App

The fastest method for most users.

Steps:

• Open the FAB Mobile App.

• Log in using your credentials.

• Tap Accounts → Pending Transactions.

• View details of any blocked or held funds.

Processing Time: Instant

Fee: None

FAB Online Banking

Steps:

• Go to the website of FAB Online Banking (official site).

• Enter your username and password.

• Choose an account and visit the Transactions section.

• The page will show pending or blocked amounts clearly.

Processing Time: Immediate

 Fee: None

FAB ATM

Insert FAB card, choose Balance Inquiry, and then click on Pending Transactions ( most new FAB ATM).

Processing Time: Instant

Fee: None

Visit a FAB Branch

If you prefer in-person help, visit the nearest FAB branch during working hours (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM). Ask the representative to show you your current blocked or held transactions.

Processing Time: Same day

Fee: None

Customer Support & Email Inquiry

You can also contact FAB at 600 52 5500 or email help@bankfab.com with your registered account details.

Must Read: How to Check Your Salary in FAB: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Unblock the Amount in FAB

In case the blocked amount has not been released within the predicted time, you may request it to be reviewed manually:

Confirm with Merchant:

Call the merchant (e.g., car rental or hotel) and make sure that he has sent the release confirmation.

Contact FAB Customer Support:

Give your authorization number, transaction I,  and date. The funds can be released by FAB manually after verification.

Submit Proof of Completion:

Send the invoice of the merchant to FAB support in case you have returned the rented car or fulfilled a service.

Wait for Processing:

A manual release typically requires 1-3 business days following verification.

Tips to Avoid Blocked Amount Problems

• Use debit cards for deposits or temporary holds instead of credit cards.

• Monitor outstanding transactions every week on the FAB app.

• Avoid multiple cancellations and repeated refunds may trigger holds.

• Always update your mobile number so that you can get an alert whenever there is a transaction carried out by FAB.

• Report suspicious activity immediately to prevent fraud-based blocking.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what is blocked amount is in FAB helps you avoid confusion when managing your finances. These temporary holds belong to the new digital banking, where there is a guarantee of safety, comfort, and transparency in all important transactions. Checking your FAB account regularly and understanding how to identify, confirm, and release blocked funds will keep the money in full control, and you can experience reliable banking in 2025.

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