What is Blocked Amount in FAB?

Have you ever wondered why a part of your FAB account balance seems unavailable for use? If you’re a customer of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), this might be due to a “blocked amount.” These temporary holds on your funds can feel confusing, but understanding their purpose is crucial for managing your finances efficiently.

Let’s talk about what blocked amounts mean in FAB accounts, why they occur, and how you can deal with them effectively.

What is Blocked Amount in FAB? (Quick Answer)

Blocked amounts in FAB accounts are temporarily held funds due to pending transactions, security deposits, or fraud prevention. These holds ensure transaction integrity and regulatory compliance but restrict access until resolved. You can check blocked amounts through FAB’s mobile app, online banking, or customer service to manage your finances effectively.

What are the Types of Blocked Amounts in FAB?

Here’s a helpful table to understand the types of blocked amounts, their purposes, durations, and associated fees:

Blocked Amount Type	Description	Typical Duration	Fees (if any)
Pending Transactions	Temporary hold for card purchases or payments	1–7 days	None
Security Deposits	Funds held by merchants like rental companies or hotels as a deposit	Until service completion	None
Regulatory Compliance	Funds held to meet legal or regulatory requirements	Varies	None
Fraud Prevention	Hold placed to verify potentially suspicious transactions	Until verification	None
Merchant Holds	Temporary hold for pre-authorization by merchants	1–14 days	None
Loan Processing Hold	Funds held during the review and approval of a loan application	Until loan approval	None
Overdraft Protection	Amount reserved to prevent overdrafts on your account	Continuous	Varies

What is a Blocked Amount?

A blocked amount refers to funds temporarily held by the bank and unavailable for use. These holds are often initiated to secure transactions, ensure compliance, or prevent fraud. While the block is active, you won’t be able to access or use the funds until it is lifted.

Blocked amounts are commonly associated with pending transactions, security deposits, or merchant pre-authorizations. While they are temporary, understanding the reasons behind them can help you plan your finances and avoid surprises.

Common Reasons for Blocked Amounts

1. Pending Transactions

When you use your FAB debit or credit card for a purchase, the merchant might place a hold on a portion of your funds until the transaction is completed. For example:

• Online purchases
• Hotel or restaurant payments

The hold ensures the transaction amount is available and is typically released within 1–7 days.

2. Security Deposits

If you rent a car or book a hotel, the company may block a certain amount on your card as a security deposit. This block is lifted once the service is complete, provided no additional charges are incurred.

3. Regulatory Compliance

Banks are required to comply with legal and regulatory standards. As part of these requirements, FAB may block funds temporarily until certain conditions are met, such as verifying documents for a high-value transaction.

4. Fraud Prevention

To safeguard your account, FAB may block amounts flagged for suspicious or unauthorized activity. These holds remain until the transaction is verified as legitimate.

5. Merchant Holds

Some merchants, like fuel stations or ride-sharing services, block a standard amount as a pre-authorization. These holds ensure you can pay the full cost of the service and are usually released within 1–14 days.

6. Loan Processing Hold

If you apply for a loan through FAB, a portion of your funds might be held during the processing period. This ensures that the necessary funds are available and is removed once the loan is approved.

7. Overdraft Protection

FAB may reserve a portion of your account balance to prevent overdrafts, especially if you have linked services that could trigger negative balances.

How Blocked Amounts Affect Your FAB Account?

Blocked amounts can impact your account in several ways:

1. Reduced Available Balance: While the block is active, the held amount cannot be used for transactions, potentially leaving you with less money than expected.
2. Overdraft Risk: If a blocked amount reduces your available balance below zero, you might face overdraft fees or penalties.
3. Transaction Delays: Large purchases may be delayed if your available balance is insufficient due to blocked funds.

How to Check Blocked Amounts in Your FAB Account?

FAB offers several methods to check blocked amounts in your account:

1. Online Banking

• Access FAB’s official online banking portal.
• Log in with your credentials.
• View your account details under the “Pending Transactions” section to identify any blocked amounts.

2. Mobile Banking App

• Open the FAB app on your phone.
• Log in and check the “Account Overview” or “Transaction History” section to find blocked funds.

3. Customer Service

Contact FAB’s customer service helpline and provide your account information. A representative can guide you on any blocked amounts.

4. Branch Visit

Visit a nearby FAB branch, speak with a representative, and provide your account details. They will assist you in checking and resolving blocked amounts.

5. Email Inquiry

Send an email to FAB’s customer service with your account details. The response typically takes 1–3 business days.

6. ATM

Some FAB ATMs allow you to check your account details, including any blocked amounts, through the “Account Inquiry” option.

Tips to Avoid Issues With FAB Blocked Amounts

1. Maintain a Buffer Balance: Keep extra funds in your account to handle unexpected blocks without affecting your spending.
2. Monitor Transactions Regularly: Check your account frequently to stay updated on blocked amounts and account activity.
3. Understand Merchant Policies: When making payments that require a deposit or pre-authorization, ask the merchant about their hold policies.
4. Contact FAB for Clarity: If you notice unexplained blocked amounts, reach out to FAB’s customer service for assistance.

FAB Bank Account Branches and Their Contacts [Updated 2025]

Branch Name	Location	Opening Hours	Closing Hours	Contact Info
FAB Downtown Branch	Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road	8:00 AM	3:00 PM	+971 4 123 4567
FAB Al Barsha Branch	Al Barsha, Dubai	8:00 AM	3:00 PM	+971 4 234 5678
FAB Deira Branch	Deira, Dubai	8:00 AM	3:00 PM	+971 4 345 6789
FAB Jumeirah Branch	Jumeirah, Dubai	8:00 AM	3:00 PM	+971 4 456 7890
FAB Abu Dhabi Branch	Abu Dhabi City Centre	8:00 AM	3:00 PM	+971 2 123 4567
FAB Al Ain Branch	Al Ain, Abu Dhabi	8:00 AM	3:00 PM	+971 3 234 5678
FAB Sharjah Branch	Sharjah, Al Gulaya’a	8:00 AM	3:00 PM	+971 6 345 6789
FAB Ras Al Khaimah Branch	Ras Al Khaimah	8:00 AM	3:00 PM	+971 7 456 7890

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does a blocked amount mean in my FAB account?

A blocked amount is a portion of your funds temporarily frozen by FAB for pending transactions, security deposits, or fraud prevention. You cannot use these funds until the block is lifted.

Q. How can I check if I have a blocked amount in my account?

You can check blocked amounts through FAB’s mobile app, online banking portal, or by contacting customer service. Visiting a branch or using an ATM are also reliable options.

Q. Why does FAB block funds during pending transactions?

FAB blocks funds during pending transactions to ensure the required amount is available for merchants to process payments securely and accurately.

Q. How can I prevent issues caused by blocked amounts?

To avoid issues, maintain a buffer balance, monitor your transactions regularly, and understand the policies of merchants you deal with.

Q. What should I do if a blocked amount is not released on time?

If a block persists beyond the expected duration, contact FAB’s customer service immediately for clarification and assistance in resolving the issue.