1) Opening a Bank Account in Saudi Arabia
Every expat needs a Saudi bank account to receive a salary, pay bills, and transfer money. The process of opening a bank account in Saudi Arabia is simple if you have the proper documents.
Requirements:
- A Valid Iqama
- Copy of Passport
- Employment letter (or salary certificate)
- Local mobile number
- Active Absher registration (Necessary for verification)
Most prominent banks:
Al Rajhi Bank, Riyadh Bank, SNB Al Ahli, Alinma Bank, SAB, Bank Al Jazira, and Arab National Bank are usually regarded as the best banks in Saudi Arabia for expats.
Tip: Many banks now allow online account opening through their apps using Absher verification — no branch visit needed.
2) Salary & Wage Protection System (WPS)
All employers must pay salaries through a registered Saudi bank under the Wage Protection System (WPS). This ensures timely and accurate payment every month.
✅ You can check your salary deposit and deductions through your bank mobile app or online banking.
Tip: It’s helpful to have a copy of your monthly pay slips for financial documentation & visa renewals.
3) Sending Money Abroad
Expats frequently send money from Saudi Arabia to their home countries for family or savings.
Options:
- Bank transfer (SWIFT): Reliable but slightly slower.
- Money exchange centers: Enjaz, Al Rajhi, Telemoney, STC Pay, WesternUnion.
- Digital apps: STC Pay, Tahweel Al Rajhi, and Wise (international app).
These services make international money transfer from Saudi Arabia smooth and secure.
Tip: Transfers are faster when your beneficiary details (name, IBAN, country) match exactly as in their bank records.
4) Best Mobile Banking Apps for Expats
Bank App Name Features
| Bank | App Name | Features |
| Al Rajhi Bank | Al Rajhi App | Fast transfers, easy interface |
| STC Pay | STC Pay App | Digital wallet, international remittance |
| SNB Bank | SNB QuickPay | Salary viewing, transfers, bill payments |
| Riyadh Bank | Riyadh Online | Multiple account management |
| Alinma Bank | Alinma App | Bilingual interface (Arabic/English) |
Tip: Register for SMS alerts so you never miss salary or transaction updates — a smart habit for expat banking in the Kingdom.
5) Paying Bills and Government Fees
All major banks in Saudi Arabia allow you to pay government and utility bills online through the SADAD system.
Common payments:
- Iqama renewal fees
- Traffic fines
- Electricity & water bills
- Mobile & internet recharges
✅ Find all options under “SADAD → Government Payments” in your bank app.
6) Credit Cards in Saudi Arabia
Expats who have maintained a stable salary account for 3 to 6 months are eligible to apply for credit cards.
Requirements:
- The employer must be registered with WPS
- The minimum monthly income must be in accordance with bank policy The Absher and Iqama accounts must be valid.
Popular options:
- Al Rajhi Platinum or Infinite Card
- SNB Al Ahli Visa Card
- Riyadh Bank Cashback Card
- Alinma Credit Card (Shariah compliant)
Tip: Always pay your full balance before the due date to avoid interest or late fines. Utilize your card responsibly to build a good credit record in the Kingdom.
7) Savings & Investments
Many banks offer savings accounts, investment funds, or Islamic Sharia-compliant accounts (Murabaha, Mudaraba).
Tip: When opening a bank account in Saudi Arabia, choose an account with no monthly fee and easy access to international transfers. This makes it easier for expat banking customers to manage funds both locally and abroad.
8) Currency Exchange Tips
- Use licensed exchange centers only (like Enjaz, Telemoney).
- Avoid airport exchanges (higher rates).
- Weekdays (Sunday–Thursday) often give better exchange rates.Tip: Compare rates online using currency apps before making any international money transfer from Saudi Arabia to get the best deal.
9) Common Banking Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Using another person’s bank account for salary transfer
🚫 Sharing your bank OTP or account details with anyone
🚫 Keeping inactive accounts open (can cause automatic closure)
🚫 Ignoring Absher or bank SMS updates about your account
10) Quick Arabic Words for Banking
English Arabic Pronunciation
| English | Arabic | Pronunciation |
| Bank | بنك | Bank |
| Money Transfer | تحويل مالي | Tahweel Maali |
| Salary | راتب | Ratib |
| ATM | صراف آلي | Sarraf Aali |
| Account | حساب | Hisaab |
Final Words
Saudi Arabia’s banking system is modern, secure, and fully digital.
✅ Open bank account in Saudi Arabia early
✅ Use official apps
✅ Manage credit responsibly
✅ Transfer money wisely
Smart financial planning helps every expat live comfortably and confidently in the Kingdom.
