New Bank Security Rules: SAR 60,000 Daily Limit

New security and transaction-verification requirements have been introduced for digital banking in Saudi Arabia, aimed at countering increasingly sophisticated fraud. Under temporary anti-fraud measures, individual and individual-enterprise accounts are now subject to a daily transaction limit of SAR 60,000, applied through each customer's own bank and its official channels.

Customers who need to move larger amounts may request a higher limit directly through their bank. The process and approval conditions vary from one bank to another, so account holders are advised to check with their own institution. As part of the same measures, certain remote account-opening services have been temporarily suspended.

Stronger verification steps

Banks are now required to use robust customer authentication and transaction-verification controls. Importantly, an SMS one-time password alone may no longer serve as the only authentication factor. For higher-risk instructions, banks may require additional steps such as a phone callback, a branch visit, a device-linked security token, or another verification method.

Banks must also monitor unusual transactions, unusual beneficiary or payment patterns, transactions above defined thresholds, malicious websites and applications, and possible interception attacks.

These requirements apply through your bank's official application, website, call centre, ATM, or branch. Government platforms such as Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, and Tawakkalna are not the channels used for verifying ordinary bank transactions. Separately, broader counter-fraud requirements for payment providers, electronic-money institutions, fund-transfer providers, card issuers, finance companies, and related regulated entities became effective on 13 April 2026.

For residents and expats alike, the changes mean an extra layer of protection against fraud. Customers should keep their contact details up to date with their bank, be ready for additional verification on large or unusual payments, and stay alert to suspicious links or requests.

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