SAMA Raises Repo Rate to 4.50% in September 2026

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has raised its benchmark policy rates, lifting the repo rate by 25 basis points to 4.50% and the reverse repo rate to 4.00%, effective mid-September 2026. The move marks an increase from the previous levels of 4.25% and 3.75% respectively.

The two rates had held steady at 4.25% and 3.75% since a cut implemented on 10 December 2025. The repo and reverse repo rates are the main tools SAMA uses to manage liquidity in the banking system and preserve monetary stability.

In practical terms, the repo rate acts as the ceiling of the policy rate corridor — the rate at which SAMA lends to local banks — while the reverse repo rate serves as the floor, the rate at which banks place surplus liquidity with the central bank.

What it means for the community

These are interbank policy rates that apply to monetary operations between SAMA and local banks. They are not citizen-facing service fees, and there are no application steps or SAR charges for individuals linked to them. They cannot be accessed through platforms such as أبشر, مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ or توكلنا.

Even so, changes in policy rates are typically reflected indirectly over time in the pricing of bank products, including lending rates and deposit returns. Residents with financing arrangements or savings products may notice gradual adjustments as banks respond to the new corridor.

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