Transferring Money Out of Saudi Arabia: Banks, Apps & Fees

By the Saudi Living team · Published 20 February 2026 · Last updated 20 February 2026

Need to send money home from Riyadh or Jeddah? Whether you're an expat sending savings to family or a Saudi national paying bills abroad, the fastest route for most residents is your own bank's mobile app: log in, choose international transfer, add your beneficiary, enter the amount and purpose, confirm the rate and fee, and authenticate with an OTP. Fees are typically low — from around SAR 15 for popular corridors through licensed remittance services, or roughly SAR 50 online for a standard SWIFT bank transfer. Here's everything you need to know about transferring money out of Saudi Arabia safely and cheaply, covering the main banks, apps and fees.

The quick answer: how to send money abroad

You can transfer money out of the Kingdom through several licensed channels: your bank's mobile app or online banking, a bank branch, certain ATMs, or a dedicated remittance provider such as Western Union through STC Bank, Bank Albilad, or Enjaz. Each has its own fees, exchange-rate margin, and delivery speed.

One thing to clear up early: government platforms like Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, Balady, Tawakkalna and Etimad are not money-transfer channels. They handle your Iqama, work and visa services — but money always moves through a licensed bank or remittance company.

Who can send money out of Saudi Arabia

Expat workers are expected to send international transfers through a bank account held in their own name. In practice, that means you'll transfer through your personal account once you've received your Iqama, or after three months in the Kingdom — whichever applies first. Opening a salary account with an employer-approved bank is usually the first step every new arrival takes.

You'll need your Iqama and a verified bank account before you can register beneficiaries abroad. Remittance providers like Enjaz will also want valid ID and, for larger sums, proof of where the money came from.

Your main options for transferring money abroad

Bank mobile apps and online banking (SWIFT)

Every major Saudi bank lets you send international SWIFT transfers straight from its app or online banking portal. This is the standard way to move larger amounts to a foreign bank account — think school fees abroad, property payments, or sending savings home. SWIFT transfers are reliable and traceable, but they usually carry a higher flat fee than a remittance service and can take one to several working days.

Licensed remittance providers (Western Union, Enjaz)

For everyday remittances to family, dedicated providers are often cheaper and faster. STC Bank offers Western Union transfers with low per-corridor fees. Bank Albilad customers can send Western Union transfers through Albilad Net, the Albilad mobile app, and Albilad ATMs. Enjaz runs transfers through Enjaz Easy, Western Union and TRANSFAST, and frequently offers promotions that shave a few riyals off the cost.

Branches and ATMs

Prefer doing it in person? You can still walk into a bank branch or an Enjaz outlet to send money, and several banks let you push Western Union transfers directly from their ATMs. Branch transfers tend to cost a little more than the app — expect SWIFT fees of around SAR 75 at a counter versus roughly SAR 50 online.

What it costs: fees and exchange rates

Your total cost is never just the headline fee. It's the transfer fee, plus VAT where applicable, plus any correspondent-bank deductions along the route, plus the exchange-rate margin the provider builds in. Always check the final amount your beneficiary will actually receive before you confirm.

STC Bank Western Union fees by destination

STC Bank's Western Union fees (before VAT) are among the most competitive for high-volume corridors:

• SAR 15 — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan (below SAR 375), Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Turkey, Vietnam and Yemen.
• SAR 20 — Bahrain, China, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman and Palestine.
• Free — Pakistan transfers of SAR 375 or more.
• SAR 25 — all other destinations.

STC Bank advertises international transfers without a stated transfer limit, though regulatory, account, destination and compliance restrictions still apply.

Bank SWIFT fees

For standard SWIFT transfers through the major banks, expect:

• Typically around SAR 50 when you send online or through the app.
• Typically around SAR 75 at a branch counter.

Exact charges vary by bank, destination, correspondent-bank deductions, the exchange-rate margin, and VAT — so the number on the screen is your truest guide.

Current promotions

• Aljazira Bank Fawri — a zero-fee promotion on transfers of SAR 1,500 or more made through the Aljazira Bank retail app, running from 19 February through 31 May 2026.
• Enjaz — a running promotion saving up to SAR 10 on transfers. Check the Enjaz app for current terms.

Promotions change often, so confirm validity and conditions in the app before you rely on them.

How to send money step by step from a bank app

The process is broadly the same across Saudi bank apps:

1. Log in to your bank's mobile app or online banking.
2. Select international transfer or remittance from the menu.
3. Add and verify the beneficiary — their name, bank details or wallet, and country.
4. Enter the destination, recipient details, amount and purpose of the transfer.
5. Review the exchange rate and fees, and check the final amount the recipient receives.
6. Authenticate with an OTP or your bank's approved verification method.
7. Retain the receipt or reference number for tracking.

First-time beneficiaries often need to be activated, which can take a short cooling-off period for security — so set them up a day ahead if you're in a hurry.

Documents, limits and compliance checks

Saudi banks and remittance providers follow strict anti-money-laundering rules. Depending on the amount and your profile, you may face:

• Beneficiary activation and identity verification before your first transfer to a new recipient.
• Source-of-funds checks for larger or unusual transactions.
• Transaction and daily/monthly limits set by the bank or provider.
• Additional documents such as your Iqama, a contract, or a payslip for sizeable transfers.

None of this is cause for worry — it's routine. Keep your Iqama valid and your account details up to date to avoid delays.

Tips to pay less and send faster

• Compare the received amount, not the fee. A "free" transfer with a poor exchange rate can cost more than a small flat fee with a tighter rate.
• Use remittance apps for family transfers and SWIFT for bank-to-bank payments abroad.
• Batch larger amounts where it unlocks a free tier — for example, Pakistan transfers of SAR 375+ through STC Bank.
• Time it with promotions like the Aljazira Fawri zero-fee window.
• Set up beneficiaries early to avoid first-transfer activation delays.

FAQs

Can I transfer money out of Saudi Arabia without an Iqama?

Expats are expected to send international transfers through a personal bank account, which generally requires an Iqama — or completion of three months in the Kingdom, whichever applies first. Opening a salary account is the usual first step.

What is the cheapest way to send money home from Saudi Arabia?

For high-volume corridors, licensed remittance providers are usually cheapest — STC Bank's Western Union fees start at around SAR 15 before VAT, with Pakistan transfers of SAR 375 or more sent free. Always compare the final received amount, including the exchange rate.

How much does a SWIFT transfer cost from a Saudi bank?

Standard SWIFT fees typically run around SAR 50 online and about SAR 75 at a branch, plus VAT and any correspondent-bank deductions. The exact figure varies by bank and destination.

Can I use Absher or Muqeem to send money abroad?

No. Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, Balady, Tawakkalna and Etimad are for government, residency and work services — not money transfers. To send money out of Saudi Arabia, you must use a licensed bank app, bank branch, ATM, or a remittance provider such as Western Union, Enjaz or Bank Albilad.

How long does an international transfer take?

Remittance transfers can arrive within minutes to a day, while bank SWIFT transfers usually take one to several working days depending on the destination and correspondent banks.

Is there a limit on how much I can send abroad?

Some providers, like STC Bank, advertise transfers without a stated cap, but regulatory, account, destination and compliance limits still apply. Larger sums may trigger source-of-funds checks.

Settling into life in the Kingdom and sorting out your banking? Find expat-friendly banks and services, or browse the latest jobs in Riyadh and Jeddah on Saudi Living.

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