payments
·6 min read
·Updated 11 April 2026
How to Get a Credit Card in Saudi Arabia as an Expat
Credit cards in Saudi Arabia are issued by all major banks and are accessible to expat residents with a valid Iqama and a stable salary. This guide explains the requirements, the best credit cards for expats, and how to apply — whether through your bank or a new provider.
Highlights
- ★Most banks require a minimum salary of SAR 3,000–5,000/month to qualify for a basic credit card.
- ★You must have a valid Iqama and a Saudi bank account to apply — visit visa holders cannot get a credit card.
- ★Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank, and SABB all offer credit cards with competitive rewards and cashback.
- ★Islamic credit cards (no interest — use a profit-sharing model) are available at all major Saudi banks.
- ★Credit limits are typically set at 2–3x your monthly salary for a first card.
- ★Saudi Arabia has no forex transaction fees on most bank cards — useful for online purchases in foreign currencies.
Quick Reference
Who Is This For?
Expat residents in Saudi Arabia looking to get their first credit card or switch to a better card.
What You Need Before Starting
- ✓Valid Iqama
- ✓Saudi bank account (at the bank you are applying to, usually)
- ✓Proof of salary — recent payslip or salary certificate from your employer
- ✓Minimum monthly salary meeting the bank's threshold (usually SAR 3,000–5,000)
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Check your eligibility before applying — confirm your monthly salary meets the minimum threshold for the card you want. Most basic cards require SAR 3,000/month; mid-range rewards cards typically require SAR 5,000–8,000/month; premium cards with airport lounge access require SAR 10,000–15,000/month. Also confirm you have had your Iqama and Saudi bank account for at least 3–6 months, as very new residents are often rejected regardless of salary.
- 2Compare cards before choosing one — look at the annual fee, cashback percentage, air miles or points program, and any perks like lounge access or travel insurance. Your current bank is the easiest place to start since they already know your salary, but comparing across Al Rajhi, SNB, SABB, and Riyad Bank takes only 15 minutes and can get you meaningfully better rewards. Cards from SABB (HSBC-backed) tend to have the best international travel benefits.
- 3Apply online through your bank's app or website if you are an existing customer — most major Saudi banks allow fully digital credit card applications for current account holders, and approval can come within 24–72 hours. Log in to your bank's app, go to 'Cards' or 'Products', and select 'Apply for Credit Card'. Upload your salary certificate when prompted.
- 4If applying at a bank where you do not yet have an account, visit a branch in person — bring your Iqama, passport, and a salary certificate or recent payslip (not older than 3 months). Some banks also accept a bank statement showing salary deposits. Branch staff can tell you which card you pre-qualify for based on your salary and employment details before you formally apply.
- 5The bank verifies your details and checks your SIMAH credit score — SIMAH is Saudi Arabia's credit bureau and holds records of all your borrowing and repayments across Saudi lenders. If you are new to Saudi Arabia, you will have a thin credit file, which means lower initial credit limits. Processing takes 1–5 business days. If additional documents are needed, the bank will contact you by SMS or phone.
- 6If approved, your credit limit is confirmed at 2–3x your monthly salary for a first card — this is a regulatory guideline in Saudi Arabia to prevent over-leveraging. As you build a payment history over 12–18 months, you can request a credit limit increase through your bank's app. Rejected applications are usually due to salary below threshold, too many recent SIMAH inquiries, or existing loan commitments.
- 7Activate your card when it arrives in 5–10 business days — activation is done through your bank's mobile app. Go to 'Cards', select the new card, and tap 'Activate'. You will need to set a PIN during activation. Also enable card controls such as international usage and online transactions — these are sometimes disabled by default for security.
- 8Set up automatic payment through your bank app immediately after activation — at a minimum, set it to pay the minimum due each month to avoid late fees. Ideally, set it to pay the full statement balance to avoid profit charges (interest on Islamic cards). Saudi credit card rates are high; carrying a balance month-to-month erodes any rewards you earn.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Applying to multiple banks at the same time — each application creates a SIMAH inquiry that can lower your credit score temporarily.
- ✗Not paying the full balance monthly — Saudi credit cards charge high interest (profit rates on Islamic cards) on carried balances.
- ✗Ignoring the annual fee — some cards waive the fee if you spend above a certain threshold each year. Read the terms.
- ✗Not activating travel notifications — inform your bank before international travel or your card may be blocked for suspected fraud.
Directory
Wide range of Sharia-compliant cards. No-fee basic options available. Good for cashback on everyday purchases. Minimum salary SAR 3,000.
HSBC-branded cards with strong international acceptance and travel benefits. Best for expats who travel frequently. Minimum salary SAR 5,000.
Competitive cashback and rewards cards. Good for higher earners — premium cards with airport lounge access. Minimum salary SAR 5,000.
Good range of cashback and air miles cards. Riyad Rewards program with strong airline partnerships. Minimum salary SAR 4,000.
Competitive rates and rewards. Often easier approval process than larger banks. Good for first-time credit card applicants.
Practical Tips
- 💡Your first credit card in Saudi Arabia builds your SIMAH credit score — use it regularly and pay in full each month.
- 💡Islamic credit cards work the same as conventional ones for daily use — the difference is in the underlying financing structure, not usability.
- 💡If your application is rejected, ask the bank for the reason. Common issues are salary below threshold, short employment history, or existing liabilities.
- 💡Premium cards with lounge access are worth it if you fly frequently — a single lounge visit costs SAR 100–200 and premium card fees are often SAR 300–600/year.
- 💡Use your credit card for online purchases and keep your mada card for local merchant terminals — better fraud protection on card-not-present transactions.
- 💡Never withdraw cash on a credit card — cash advance fees and immediate interest charges make this very expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary to get a credit card in Saudi Arabia?
Most banks require a minimum salary of SAR 3,000/month for a basic credit card. Premium and rewards cards typically require SAR 5,000–15,000/month. Requirements vary by bank and card type.
Can I get a credit card if I just arrived in Saudi Arabia?
Most banks require at least 3–6 months of employment history in Saudi Arabia before approving a credit card. Having your salary deposited into the bank's account for a few months significantly improves approval chances.
What is SIMAH?
SIMAH (Saudi Credit Bureau) is Saudi Arabia's credit bureau. All Saudi banks report your borrowing and repayment history to SIMAH. A good SIMAH score makes it easier to get credit cards and loans. You can check your SIMAH score online at simah.com.
Are there credit cards with no annual fee?
Yes — most banks offer entry-level credit cards with no annual fee. Al Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank both have no-fee options. However, no-fee cards typically have fewer rewards and lower credit limits.
Can I use a Saudi credit card internationally?
Yes — Saudi credit cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks are accepted globally. Most Saudi banks do not charge foreign transaction fees, which makes them good travel cards.