How to Open a Bank Account in Saudi Arabia Without a Salary — 2025 Guide

Summary: For a basic current account, most major banks let residents (Iqama holders) open online using Absher/Nafath digital ID and a National Address—no salary transfer certificate is listed in the e‑account flows. Salary letters are typically tied to credit cards/loans or payroll packages, not to opening a basic current account. Confirm requirements on the day you apply and keep your Iqama and Absher active.

TL;DR — the clean path (no salary certificate)

• Who qualifies: Residents with a valid Iqama, an Absher/Nafath login, and a National Address. Many banks show this flow in their e‑account pages (SAB, Riyad, SNB).

• What to prepare: Iqama, Absher/Nafath app for e‑KYC, mobile number in your name, and Saudi National Address. (Al Rajhi/Riyad online flows list these.)

• Where to apply: In the bank app or website (e‑account). meem (GIB) markets “Seamless Online Account Opening” for residents.

• When salary letters matter: For credit products (cards/loans) or preferred accounts/benefits; not usually for opening a basic current account. Check each bank’s product page.

• Your rights & rules: SAMA rulebook governs account opening and KYC; banks rely on Absher/Nafath for digital ID.

Eligibility & documents (what banks actually ask for)

Residents (expats with Iqama):

• Iqama (valid).

• Absher/Nafath digital ID for e‑KYC, used in SAB e‑Account, Riyad Bank online opening, SNB online opening.

• National Address (Saudi Post).

• Mobile number in your name (will be verified during onboarding).

• Email (for e‑statements).

Notes from bank pages:

• SAB e‑Account: requires Absher and presence inside the Kingdom.

• Riyad Bank online opening: requires Nafath mobile number and app.

• SNB online opening: market copy shows instant online opening via site/app.

• Al Rajhi online opening: lists Iqama, Absher, National Address, mobile number.

• meem (GIB): promotes a seamless digital onboarding experience.

SAMA framework: Account opening and KYC are governed by SAMA Rules for Bank Accounts and KYC guidance; banks implement e‑KYC via Absher/Nafath in line with these rules.

Bank‑by‑bank: digital onboarding snapshots (current pages)

We summarize the publicly stated entry requirements for digital current accounts. For pricing/benefits, always click through to the bank page the same day you apply.

Why this matters: None of these e‑account pages list a salary certificate as a prerequisite for opening a basic current account. Banks may later request salary evidence for credit cards, loans, or premium tiers. Always read product pages.

Step‑by‑step: open online in ~15–30 minutes

Before you start 1) Iqama valid + Absher/Nafath working on your phone. 2) Mobile number registered under your ID (you’ll get OTPs). 3) National Address ready for card delivery (or find a self‑service kiosk for printing where offered).

Open the account (example flow, SAB/Riyad/SNB): 1) Visit the e‑account page or install the bank app and tap Open Account. 2) Enter Iqama and verify via Absher/Nafath. 3) Confirm personal data (fetched from Nafath/Absher), National Address, and mobile. 4) Accept terms; choose to print your debit card at a kiosk (where available) or request delivery. 5) Activate online banking, add a beneficiary, and make a small transfer to test.

If the app says “Unable to verify”:

• Ensure your National Address and mobile number are up to date, then retry.

• Some banks require in‑branch biometric if the digital flow fails—bring your Iqama and phone.

No salary certificate: when banks still ask for employer details

• Opening a basic current account: e‑account flows generally do not list a salary letter as a prerequisite; verification is via Absher/Nafath + Iqama + National Address. (See bank pages above.)

• When salary evidence appears:

• Credit cards and loans: expect salary transfer or a salary certificate (or a secured deposit) depending on product and risk policy.

• Payroll benefits: If your employer runs payroll through a specific bank, you may get extra benefits when salary is credited there (e.g., fee waivers or better rates).

• Enhanced tiers (premium/priority): minimum salary or balance thresholds apply per bank.

Tip: If you’re between jobs or on a dependent Iqama, open the basic current account first; add products later when you can document income.

Common pitfalls & how to avoid them d="pitfalls"></a>

• Mobile number not in your name: You won’t receive OTPs reliably. Fix your SIM ownership (Argami → operator).

• New Iqama not recognized: Recently issued IDs can take time to propagate; retry later or visit a branch with ID.

• Mismatch in Latin/Arabic names: Ensure your Iqama name matches your bank profile; update before adding beneficiaries or ordering a card.

• Employer stamp obsession: For opening the account, the e‑account flows don’t list salary letters—don’t over‑collect documents. Keep salary letters for credit products.

• Using someone else’s phone/SIM: Risky for OTPs and KYC. Use a line registered to your ID.

Fees, cards & payments (mada/Apple Pay)

• Current account opening: SAMA indicates account opening is a standard service; banks present online opening prominently (SNB, SAB, Riyad). Fees and features vary by bank; verify on the product page.

• Debit cards & Apple Pay/mada: Banks issue a mada debit card (contactless), compatible with Apple Pay/Google Pay on supported devices; activation is done in app.

• International transfers: Add a beneficiary and send a small test transfer first; some banks require cool‑off periods before first transfer clears (risk controls).

Switching banks & salary transfers

• You can maintain multiple accounts across licensed banks in KSA (see SAMA’s list of licensed banks).

• For salary transfers, verify your employer’s payroll bank; switching salary destinations may require HR approval and a new IBAN submission.

• To close an account, clear outstanding items and ask for a No Liability letter for your records.

Security, KYC & keeping your profile clean

• Banks must follow SAMA rules for account opening and KYC; expect identity checks and sanctions screening.

• Keep your Absher/Nafath secure and update email/mobile promptly.

• Use strong app credentials and enable biometrics.

• Keep a PDF folder: account opening confirmation, IBAN letter, card receipt, and No Liability letter when you close the account.

Copy‑paste scripts (EN/AR)

Chat with bank support (no salary letter):

“I’m a resident with Iqama and Absher/Nafath. I want to open a basic current account without a salary transfer certificate. Can you confirm your e‑account process and any documents beyond Iqama, National Address, and mobile?”

In branch (if digital flow fails):

“My Absher/Nafath verification failed. Here is my Iqama. Can we complete biometric verification so I can proceed without a salary letter?”

Arabic (support):

«أنا مقيم ولدي إقامة ونفاذ. أرغب في فتح حساب جاري أساسي بدون شهادة راتب. هل يمكن تأكيد المتطلبات؟ وهل تكفي الإقامة، العنوان الوطني، ورقم الجوال؟»

Arabic (branch):

«حدث فشل في التحقق عبر نفاذ. هذه إقامتي. هل يمكن إتمام التحقق الحيوي في الفرع لإكمال فتح الحساب بدون شهادة راتب؟»

FAQs

Which banks accept expats (at a glance)

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) lists licensed banks that operate retail services in KSA; most local banks support expat onboarding when you have Iqama. Digital flows vary.

• Local full‑service banks (examples): SNB, SAB, Riyad, Al Rajhi, Alinma, ANB, Bank AlJazira, Bank AlBilad, BSF, SAIB.

• Digital‑first option: meem (GIB) emphasizes online onboarding; check eligibility and product list.

• Foreign bank branches: Licensed branches may have limited retail offerings; confirm before you apply.

Account types (what you can open first)

• Current account: Everyday banking, mada debit card, outward/inward transfers, salary credit when applicable.

• Savings account / time deposits: Often require an existing current account; rates vary; Shariah‑compliant structures are common.

• Joint accounts: Varies by bank; require both parties’ e‑KYC and signatures.

• Minor/student accounts (18+): Many e‑account pages set 18+ as the threshold for self‑serve opening.

Bank selection matrix (features that matter)

Use‑case playbooks

A) New employee (Iqama just issued)

• Open via SAB/Riyad/SNB e‑account; if verification fails, try Al Rajhi or meem.

• Ask HR if payroll is tied to a specific bank for benefits.

• After first salary, set up standing orders (rent, school, car finance).

B) Dependent spouse (no salary)

• Open a basic current account using Iqama + Absher/Nafath; no salary certificate required for opening.

• Add a debit card; for credit cards, consider secured options or wait until income is documented.

C) Freelancer/contractor

• Open the current account first; incoming transfers from clients are fine.

• For merchant tools, check whether your bank offers payment links or whether a wallet suits small collections.

D) Student (18+)

• If you have an Iqama, the e‑account flow should work; some banks offer youth accounts—check eligibility.

International compliance notes (CRS/FATCA)

Banks in KSA apply global tax information reporting (e.g., CRS) and may collect tax residence/self‑certification during onboarding—especially if you hold another tax residency. Check the bank form for the CRS paragraph.

Step‑by‑step — example with SAB/Riyad

1) Tap Open Account on the bank’s e‑account page or app. 2) Enter Iqama number; log in with Absher/Nafath to authorize data sharing (IAM). 3) Confirm National Address; verify mobile via OTP. 4) Accept disclosures (account terms reference SAMA rules). 5) Finish and print your debit card at a kiosk or wait for delivery. 6) Enable Apple Pay/mada in the app; send a SAR 1 transfer to a friend or your other account to validate beneficiaries.

Troubleshooting — common blockers

• “You are outside the Kingdom”: e‑account pages may restrict opening to devices in KSA; try again on local data/Wi‑Fi.

• Absher/Nafath error: Re‑sync your mobile number in Absher, then retry; otherwise, take your Iqama to a branch for biometric KYC.

• Nationality restrictions (rare): Some promotional accounts are limited; choose a standard current account instead.

• Remittance blocked: Add beneficiary, wait for the cool‑off, and ensure your name matches exactly on both ends.

Best apps & daily banking tips

• SAB/SNB/Riyad/Al Rajhi/meem apps all support core features: IBAN letter download, beneficiary management, Apple Pay/mada activation, limits, card freeze, and travel notices.

• Use biometrics and set transaction alerts.

• For rent, many landlords use SADAD or bank transfers; confirm the IBAN and a reference field before paying.

• For government fees, activate Absher services from your bank profile when available.

Closing or moving your account

• Download statements and request a No Liability letter.

• Update salary IBAN with HR if you change the salary destination.

• Remove linked subscriptions and international beneficiaries you no longer need.

FAQs (expanded)