Saudi Credit Card Rules 2025: Everything You Need to Know

In a country where digital finance is expanding as rapidly as its skyline, Saudi Arabia is setting a bold new tone for how credit is used, regulated, and experienced.

Saudi Arabia is stepping up its financial game in 2025, and if you’re using a credit card, whether you’re a long-term expat or a fresh local graduate, you need to know the new ground rules. The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has introduced a set of fresh guidelines aimed at tightening consumer protection, capping fees, and bringing transparency to a rapidly growing credit market.

From capped transaction commissions to mandatory PIN authentication, the Saudi credit card rules 2025 directly affect how you swipe, spend, and save every single day.

The Big Swipe Changes

The newly announced credit card regulations by SAMA are expected to roll out within the next 30 to 90 days. This transition period allows banks, finance companies, and cardholders to adjust to the changes, ensuring smoother implementation and compliance across the Kingdom.

Fees capped: Credit card commissions cannot exceed 1% or SAR 5,000—whichever is lower
PIN is a must: Every credit card transaction now requires PIN verification—no more swipe-and-go
Real-Time Alerts: SMS notifications are now mandatory for all credit and debit card transactions
24/7 Support: Banks must now offer toll-free, round-the-clock customer support
Annual Re-Evaluation: Credit card limits will be re-evaluated yearly to prevent debt spirals

Why These Rules & Why Now?

In 2024, credit card debt in Saudi Arabia surged to SAR 31.4 billion—a record-high figure reflecting rising spending, the digital transformation of banking, and the Kingdom’s expanding middle class. But with opportunity comes responsibility. SAMA’s move aims to:

Protect consumers from hidden fees
Prevent unauthorized transactions
Regulate BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) and other emerging finance models’
Encourage responsible borrowing
Align with Vision 2030’s financial transparency goals

These aren’t just policies; they’re safeguards designed to ensure your plastic doesn’t become a problem.

The Saudi Credit Card Rules 2025

Fee & Commission Cap

Whether it’s an issuance fee, a transaction commission, or a card renewal, SAMA now mandates that fees be capped at 1% of the total amount or SAR 5,000 – whichever is less.

What this means for you: No more surprise deductions when applying for a credit card or conducting large transactions. Financial institutions will have to disclose all charges in advance and offer fee comparison charts during the application process.

PIN Authentication Becomes Standard

Every transaction must now be PIN-verified. This applies across in-store purchases, online payments with card present, and ATM withdrawals.

Why it matters: Reduces the risk of fraud and unauthorized charges, particularly in scenarios where contactless cards could be misused. If your card is stolen or lost, it cannot be used without a PIN.

Real-Time Transaction Alerts

SAMA now requires immediate SMS notifications for every credit card transaction, no matter how small

Added benefit: This creates a layer of security and transparency, allowing you to spot unauthorized usage instantly. It’s also handy for keeping tabs on daily spending.

24/7 Toll-Free Support

Banks must now operate round-the-clock customer care through toll-free numbers. Delayed responses or inaccessible call centers will no longer be tolerated.

Bottom line: If you’re locked out of your account, suspect fraud, or need card assistance while traveling, help is always just one free call away.

Annual Credit Limit Re-Evaluation

Your credit card’s spending limit is no longer permanent. Banks are now required to review limits annually, based on your:

Updated income
Repayment history
Spending behavior
Debt-to-income ratio

This helps avoid scenarios where credit card holders rack up debt without the means to repay, while also giving deserving users a path to responsible credit growth.

Future Reforms & Growth

From contactless payments to BNPL reforms, Saudi Arabia’s finance sector is evolving fast under Vision 2030. (Credits: SPA)

SAMA has launched a public consultation into broader lending regulations that may affect:

BNPL offerings
Finance companies and micro-lenders
Interest and late fee structures

These will likely shape the future of digital lending platforms and how flexible credit models function within the Saudi financial ecosystem. It’s part of a larger mission to modernize the financial landscape and ensure ethical banking standards across the board.

Who Should Pay Attention?

These rules apply to every credit card issued in Saudi Arabia, whether from local banks or licensed foreign institutions operating in the Kingdom, including:

Saudi nationals and residents
Expats with work or residency permits
Students with student credit cards
Businesses using corporate credit

Credit Card Usage Tips in Saudi Arabia

Charting credit card usage in Saudi Arabia requires more than just knowing your credit limit. With evolving regulations and growing digital adoption, staying informed can help you avoid fees, manage debt wisely, and make the most of your card benefits. Here are some credit card usage tips to help you stay ahead of the curve:

Always activate transaction alerts
Review your monthly statements
Avoid maxing out your card—it affects your score
Know your bank’s emergency support line
Don’t share your PIN, even with close friends or family

Reassurance For Every Saudi

New SAMA guidelines aim to create a fairer, safer financial environment for all credit card users in the Kingdom. – (Credits: SAMA)

For travelers, students, parents, and professionals, this is your invitation to rethink how you use your card. Spend consciously. Set budgets. Use alerts. Ask questions. And always know that your financial security is now being guarded by a set of rules that finally put the consumer first.

The Saudi credit card rules 2025 are more than a regulation as they provide the necessary reassurance needed in an ever-growing economy of the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia moves toward a more transparent and tech-savvy financial future, knowing these rules means being prepared, protected, and empowered every time you pull out your card.

FAQs.

What are the new credit card fee limits in Saudi Arabia?
Under the new Saudi credit card rules 2025, banks and financial institutions are required to cap fees and commissions at no more than 1% of the transaction value or SAR 5,000—whichever is lower. This applies to a range of charges, including issuance, renewal, and processing fees.

Is using a PIN mandatory for all credit card transactions?
Yes. According to SAMA’s updated regulations, all credit card transactions must now be authorized using a secure PIN, including contactless and online payments. The PIN requirement adds an essential layer of protection, drastically reducing the risk of fraud or unauthorized use.

Can my credit limit change under the new rules?
Credit limits are now subject to annual reassessment by your bank or financial institution. This re-evaluation will take into account your current income level, credit score, repayment history, and spending behavior.

Are expats also included under these credit card rules?
Yes, 100%. The Saudi credit card rules 2025 apply equally to all cardholders, including expats living and working in the Kingdom.

What other changes are coming for finance companies and BNPL providers?
In addition to the 2025 credit card rules, SAMA is actively conducting consultations on broader lending reforms. These are expected to impact BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) platforms and private finance companies shortly.

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