STC Bank is a fully digital bank in Saudi Arabia, formerly known as stc pay, that has transformed into a licensed digital bank regulated by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). It allows you to open a bank account, get cards, transfer money, pay bills, save, and even shop — all from one app. In this full review, we will cover everything you need to know about opening an STC Bank account in 2026, including eligibility, documents, card types, fees, benefits, hidden charges, and much more.
1. STC Bank Account Overview & Key Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bank Name | STC Bank (formerly stc pay) |
| Bank Type | Fully Digital Bank |
| Regulated By | Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) |
| Account Type | Individual Current Account |
| Minimum Balance Required | ⚠️ No minimum balance required |
| Account Opening Process | 100% Digital (via STC Bank App) |
| App Availability | App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android), Huawei AppGallery |
| Shariah Compliance | Yes — Fully Shariah-Compliant |
| Currency | Saudi Riyal (SAR) |
| Customer Support (KSA) | 8001180008 (Toll-Free) |
| Customer Support (Outside KSA) | +966 920011444 |
| [email protected] |
🟢 HIGHLIGHT: STC Bank requires ZERO minimum balance to maintain your account. This is a fully free current account with no monthly maintenance charges.
2. Eligibility Criteria & Documents Required for Account Opening
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Can Apply? | Saudi citizens & residents (Iqama holders) in KSA |
| Age Requirement | Adults with valid ID; Minors can also open accounts (with specific minor account requirements) |
| National ID / Iqama | Valid and active National ID or Iqama is required |
| Absher Verification | Required for digital identity verification |
| Mobile Number | Active mobile number (linked to your identity) |
| Physical Documents Required | ⚠️ No physical documents needed — the process is 100% digital and integrated with government platforms |
| Branch Visit Required | ❌ No — Completely app-based |
How to Open an STC Bank Account (Step-by-Step)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Download the STC Bank app from App Store / Google Play / AppGallery |
| Step 2 | Enter your mobile number |
| Step 3 | Verify your identity through Absher (Government digital platform) |
| Step 4 | Set your PIN / Password |
| Step 5 | Your account is created — you get an instant virtual Mada debit card |
🟢 HIGHLIGHT: The entire account opening process is 100% digital. No branch visit, no paperwork, no waiting in queues.
3. STC Bank Cards — Types, Features & Comparison
STC Bank offers 4 types of cards — 1 Mada Debit Card and 3 Visa Card tiers. Here is the complete comparison:
| Feature | Mada Card (Debit) | Visa Classic | Visa Platinum | Visa Signature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card Format | Physical + Digital | Physical + Digital | Physical + Digital | Physical + Digital |
| Annual Membership Fee | ⚠️ FREE | ⚠️ FREE | SAR 200 | SAR 500 |
| Monthly Membership Fee | None | None | SAR 20 | SAR 50 |
| Card Validity | 5 Years | As per Visa terms | As per Visa terms | As per Visa terms |
| Cashback | ✅ Yes | ✅ Up to 1% | ✅ Up to 1% | ✅ Up to 1% |
| Apple Pay / Mada Pay | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-trip Travel Insurance | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Airport Lounge Access | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 2-for-1 Entertainer Deals | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hotel Booking Discounts | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 24-Hour Concierge | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| DragonPass Dine & Fly | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Unauthorized Transactions Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Available Designs | Multiple | Standard | Standard | Standard |
🟢 HIGHLIGHT: The Mada Debit Card and Visa Classic Card both have ZERO annual membership fees. You get a free debit card the moment you open your account (instant virtual card).
🔴 IMPORTANT: The first Mada card issuance is FREE for 5 years. If you request an additional card, a fee of SAR 30 (Mada) or SAR 26 (additional physical card) applies.
4. Fees & Charges — Complete Breakdown
4.1 Card Transaction Fees
| Fee Type | Mada Card | Visa Card (Classic/Platinum/Signature) |
|---|---|---|
| International Transaction Fee | 🔴 2.75% of transaction value | 🔴 2.00% of transaction value |
| Cash Withdrawal (Local ATM) | ⚠️ FREE | 3% of transaction (max SAR 75) |
| Cash Withdrawal (GCC ATM) | SAR 10 | 3% of transaction (max SAR 75) |
| Cash Withdrawal (International ATM) | SAR 25 | 3% of transaction (max SAR 75) |
| Card Replacement (Lost/Damaged) | SAR 15 | SAR 15 |
| Wrong Dispute Objection Fee | SAR 25 | SAR 25 |
| Additional Physical Card | SAR 26 (from Sep 2025) | SAR 26 (from Sep 2025) |
| Additional Digital Card Issuance | SAR 50 | SAR 50 |
| Balance Inquiry (Local ATM) | Free | Free |
| SADAD Bill Payment | Free | Free |
🔴 HIDDEN CHARGE ALERT: International transactions carry a 2.75% fee on Mada and 2.00% on Visa — this is applied on top of the exchange rate. For example, a 100 USD transaction on Mada would cost approximately SAR 386.43 (SAR 376 + SAR 10.34 fee).
4.2 Money Transfer Fees
| Transfer Type | Fee (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Local Transfer (IPS) — Amount ≤ SAR 2,500 | SAR 0.50 |
| Local Transfer (IPS) — Amount SAR 2,500 to 20,000 | SAR 1.00 |
| Local Transfer (RTGS) — Same-Day Settlement | SAR 7.00 |
| Local Transfer (RTGS) — Next-Day Settlement | SAR 5.00 |
4.3 International Transfer Fees (Selected Countries)
| Country | Transfer Fee (SAR) |
|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | 15 |
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | FREE (for transactions ≥ SAR 375) / SAR 15 (below SAR 375) |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | 15 |
| 🇵🇭 Philippines | 15 |
| 🇳🇵 Nepal | 15 |
| 🇪🇬 Egypt | 15 |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | 15 |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 15 |
| 🇸🇩 Sudan | 15 |
| 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 15 |
| 🇾🇪 Yemen | 15 |
| 🇯🇴 Jordan | 20 |
| 🇧🇭 Bahrain | 20 |
| 🇰🇼 Kuwait | 20 |
| 🇴🇲 Oman | 20 |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | 20 |
| 🇨🇳 China | 20 |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | 20 |
| 🇮🇶 Iraq | 20 |
| 🇰🇪 Kenya | 20 |
| 🇱🇧 Lebanon | 20 |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | 20 |
| 🌍 Rest of the World | 25 |
🟢 HIGHLIGHT: International transfers to Pakistan are FREE for transactions of SAR 375 or more! This is a great benefit for Pakistani expats in KSA.
5. STC Bank Smart Saver Account — Earn Profit on Your Savings
STC Bank also offers a Smart Saver Account — a Shariah-compliant savings solution based on the Mudarabah principle where profits are shared between the customer and the bank.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Type | Smart Saver (Savings Account) |
| Shariah Compliance | ✅ Yes — Mudarabah Principle |
| Minimum Balance for Profit | SAR 1,000 |
| Profit Calculation | Daily (credited on 1st of every month) |
| No Salary Transfer Required | ✅ Correct — Keep your existing salary setup |
| Round-Up Savings | ✅ Available — Rounds up every transaction |
| Auto-Save Feature | ✅ Available — Schedule daily/weekly/monthly transfers |
| Withdrawal Anytime | ✅ Yes — Withdraw funds anytime |
| Custom Account Name | ✅ Yes (e.g., “Vacation Fund”, “Emergency Savings”) |
| Account Statements | ✅ Downloadable from the app |
Smart Saver Profit Rate Tiers
| Balance Range (SAR) | Annual Profit Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 – 999.99 | 🔴 0.00% (No profit) |
| 1,000 – 9,999.99 | 3.00% |
| 10,000 – 24,999.99 | 3.00% |
| 25,000 – 99,999.99 | 4.00% |
| 100,000 – 249,999.99 | 4.50% |
| SAR 250,000 & Above (No Cap) | ⚠️ 5.00% |
🟢 HIGHLIGHT: You can earn up to 5% annual profit on balances of SAR 250,000 and above — with no cap on the maximum balance. Profits are calculated daily and credited monthly.
🔴 IMPORTANT: If your balance drops below SAR 1,000, you will NOT earn any profit for the days your balance stays below this threshold.
6. Key Benefits of STC Bank Account
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Zero Balance Account | No minimum balance required to open or maintain |
| Free Mada Debit Card | Free virtual card instantly + free physical card for 5 years |
| Free Visa Classic Card | No annual or monthly fee |
| 100% Digital Banking | Open account, manage cards, transfer money — all from the app |
| Free Local ATM Withdrawal (Mada) | No charge for cash withdrawal at local ATMs with Mada card |
| Apple Pay & Mada Pay | Pay contactlessly using your phone |
| Money Analytics | Track spending behavior and get insights |
| Multiple Accounts | Create multiple accounts within one profile |
| Marketplace / Shopping | Shop electronics, gadgets, and more directly from the app |
| International Transfers | Send money to 20+ countries at competitive rates |
| SADAD Bill Payments | Pay utility and government bills for free |
| Shariah-Compliant Savings | Earn profit on savings (up to 5%) |
| Cashback on Cards | Earn up to 1% cashback on purchases |
| 24/7 Customer Support | Available around the clock |
| Qitaf Rewards Integration | Link your Qitaf account for rewards |
7. Important Rules & Warnings ⚠️
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔴 Account Dormancy | If no transactions are made for 24 months, your account becomes dormant |
| 🔴 Auto Account Closure | If you open an account and make no deposit within 90 days, the account is automatically closed |
| 🔴 ID Expiry = Account Freeze | If your National ID / Iqama expires, your account will be frozen (STC Bank gives 90-day advance notice) |
| 🔴 Personal Use Only | Personal accounts are for personal use only — business use may involve legal consequences |
| 🔴 International Fee on Mada | 2.75% charged on all international transactions using Mada card |
| 🔴 Cash Withdrawal Fee on Visa | 3% fee (capped at SAR 75) charged for ATM cash withdrawals using Visa cards |
| 🔴 Power of Attorney Expiry | Expires if: you cancel it, 5-year authorization ends, or authorized person’s identity is not renewed |
🔴 CRITICAL WARNING: Do NOT leave your account inactive. An empty account with no deposit within 90 days = automatic closure. No transactions for 24 months = dormant status. Always keep your ID updated to avoid account freezing.
8. STC Bank Contact & Support Information
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free (Inside KSA) | 8001180008 |
| Phone (Inside/Outside KSA) | +966 920011444 |
| [email protected] | |
| In-App Chat | Available 24/7 through the STC Bank app |
| Complaints & Tickets | Raise a ticket at stcbank.com.sa/complaints-and-requests |
| App Download (iOS) | App Store |
| App Download (Android) | Google Play |
| App Download (Huawei) | AppGallery |
Final Verdict
STC Bank is one of the best fully digital banking options in Saudi Arabia for 2026. With zero balance requirements, a free Mada debit card, free Visa Classic card, 100% digital account opening, and a Smart Saver account offering up to 5% profit, it’s an excellent choice for both Saudi citizens and expatriates. However, users should be aware of the international transaction fees (2.75% on Mada), cash withdrawal charges on Visa cards, and the strict dormancy/closure rules to avoid any surprises.
