If you’ve just arrived in Saudi Arabia or recently got your Iqama, one of the first things on your to-do list is opening a bank account. Al Rajhi Bank is one of the most widely used banks in the Kingdom, and the good news is that you can open a current account entirely through their mobile app — no branch visit needed in most cases.
This guide walks you through who can apply, what you need, and how the process works, step by step.
Who Can Open an Al Rajhi Bank Account?
Al Rajhi Bank’s current account is open to:
- Saudi nationals — aged 15 or above, with a valid National ID
- Expatriate residents — aged 18 or above, with a valid Iqama
- Visitors — those holding a valid Visitor ID may also be eligible
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Make sure you have all of the following ready before you open the app:
A valid ID document — this will be your National ID, Iqama, or Visitor ID depending on your status.
An active Absher account and the Nafath app — Nafath is Saudi Arabia’s national digital identity verification system. You’ll use it to verify yourself during the sign-up process. Make sure it’s installed and up to date on your phone.
A Saudi mobile number — the number must be registered in your name, or in the name of a first-degree relative (parent, spouse, child, or sibling). This is where all verification codes will be sent.
A registered national address — for Iqama and National ID holders, your address needs to be registered with Saudi Post (address.gov.sa). The app will automatically pull this information.
An email address — for account statements and communications.
If you haven’t registered your national address yet, do that first. Without it, you won’t be able to complete the application.
Step-by-Step: Opening Your Account Online
Step 1 — Download the Al Rajhi Mobile App
Get the official Al Rajhi Mobile App from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). Search for “Al Rajhi Bank” and look for the official app from the bank itself.
Step 2 — Start a New Application
Open the app and tap Sign Up, then select Open New Account.
Step 3 — Enter Your Details
You’ll be asked for your mobile number and ID number (National ID, Iqama, or Visitor ID). Double-check everything before you continue — errors at this stage can cause delays. Agree to the terms and conditions and tap Confirm.
Step 4 — Verify Your Mobile Number
You’ll receive a one-time SMS code. Enter it to confirm your number.
Step 5 — Fill in Personal Information
The app will ask for additional details — your education level, email address, and home country address. Fill everything in accurately.
Step 6 — Nafath Identity Verification
This is the key step. The app will show a two-digit code and ask you to open your Nafath app to approve the request. You’ll also need to complete a face scan through Nafath. This replaces the need to visit a branch for identity verification.
Step 7 — Confirm Your Address
If you have a National ID or Iqama, your registered national address will appear automatically. Check it’s correct. If there are any errors, you’ll need to update your address at address.gov.sa before continuing.
Step 8 — More Personal Details
You’ll need to select your marital status, birthplace, and provide details about your monthly income. This is standard information required for banking compliance.
Step 9 — Tax Residency Question
The app will ask whether you’re a tax resident in any country other than Saudi Arabia. Answer honestly — this is a regulatory requirement.
Step 10 — Set Up Your Login Credentials
Create a username and password for online banking. You’ll also set a 4-digit PIN for your digital debit card at this stage.
Step 11 — Verification Call
After submitting, you may receive a call from the bank to confirm your identity. Pick up and answer their questions — it’s a standard security step.
Step 12 — Account Confirmed
Once everything checks out, you’ll see your account number and IBAN on screen. You’ll also receive them by SMS. Your account is now open.
Activating Your Account
Opening the account and activating it are two separate steps. To activate:
- Once done, your account is active and ready to use
- Log into the Al Rajhi app with your new credentials
- You’ll receive a verification call from the bank
- Answer the security questions during that call
You don’t need to wait for a card to arrive in the post. Al Rajhi Bank has self-service kiosks at most of their branches where you can print your Mada debit card instantly.
To print your card at the kiosk:
- Go to any Al Rajhi branch with a self-service machine
- Select your language and choose Print Al Rajhi Mada Card
- Enter your ID number and enter the OTP sent to your mobile
- Choose how your name appears on the card
- Scan your fingerprint on the kiosk reader
- Your card prints out on the spot
To activate the card:
Take it to any Al Rajhi ATM, insert it, and follow the prompts to set your 4-digit PIN. Once you’ve confirmed the PIN, the card is active.
Account Features Worth Knowing
Here’s a straightforward summary of what comes with a standard current account:
- Free internal transfers — transfers within Al Rajhi are free
- Free to open — no account opening fees
- No minimum balance — though you should deposit at least SAR 1 within 90 days of opening
- Free Mada debit card — accepted at POS terminals in Saudi Arabia and internationally
- Free ATM withdrawals and deposits within Saudi Arabia
- Online banking via the Al Rajhi app and Al Mubasher platform
- Monthly statements available in Arabic or English through the app or email
- SADAD bill payments — pay government and utility bills directly from your account
- Standing orders — set up automatic recurring payments
Fee Summary (Official Rates — Effective February 2026)
All fees below are subject to 15% VAT.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Opening a new account | Free |
| Issuing a Mada debit card | Free |
| ATM withdrawals/deposits within Saudi Arabia | Free |
| Mada card use at POS terminals (local) | Free |
| Card renewal | Free |
| Card re-issuance (lost, damaged, or 3 wrong PINs) | SAR 10 |
| Additional ATM card | SAR 10 |
| ATM cash withdrawal in GCC countries | SAR 10 |
| ATM cash withdrawal internationally | SAR 25 |
| Balance inquiry at international ATMs | SAR 3.5 |
| Transfer within Al Rajhi Bank | Free |
| Transfer to another KSA bank (same day, SARIE) | SAR 25 |
| International transfer (via app) | SAR 50 |
A Few Practical Notes
The whole process takes around 10–15 minutes if you have everything ready — particularly your Nafath app and registered national address sorted beforehand.
Don’t start and stop midway. The session can time out, so try to complete the application in one sitting.
Keep your credentials safe. Never share your PIN, password, or OTP codes with anyone — including people claiming to be from the bank.
Salary transfer benefits: If your employer transfers your salary to Al Rajhi, you may become eligible for additional services like financing products and credit cards. Requirements and conditions vary, so check directly with the bank or on their official website for current details.
For the most up-to-date information, always check the official Al Rajhi Bank website at alrajhibank.com.sa or contact their customer care on 920-003-344.
