Saudi Arabia now allows visitors to open bank accounts during their stay. To help you understand how this works, here’s a step-by-step guide of opening a Visitor Account with Bank Albilad.
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Bank Albilad Visitor Account Benefits
- Open your account online — no need to visit a branch.
- Get an instant virtual Mada card and add it to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or mada Pay.
- Request a physical Mada debit card delivered to your address.
- Make international transfers (Western Union, Enjaz Easy, Swift) — available for Business Visit Visa holders.
- Pay bills (SADAD / MOI), transfer money locally (SARIE), and enjoy Mukafaat Albilad rewards.
- Low transfer fees for both local and international transactions.
Requirements
Before starting, make sure you have:
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- Visa/Border number
- Nafath (IAM) app for digital identity verification
- A Saudi mobile number
- Age between 18 and 65
Step-by-Step: How to Open a Bank Albilad Visitor Account
- Visit the Bank Albilad website: Go to the Visitor Account page and click “Open Visitors Account.”
- Fill out the online form: Enter your personal details, Visa/Border Number and contact information.
- Verify your identity: Use the Nafath App to confirm your identity with Face ID authentication.
- Complete account setup
- If you’re already in Saudi Arabia, the account will activate right away.
- If you’re still abroad, you can start the request now; complete it when you arrive.
- Get your virtual Mada card instantly: You can start using it for online payments and mobile wallets.
- Request a physical Mada card (optional):
- Log in to Albilad Net or the mobile app.
- Go to My Cards → Mada Card → Request Physical Mada Card.
- Your card will be delivered within 7 business days.
Card Activation
- Activate at the nearest Albilad ATM or via Albilad Net:
- Log in → Cards → Debit Card → Activate → Enter OTP → Confirm.
Useful to Know
- You can withdraw cash at ATMs, but cash deposit is not available for this account.
- Accounts are frozen when you exit Saudi Arabia and reactivate automatically when you return — just update your visa expiry date online.
- If you don’t arrive in the Kingdom within 15 days of applying, your request will be cancelled automatically.
Opening an Account Before Arrival
You can start your application while abroad — just enter your email and visa number. After you arrive in Saudi Arabia, log in again to finish verification and activate your account.
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Final Tip
Opening a visitor account with Bank Albilad is fast and fully digital. Make sure your Asbher account is active, keep your Nafath app ready for verification, and use your Saudi mobile number for OTPs.