STC Pay Complete Guide for Expats 2026 — Account, Transfers & All Services
⚡ Quick Answer
STC Pay (stcpay.com.sa) is Saudi Arabia's leading digital wallet, regulated by SAMA. You can open a Basic account with just a Saudi SIM — no Iqama required. To unlock international transfers, the Visa prepaid card, and higher limits, you need a Verified account using your Iqama + Nafath facial scan. The app is free to download and wallet-to-wallet transfers inside Saudi Arabia are free.
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What is STC Pay?
STC Pay is a licensed digital wallet and payment platform launched by Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and regulated by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) under licence number 19200-33. It functions like a mobile bank account — you can store money, send it instantly, pay bills, shop online, and transfer funds internationally — all from your phone without visiting a bank branch.
For expats in Saudi Arabia, STC Pay is particularly valuable because it does not require a traditional bank account to get started, it supports international remittances to over 100 countries, and its fees for sending money to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and the Philippines are often lower than banks or exchange houses. As of 2026, STC Pay has over 10 million registered users in the Kingdom.
Two Account Types — Basic vs Verified
STC Pay offers two account levels. The level you have determines what you can do and how much you can transact:
Basic Account
📱 Without Iqama
- Saudi SIM card only needed
- Max wallet balance: SAR 5,000
- Max monthly spend: SAR 5,000
- Local transfers inside KSA: ✅
- International transfers: ❌ Not available
- Visa card: ❌ Not available
- Bill payments (SADAD): ✅
- Mobile top-up: ✅
- Online shopping (limited): ✅
- Cash out at ATM: ❌ Not available
✅ Verified Account
🪪 With Iqama + Nafath
- Iqama + Nafath facial scan required
- Max wallet balance: SAR 20,000
- Max monthly spend: SAR 30,000
- Local transfers inside KSA: ✅
- International transfers: ✅ 100+ countries
- Visa prepaid card: ✅ Physical + Virtual
- Bill payments (SADAD): ✅
- Mobile top-up: ✅
- Online shopping worldwide: ✅
- Cash out at ATM: ✅ With Visa card
💡 Recommendation: If you are an expat who wants to send money home, always get the Verified account. The verification takes less than 5 minutes using your Iqama and the Nafath app. Without it, you cannot send money internationally — which defeats the main purpose for most expat users.
How to Create a Basic Account (No Iqama Required)
The Basic account is useful if you have just arrived in Saudi Arabia and do not have your Iqama yet, or if you only need to pay local bills and make local transfers for now.
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Download the STC Pay app Available free on iOS App Store and Google Play. Search "STC Pay" — the official app is published by Saudi Telecom Company. Make sure you download the genuine app (look for the purple wallet icon).
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Open the app and tap "Create Account" Select your preferred language — Arabic or English. Then tap "Create New Wallet".
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Enter your Saudi mobile number You must use an active Saudi SIM card registered in your name (or your sponsor's name for new arrivals). An OTP will be sent to this number. The OTP expires in 2 minutes.
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Verify the OTP Enter the 6-digit OTP sent to your Saudi number. If you don't receive it within 60 seconds, tap "Resend".
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Set your PIN and security details Create a 6-digit PIN for the wallet. This is separate from your SIM PIN. Also set up your fingerprint or Face ID for quick login — this is optional but highly recommended.
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Your Basic account is ready You can now receive money, pay bills via SADAD, and make local transfers. Your wallet address is your Saudi mobile number.
⚠️ Important: The Basic account has a SAR 5,000 monthly limit and cannot send money internationally. For most expats, upgrading to a Verified account is essential. The upgrade can be done immediately after creating the Basic account — see the next section.
How to Upgrade to a Verified Account (With Iqama)
Upgrading to a Verified account unlocks international transfers, the Visa card, and much higher spending limits. You will need your Iqama and the Nafath app installed on your phone.
📱 What is Nafath? Nafath (نفاذ) is Saudi Arabia's national digital identity verification system. It is a separate government app — download it from the App Store or Google Play before starting the STC Pay verification. Nafath uses facial recognition to confirm your identity against your Iqama records. It is also used by Absher and many other government services.
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Download and register on the Nafath app first Open the Nafath app, enter your Iqama number and date of birth (Hijri format). Verify via OTP to your Saudi number. Complete the facial scan — hold your phone at eye level in good lighting. Nafath registration usually takes 3–5 minutes.
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Open STC Pay and go to Profile → Verify Identity In the STC Pay app, tap your profile icon (top left or top right depending on your app version). Find "Verify Identity" or "Upgrade Account" option.
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Enter your Iqama number and date of birth Your Iqama number is the 10-digit number on the front of your Iqama card. Enter your date of birth in Hijri format — use an online Hijri converter if needed (your Gregorian year minus approximately 579).
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Approve the Nafath authentication request STC Pay will send a request to your Nafath app. Open Nafath, you will see a pending request — tap Approve. You may need to complete a facial scan again in Nafath to confirm. This step links your Iqama identity to your STC Pay wallet.
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Verification complete — full account unlocked Your account is now Verified. You will immediately see the international transfer option, higher limits, and the option to request a Visa card appear in the app.
✅ Verification usually takes under 5 minutes if your Nafath account is already set up and your Iqama details match. If it fails, the most common reason is a Hijri date of birth mismatch — double-check using a Hijri calendar converter.
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How to Send Money Internationally (Remittance)
This is the most important feature for expat workers. STC Pay allows you to transfer money to over 100 countries directly from the app — no exchange house visit required. For Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and Filipino workers especially, this can save significant time and fees compared to traditional methods.
🇵🇰
Pakistan
SAR → PKR
Bank or JazzCash/Easypaisa
Bank or JazzCash/Easypaisa
🇮🇳
India
SAR → INR
Bank transfer
Bank transfer
🇧🇩
Bangladesh
SAR → BDT
Bank or bKash
Bank or bKash
🇵🇭
Philippines
SAR → PHP
Bank or GCash
Bank or GCash
🇪🇬
Egypt
SAR → EGP
Bank transfer
Bank transfer
🇳🇵
Nepal
SAR → NPR
Bank transfer
Bank transfer
🇮🇩
Indonesia
SAR → IDR
Bank transfer
Bank transfer
🇱🇰
Sri Lanka
SAR → LKR
Bank transfer
Bank transfer
Step-by-Step: How to Send Money to Pakistan via STC Pay
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Open STC Pay and tap "Transfer" or "Send Money" On the home screen, look for the international transfer option — it may appear as "Send Abroad", "International Transfer", or under the Remittance section depending on your app version.
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Select the destination country (e.g. Pakistan) Choose Pakistan from the country list. STC Pay will show you the available transfer methods for Pakistan — typically: direct bank transfer, JazzCash wallet, or Easypaisa wallet.
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Choose your transfer method and enter recipient details For bank transfer: enter the recipient's full name (as it appears on their bank account), bank name, and account number or IBAN. For JazzCash/Easypaisa: enter the registered mobile number. Double-check all details — incorrect transfers are very difficult to reverse.
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Enter the amount you want to send Type the amount in SAR. STC Pay will show you the exact amount the recipient will receive in PKR at the current exchange rate, and the transfer fee. Always check the exchange rate shown — it updates in real time.
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Review and confirm the transfer A summary screen shows: amount sent, exchange rate, fee, and amount received. Confirm with your 6-digit STC Pay PIN. You will receive an SMS and in-app confirmation instantly.
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Track the transfer in the app Go to Transaction History to see the status. JazzCash/Easypaisa transfers are typically instant. Bank transfers take 1–3 business days depending on the receiving bank in Pakistan.
💡 Save your recipient details: After the first successful transfer, save the recipient as a "Favourite" in STC Pay. Future transfers to the same person take under 30 seconds — just enter amount and confirm PIN.
STC Pay Fees and Limits 2026
| Service | Basic Account | Verified Account |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet-to-wallet transfer (KSA) | Free | Free |
| International transfer fee | Not available | SAR 5 – SAR 25 (varies by country/amount) |
| Monthly wallet balance limit | SAR 5,000 | SAR 20,000 |
| Monthly spending limit | SAR 5,000 | SAR 30,000 |
| Single transfer limit (international) | Not available | Up to SAR 5,000 per transfer |
| Bill payment (SADAD) | Free | Free |
| Load from bank transfer | Free | Free |
| ATM cash withdrawal (Visa card) | Not available | SAR 5 per withdrawal (local ATMs) |
⚠️ Fees change regularly: Always check the current fee and exchange rate inside the STC Pay app before confirming a transfer. The figures above are indicative and may have been updated. The app shows the exact fee and recipient amount before you confirm — there are no hidden charges after confirmation.
How to Load Money into Your STC Pay Wallet
You can add funds to your STC Pay wallet in several ways:
- Bank transfer (IBAN) — your STC Pay wallet has a unique IBAN. Transfer from any Saudi bank to this IBAN and funds appear instantly or within minutes. This is the most convenient method for verified accounts.
- From another STC Pay wallet — ask a friend or colleague to transfer to your STC Pay mobile number. Instant and free.
- At STC stores and authorised agents — visit any STC branch or authorised retailer and pay cash to top up your wallet. Bring your mobile number and Iqama (for amounts above SAR 500).
- SADAD payment points — some supermarkets and convenience stores have SADAD top-up machines that accept cash deposits into STC Pay.
- Credit/debit card — you can link a Saudi Mada card or international Visa/Mastercard to load funds directly in the app.
How to Get the STC Pay Visa Card
The STC Pay Visa prepaid card lets you use your wallet balance anywhere Visa is accepted — in shops, online, and at ATMs. It is available in two forms:
| Card Type | How to Get | Where to Use | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Visa Card | Instant — generated in the app immediately after verification | Online shopping, app payments, Apple Pay / Google Pay | Free |
| Physical Visa Card | Request in app → delivered by SPL (Saudi Post) in 7–14 working days | All shops, ATMs, online, international travel | Annual fee applies — check app for current amount |
How to Request the Physical Visa Card
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Complete Iqama verification first The physical card is only available to Verified account holders. Complete the Iqama + Nafath verification described earlier in this guide.
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Go to Cards section in the STC Pay app On the home screen, tap "Cards" or find it in the menu. You will see the option to request a physical Visa card.
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Confirm your delivery address The card is delivered to your National Address registered in Absher. Make sure your National Address is correct and up to date in Absher before requesting — an incorrect address means the card cannot reach you.
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Pay the card issuance fee (if applicable) Confirm and pay from your STC Pay wallet. You will receive a tracking number via SMS once the card is dispatched.
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Activate the card when it arrives Once received, open STC Pay → Cards → Activate Card. Set a 4-digit card PIN for ATM use. The card is immediately active for online and in-store use.
All STC Pay Features — What You Can Do
💸
Send Money Locally
Free instant transfers to any STC Pay user in Saudi Arabia using their mobile number
🌍
International Transfers
Send to 100+ countries. Competitive rates vs banks. Supports mobile wallets (JazzCash, bKash, GCash)
📄
Bill Payments (SADAD)
Pay electricity (SEC), water (NWC), telecom, internet, government fees — all via SADAD in the app
📱
Mobile Top-Up
Recharge your STC, Mobily, or Zain SIM instantly from the app. Works for international top-ups too
🛒
Online Shopping
Use your virtual Visa card for Amazon, Noon, Namshi and any website that accepts Visa worldwide
📷
QR Code Payments
Pay at shops and restaurants that accept STC Pay by scanning their QR code — no cash needed
🏧
ATM Withdrawals
Withdraw cash from any Visa-compatible ATM in Saudi Arabia and internationally using the physical card
🍎
Apple Pay / Google Pay
Add your STC Pay virtual Visa to Apple Wallet or Google Pay for contactless payments in stores
📊
Transaction History
Full record of all payments and transfers with downloadable statements — useful for salary proof and financial records
🔔
Instant Notifications
Real-time SMS and push notifications for every transaction — easy to spot any unauthorised activity immediately
🎁
Offers & Cashback
STC Pay regularly offers cashback and discounts at selected merchants — check the Offers section in the app
🏢
Government Payments
Pay Jawazat fees, traffic fines, municipality fees and other government services directly via SADAD
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STC Pay vs Traditional Bank Account — Which Do You Need?
Many expats ask whether STC Pay can replace a Saudi bank account. Here is an honest comparison:
| Feature | STC Pay | Saudi Bank Account |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Iqama | Basic: No / Verified: Yes | Yes — always |
| Time to open | Under 10 minutes (verified) | 1–5 business days |
| Receive salary | ✅ Yes — via IBAN | ✅ Yes — required by most employers |
| International transfers | ✅ Yes (verified account) | ✅ Yes (higher fees usually) |
| ATM withdrawals | ✅ With Visa card | ✅ With Mada/Visa card |
| SADAD bill payments | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Iqama renewal payment | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Balance limit | SAR 20,000 (verified) | No limit |
| Savings / interest | ❌ No | ✅ Some accounts offer profit |
| Loans / credit card | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (for eligible residents) |
| Best for | Daily spending, bills, remittances, new arrivals | Salary receipt, long-term banking, large transactions |
✅ Our recommendation: Use both. Most employers pay salary to a Saudi bank account (required for Wage Protection System compliance). Use your bank account to receive salary, then transfer to STC Pay what you need for bills and international remittances. STC Pay's transfer rates and fees are often better than banks for sending money home.
Security Tips for STC Pay
- Never share your 6-digit wallet PIN with anyone — STC Pay customer service will never ask for it
- Enable biometric login (fingerprint or Face ID) in Settings for faster and safer access
- Turn on transaction notifications — go to Settings → Notifications and enable all transaction alerts so you spot any unauthorised use instantly
- Lock your virtual card when not in use — in the Cards section you can freeze and unfreeze the virtual card at any time with one tap
- Never click links in SMS messages claiming to be from STC Pay — always open the official app directly
- If your phone is lost or stolen, log in to stcpay.com.sa immediately from another device and freeze your account, or call STC Pay customer service on 900
STC Pay Customer Service
- In-app chat: Go to Help → Chat with us — fastest response method
- Phone: 900 (from STC number) or 920001166 (from any number) — available 24/7
- Website: stcpay.com.sa
- Twitter/X: @STCpay — responsive to complaints posted publicly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open STC Pay without an Iqama? ▼
Yes. You can open a Basic account with just a Saudi SIM card — no Iqama required. However, the Basic account has low monthly limits (SAR 5,000) and does not support international transfers. To send money abroad, you must upgrade to a Verified account using your Iqama number and Nafath facial recognition.
Is STC Pay free to use? ▼
Downloading the app and creating an account is free. Transfers between STC Pay wallets inside Saudi Arabia are free. International remittances have fees that vary by destination and amount — typically SAR 5 to SAR 25 per transfer. Bill payments via SADAD are free. Always check the current fee shown in the app before confirming a transfer.
How long does an international transfer take? ▼
Transfers to JazzCash (Pakistan), Easypaisa (Pakistan), bKash (Bangladesh), and GCash (Philippines) are typically instant or within minutes. Bank-to-bank international transfers usually take 1–2 business days. The exact timing depends on the receiving institution and the transfer corridor.
Can I receive my salary in STC Pay? ▼
Yes — your Verified STC Pay wallet has a Saudi IBAN that can receive salary payments. However, many employers are required to pay salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS) via a registered Saudi bank. Check with your employer's HR department whether STC Pay IBAN is accepted for salary payment. If not, you can receive your salary in your bank and transfer to STC Pay for remittances and daily use.
Can I use STC Pay without a Saudi bank account? ▼
Yes. STC Pay is a standalone digital wallet regulated by SAMA — it is not a bank but functions like one for most daily needs. You can load money by cash at STC outlets, receive transfers from other STC Pay users, or load via a linked card. You do not need a Saudi bank account to use STC Pay for bills, local transfers, and international remittances.
What if my Nafath verification fails? ▼
The most common reasons for Nafath verification failure are: incorrect Hijri date of birth, poor lighting during the facial scan, or the Iqama record not being active in the Jawazat system yet (common for new arrivals). Try again in good lighting, double-check your Hijri birth date using an online converter, or wait 24–48 hours after Iqama issuance before attempting. If it still fails, call STC Pay on 900 or visit an STC branch with your Iqama for assisted verification.
How do I get the STC Pay Visa card? ▼
The physical Visa prepaid card is available to Verified account holders only. After completing Iqama + Nafath verification, go to Cards section in the app and request the physical card. It is delivered to your National Address registered in Absher within 7–14 working days via SPL (Saudi Post). Make sure your National Address in Absher is correct before requesting.
Can I use STC Pay outside Saudi Arabia? ▼
Your STC Pay virtual or physical Visa card can be used internationally anywhere Visa is accepted — for online shopping or in-store purchases abroad. For ATM withdrawals outside Saudi Arabia, international ATM fees apply. However, the STC Pay app itself is designed for use within Saudi Arabia — international transfers can be sent from within the Kingdom but the app's bill payment and local services work only for Saudi services.
Is STC Pay safe? Is my money protected? ▼
STC Pay is licensed and regulated by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) under licence 19200-33. SAMA regulation means the company is required to maintain sufficient reserves to cover all customer wallet balances. Your money is protected under SAMA's regulatory framework. However, STC Pay is not a bank and wallet balances are not covered by the Saudi Deposit Insurance Corporation (which covers bank deposits). Enable all security features including PIN, biometrics, and notifications to protect your account.