Kholoud Hussein
Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of a digital banking revolution, driven by the rapid adoption of mobile wallets and an ambitious push toward a cashless economy. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is accelerating its transition to digital payments, with mobile wallets playing a pivotal role in reshaping the financial ecosystem. With mobile wallets offering seamless payment solutions, enhanced convenience, and greater financial inclusion, Saudi Arabia is moving closer to its goal of becoming a cashless society by 2025. This article explores the rise of mobile wallets, their impact on the digital banking sector, and their future in transforming the financial landscape of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Cashless Vision: The Role of Mobile Wallets
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in moving towards a cashless economy, a key pillar of the Vision 2030 strategy aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s economy. The government, in partnership with financial institutions and fintech companies, has launched several initiatives to reduce reliance on cash and encourage the use of digital payment methods. One of the most significant developments in this journey has been the rise of mobile wallets, which offer consumers a convenient, secure, and efficient payment method.
According to the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the percentage of non-cash transactions reached 57% in 2024, up from 36% in 2019. The rapid growth of mobile wallets is a key driver behind this increase. Speaking at the 2024 Financial Sector Conference, SAMA Governor Ayman Al-Sayari highlighted the role of digital wallets, stating, “The adoption of mobile wallets is accelerating our journey towards a cashless economy, providing consumers with seamless access to financial services while enhancing financial inclusion.”
The success of mobile wallets in Saudi Arabia is also evident in the rising number of transactions made through digital platforms. A 2024 report by PwC noted that mobile wallet transactions in the Kingdom increased by 45% year-on-year, with more consumers opting for cashless solutions in their daily financial activities.
Top Mobile Wallets in Saudi Arabia: Leading the Digital Banking Revolution
Several mobile wallet apps spearhead Saudi Arabia’s transition to digital banking, offering a range of services catering to consumers and businesses. Here’s a closer look at some of the top mobile wallets in Saudi Arabia and how they are reshaping the financial landscape:
1. STC Pay: The mobile wallet app launched by Saudi Telecom Company (STC), is one of the most prominent players in Saudi Arabia’s digital banking ecosystem. Since its launch, STC Pay has grown rapidly, becoming the first Saudi fintech unicorn with over 8 million users as of 2024. The platform offers a wide range of services, including peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, and online shopping, making it a comprehensive solution for digital payments.
In 2024, STC Pay announced a major expansion of its services, introducing international remittances in partnership with Western Union, allowing users to send money abroad seamlessly. Speaking about the company’s vision, Ahmed Al-Enizi, CEO of STC Pay, remarked, “We aim to provide a one-stop solution for all financial needs, from local payments to cross-border transfers. Our goal is to continue expanding our services and reach, making financial services more accessible to everyone.”
STC Pay’s success reflects the broader trend of consumers shifting towards mobile-first banking, where financial transactions can be completed with just a few taps on a smartphone. As more features are integrated into the platform, such as loyalty programs and savings tools, STC Pay is positioned to play a significant role in the future of digital banking in Saudi Arabia.
2. Apple Pay: The wallet has quickly become a popular payment method in Saudi Arabia, offering a secure and easy-to-use platform for making purchases. With its integration into Mada, Saudi Arabia’s national payment network, Apple Pay has gained widespread acceptance at retail outlets, restaurants, and online platforms across the Kingdom.
Apple Pay’s emphasis on security through its use of biometric authentication (Face ID and Touch ID) and tokenization has made it a trusted choice for consumers. A 2024 survey by YouGov revealed that 76% of Saudi users consider Apple Pay one of the most secure mobile payment options available. The ability to store multiple cards and use Apple Pay across various devices—iPhones, Apple Watches, and iPads—has contributed to its popularity.
In terms of expansion, Apple Pay is expected to introduce additional features such as Apple Card, a digital credit card service that could provide users with cashback incentives and better financial management tools. By offering a seamless user experience and integrating additional services, Apple Pay will likely continue to capture a significant share of the mobile wallet market in Saudi Arabia.
3. Mada Pay: The wallet, operated by Saudi Payments, is a homegrown mobile wallet solution that allows users to make contactless payments directly from their smartphones. It is fully integrated with Mada, the Kingdom’s domestic payment network, and supports payments across millions of point-of-sale (POS) terminals in Saudi Arabia.
Since its launch, Mada Pay has become an essential tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and retailers, facilitating quick and secure transactions without the need for physical cards. Fahad Al-Abdulkarim, CEO of Saudi Payments, spoke at Seamless KSA 2024, stating, “Mada Pay’s growth reflects the increasing demand for local, secure, and efficient payment solutions. We are committed to enhancing the platform’s functionality to support more advanced services like micro-loans and SME financing.”
Mada Pay is set to expand its services in the coming years, with plans to integrate financial management tools and budgeting features. This will allow users to track their spending, receive insights into their financial habits, and set savings goals—all within the app. By offering a comprehensive financial solution, Mada Pay aims to become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s digital banking ecosystem.
4. Al Rajhi Wallet: It is one of the largest Islamic banks in the world, and has also made significant strides in digital banking through its Al Rajhi Wallet. The mobile app allows users to conduct a wide range of banking activities, including bill payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and e-commerce transactions.
In 2024, Al Rajhi Wallet introduced new features such as contactless payments through QR codes and e-vouchers, allowing customers to make payments with greater convenience. The wallet also supports Zakat and Sadaqah payments, enabling users to fulfill religious obligations seamlessly. Waleed Al-Mogbel, CEO of Al Rajhi Bank, noted, “Our focus is on providing customers with a comprehensive, Shariah-compliant digital banking experience that meets their financial needs and promotes financial inclusion.”
Looking ahead, Al Rajhi Wallet is expected to expand its offerings to include investment services and personal finance management tools, allowing users to manage their wealth directly from the app.
5. Tamara: While primarily known as a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform, Tamara is evolving into a broader digital payments solution for e-commerce transactions. Launched in 2020, Tamara has quickly gained popularity by offering consumers the ability to split payments into interest-free installments, with over 4 million users as of 2024.
At Seamless KSA 2024, Tamara will announce its plans to integrate mobile wallet functionality into its platform, allowing users to store funds, make direct payments, and manage their finances more effectively. Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, CEO of Tamara, emphasized the company’s vision, stating, “We are committed to providing consumers with flexible and innovative payment solutions. Expanding into digital banking services will allow us to offer even greater value to our users, enhancing their shopping and financial experience.”
The Future of Mobile Wallets in Saudi Arabia
The future of mobile wallets in Saudi Arabia looks promising, with these platforms set to expand their offerings and play an even greater role in the Kingdom’s financial ecosystem. As mobile wallets continue to evolve, several trends are expected to shape their development:
1. Integration of Financial Services: Mobile wallets are expected to integrate a wider range of financial services, from loans and credit products to investment options and insurance. This will transform mobile wallets from simple payment tools into comprehensive financial management platforms, allowing users to handle all aspects of their financial lives in one place.
For instance, STC Pay has already begun offering micro-loans to users, and other platforms are expected to follow suit by introducing similar products. By providing access to credit, savings, and investment tools, mobile wallets will empower consumers with greater financial flexibility and security.
2. Expansion of Cross-Border Payments: As Saudi Arabia’s economy becomes more interconnected with the global market, mobile wallets are likely to expand their cross-border payment capabilities. Platforms like STC Pay and Tamara are already offering international remittance services, but the scope of cross-border payments is expected to grow further, providing users with faster, cheaper, and more secure ways to send money abroad.
3. Enhanced Security and Blockchain Integration: With cybersecurity being a growing concern, mobile wallet providers are expected to invest heavily in advanced security features such as blockchain technology, biometric authentication, and AI-driven fraud detection. These measures will enhance the trust and safety of mobile wallets, encouraging more users to adopt digital payment solutions.
Finally, the rise of mobile wallets in Saudi Arabia is not just transforming how people pay for goods and services; it is fundamentally reshaping the country’s entire financial ecosystem. As mobile wallets continue to expand their services, integrating financial products and offering seamless cross-border transactions, they will play an even more significant role in the digital banking landscape. With Vision 2030 as a guiding force, Saudi Arabia’s journey towards becoming a cashless society is well underway, and mobile wallets are at the heart of this transformation.