Saudi Arabia cross border payments market report Size, Share, Growth Drivers, Trends, Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

The Saudi Arabia cross border payments market, valued at USD 56 billion, is growing due to expatriate remittances and fintech adoption, reaching key milestones in 2024-2025.

Region:Middle East

Author(s):Dev

Product Code:KRAC3432

Pages:95

Published On:October 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Overview

  • The Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market is valued at approximately USD 56 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing volume of international trade, the rise in expatriate workers sending remittances, and the growing adoption of digital payment solutions. The market has seen a significant shift towards online and mobile payment platforms, enhancing the efficiency and speed of cross-border transactions. Notably, outbound personal cross-border payments from banks reached Saudi Riyal 58.8 billion (USD 15.7 billion) in Q2 2025, while outbound worker remittances hit USD 13.5 billion in Q1 2025, reflecting robust year-on-year growth after a period of contraction in 2022 and 2023. The combined value of international transfers from digital wallets grew 20% year-on-year in fiscal year 2024 to Saudi Riyal 46.6 billion (USD 12 billion), indicating accelerating adoption of fintech solutions among users with cross-border needs.
  • Key players in this market include major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, which dominate due to their strategic locations, robust financial infrastructure, and high expatriate populations. These cities serve as financial hubs, facilitating a large volume of cross-border transactions and attracting international payment service providers to establish their operations.
  • In 2023, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) implemented the “Regulatory Framework for Payment Service Providers,” mandating compliance with international standards for anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT). This framework requires payment service providers to obtain a license from SAMA, adhere to strict customer due diligence, and report suspicious transactions, thereby fostering a safer and more transparent cross-border payments environment.
Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Size

Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Segmentation

By Type:The segmentation by type includes various forms of cross-border payments, each catering to different needs and user bases. The dominant sub-segment is Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) Payments, driven by the high volume of remittances sent by expatriates to their families back home. Business-to-Business (B2B) Payments also hold a significant share, as companies engage in international trade and require efficient payment solutions. Consumer-to-Business (C2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Payments are growing as e-commerce expands, while Remittances remain a critical component of the market. Inbound payments from travel and tourism, including Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, also contribute significantly to cross-border payment flows, with Q1 2025 seeing a 10% year-on-year increase to USD 13.2 billion.

Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market segmentation by Type.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation highlights the diverse range of customers utilizing cross-border payment services. Individuals, including expatriate workers, represent the largest segment due to their frequent remittance needs. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly adopting cross-border payment solutions to facilitate international trade. Large Corporations also play a significant role, leveraging these services for global operations, while Government Entities utilize cross-border payments for various international transactions.

Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market segmentation by End-User.

Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Saudi Payments, STC Pay, Al Rajhi Bank, SNB (Saudi National Bank), Samba Financial Group, Arab National Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, Riyad Bank, Alinma Bank, PayTabs, HyperPay, Tamara, PayFort (an Amazon company), Western Union, MoneyGram, Wise (formerly TransferWise), Payoneer, Stripe, Visa, Mastercard contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Saudi Payments

2018

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

STC Pay

2018

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Al Rajhi Bank

1957

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

SNB (Saudi National Bank)

2021

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Samba Financial Group

1980

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Revenue Growth Rate (YoY %)

Customer Acquisition Cost (SAR or USD per customer)

Total Transaction Volume (number of cross-border transactions per year)

Total Transaction Value (SAR or USD per year)

Market Penetration Rate (% of target market served)

Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Digitalization of Financial Services:The digitalization of financial services in Saudi Arabia is accelerating, with over99%of the population using the internet in future. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) reported that digital payment transactions reachedmore than 8 billionin future, reflecting a significant increase from previous years. This trend is expected to continue, driven by the government's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to enhance the digital economy and promote cashless transactions, thereby facilitating cross-border payments.
  • Rising Cross-Border Trade Activities:Saudi Arabia's cross-border trade activities have surged, with total trade volume reaching approximatelyUSD 430 billionin future. The Kingdom's strategic location as a gateway to the Middle East and its participation in various trade agreements have bolstered this growth. The increase in exports, particularly in oil and petrochemicals, has led to a higher demand for efficient cross-border payment solutions, further driving the market's expansion.
  • Government Initiatives for Financial Inclusion:The Saudi government has prioritized financial inclusion, aiming to increase the percentage of adults with bank accounts to80%in future. As of now, around74%of adults are already banked. Initiatives such as the Financial Sector Development Program are enhancing access to financial services, particularly for underserved populations. This increased access is expected to drive demand for cross-border payment solutions, facilitating international transactions for a broader demographic.

Market Challenges

  • Regulatory Compliance Issues:The regulatory landscape for cross-border payments in Saudi Arabia is complex, with stringent compliance requirements. Financial institutions must adhere to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) regulations, which can be costly and time-consuming. Compliance costs for banks were estimated at, impacting their ability to innovate and offer competitive cross-border payment solutions.
  • High Transaction Costs:Transaction costs for cross-border payments in Saudi Arabia remain high, averaging aroundper transaction in future. These costs are primarily driven by intermediary fees and currency conversion charges. High costs deter small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from engaging in international trade, limiting the overall growth potential of the cross-border payments market in the region.

Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Future Outlook

The future of the cross-border payments market in Saudi Arabia looks promising, driven by technological advancements and increasing consumer demand for seamless payment solutions. The adoption of real-time payment systems and mobile payment platforms is expected to enhance transaction efficiency. Additionally, the emergence of open banking will facilitate better integration of services, allowing for more innovative payment solutions. As the market evolves, stakeholders must focus on addressing regulatory challenges and enhancing security measures to build consumer trust and drive growth.

Market Opportunities

  • Expansion of E-commerce Platforms:The e-commerce sector in Saudi Arabia is projected to reachUSD 20 billionin future, creating significant opportunities for cross-border payment solutions. As online shopping becomes more prevalent, businesses will require efficient payment systems to cater to international customers, driving demand for innovative payment solutions.
  • Growth in Remittance Flows:Remittance flows to Saudi Arabia are expected to exceedUSD 39 billionin future, presenting a lucrative opportunity for cross-border payment providers. The increasing number of expatriates and the need for efficient remittance services will drive demand for competitive and cost-effective payment solutions, enhancing market growth.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) Payments

Business-to-Business (B2B) Payments

Consumer-to-Business (C2B) Payments

Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Payments

Remittances

By End-User

Individuals (including expatriate workers)

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Large Corporations

Government Entities

By Payment Method

Bank Transfers

Credit/Debit Cards

E-Wallets / Digital Wallets

Money Transfer Operators (MTOs)

Cryptocurrency

By Transaction Size

Low-Value Transactions (e.g., <$500)

Mid-Value Transactions (e.g., $500–$10,000)

High-Value Transactions (e.g., >$10,000)

By Geographic Focus

Middle East & North Africa (MENA)

Asia-Pacific

Europe

North America

By Industry

Retail & E-commerce

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Financial Services

Oil & Gas / Energy

Construction & Contracting

By Policy Support

Government Subsidies

Tax Incentives

Regulatory Support

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, Ministry of Finance)

Payment Service Providers

Financial Institutions

Telecommunications Companies

Cross-Border E-commerce Platforms

Industry Associations

Foreign Exchange Brokers

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Saudi Payments

STC Pay

Al Rajhi Bank

SNB (Saudi National Bank)

Samba Financial Group

Arab National Bank

Banque Saudi Fransi

Riyad Bank

Alinma Bank

PayTabs

HyperPay

Tamara

PayFort (an Amazon company)

Western Union

MoneyGram

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Payoneer

Stripe

Visa

Mastercard

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Digitalization of Financial Services
3.1.2 Rising Cross-Border Trade Activities
3.1.3 Government Initiatives for Financial Inclusion
3.1.4 Adoption of Fintech Solutions

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Regulatory Compliance Issues
3.2.2 High Transaction Costs
3.2.3 Security Concerns
3.2.4 Limited Consumer Awareness

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Expansion of E-commerce Platforms
3.3.2 Growth in Remittance Flows
3.3.3 Partnerships with Local Banks
3.3.4 Development of Blockchain Solutions

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Shift Towards Real-Time Payments
3.4.2 Increased Use of Mobile Payment Solutions
3.4.3 Emergence of Open Banking
3.4.4 Focus on Customer Experience Enhancement

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Regulations
3.5.2 Payment Services Directive Compliance
3.5.3 Data Protection Laws
3.5.4 Licensing Requirements for Payment Providers

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) Payments
8.1.2 Business-to-Business (B2B) Payments
8.1.3 Consumer-to-Business (C2B) Payments
8.1.4 Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Payments
8.1.5 Remittances

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 Individuals (including expatriate workers)
8.2.2 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
8.2.3 Large Corporations
8.2.4 Government Entities

8.3 By Payment Method

8.3.1 Bank Transfers
8.3.2 Credit/Debit Cards
8.3.3 E-Wallets / Digital Wallets
8.3.4 Money Transfer Operators (MTOs)
8.3.5 Cryptocurrency

8.4 By Transaction Size

8.4.1 Low-Value Transactions (e.g., <$500)
8.4.2 Mid-Value Transactions (e.g., $500–$10,000)
8.4.3 High-Value Transactions (e.g., >$10,000)

8.5 By Geographic Focus

8.5.1 Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
8.5.2 Asia-Pacific
8.5.3 Europe
8.5.4 North America

8.6 By Industry

8.6.1 Retail & E-commerce
8.6.2 Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
8.6.3 Financial Services
8.6.4 Oil & Gas / Energy
8.6.5 Construction & Contracting

8.7 By Policy Support

8.7.1 Government Subsidies
8.7.2 Tax Incentives
8.7.3 Regulatory Support
8.7.4 Others

9. Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Revenue Growth Rate (YoY %)
9.2.4 Customer Acquisition Cost (SAR or USD per customer)
9.2.5 Total Transaction Volume (number of cross-border transactions per year)
9.2.6 Total Transaction Value (SAR or USD per year)
9.2.7 Market Penetration Rate (% of target market served)
9.2.8 Customer Retention Rate (%)
9.2.9 Average Transaction Value (SAR or USD)
9.2.10 Pricing Strategy (e.g., fee per transaction, subscription, FX margin)
9.2.11 Operational Efficiency Ratio (cost-to-income ratio or similar)
9.2.12 Digital Adoption Rate (% of transactions via digital channels)
9.2.13 Geographic Coverage (number of corridors/countries served)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Saudi Payments
9.5.2 STC Pay
9.5.3 Al Rajhi Bank
9.5.4 SNB (Saudi National Bank)
9.5.5 Samba Financial Group
9.5.6 Arab National Bank
9.5.7 Banque Saudi Fransi
9.5.8 Riyad Bank
9.5.9 Alinma Bank
9.5.10 PayTabs
9.5.11 HyperPay
9.5.12 Tamara
9.5.13 PayFort (an Amazon company)
9.5.14 Western Union
9.5.15 MoneyGram
9.5.16 Wise (formerly TransferWise)
9.5.17 Payoneer
9.5.18 Stripe
9.5.19 Visa
9.5.20 Mastercard

10. Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Ministry of Finance
10.1.2 Ministry of Commerce
10.1.3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in Payment Infrastructure
10.2.2 Spending on Cybersecurity Measures
10.2.3 Budget Allocation for Digital Transformation

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Individuals
10.3.2 SMEs
10.3.3 Large Corporations

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of Cross Border Payment Solutions
10.4.2 Technological Infrastructure
10.4.3 User Experience Expectations

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Measurement of ROI
10.5.2 Expansion into New Markets
10.5.3 Adoption of Additional Services

11. Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Value Proposition Development

1.3 Revenue Streams Analysis

1.4 Cost Structure Evaluation

1.5 Key Partnerships Exploration

1.6 Customer Segmentation

1.7 Channels of Distribution


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs

2.3 Target Audience Identification

2.4 Communication Strategy

2.5 Digital Marketing Tactics


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-ups

3.3 Online Distribution Channels

3.4 Partnerships with Local Banks


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands Analysis

4.3 Competitor Pricing Strategies


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps Identification

5.2 Consumer Segments Analysis

5.3 Emerging Trends Exploration


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-sales Service

6.3 Customer Feedback Mechanisms


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability Initiatives

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains

7.3 Customer-Centric Solutions


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding Efforts

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix Considerations
9.1.2 Pricing Band Strategy
9.1.3 Packaging Options

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines for Implementation


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 Joint Ventures

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone Planning
15.2.2 Activity Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of regulatory frameworks governing cross-border payments in Saudi Arabia
  • Review of financial reports and market studies from local banks and fintech companies
  • Examination of trade and economic data from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA)

Primary Research

  • Interviews with executives from leading banks and payment service providers
  • Surveys targeting SMEs engaged in international trade
  • Focus groups with consumers utilizing cross-border payment services

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings with industry reports and expert opinions
  • Triangulation of data from financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and market participants
  • Sanity checks through expert panel discussions and feedback sessions

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total transaction volume based on national economic indicators
  • Segmentation of market size by payment methods (e.g., bank transfers, digital wallets)
  • Incorporation of growth rates from regional cross-border payment trends

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Data collection on transaction fees and average transaction values from key players
  • Estimation of user adoption rates across different demographics
  • Volume x fee analysis to derive revenue potential for each payment method

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-factor analysis considering economic growth, regulatory changes, and technology adoption
  • Scenario modeling based on potential shifts in consumer behavior and fintech innovations
  • Baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Banking Sector Cross-Border Transactions100Bank Executives, Compliance Officers
Fintech Solutions for Payments60Product Managers, Business Development Leads
SME International Trade Payments110Business Owners, Financial Managers
Consumer Payment Preferences85End Users, Digital Payment Users
Regulatory Impact on Payment Systems50Regulatory Analysts, Policy Makers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market?

The Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market is valued at approximately USD 56 billion, driven by increasing international trade, expatriate remittances, and the adoption of digital payment solutions. This market has shown significant growth over the past five years.

What are the main drivers of growth in the Saudi Arabia Cross Border Payments Market?

Which cities in Saudi Arabia are the primary hubs for cross-border payments?

What regulatory framework governs cross-border payments in Saudi Arabia?

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