At the Bank & ATM في البنك
Banking in Saudi Arabia has transformed rapidly — from Al-Rajhi Bank and SNB to mobile-first neobanks — but branch visits and ATM interactions still happen daily. This topic covers 7 key Saudi Arabic banking phrases, from asking about the ATM location (فين الصراف الآلي؟) to reporting a problem with your card (البطاقة ما تشتغل). These phrases are useful whether you are an expat setting up a local account or a traveler managing money in the Kingdom.
Key Saudi Arabic phrases
أبي أفتح حساب
Abi aftah hisab
I want to open an account
Opening a bank account
فين الصراف الآلي؟
Fayn as-sarraf al-ali?
Where is the ATM?
Finding a cash machine
أبي أحوّل فلوس
Abi ahawwil flus
I want to transfer money
Requesting a bank transfer
البطاقة ما تشتغل
Al-bitaqa ma tishtighil
The card is not working
Reporting a card problem
كم رصيدي؟
Kam rasidi?
What is my balance?
Checking account balance
أبي أتكلم مع موظف
Abi atakallam ma' muwadhdaf
I want to speak with a staff member
Requesting help at the counter
محتاج أغير رقمي السري
Muhtaj aghayyir raqmi as-sirri
I need to change my PIN
Requesting a PIN change
Frequently asked questions
- How do you say 'I want to open a bank account' in Saudi Arabic?
- Say "أبي أفتح حساب" (Abi aftah hisab — I want to open an account). Major Saudi banks include Al-Rajhi Bank (الراجحي), Saudi National Bank (البنك الأهلي), and Riyad Bank (بنك الرياض). Most major bank branches have English-speaking staff, but using Arabic shows professionalism.
- How do you ask where the ATM is in Saudi Arabic?
- Ask "فين الصراف الآلي؟" (Fayn as-sarraf al-ali? — Where is the ATM?). In Saudi Arabia, ATMs are called "صراف آلي" (sarraf ali) or sometimes "كاش ماشين" (cash machine). They are found in banks, malls, petrol stations, and most commercial areas throughout the Kingdom.
- How do you say 'my card is not working' in Saudi Arabic?
- Say "البطاقة ما تشتغل" (Al-bitaqa ma tishtighil — The card is not working). To specify: "البطاقة مرفوضة" (Al-bitaqa marfuda — The card was declined) or "البطاقة انكسرت" (Al-bitaqa inkasarat — The card is broken). Saudi ATMs support Mada (local), Visa, and Mastercard.
- What banking apps are popular in Saudi Arabia?
- Al-Rajhi Bank's app is one of the most widely used banking apps in Saudi Arabia. Other popular apps include SNB (Saudi National Bank), STC Pay (mobile wallet), and Stc bank. "أبي أحوّل فلوس" (Abi ahawwil flus — I want to transfer money) is often done through these apps rather than branches.