Best Crypto Cards in Saudi Arabia (2026)

Saudi Arabia's regulatory stance on crypto is evolving. SAMA (Saudi Central Bank, formerly Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority) and the CMA (Capital Market Authority, Hayat Alsouq Almaliya) oversee financial markets. Crypto trading is not officially regulated or sanctioned, but it is not explicitly banned for individuals.

The CMA has warned about risks of crypto trading. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 includes a major fintech push through the FSDP (Financial Sector Development Program). The Kingdom has been exploring CBDC development (Project Aber with UAE Central Bank).

Crypto.com, KAST, and Wirex may serve Saudi residents under global coverage. Card acceptance infrastructure is excellent due to Vision 2030's cashless society push.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 fintech transformation and zero income tax create favorable conditions for crypto card adoption, though formal crypto regulation is still developing.

Saudi Arabia has no personal income tax (daribat al-dakhl). There is no capital gains tax on personal investments. Corporate entities pay a 20% income tax, and zakat (Islamic religious tax, 2.5%) applies to Saudi-owned businesses.

Example: You bought BTC at SAR 10,000 and spend SAR 30,000 through your card. Gain = SAR 20,000. Tax = SAR 0.

No tax filing is required for personal investment income. The ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, Hayat Alzakat Waldakhl Waljamarik) handles tax administration for businesses and VAT.

Zero personal income tax means zero tax on crypto gains and cashback. No optimization needed. Note: 15% VAT applies to purchases but is the same regardless of payment method.

Saudi crypto card applications require a bitaqat alhawiya alwataniya (Saudi national ID card, Absher-linked) or jawaz alsafar (passport) for citizens. Foreign residents need a passport plus iqama (residence permit).

The national ID number or iqama number is the primary identifier. Proof of address via fatura khadamat (utility bill - SEC electricity, NWC water), kashf hisab (bank statement from Al Rajhi, SNB, Riyad Bank), or aqd ijar (rental agreement).

Physical cards ship to Saudi addresses within 14-21 business days. Virtual cards are available immediately for Apple Pay and mada Pay use. The SAR-USD peg means stable card loading values.

Zero Tax = Maximum Value

Saudi Arabia's zero personal income tax means every riyal of cashback is pure profit. No tax strategy needed - just maximize your cashback rate.

Card Selection by Use Case

• KAST (2% cashback, free): Best no-fee starter
• Crypto.com (up to 5%): Best metal tier range
• MetaMask (1%, free): Best self-custody Mastercard
• Wirex (up to 8%): Best for power users

Spending Scenario: SAR 5,000/month (~$1,333)

SAR 1,200/year tax-free. Use whatever crypto maximizes your rewards.

Vision 2030 Cashless Economy

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 targets 70% cashless payments. Card acceptance is rapidly expanding: malls (Kingdom Centre, Riyadh Park, Red Sea Mall), supermarkets (Panda, Danube, Carrefour), restaurants, and ride-hailing (Uber, Careem) accept contactless Visa/Mastercard. Apple Pay and mada Pay are widely supported.

Global issuers: Crypto.com (up to 5%), KAST (2%), Wirex (up to 8%), and RedotPay may serve Saudi residents under global coverage. MetaMask (1%) offers self-custody spending.

Local/regional: Rain (Bahrain-based, serves GCC) is the most accessible regional crypto exchange. Binance has explored Saudi partnerships. Traditional Saudi banks do not offer crypto services directly.

ether.fi (3%, credit-based) offers a borrow-to-spend model. In Saudi Arabia's zero-tax environment, the combined staking yield + cashback strategy maximizes returns.

Saudi Arabia's zero income tax and Vision 2030 cashless push create ideal conditions for crypto card adoption in the GCC.