PRESSR: Ssaudi consumers are moving to digital channels for remittances, Visa report finds

More than half of people in Saudi Arabia now prefer sending remittances through digital appsRespondents cite safety, privacy, speed (47%) and ease of use (43%) as the main reasons for using digital apps93% send remittances at least once a yearRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 10, 2025 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, today announced the Saudi Arabia findings of its Money Travels: 2025 Digital Remittances Adoption Report. The findings show that digital apps are increasingly becoming the preferred method for people to send money abroad.The research reveals that more than half (59%) of people in Saudi Arabia now prefer to send money through digital applications rather than physical outlets. According to the survey, 47% of people in Saudi Arabia cited safety, privacy and speed as the most important factors. This was followed by ease of use at 43%. Confidence in digital channels is growing, with 43% of respondents now saying peace of mind is a reason they use apps, up 6 points from 2024.More people in Saudi Arabia are now sending remittances than ever before[1]. Visa’s research reveals 51% of respondents send money for humanitarian needs and 42% provide regular support for loved ones. An overwhelming 93% send money at least once a year, representing a 6% increase from last year. This trend reflects the wider market, where expatriate remittances reached SR144 billion in 2024, the highest level since 2021[2].Despite the growing adoption of digital methods, pain points remain. A third of respondents cited high costs as a major barrier for sending (29%) and receiving (33%) remittances.“Fast, easy and secure payments can make a profound difference for people in Saudi Arabia who send money abroad to support their families and communities,” said Ali Bailoun, Visa’s Regional General Manager for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman. “Millions of families abroad rely on these funds from Saudi Arabia, and Visa is bringing new ways – in partnership with our clients - to meet the local demand for simpler, faster and more secure ways to transfer money internationally.”In Saudi Arabia, Visa is working with its financial institution partners to meet the growing demand for easier, more accessible and reliable ways to transfer money internationally. Visa Direct is a payment service that enables real-time money transfers quickly and securely using Visa’s global network, helping people, businesses and governments send and receive funds to billions of eligible cards, bank accounts and digital wallets worldwide. For more information about Visa Direct, please visit: Visa Direct | Transforming global money movement | VisaSurvey MethodologyThis survey was conducted by Visa and Morning Consult during January 2–30, 2025 among a sample of nearly 44,000 remittance senders and receivers across 20 countries including North & Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. The interviews were conducted online. Within each country, survey respondents are weighted based on census estimates for age, gender, education, and region.ENDS[1] Saudi Arabia Remittances[2] Saudi Arabia: Expat remittances hit SR144 billion, highest since 2021Send us your press releases to pressrelease.zawya@lseg.comDisclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.