Are you planning to apply for an emergency cash loan, but not sure where to start? In this article, we will look at the eligibility criteria, requirements, and process involved in getting this type of loan.
In Saudi Arabia, there are many banks and other financial institutions that offer emergency cash loans or instant loans. When you find yourself in emergency situations such as a medical concern, a car that needs major repairs, or a natural disaster (e.g. earthquakes, floods, etc.) — this loan can help you address your most urgent financial needs.
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Guide to Getting Emergency Cash Loans in Saudi Arabia
Whether you are based in Riyadh, Jeddah, or other cities across the Kingdom, you are bound to find several banks and lending companies that provide different types of loans. The great thing about these services is that they are available not only to Saudi citizens, but also to foreigners and expat residents — overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) included.
Eligibility
The criteria required to qualify for an emergency cash loan may vary among banks and other financial institutions. Nevertheless, below are some general criteria. To be eligible for an emergency cash loan, an applicant should:
- Be at least 21 to 23 years old;
- Have worked for at least 12 months or one (1) year for his/her current employer; and
- Be willing to have his/her salary transferred to an account with the lending bank each month.
Requirements
Aside from meeting the eligibility criteria, the applicant should also prepare several documents, as follows:
- Filled up loan application form;
- Valid Iqama and passport;
- Pay slips for the last three (3) months;
- Bank statements for the last three (3) months;
- Salary certificate attested by the Chamber of Commerce; and
- Credit report issued by the Saudi Credit Bureau (SIMAH).
NOTE: The Saudi Credit Bureau (SIMAH) is the first and only licensed national credit bureau in Saudi Arabia. It gathers information regarding a person’s (or a company’s) financial transactions. Then, the bureau issues a credit report, which banks can use to decide whether to approve or reject a loan application.
Steps in Applying for Emergency Cash Loans
The steps involved may vary among banks and financial institutions. However, here are some general steps to remember when applying for an emergency cash loan:
1. Inquire about employee loan agreements.
Some companies have what is called “employee loan agreements” with banks. Basically, these include the offer of low-interest loans to the employees of companies that the bank has signed an agreement with. Be sure to ask your company’s HR department if there’s an employee loan agreement with a Saudi Arabia bank.
2. Consider other loan options.
Even if your company has an employee loan agreement with a bank, take time to look at other banks and financial institutions. These may have cash loans with better rates and terms, so it’s always work looking at other options. Interestingly, some banks feature “loan calculators” on their official websites. You can use these to estimate your loan, monthly installments, and other terms.
3. Research, research, research!
No two loans are exactly the same; they are likely to have slight differences in terms of interest rates, upfront charges, late payment fees, and other factors. Examine each option carefully before choosing and making your final decision.
4. Inquire about salary transfer.
Most banks include salary transfer as one of the criteria to qualify for cash loans. Loans with salary transfer usually have lower interest rates compared to those without salary transfer. If you are willing to have your salary transferred to an account with the lending bank each month, you are likely to get a good loan offer.
Saudi Arabia Banks with Emergency Cash Loans
And now, let’s take a look at banks that offer emergency cash loans to citizens and expat residents in Saudi Arabia. The following banks have offices in the capital, Riyadh, as well as multiple branches in Jeddah and other major cities across the Kingdom. So no matter where you are based, you are bound to find a branch near you!
1. Banque Saudi Fransi
Banque Saudi Fransi caters to Saudi citizens as well as expat residents. One of its products, Personal Finance, offers financing of up to SAR 2,500,000! Expats who have been employed for at least a year and earning SAR 3,500 monthly can apply for this loan. Salary transfer is required, and the repayment period can be up to five (5) years.
The bank has multiple branches across Riyadh, Jeddah, and other parts of Saudi Arabia.
Address: King Fahd Branch Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12313, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +966 800 124 2121
Website: https://www.alfransi.com.sa/english/home
Google Map:
2. Riyad Bank
Riyad Bank provides loans and other services to Saudis and expats in the Kingdom. One of its personal finance products, Tawarruq, is available to those who are earning a monthly salary of SAR per month. The maximum repayment period for this loan is five (5) years, and salary transfer is not required.
The bank has many branches in the capital city and other places around Saudi Arabia.
Address: Al Ulaya, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12244, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +966 9200 02470
Website: https://www.riyadbank.com/
Google Map:
3. Samba
Founded in 1980, Samba was previously known as Saudi American Bank. In 2021, it merged with National Commercial Bank, thus forming what is now called Saudi National Bank.
For expat residents, Samba offers Personal Finance for Newly Arrived Expatriates, which comes with loans of up to SAR 200,000. If you are 23 years old and above, earning a minimum salary of SAR 5,000 a month, and have been working for at least one (1) month for your employer — you can apply for this loan.
Samba’s personal loan for newly-arrived expats has a maximum repayment period of 12 months or one (1) year. The bank has numerous branches all over the Kingdom.
Address: 7706 King Fahd Branch Rd, An Nakheel, Riyadh 12381, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +966 9200 01000
Website: https://alahli.com/
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4. Saudi Investment Bank
Saudi Investment Bank offers its product, Expatriates Personal Finance to expat residents, ages 23 up to 60 years old. Applicants must be earning at least SAR 10,000 a month, and have been working for at least one (1) year. The repayment period for this loan is up to five (5) years. Salary transfer is required.
The banks has plenty of branches in Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities across Saudi Arabia.
Address: King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, Al Ghadir, Riyadh 13311, Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +966 800 124 8000
Website: https://www.saib.com.sa/ar
Google Map:
Summary
Emergency cash loans are a possible solution to your urgent financial needs. If you are planning to get one, you can start with the banks featured above. In any case, be sure to consider different options before choosing the loan product that’s best for you!
Meanwhile, if you are planning to buy a vehicle instead, here’s a list of car loans that you can check out here in Saudi Arabia.