Saudi Arabia to implement inter-bank instant money transfer in February

Saudi Arabia will implement the inter-bank instant money transfer between local banks in the current month, Sabq newspaper reported, citing well-informed sources.

This will allow money transfer between local banks within 24 hours, and the transfer fees will likely be lower compared to the current rates, the sources indicated.

The cutoff time for the instant transfer is 3 pm and any transaction after this will be executed the next day.

According to data available on Argaam, money transfers, executed via the Saudi Arabian Riyal Interbank Express (SARIE), are either same-day transfers that are executed on the same day until 3.30 pm, or forward transfers, which can executed after 3.30 pm on the same day or referred to the next day.

Fees for single SARIE transaction:

- SAR 7 for same-day value transaction where the instruction is received electronically (e.g. internet banking).

- SAR 25 for same-day value transaction where the instruction is received via branch or paper.

- SAR 5 for a forward value transaction where the instruction is received electronically (e.g. internet banking).

- SAR 15 for a forward value transaction where the instruction is received via branch or paper.