Comparing the two payments apps to help you pick the right one for Saudi Arabia.
| Mada | STC Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Saudi Arabia's national payment network. Mada cards (debit) are used everywhere, and the Mada Pay app enables contactless phone payments. Most shops, restaurants, and even street vendors accept Mada. | A popular Saudi digital wallet by the national telecom company STC. Allows money transfers, bill payments, and in-store payments via QR code. |
| Essential? | Yes | No |
| Pro Tip | While you likely won't get a Mada card as a tourist, knowing that Mada terminals accept Visa and Mastercard contactless payments means your existing cards should work at most places. | - |
| App Store | - | Download |
| Play Store | - | Download |
We recommend Mada for payments in Saudi Arabia. While you likely won't get a Mada card as a tourist, knowing that Mada terminals accept Visa and Mastercard contactless payments means your existing cards should work at most places.
