The new SAMA car finance fees for 2026 cut the maximum administrative charge in half, saving borrowers money upfront. Under updated guidance from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), administrative fees on car financing must not exceed 0.5% of the finance amount or 2,500 SAR, whichever is lower. Previously, the cap was 1% or 5,000 SAR. As a result, the change directly lowers the cost of buying a car on installments across Saudi Arabia. Here is a complete breakdown of the new SAMA car finance fees, current profit rates, and what they mean for buyers, verified against official sources.

What Changed in the SAMA Car Finance Fees

On December 22, 2025, SAMA issued a new “Fees Guide for Financial Institutions’ Services.” In addition, this guide replaced the old Banking Tariff. Moreover, it applies to all financial institutions supervised by SAMA, including banks and finance companies.

The most important change for car buyers is the administrative fee cap. Previously, a lender could charge up to 1% of the finance amount or 5,000 SAR, whichever was lower. Under the new rules, that cap dropped to 0.5% or 2,500 SAR, whichever is lower. Therefore, the maximum upfront administrative fee was effectively cut in half.

Notably, this cap covers non-real estate financing, which includes both consumer finance and motor finance leasing. As a result, anyone financing a car through a SAMA-licensed lender benefits directly. The guide took effect within 60 days of publication, meaning it applied from early 2026.

How Much Can You Save

Specifically, the savings depend on the size of your car finance. For example, consider a car financed for 100,000 SAR. Under the old rules, the administrative fee could reach 1,000 SAR (1%). Under the new SAMA car finance fees, that same fee is capped at 500 SAR (0.5%).

For a larger amount, the fixed ceiling matters even more. On a 600,000 SAR finance, the old cap of 5,000 SAR would apply. However, the new cap of 2,500 SAR now applies instead. Therefore, the borrower saves 2,500 SAR upfront on a single transaction.

Note that a 15% VAT applies to the administrative fee itself, as shown on official bank pricing pages. Even so, the lower base fee still reduces the total cost for the borrower.

Every car on Carly can be financed through more than 12 SAMA-licensed institutions, all subject to these new fee rules. In addition, each vehicle comes with a 150-point inspection and a 12-month warranty.

Current Car Finance Profit Rates in Saudi Arabia

Beyond administrative fees, the profit rate (or APR) is the main cost of any car finance. Based on current official bank pricing, rates vary by lender and borrower profile.

For used car financing, Al Rajhi Bank advertises an APR starting from around 3.45% and reaching up to about 5.5%, subject to a SIMAH credit assessment. In general, rates start lower for government employees and large private-sector staff. Meanwhile, specialized finance companies tend to charge higher rates, sometimes reaching around 7%.

Therefore, the effective range across the market sits roughly between 3.5% and 7%. In practice, the exact rate depends on your salary, employer, credit record, the finance amount, and the repayment term. For this reason, comparing offers from multiple lenders is the smartest way to secure the lowest rate.

Zero-Interest Alternatives on Carly

Not every car purchase needs a traditional bank finance. On Carly, buyers have alternatives that avoid profit rates entirely.

First, Tamara splits any car under 50,000 SAR into 4 interest-free payments, with no administrative fee and no SIMAH check. Second, Amwal converts the purchase into credit card installments. As a result, buyers who want to avoid bank finance fees altogether have clear, transparent options.

Moreover, Carly’s principle is simple: what you see is what you pay. The monthly installment, profit margin, and total amount are all disclosed before signing. Therefore, there are no surprise administrative fees hidden under technical names.

Why the New Fees Matter for Saudi Buyers

The reduced SAMA car finance fees are part of a wider push toward transparency and consumer protection. Furthermore, the reform lowers the barrier to car ownership at a time when demand for both new and used cars is rising.

As a result, for buyers, the practical effect is straightforward. Upfront costs are lower, disclosure is clearer, and the total cost of financing is easier to understand. Meanwhile, platforms like Carly make it simple to compare bank finance, Tamara, and Amwal side by side. As a result, the 2026 changes strengthen the case for financing a car through a transparent, SAMA-regulated channel. For full details, buyers can refer to the official guidance published by SAMA.

FAQ

What are the new SAMA car finance fees for 2026?

Under SAMA’s 2026 guidance, administrative fees on car financing cannot exceed 0.5% of the finance amount or 2,500 SAR, whichever is lower. This is down from the previous cap of 1% or 5,000 SAR.

When did the new SAMA fee rules take effect?

SAMA issued the new Fees Guide on December 22, 2025. It took effect within 60 days of publication, meaning it applied from early 2026.

How much can I save on car finance administrative fees?

On a 600,000 SAR finance, the cap dropped from 5,000 SAR to 2,500 SAR, saving 2,500 SAR upfront. On smaller amounts, you save half the previous percentage-based fee. Note that a 15% VAT applies to the fee.

What is the current car finance profit rate in Saudi Arabia?

Rates generally range from around 3.5% to 7% APR, depending on the lender and borrower profile. Government and large private-sector employees typically get the lowest rates, while specialized finance companies charge more.

Do the new SAMA fees apply to used car financing?

Yes. The new cap covers non-real estate financing, which includes consumer finance and motor finance leasing for both new and used cars.

How can I avoid car finance administrative fees entirely?

On Carly, Tamara splits cars under 50,000 SAR into 4 interest-free payments with no administrative fee or SIMAH check. Amwal offers credit card installments as another alternative to traditional bank finance.

Which banks offer the lowest car finance rates?

Al Rajhi Bank, SNB, Riyad Bank, and Bank Albilad consistently offer competitive rates. On Carly, you can compare offers from more than 12 SAMA-licensed institutions in one place to find the lowest rate.