SAMA rates explained: repo, reverse repo and SAIBOR
Updated
Two kinds of rate come up when Saudi finance is discussed: SAMA's policy rates (repo and reverse repo) and SAIBOR, the rate banks lend riyals to each other at. Neither is the rate on your finance — but a variable-rate home finance contract usually follows SAIBOR.
SAMA's repo rate is 4.50% and its reverse repo rate 4.00% (decision of 16 September 2026). SAMA's monthly average 3-month SAIBOR was 4.83% in August 2026.
Not a valid document. Estimate for information only — not financial advice, not an offer of credit and not a bank document. Errors are possible. Only your bank's or finance company's official offer letter, contract and statements are binding.
Repo and reverse repo: what they are
The repo rate is what SAMA charges banks to borrow from it; the reverse repo rate is what it pays banks that leave money with it. They are SAMA's main policy tools and move when SAMA decides. They are not a finance rate: no lender offers you finance at the repo rate. They matter because bank funding costs — and over time SAIBOR and finance rates — tend to move with them.
SAIBOR
SAIBOR is set by contributor banks and published by its benchmark administrator at 12:00 KSA time on business days. SAMA's own website gives only the monthly average — there is no free daily page; your variable contract names the day's fixing it uses. That is why this site shows SAMA's monthly average and no daily SAIBOR number.
What it means for your home finance
A variable-rate home finance contract sets your term cost as a reference rate plus a margin, recalculated on set dates. The contract must show three instalment examples — at the initial term cost, a higher one and a lower one — so you can see what a change does to you. Personal and car finance are different: their term cost is fixed for the whole term.
To see what a move in the rate does to your instalment, use the home finance calculator and choose "variable".
Questions people ask
What is SAMA's repo rate?
The rate SAMA charges banks to borrow from it: 4.50% since the decision of 16 September 2026. It is a policy rate, not a finance rate.
Where can I see today's SAIBOR?
SAIBOR is published by its benchmark administrator; SAMA's website gives only the monthly average. Your variable contract names the day's fixing it uses.
Does SAIBOR affect my personal finance?
No — in Saudi Arabia, personal and car finance carry a term cost fixed for the whole term. Variable-rate home finance usually follows a reference rate such as SAIBOR.