Bank Islam is waiving cash withdrawal fees at all Visa Plus ATMs in Saudi Arabia for the 1447H haj season.
The fee waiver applies to holders of the Bank Islam Visa TH Debit Card-i, which normally charges RM10 per international ATM withdrawal. Do note that ATM operators in Saudi Arabia may still impose their own local transaction charges, which are outside Bank Islam’s control.
The bank is also stationing 10 officers across seven locations in Makkah and Madinah throughout the haj season to help pilgrims with banking issues.
Where To Find Bank Islam’s Support Counters
In Makkah, the officers will be based at Abraj Al Tayseer Al Janadriyah, Abraj Al Janadriyah, Rehab Al Janadriyah, Al-Kiswah Tower Hotel, and Qasr Al Janadriyah. In Madinah, you can find them at Emmar Royale and Anwar Al-Madinah Movenpick.
These counters handle enquiries related to card usage, transaction issues, and general banking support.
Financial Preparations Before Departing
Through its network of over 130 branches, Bank Islam offers several pre-departure services tied to Lembaga Tabung Haji, including fund management and TH-related transactions.
Pilgrims can opt for Takaful myClick Travel PA, which covers medical expenses and personal financial protection of up to RM500,000, along with 24/7 emergency assistance and emergency medical evacuation. If you are comparing options, RinggitPlus has a travel takaful comparison page that includes plans with haj -specific coverage such as Badal Haji and Ihsar benefits.
Bank Islam also offers will-writing with the appointment of an executor through its branches. With the cost of haj for the 2026 season at RM33,300, getting estate documentation sorted before departing is worth considering.
Currency Exchange Without Fees
For those who prefer to carry cash, Bank Islam offers foreign currency exchange across 30 currencies with no fees or commission, either via account transfer or over the counter at its Bureau de Change branches. These are located at KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 in Sepang, Penang International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and Kuching International Airport.
You can compare this against other currency exchange approaches, including licensed money changers, before deciding where to convert your Saudi Riyal.
Using The Debit Card-i And Digital Banking
The Bank Islam Visa TH Debit Card-i works at more than 60 million merchant locations worldwide for retail purchases, with PIN verification or contactless payment. Cash withdrawals are available at more than 2.5 million ATMs globally, including in Saudi Arabia.
Before departing, you can set up and manage your accounts through BIMB Mobile or BIMB Web, Bank Islam’s digital banking platforms. If you are still building your haj savings, the bank’s Awfar investment account doubles as a transactional product with bill payment and fund transfer facilities, though it is an investment account and is not protected by Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM).
What This Means If You Are Travelling For Haj This Year
The ATM fee waiver and stationed officers have the most direct impact on pilgrims who already bank with Bank Islam. During haj, you are moving between locations where card payment options can be unreliable, and having fee-free ATM access alongside physical banking counters at pilgrim accommodation takes one cost and one friction point off the list.
For pilgrims who do not yet bank with Bank Islam but hold a TH account, the integrated Tabung Haji services through Bank Islam’s branches let you handle TH transactions, currency exchange, and travel takaful in a single place. The minimum savings requirement of RM15,000 to accept a haj offer means most pilgrims heading out this season have already committed significant funds, so how you manage spending money in Saudi Arabia is the part still within your control.
Bank Islam is also running a 0% balance transfer promotion for new credit card-i customers until 31 May 2026, with tenures of up to 12 months, which may help if you are looking to consolidate balances before the trip.
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