Quick Facts
- Service type: Local Zain prepaid to Zain prepaid credit transfer
- Primary SMS method: Send BT [number] [amount] to 702702
- App method: Use the Balance Transfer section in the Zain App
- Transfer fee: SAR 0.50 per transaction deducted from the sender’s balance
- Minimum per transaction: SAR 5
- Maximum per transaction: SAR 50 or up to 50% of the available balance
- Daily limit: SAR 100
- Remaining balance rule: Sender must keep at least SAR 25 after the transfer
- Who can use it: Zain prepaid SIM holders only; postpaid users are excluded
- Bonus credit transferable: No — only the main account balance can be transferred
- Data transfer: Not available; credit transfers only
- Cross-network transfer: Not supported; works only from Zain to Zain
- Reversal: Not possible after confirmation
- Customer care: Call 959 free from any Zain number
Quick Answer
To transfer balance from one Zain number to another in Saudi Arabia, send an SMS to 702702 with the message: BT [recipient number] [amount]
Example: To send SAR 20 to 0591234567, type BT 0591234567 20 and send to 702702.
The recipient then confirms by sending ID [their Iqama number] to 702702.
Both sender and receiver get a confirmation SMS when the transaction is complete.
What Is Zain to Zain Balance Transfer?
Zain’s balance transfer service lets you share prepaid credit from your Zain SIM directly to another Zain prepaid number in Saudi Arabia. It is useful in many everyday situations:
- A colleague runs out of balance and needs to make an urgent call
- A family member’s Zain SIM has low credit, and they need to activate a data plan
- You want to consolidate credit across two SIM cards that you manage
- A friend arriving in Saudi Arabia needs immediate credit to get their new SIM working before they can recharge
The process takes less than two minutes and costs SAR 0.50. Credit arrives in the recipient’s account immediately after they confirm the transaction.
Method 1: SMS to 702702 (Standard Method)
This is the primary and most widely supported method. It works on all phones, including basic handsets, without internet.
Step 1: Sender Initiates the Transfer
- Open your messaging app
- Create a new text message
- Type the following in the message body:
BT [recipient’s Zain number] [amount in SAR]
Example to send SAR 30: BT 0591234567 30
- Send the message to 702702
- You receive a confirmation SMS that your request was submitted
Step 2: Recipient Confirms the Transfer
The recipient receives an SMS from Zain informing them that someone has transferred credit to their number. To claim the balance, the recipient must:
- Open their messaging app
- Create a new text message
- Type:
ID [their Iqama number or national ID]
Example: ID 2263321555
- Send the message to 702702
- Both sender and recipient receive a final confirmation SMS once complete
The transferred amount appears in the recipient’s balance immediately after they send their confirmation.
Important note: The recipient’s confirmation step is required. If the recipient does not confirm, the transfer is held pending, and the credit does not move. Remind them to send the ID confirmation promptly.
Method 2: Via the Zain App (Recommended)
The Zain App provides a faster, more secure balance transfer experience because you see the recipient’s number confirmed on screen before you send, reducing the chance of a costly error.
Steps:
- Open the Zain App (download from Google Play or Apple App Store if not installed)
- Log in with your Zain account
- Tap Balance Transfer from the main menu or home dashboard
- Select Local Transfer
- Enter the recipient’s Zain number
- Enter the amount to transfer (minimum SAR 5)
- Review the confirmation screen carefully to verify the number
- Confirm with your app PIN or biometric authentication
- The transfer completes instantly, and both parties receive a notification
Why use the app: Unlike SMS, the app shows the registered name linked to the recipient’s Zain number before you confirm. This gives you an extra check before funds move. The app also stores a transfer history, useful if you need to confirm a past transaction.
Method 3: Recharge Another Zain Number Directly
An alternative to balance transfer is recharging the recipient’s Zain line directly using a recharge card or SADAD, without going through the transfer process.
Recharge via USSD code:
Dial: *141*[recharge card number]*[recipient’s Zain number]#
Press call. The credit goes directly to the recipient’s number without any transfer fee and without requiring the recipient’s Iqama confirmation.
This method is useful when:
- You want to top up someone’s phone without the SAR 0.50 fee
- The recipient is not available to confirm via SMS
- You are recharging a larger amount than the SAR 50 transfer cap allows
Transfer Limits and Fees (2026)
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum per transfer | SAR 5 |
| Maximum per transfer | SAR 50 (or 50% of available balance, whichever is lower) |
| Daily transfer limit | SAR 25 must remain in the sender’s account after transfer |
| Minimum balance to keep | The recipient’s SIM validity is not affected by receiving a transfer |
| Transfer fee | Cannot be transferred. Only the main account credit |
| Bonus credit | SAR 0.50 is deducted from the sender’s balance per transaction |
| Data packages | Cannot be transferred |
| Cross-network | Not possible. Zain to Zain only within KSA |
| Number validity | Recipient’s SIM validity is not affected by receiving a transfer |
Practical example: If your Zain balance is SAR 80, you can send a maximum of SAR 40 in one transaction (50% of the balance = SAR 40, and SAR 25 must remain). After sending SAR 40 plus the SAR 0.50 fee, you would have SAR 39.50 remaining.
How the Recipient Uses the Transferred Balance
Once the recipient confirms with their Iqama (step 2 above), the credit appears in their main balance immediately. They can use it to:
- Make local calls to any network
- Send SMS
- Activate any Zain prepaid package: Flex plans, Shabab plans, or internet bundles
To activate a Zain package using the received balance:
- Open the Zain App, go to Packages, and select the desired plan
- Or send the activation code via SMS to 959
- The balance will be deducted automatically from the main account
The recipient can check their updated balance by sending BC to 959 or dialing *142#.
Key Rules and Terms You Must Know
Prepaid only on both ends: Both the sender and recipient must be on Zain prepaid. Postpaid Zain numbers cannot send or receive through this service.
Zain to Zain only: There is no cross-operator credit transfer. You cannot send Zain credit to an STC or Mobily number. No agreement exists between operators in Saudi Arabia for this purpose.
No data transfer: Internet data packages and bundle balances cannot be transferred. Only the main account SAR credit can be sent.
Bonus credit is excluded: Any credit received through promotions, offers, or package bonuses cannot be transferred to another number.
Transfers are final: Once the recipient confirms with their Iqama and both parties receive the confirmation SMS, the transaction cannot be reversed. Always verify the recipient’s number before sending.
SIM must be active: If your SIM has not been used for more than 90 days, Zain may restrict outgoing services including balance transfers. Use the SIM for any activity (call, SMS, or data) to reactivate it.
Confirmation window: The recipient should confirm promptly after receiving the notification. If they do not confirm, the transfer remains pending. Contact Zain at 959 if a pending transfer needs resolution.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Transfer Failed or Not Received
Check your balance first:Â You need enough credit to cover the transfer amount plus the SAR 0.50 fee, plus a minimum of SAR 25 remaining. Send BC to 959 to check your balance before attempting again.
Verify the recipient’s number: A single incorrect digit sends the transfer to the wrong person permanently. Double-check the number before sending.
Check the daily limit: If you have already sent SAR 100 that day, Zain will reject additional transfer requests. The limit resets at midnight Saudi time.
Maximum per transaction exceeded: The cap is SAR 50 per single transaction. If you tried to send more than SAR 50, reduce the amount.
50% balance rule: You cannot transfer more than half your available balance in one transaction. If your balance is SAR 40, the maximum you can send is SAR 20 (minus the SAR 25 minimum remaining rule may reduce this further).
Recipient SIM inactive: Ask the recipient to confirm their SIM is active by making a call or checking the Zain App. An inactive SIM cannot receive transfers.
Wrong number to send the SMS: Confirm you are sending to 702702, not 720720 or another number.
Recipient Did Not Receive the Confirmation SMS
Ask the recipient to:
- Restart their phone
- Check if they have a signal
- Wait up to 5 minutes for the SMS to arrive
- If still not received, contact Zain at 959
Transfer Sent to Wrong Number
Transfers cannot be reversed. If you sent it to the wrong number, contact Zain customer care at 959 immediately. While Zain cannot guarantee recovery, reporting it promptly is the best course of action. Going forward, always use the Zain App for transfers as it shows the name registered to the number before you confirm.
All Transfer Methods at a Glance
| Method | How | Works Without Internet | Transfer Fee | Recipient Needs to Confirm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMS to 702702 | BT [number] [amount] to 702702 | Yes | SAR 0.50 | Yes (ID [Iqama] to 702702) |
| Zain App | Balance Transfer section | No (needs data or Wi-Fi) | SAR 0.50 | No (instant) |
| Direct recharge via USSD | *141*[card]*[number]# | Yes | No fee | No |
The USSD recharge method is the most cost-effective if you have a recharge card, as it incurs no transfer fee and requires no confirmation from the recipient.
Can I Transfer Zain Balance to Other Networks?
No. Balance transfer from Zain to Mobily or Zain to STC is not possible in Saudi Arabia. No inter-operator credit transfer agreement exists between the three main mobile networks in the Kingdom.
What you can do instead:
- Purchase a recharge voucher for the recipient’s STC or Mobily number at any petrol station, supermarket, or convenience store
- Use STC Pay, Zain Pay, or another mobile wallet to send money, which the recipient can use to recharge their own line
- Use SADAD to pay another operator’s bill directly
Can I Transfer Zain Balance Internationally?
Yes, but through a different service and a different set of codes. The local 702702 SMS method works only between Zain numbers within Saudi Arabia.
For international transfers to Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and 30+ other countries, use:
*111*[country code + number]*[amount]#
Example to Pakistan: *111*00923001234567*10#
The international service has its own limits (daily maximum SAR 100, minimum SAR 5 per transaction), and the SAR 0.50 transaction fee also applies. Full details are in our Zain International Balance Transfer guide.
How to Check Your Zain Balance Before Transferring
Before initiating a transfer, always confirm your balance:
- Send BC to 959 via SMS for a balance summary
- Dial *142# for instant USSD balance display
- Open the Zain App and view the Dashboard for a real-time balance and data usage overview
Remember to account for the SAR 0.50 fee and the SAR 25 minimum remaining balance rule when calculating how much you can send.
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Send BT [recipient number] [amount] to 702702. Example: BT 0591234567 20 transfers SAR 20. The recipient must then send ID [Iqama number] to 702702 to confirm and receive the credit.
A. SAR 5 per transaction. If you try to send less than SAR 5, Zain will reject the request.
A. SAR 50 per single transaction, or up to 50% of your available balance, whichever is lower. You must also maintain at least SAR 25 in your account after the transfer.
A. SAR 100 per day. The limit resets at midnight Saudi time. You can make multiple transfers as long as the total does not exceed SAR 100 in a calendar day.
A. Yes. Zain deducts SAR 0.50 from the sender’s balance for each transaction. There is no additional charge for the recipient.
A. No. Cross-network credit transfer is not available in Saudi Arabia. You can only transfer credit between Zain prepaid numbers.
A. No. Balance transfer is only available between Zain prepaid SIM holders. Postpaid accounts are excluded.
A. Yes. Once the recipient confirms and receives the credit, they can use it to activate any Zain prepaid plan, including Flex, Shabab, or data bundles, via the Zain App or by sending the activation code to 959.
A. No. Once both parties receive the confirmation SMS, the transfer is final and cannot be reversed. Always verify the recipient’s number before sending. Using the Zain App reduces errors as it shows the registered name before you confirm.
A. Ask the recipient to confirm they sent their Iqama number to 702702 in response to the notification SMS. If they did and still did not receive the balance, both parties should contact Zain customer care at 959.
A. Not through the 702702 SMS service. Use the international transfer USSD code *111*[country code + number]*[amount]# for transfers to Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and other countries.
Summary: Zain to Zain Balance Transfer in 60 Seconds
- Open messaging app
- Type: BT [recipient Zain number] [amount]
- Send to 702702
- Recipient sends: ID [Iqama number] to 702702
- Both receive confirmation SMS
- Done. Credit is in the recipient’s account immediately.
Minimum: SAR 5 | Maximum per transfer: SAR 50 | Daily cap: SAR 100 | Fee: SAR 0.50 | Prepaid only
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only. Transfer codes, limits, and fees are subject to change by Zain KSA. Saudi Scoop is not affiliated with Zain KSA. Always verify current procedures at sa.zain.com or by calling 959. The images/videos/logos showcased on this page are the property of their respective owners. We provide credit and sources wherever possible. However, If you find that your image/video is displayed on this blog without authorization, please contact us with the relevant details and a link to the image, and we will promptly address your concerns.
Aleena Tanveer is a dentist, author, and writer with a passion for both healthcare and storytelling. She combines her medical expertise with her love for writing to create informative, engaging content that educates and inspires readers.
