qnb overview
Qatar National Bank (Q.P.S.C.), commonly known as QNB, is licensed and regulated by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and operates as the dominant retail and commercial bank in Qatar, with majority ownership held by the Qatar Investment Authority. The bank offers a range of accounts suited to resident expats, including current and savings account options with salary transfer provisions. QNB holds a Long-Term Issuer Default Rating of A+ from Fitch Ratings, currently maintained on Rating Watch Negative reflecting the watch on Qatar's sovereign rating as of May 2026.
What to compare across Qatar bank accounts
GCC retail banking has its own quirks compared with European or North American norms. When you compare qnb with other providers, run through this checklist before deciding:
- -Salary transfer rules. Many GCC banks require a monthly salary transfer above a stated threshold to waive fees or unlock perks. If you are self-employed, a freelancer, or on an investor visa, check whether the account accepts non-salary funding.
- -Minimum balance. Some accounts levy a fee if the balance drops below a published minimum. Confirm the threshold and how it is measured (average vs end-of-month).
- -International transfer charges. Compare both the explicit fee and the exchange-rate spread. The cheapest cross-border path is often a dedicated remittance provider funded from the local account.
- -Card network and rewards. Check which network the debit or credit card runs on (Visa, Mastercard, Mada in KSA) and which rewards or cashback actually apply to spend outside the country.
- -Onboarding requirements. Confirm the list of documents (residence permit, passport, proof of address, salary certificate) so you do not turn up missing one.
- -Branch and ATM coverage. Digital-first banks save fees but rely on partner ATMs for cash. If you handle a lot of cash, check the network.
- -Support hours and channels. A bank you can reach by chat at 2am behaves very differently from one with call-centre hours only.
How GCC retail banking works for expats
All retail banks in Qatar are supervised by the country's central bank. The supervision sets capital requirements, consumer-protection rules, and anti-money-laundering controls - it does not endorse any specific product. To verify a bank's licence, look it up on the central bank's public register (linked in the Official sources section below).
Expat onboarding in the region typically requires an active residence permit, a passport, and a proof of address. Some account tiers also ask for a salary certificate from your employer or proof of source of funds for self-employed applicants. Account-opening flows have moved largely online, but a small number of products still require a branch visit - check qnb's own onboarding page for the current process.
Deposit insurance and consumer-protection arrangements vary by country. Confirm what cover applies in Qatar before holding large balances at any single institution.
qnb quick facts
Source: editorial review. Confirm current terms on the bank's own website.
| Minimum balance | See QNB schedule of charges |
| Monthly fee | See QNB schedule of charges |
| Card type | Debit and credit card options available; see QNB official website for current product lineup |
| Salary transfer required | Salary transfer requirements vary by account type; confirm current conditions with QNB directly |
What stands out
- +QNB is Qatar's largest bank by assets, offering an extensive ATM and branch network across the country - relevant for expats who rely on cash access and in-person service.
- +The bank carries a Fitch Long-Term IDR of A+, underpinned by a Government Support Rating of a+, reflecting QNB's close links to the Qatari authorities and its flagship status in the domestic banking sector.
- +QNB was named Best Trade Finance Provider in Qatar for 2026 by Global Finance magazine, indicating institutional depth that supports expats with business or corporate banking needs.
- +QNB reported revenue that beat forecasts in Q1 2026, pointing to a financially stable institution during the review period.
- +As a QCB-licensed institution, QNB accounts and deposits fall under Qatar's regulatory framework, giving expats a clearly defined supervisory contact point.
Things to know
- -Fitch placed QNB's A+ Long-Term IDR on Rating Watch Negative as of 26 May 2026, mirroring a watch on Qatar's sovereign rating (AA/RWN). Expats holding large deposit balances should monitor this rating action and review the official Fitch notice for updates.
- -Salary transfer rules, minimum balance thresholds, and fee waivers vary by account tier. Failing to meet salary transfer conditions can trigger monthly maintenance charges - verify the exact thresholds with QNB before opening.
- -International remittance from QNB accounts will carry an FX margin in addition to any stated transfer fee. Always request the all-in recipient amount at the moment of transaction and compare it against the mid-market rate to compute the implied margin before confirming a transfer.
- -Onboarding requirements for expats - including residency permit (QID) validity, minimum salary, and documentation - should be confirmed directly with QNB, as conditions are subject to change.
- -QNB's branch and contact centre hours may not align with the working patterns of all expat communities; check current service hours on the official QNB website.
Opening a qnb account
- Check eligibility. Confirm you hold a valid Qatar ID (QID) and meet any minimum salary or employment requirements specified by QNB for your chosen account type. Requirements vary by product tier.
- Gather documentation. Typically required: valid passport, Qatar ID (QID), proof of employment or salary certificate, and proof of address in Qatar. Verify the current document checklist on the QNB official website before visiting.
- Choose your account type. Review QNB's current account and savings account options. Note whether a salary transfer mandate is required for fee waivers or preferential terms on your preferred product.
- Apply in branch or online. QNB offers both in-branch account opening and digital onboarding channels. Check the QNB website for the latest availability of online account opening for expat residents.
- Activate salary transfer. If your chosen account requires salary transfer, instruct your employer's HR or payroll team to update your WPS (Wage Protection System) details to your new QNB account number and IBAN.
- Set up digital banking. Download the QNB Mobile app and register for online banking to manage transfers, view statements, and access the QNB fee schedule of charges at any time.
qnb fees
Fees can change. Confirm current pricing on the bank's own schedule of charges.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Account maintenance / monthly fee | See QNB schedule of charges |
| Minimum balance requirement | See QNB schedule of charges |
| International wire transfer fee | See QNB schedule of charges. Note: a separate FX margin is applied to the exchange rate in addition to any stated transfer fee - request the all-in recipient amount before confirming. |
| Domestic QAR transfer (within Qatar) | See QNB schedule of charges |
| ATM withdrawal - QNB network | See QNB schedule of charges |
| ATM withdrawal - international / other networks | See QNB schedule of charges |
| Debit card issuance / annual fee | See QNB schedule of charges |
| Cheque book issuance | See QNB schedule of charges |
| Account statement (paper) | See QNB schedule of charges |
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I check qnb's licence?
- Check your local financial regulator's public register for the current licensing status.
- What documents are usually required to open a bank account in Qatar?
- Banks in the GCC typically request a valid government-issued ID (Emirates ID, National ID), a passport copy, proof of address, and may ask for a salary certificate or recent payslip. Exact requirements vary by bank and account type - confirm on the bank's own website.
- Can I open a qnb account online?
- Onboarding options vary by bank and product. Check qnb's own website or app for the current application flow.