STC (Saudi Telecom Company) prepaid top-ups—often called Sawa recharge cards—let you add credit to an STC prepaid line so you can keep calling, texting, and using data without interruption.
In 2026, you’ll usually redeem a top-up code in one of a few ways: dialing a recharge shortcut, sending an SMS, using the My STC app, or completing the recharge through an STC web flow. Because operators occasionally change menus and short codes, this guide focuses on the common methods and what to do if one channel fails. Any time-sensitive redemption strings should be verified before publishing.
You’ll also see STC Quicknet cards referenced for internet-focused packages. The denominations, validity, and available options can change, so treat any fixed counts or bundle promises as variable.
How to Redeem STC Gift Cards
If you have a 14-digit Sawa recharge code, the most common redemption flow is still the three-step dial method below. If STC changes the exact dial pattern, use the My STC app or STC support channels as your fallback.
- Dial 155 followed by the 14-digit code on your Sawa card.
- Press the call button.
- Wait for the confirmation message that the recharge was successful.
If you don’t see a confirmation right away, don’t immediately try the same code repeatedly. First check your balance (see the FAQ below), then switch to an alternative redemption method if needed.
How to Use STC Gift Cards
STC top-ups are flexible: you can recharge your own Sawa line, recharge another Sawa line, or use credit to renew a package. Some users also buy Quicknet cards for internet-focused use cases. The exact package catalog and gifting features can vary by line type and app version.
If you’re gifting a package through the My STC app, the steps are generally: log in, open Manage, find Subscriptions, choose Send a Gift, pick the package, enter the recipient number, and confirm. Menu names can shift after app updates, so follow the current in-app labels.
- Recharge by dialing: Use the dial method (155 + code) for a fast top-up when you have the voucher code ready.
- Recharge by SMS: Some lines support sending an SMS to 900 with the recharge code, then a space, then 155 (for example: 12345678901234 155). SMS formats can change—confirm before relying on it.
- Recharge by IVR: Call 1500, choose recharge, then enter the code if your line supports it. The menu path can differ by language and account type.
- Recharge via app or web: The My STC app or an STC recharge page can be the easiest option when dial and SMS channels are busy. Availability depends on your line and login method.
Once redeemed, the balance is typically added to the line, and you can then use it toward data, voice, SMS, or package renewals. Whether credit is immediately usable for a specific package can depend on package rules and line eligibility.
Why Buy STC Gift Cards Online
In 2026, buying top-ups online is mainly about speed and convenience. You can purchase at any time, receive the code quickly, and recharge without visiting a shop—especially helpful if you’re traveling, supporting a family member remotely, or trying to restore connectivity right away.
If you prefer to shop across different telecom top-ups in one place, you can use AR-PAY Telecom to find telecom credit options and apply the recharge when you need it.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your STC Gift Card
- Check your balance before redeeming another card so you know how much credit you already have (see the balance-check FAQ).
- Keep your 14-digit recharge code private and only enter it when you’re ready to redeem.
- Use the My STC app to monitor your balance and package status after each recharge if your line supports app access.
- When gifting a package, confirm the recipient’s number before final confirmation to avoid sending credit or a package to the wrong line.
- Match the denomination to your goal: smaller top-ups work well for quick continuity, while larger values are more practical if you plan to activate or renew a full package.
Troubleshooting Common Redemption Issues
If your recharge doesn’t go through, the fix is usually simple: confirm the code, confirm the method, and avoid repeating attempts too quickly across multiple channels (which can cause confusion about what actually applied). In 2026, these are the most common scenarios:
- No confirmation message: wait briefly, then check your balance before trying a second method. Network delays can happen.
- Dial method fails: try the My STC app or the 1500 IVR recharge option. If you try SMS, confirm the correct format for your line first.
- Code not accepted: re-enter all 14 digits carefully with no spaces or extra characters, and make sure the voucher has not been used already. If the issue persists, contact STC support with the error message and time of attempt.
- Gifting confusion: if you’re gifting packages, verify you selected the right package and the correct recipient number before confirming, then wait for the success message in the app.
