Do you know that some of the best online payment gateways have 10 million active users from Pakistan? Since the pandemic, people have become more dependent on online transactions instead of hand-collecting money from each other. They are easy to use and, more importantly, reliable for Pakistanis. You may think that online shopping is very easy, right? Well, wait till you uncover what actually happens behind the scenes of these payment apps in Pakistan. In this guide, we will reveal how these payment gateways securely transfer funds and help you choose the best one for your needs.
What is a Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is like a bridge between you and your online purchases, making sure the money safely transfers from your account to the merchant’s. Every industry depends on it, from shopping to passport payment online in Pakistan. It verifies, approves, and secures every transaction you make from anywhere around the world. These are not just those devices you see during shopping. It has online wallets in Pakistan that add up money into your pocket through the Internet.
How It Works
When you make a purchase, payment apps in Pakistan encrypt your data and send it to the bank for verification that whether you have enough funds or not. Once approved, the bank sends a confirmation message to your particular application to proceed with the payment. When you hit the confirmation button within a few minutes, the merchant receives that, and Voila! Your payment is complete. People earlier used to face difficulties in international money transfer, but now, through these online wallets, you can transfer and receive money from abroad in Pakistan.
Digital Payments Market Growth in Pakistan
Digital Payment apps in Pakistan have taken the spotlight in the financial landscape since last year. Later this year, about 83%, which means approximately 844 million retail payments, were processed by Banks in Pakistan. While the other 17% used on desk transactions. This table will break Pakistan’s digital payment trends for the year 2024:
Mobile Banking Transactions | For the first time in 2021, mobile banking transactions surpassed Rs.1 Trillion. As for payment methods in Pakistan, mobile banking is the most preferred option, accounting for 43% of digital transactions. |
Point of sale Machine | As intent banking increases by 3% each month, store purchases through POS machines also grew, valuing 6% of the digital payment gateway in Pakistan. |
RAAST payment | Raast, known as the online payment gateway in Pakistan, facilitates transactions and has built trust among people in a very short time. This year, RAAST has received 107Million transactions. |
E-commerce | In other words, although the overall volume of money spent on e-commerce stores in Pakistan grew by 34% and equaled PKR 142 billion, the number of transactions (or sales) declined by 30. 1%. This means fewer consumers bought services, but when they did, they spent more money than before. |
Overall, the digital payment trend in Pakistan is increasing daily as new international payment gateways in Pkaistan are introduced frequently, building more trust than the previous ones. This survey conducts the results of 2024, but it is expected to increase by 6% within the next year.
Best Payment Gateway for Ecommerce business in Pakistan
The E-commerce industry is still developing, and online payment gateways have been a blessing to businesses with e-commerce bargaining websites in Pakistan. It is a powerful tool used by sellers, allowing multiple payment methods for customers in Pakistan. It accepts payment activities like online shopping and bill payment, and in the case of e-businesses, they use credit/debit card payments. Also, e-commerce businesses mean when you book tickets or shop from any e-commerce website like Daraz or AliExpress. Here are some suitable payment methods in pakistan for e-commerce:
Payment Gateways Managed by Banks in Pakistan for E-commerce
One of the best international online payment gateways in Pakistan is through banks, as it is quick and secure. Here is a list of the best banks in Pakistan providing smooth transactions for e-commerce:
1. Habib Bank Limited
HBL’s online payment gateway is one of the leading solutions for e-commerce businesses in Pakistan. It provides a secure and reliable platform for merchants to accept payments through debit or credit cards. Habib Bank Limited works for any e-commerce business. Whether you have a shop or website, the bank is here to rescue you. The bank ensures that your sensitive data remains protected. As in e-commerce, merchants face so much fake news of cybersecurity attacks, but in this case, you will have access to every piece of information they have, which can be edited at any moment.
Features provided by HBL as Your Online Payment Gateway
- It works for e-commerce merchants/Aggregators/PSO’s and PSP’s
- Simple and Quicker payment integration
- One for all Card schemes
- HBL has special plugins that help merchants integrate faster and within a few hours on their e-commerce sites.
- Card-based transactions are 3D-secured
- Own personal merchant portal
- The Bank provides multi-currency support
Pros and Cons
The Bank protects from Fraud. | OTP takes so much time |
Smooth Money Transaction: no unusual information is required | Charges for some specific features are higher |
2.Bank Alfalah Limited
Bank Alfalah offers international online payment methods in Pakistan. It is the smartest and most innovative bank, providing a smooth online payment gateway. Any business in Pakistan can sign up for their merchant portal, which creates an account instantly online. It allows merchants to accept money from anywhere in the world. They provide a secure and easy method of transactions. Right now, it charges some amount for corporate merchants but it is expected free banking to be implemented soon in Pakistan.
Features provided by Bank Alfalah as Your Online Payment Gateway
- Instant Account Creation
- Ideal for small businesses
- PKR500,000 monthly volume
- Applicable to Sole proprietors
- Online management of refunds and chargebacks
- Merchant financing is available
- Pay By Link feature, which is ideal for e-commerce websites
- Charges are exclusive of FED
Pros and Cons
No extra fee | Customer support is average |
Multi-currency option | The website is very slow to use |
3. MCB Bank Limited
MCB Bank provides the best online payment gateway in Pakistan. Many of the e-commerce businesses in Pkaistan are connected through the MCB Payment solutions. Their technology is safe to use and prevents merchants from making fake payments. They have a merchant portal on which you can sign up your business at any time. MCB exclusive offers are activated on merchant cards by which they can enjoy multiple discounts. Through the merchant portal, you can purchase anything online, which makes your shopping experience easy and safe.
Features provided by MCB as Your Online Payment Gateway
- Complaint services for maximum security
- Quick and smooth integration process
- The merchant portal has every minor detail on it.
- Fraud Risk management team ensures security.
- Transaction within a few minutes
- Customer support is open for 24 hours.
Pros and Cons
Advanced Security | The website’s performance is average |
Secure payer authentication | Customer support is not always active |
4. United Bank Limited
United Bank Limited is an exceptional online payment gateway solution for Pakistanis. Its digital payment services are held by Etisalat UAE, which is 100% secure and reliable. It also facilitates passport payment online through app in Pakistan. Through UBL digital payment, vendors can easily send and receive payments under well maintained and secured integration. UBL has over 40,000 customers and 20% of them are availing their online payment gateways in Pakistan.
Features provided by UBL as Your Online Payment Gateway
- PCI DSS secured platform
- Saves merchants from liability
- Active fraud guards
- Credit/Debit cards with other bank account direct debit
- Safe and Secure payment experience
- Secured via 3D Tokenization
- E-invoice processing
Comparison of Banking Gateway Charges in Pakistan
Banks | HBL | Alfalah | MCB | UBL |
Setup Fee | Rs.40,000/- | Rs.20,000 | Rs.50,000 | Rs.40,000 |
Fee Per Year | Rs.40,000- | Rs.40,000 | Rs.48,000 | Rs.50,000 |
Transaction Fee | None | None | Rs.15/- | None |
Merchant Discount Rate | 2.5% | 2.5% | 2.8% | 3.5% |
Settlement Period | 14 Working Days | 2 Business Days | —— | 10 Business Days |
Best Payment Gateways in Pakistan – Fin-Tech Companies
Due to additional charges, people opt for something other than banks; they look for secure Fintech companies that provide online payment gateways in Pakistan. Just like back these companies are reliable and access secure payment transfers. Here is a list of some fintech companies that can become your best payment gateway option in Pakistan:
5.JazzCash
JazzCash is Pakistan’s oldest and most reliable online wallet. It has 10 million active users. The application is easy to navigate and provides a smooth and quick transaction process. This FinTech online payment gateway method in Pakistan is managed by the telecommunication company Jazz. Along with 4G services in Pakistan, the company is succeeding in becoming a smart solution for the e-commerce industry in Pakistan. The application uses CNIC and OTP verifications for transferring money to maintain security.
It offers various options for businesses to maximize secure transactions for their credit/debit card services.
Features
- Online Payment
- Loan Requirements
- Mobile Account
- Card Options
- Insurance
- Saving Plans
Pros and Cons
The app is very easy to use | Sometimes shows errors in the transaction |
No need for additional accounts | Fingerprint sensors are slow |
6. Payoneer
Payoneer is popular and one of the best international payment gateway in Pakistan, from supporting freelancing platforms Fiver, Upwork, and Freelancer. Payoneer has made its way into the e-commerce industry of pakistan as a reliable payment gateway solution. Along with top successful pakistani entrepreneurs, freelancers opt for Payoneer, too. Like other countries that use PayPal, Payoneer in Pakistan serves as an alternative for it.
Features
- Transfer through phone
- Online Transfers
- Withdrawal Options
- Credit Card is accepted
- Supports every international payment option
Pros and Cons
Transaction fee is reasonable. | The annual fee is high |
Funds can be transferred to any bank | ——— |
7. Easypaisa
Telenor launched Easypaisa in 2011, and it’s now one of the most reliable payment apps in Pakistan. The wallet is easy to use and has multiple options to transfer money to any bank. Easypaisa is linked with your phone numbers which makes it quite a secure option for payment methods. Recently, easypaisa has launched in-app biometric verification process for merchants. Easypaisa is used by most of the e-commerce industry in Pakistan, including Daraz, Bykea, Careem, Uber, and many other.
Features
- Cash Management
- Online Transfers
- Supply Chain Payment
- Business Payments
- Salaries Payments
- Loan Requirements
- Bill Payment
- Mobile Top-ups
Pros and Cons
App is easy to use | The app gives weird errors |
Transaction fee is reasonable | App takes time to open its interface |
8. FonePay
FonePay is a newly introduced international payment method in Pakistan. It provides every financial service to its customers. MasterCard powers the fintech company, which allows transactions anytime and anywhere. Most of the banks in Pkaistan are associated with Fonepay, providing smooth cashflow management for any business. Through this online wallet in Pakistan, consumers can pay for any service or product.
Features
- Payment Details
- Initiating Refunds
- Static QR codes
- Accepting payment from anywhere
- Customer-presented QR codes for security
Pros and Cons
Well maintained security | Application gives errors sometimes |
Only uses the mobile number for the transaction process | User experience is average |
9. Keenu Wallet
Keenu Wallet is famous for its secure online payment methods in Pakistan. The wallet is easy to use and reliable for transactions from any bank in Pakistan. About 50,000 merchants use the app for online payments. They have multiple options for debit/credit cards and more. The wallet is superior in user experience and right now has high success rates among fintech companies in Pakistan.
Features
- Bill Payment
- Sharing money
- Mobile top-ups
- Pay for anything through the app
- Special discounts at stores
- Easy sign-up process
Pros and Cons
Cashback | App is slow sometimes |
User friendly | Discounts are given only on big transactions |
10. Xpay
Xpay is a secure payment gateway in Pakistan with multiple features and security. Unlike that in-depth information, it has a simple registration process for merchants. These payment gateways work all around Pakistan and can be used for any sales channel.
Features
- Receive International Payments
- Process Credit and Debit cards
- Low transaction cost
- Daily automatic batch
- Keeps track of invoices
Pros and Cons
Extreme security | Extra costs |
International payment gateway | —– |
11. SadaPay
SadaPay is one of the best payment gateway methods in Pakistan. It is perfect for transferring money from anywhere. The SadaPay card can be used on any website around the globe that accepts MasterCard as a method of payment. This virtual wallet requires an account setup, which is quite easy. A physical card can be ordered without any registration fees. For international transactions, enable the option from your account in the app and place orders. The virtual debit card can be used instantaneously after account opening.
Features
- No Monthly Fees
- Instant sign-up process
- Sadapay debit card is useful
- Free International payments
- Low FX Charges
- Easy Fund transfers
Pros and Cons
No monthly fees | Limited international payments |
24/7 customer support | Limited features |
12. TransferWise
Transwire is the cheapest and one of the best payment gateway for shopify in pakistan. It is quite cheaper than the other fintech companies. Through your TransferWise account, holding multiple currencies is completely free. It provides real exchange rates. Payments can be received in 10 different currencies.
Features
- International Money transfer
- Debit card
- Large amount transfer is easy
Pros and Cons
Low foreign exchange charges | Not quite recognized in Pakistan |
Easy and secure transaction | Lack of some advanced features |
Comparison of Fintech Companies Charges in Pakistan
Companies | JazzCash | Payoneer | Easypaisa | FonePay | Keenu Wallet | Xpay |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Payment Limits | Rs.50,000 | No limit | Rs.25,000 | Depends on certain features | Rs.100,000 | No limit |
Annual Fee | No | $29.95/year | No | No | No | No |
Transaction Charges | 0.2% | 2% | 1.5% | 2% | 1.5% | 2% |
Merchant Discount rate | 2-3% | 3% | 3% | 2% | 3% | 1.5% |
Which payment method is best in Pakistan for Shopify?
Now you may ask, what is the best payment gateway for shopify in Pkaistan? Well, I know many people are curious about shopify payments as Paypal is not supported in pakistan. There is a solution to every problem, as PayPal’s alternative in Pakistan is Xpay. It is the smartest and best payment gateway in Pakistan. Providing numerous features to merchants, it can control all of your payments from your shopify store in Pakistan. Its payment solution is PCI-DSS certified, meaning no information leak or quick fraud alerts. Apart from Xpay, you can also select a payment gateway for shopify of your own choice. Just make sure to stay away from fraud and insecure payments.
How to Choose the Best Payment Gateway for Your Business
Choosing the right Online payment gateway in Pakistan can be quite a complex decision as you have to calculate some main factors for transactions. It also depends on your business type. The right payment gateway must align with your business model and the nature of the services you are providing. Here are some factors that you must consider before selecting a payment gateway for your business.
Transaction Fees
Most of the online payment gateways in Pkaistan charge transaction fees, which depend upon your business’s revenue. First, observe your profit margins and evaluate them so that they don’t clash with your overall business revenue.
Payment Methods
First, conduct research on your target audience to determine which type of payment method is easy for them. If your market has different currencies, most people are comfortable with credit and debit cards or other international payment methods. Smooth payment methods are necessary for more sales.
Security
Always make sure that the app you are using is integrated with PCI-DSS and has advanced security when receiving and delivering payments.
Integration
The payment gateway you choose, make sure it integrates with your e-commerce platforms or any other system that you are using. Integrating means an all-in-one payment provider. The app should configure every payment technology in one place. From merchant accounts to fraud detection, it should contain every feature.
Global Transactions
Choose a payment gateway that supports multiple currencies. Also, ensure that international payment charges are appropriate for your target audience.
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, online payments have become essential to online businesses in Pakistan. Imagine that you run a successful business, but customers face difficulties in paying you because they all desire to pay through one click. This is where payment gateways can save your backs. They ensure security and a smooth transaction process with multiple features in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.Which is the best payment gateway in Pakistan?
HBL and XPAY are highly trusted payment gateways for businesses, especially for e-commerce.
Q2.What payment method is used in Pakistan?
Popular methods include bank transfers, mobile wallets like JazzCash and EasyPaisa, and debit/credit cards.
Q3.Is JazzCash a payment gateway?
Yes, JazzCash is a mobile wallet and payment gateway offering seamless transactions in Pakistan.
Q4.Which payment app works in Pakistan?
Apps like JazzCash, EasyPaisa, and Sadapay are widely used for digital payments in Pakistan.
Q5.What works instead of PayPal in Pakistan?
Sadapay, Payoneer, and XPay are common alternatives to PayPal in Pakistan.
Q6.How to receive international payments in Pakistan?
You can use services like Payoneer, Western Union, or international bank transfers to receive payments.