When we say payment gateways, we are referring only to the digital channels. In other words, we are referring to the payment processing methods found in online stores. One might wonder that Pakistan is a cash-based economy. Resultantly, the volume of digital transactions would be quite low. However, it is not the case as you can see in the below image.
Source: Statista
As you can see, the volume of online or electronic payments has far exceeded paper-based transactions. As the younger generation joins the workforce, there is a noticeable change in how payments are made in Pakistan.
Now, let’s focus on the best payment gateways in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Top Payment Gateways
1. Alfa Payment Gateway
Bank Alfalah has emerged as one of the top banking institutions in Pakistan. It recently opened up a digital-only branch in Karachi. It shows its strong commitment to digitizing payments in the country. Using this gateway, merchants can collect payments from anywhere across Pakistan. There are several benefits of signing up for this platform.
Firstly, it allows a complete digital sign-up. It means that you don’t need to go and visit any branch. It is undoubtedly a big benefit considering how unwelcoming Pakistani banks are. The account is created instantly and there are numerous extensions available which further add to its convenience.
If you are running a business without a website or even an app, there is no cause for worry. This payment gateway allows customers to pay through a secure link. The gateway comes with an intuitive dashboard which allows merchants to get a detailed overview of their business.
The gateway allows for 3 options to collect payments. The below picture provides the fees for each.
Source: Alfalah Payment Gateway
2. Easypaisa
We are all familiar with Easypaisa, considering it is one of the best mobile wallets in Pakistan. It has forever revolutionized mobile wallets and banking. Over the years, it has become the top choice for merchants. The reason is that it allows them to make and collect payments in just a few taps.
This convenience is the top reason behind its popularity. It is always integrating with new platforms. Right now, the app has integrations for the following eCommerce platforms:
- WooCommerce
- OpenCart
- Magento (Adobe Commerce)
- PrestaShop
With over 10.5 million+ monthly active users, it is quite clear that Easypaisa is a popular choice among customers. It is supported by the below statistic.
Source: Statista
As you can see in the above image, Easypaisa is among the most widely used mobile wallets in Pakistan. Therefore, businesses must cater to customer preferences.
3. JazzCash
JazzCash and Easypaisa have a similar history. Both are the flagship projects of two renowned telecom companies in Pakistan. JazzCash is owned by Jazz (formerly Mobilink), whereas Easypaisa is owned by Telenor. Similar to Easypaisa, JazzCash has emerged as another popular mobile wallet and payment gateway.
Businesses can sign up digitally and start charging payments instantly. They can even create custom QR codes for specific amounts. Select merchants can avail an instant loan of Rs. 50,000. The repayments can be made through the app.
Source: JazzCash
Businesses can send digital invoices and even get a business debit card. The below picture provides an overview of the charges.
Source: JazzCash
As you can see, the fee is quite low.
4. SadaPay
Although this platform is mostly geared towards Pakistan’s freelancing community, it can be used by merchants as well. This platform provides a very safe and convenient way to expand your store’s reach beyond Pakistan. With just a few taps, you can get payments from anywhere in the world.
Source: SadaPay
As you can see from the above image, businesses can share the payment link via WhatsApp, email, or any other platform. This convenience is the top reason why millions of people have signed up for the platform in just a few years. The platform fee is comparatively quite less compared to traditional banking channels.
The best thing is that SadaPay allows you to keep the money in foreign currency. In other words, if you get a payment in USD, you get to keep it in USD rather than automatically have it converted to PKR. This is a big advantage for merchants looking to avoid the uncertainty associated with exchange rate fluctuations.
5. NayaPay Arc
Unfortunately, Pakistan’s small merchants are always excluded from the banking system. In most cases, banks refuse to even provide services to them. That’s why NayaPay says ‘For once, size doesn’t matter’. Whether you are a small merchant or a big retailer, NayaPay Arc is for everyone.
Merchants can accept every type of payment with this gateway. It is easy as 1, 2, 3, and 4. The below pictures show how the payment mechanism works.
Source: NayaPay
Source: NayaPay
After signing up, the merchant needs to generate the payment link and then share it with the customer. They can do so using social media, SMS, or any other method of their choice. Afterwards, customers can choose to pay via any method such as credit cards, debit cards, QR code, or even a bank transfer.
6. HBLPay Checkout
Similar to Bank Alfalah, HBL or Habib Bank Limited is one of the leading banks in Pakistan. It is only natural to expect that its payment gateway is equally good. Fortunately, HBLPay Checkout does not disappoint. You can apply for the account online, which is undoubtedly a great blessing.
The gateway is 3D Secure and PCI DSS compliant, shifting all liability away from the merchant. Secondly, the gateway has support for multiple currencies, including USD, GBP, and AED. This makes it a perfect choice for merchants operating internationally. There is a fraud management module which adds to your store’s security.
Source: HBLPay Checkout
What it does is that it detects frauds patterns with the help of 260+ variables. The variables range from the user’s IP address to velocity. Merchants can customise the gateway to provide a consistent user experience to their customers. The gateway can be integrated with WooCommerce, Magento, and other eCommerce platforms.
7. 2Checkout
Not many people are familiar with 2Checkout in Pakistan. The reason is that it is not a Pakistani payment gateway. Instead, it is operated by Verifone, a multinational headquartered in the US. So, why are mentioning it? Well, you may have noticed that most gateways mention integrations with WooCommerce and Magento.
However, they are silent about Shopify, which is one of the most widely used eCommerce platforms worldwide. It is not an omission. Instead, all previous gateways in the list are not compatible with Shopify at all. It means you cannot add them to your Shopify store. So, what is the best payment gateway for Shopify in Pakistan?
Our experience as a leading eCommerce development company in Pakistan tells us that most Shopify merchants prefer 2Checkout. It supports more than 45 payment methods and is available in more than 200 countries. You can sign up for additional modules, allowing you to benefit from a one-stop-shop for all your eCommerce needs.
As the below image indicates, 2Checkout provides a comprehensive view to all your team members.
It allows for better decision making and collaboration. If your store is based on Shopify, tap here to see more compatible payment gateways for Pakistan.
Conclusion
This concludes our article on the best payment gateways in Pakistan. Before signing up for any platform, we do recommend carrying out a detailed analysis. Try to find the pros and cons of each platform before making any commitments.