Guide to payment gateways in Pakistan

If you’re a business with aspirations to thrive in Pakistan’s growing e-commerce and online service industries, you need a reliable payment gateway. One that will act as a bridge between your customers and your business, opening the door for secure and hassle-free online transactions.

With the rise of platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and other e-commerce solutions, more and more Pakistani businesses are adopting payment gateways to expand their reach both locally and beyond their borders. Choosing the right payment gateway can make all the difference when optimizing your operations and meeting customer expectations.

Payoneer is a dependable solution as an online payment gateway in Pakistan, offering secure, efficient, and cost-effective payment processing. This guide will help you understand what payment gateways are, explore the best payment gateways available in Pakistan, and discover how you can integrate them into your business.

What is a payment gateway?

A payment gateway is a digital tool that facilitates online transactions by securely transmitting payment information between a buyer, a seller, and the financial institutions and intermediaries involved. Whether it’s processing credit card payments, bank transfers, or digital wallets, a payment gateway makes sure transactions are secure through encryption and real-time authorizations.

For businesses, a payment gateway is required to accept payments online. It acts as the backbone of e-commerce by handling the technical and security aspects of online transactions, including fraud prevention. The need becomes all the more amplified when dealing with international transactions.

In Pakistan, the demand for payment gateways has grown as businesses increasingly look to cater to both local and global customers. Payoneer provides a robust solution for receiving payments globally, offering multi-currency support and frictionless integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify.

Whether you’re setting up an online store or offering services abroad, choosing a reliable payment gateway in Pakistan ensures smooth operations, enhances customer trust, and makes the global market accessible.

The best payment gateways in Pakistan

Pakistan’s growing e-commerce and freelance markets have spurred the adoption of various payment gateways, each catering to unique business needs. Which you end up considering  ‘the best’ is subjective and depends on those needs. 

That said, here’s an overview of some of the most popular local and international payment gateways:

Local payment gateways

Easypaisa

A trusted name in digital payments, Easypaisa is ideal for businesses targeting local clients. Features include instant transfers, bill payments, and integration options for small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs).

JazzCash

JazzCash provides comprehensive services, from mobile wallet payments to online shopping solutions. It’s widely used for its ease of access and support across Pakistan.

HBL Konnect

Offering online and mobile banking, HBL Konnect is offered by one of Pakistan’s biggest banks and is a solid solution for businesses seeking local payment processing.

XPay Payment Solution

XPay is gaining popularity as an efficient digital payment platform, offering smooth transactions for businesses and customers alike. It is a secure solution for vendors looking to expand their digital footprint in Pakistan.

Bank Alfalah Limited (Alfa Payment Gateway)

The Alfa Payment Gateway by Bank Alfalah provides all-around support for e-commerce businesses, enabling them to accept online payments securely. It features robust integration tools for websites and apps, making it a popular choice for growing businesses.

MCB eGate

MCB eGate is a dedicated payment gateway by MCB Bank, offering streamlined solutions for e-commerce and service-based businesses. Powered by MasterCard Payment Gateway Services (MPGS), it supports credit and debit card transactions and provides detailed reporting for business owners.

United Bank Limited (UBL)

UBL’s payment gateway solutions are tailored for both local and international businesses, providing multi-currency support and integration capabilities. They’re a strong choice for businesses with high transaction volumes.

International payment gateways

Payoneer

Payoneer Checkout allows businesses to receive international payments with peace of mind and ease. Thanks to multi-currency accounts and competitive fees, it’s perfect for freelancers, e-commerce sellers, and exporters.

Read more about the process in the checkout guide. 

Stripe (via partners)

While Stripe isn’t officially available in Pakistan, indirect access through third-party services makes it possible, with a little extra work, for local businesses to integrate this gateway.

2Checkout

This global payment gateway supports multiple currencies and payment methods, making it suitable for businesses targeting an international audience.

Why Payoneer stands out

Payoneer combines ease of use, global accessibility, and affordable pricing. Its smooth integration with platforms like Shopify positions it as a premiere choice for businesses in Pakistan looking to expand internationally.

How to choose the best payment gateway for your business in Pakistan

Selecting the right payment gateway is an important decision for any business. Here’s what you should consider when choosing the best payment gateway in Pakistan:

Fee structures

Evaluate setup costs, transaction fees, and currency conversion charges. For international transactions, Payoneer offers competitive fees and transparent pricing.

Integration with platforms

If you’re using Shopify or similar platforms, ensure the payment gateway integrates seamlessly. Payoneer Checkout is a great choice for Shopify users in Pakistan.

Multi-currency support

For businesses dealing with international clients, a gateway that supports multi-currency transactions is essential.

Security features

Look for gateways with robust encryption, fraud detection, and PCI DSS compliance to ensure safe transactions.

Customer support

Choose a payment gateway with reliable support to address any technical or operational issues promptly.

By assessing your business needs and comparing available options, you can select a payment gateway that enhances your operational efficiency and boosts customer trust. Payoneer ticks all of the above boxes, which is why its global capabilities make it a leading choice for both local and international transactions in Pakistan.

If you’re looking for something more global, visit this Payment Gateway Guide for more information. 

How to set up a payment gateway on your website in Pakistan

Setting up a payment gateway on your website can simplify transactions and improve user experience. 

Here are the steps you could follow for when you’re integrating a payment gateway on your e-commerce platform in Pakistan:

1. Choose the right payment gateway

Select a gateway compatible with your website platform. For example, Payoneer Checkout integrates seamlessly with Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento.

2. Sign up for an account

Register with the payment gateway provider and complete any required verification steps.

3. Get API credentials

The provider will supply API keys or plugins to connect the gateway to your website.

4. Integrate with your website

Use the provided API or plugin to embed the gateway into your checkout process. Platforms like Shopify offer straightforward integration options for gateways like Payoneer.

5. Test the system

Run test transactions to ensure the gateway is working the way you want it to. Attempt to ‘break’ it by going through the checkout process in multiple different ways.

Once set up, your payment gateway will allow you to accept secure online payments, helping you serve both local and international customers efficiently.

Why Payoneer is the best payment gateway for Pakistani businesses

Payoneer stands out as the ideal solution for businesses in Pakistan looking to expand globally or already working with frequent global transactions. Its unique features make it the best payment gateway for businesses of all sizes.

Multi-currency accounts

Payoneer enables you to receive payments in USD, EUR, GBP, and other currencies, providing flexibility for international transactions.

Competitive fees and transparent pricing

Unlike many traditional gateways, Payoneer offers affordable rates and eliminates hidden charges, making it a cost-effective option for cross-border payments.

Seamless integration

Payoneer integrates easily with Shopify and other platforms, simplifying setup for e-commerce businesses in Pakistan.

User-friendly interface

The platform is easy to use, with a dashboard that provides clear insights into transactions and balances.

Global reach

Trusted by millions of businesses worldwide, Payoneer offers unmatched global accessibility, making it the top choice for Pakistani exporters, freelancers, and e-commerce SMBs.

For businesses seeking a reliable and versatile payment gateway in Pakistan, Payoneer offers a secure, efficient, and globally renowned solution.

Read the global Payment Gateway guide for more information.  

Frequently asked questions 

Which payment gateway is the best in Pakistan?

The best payment gateway in Pakistan depends on your unique business needs. For international transactions, many consider Payoneer to be the best due to its multi-currency support, low fees, and seamless integration with platforms like Shopify. 

For local transactions, options like Easypaisa and JazzCash are popular for their accessibility and intuitive interfaces. If you’re running an e-commerce store catering to both local and global customers, Payoneer offers a robust solution for managing international payments effectively.

How to add a payment gateway in WordPress in Pakistan?
Adding a payment gateway in WordPress involves the following steps:

1. Install an e-commerce plugin, for example WooCommerce.
2. Choose a payment gateway that supports your business needs, such as Payoneer Checkout.
3. Download and install the plugin or API for the gateway from step 2.
4. Configure the plugin by entering the credentials provided by the payment gateway provider.
5. Conduct all the necessary tests to ensure smooth transactions.

Payoneer integrates smoothly with e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce, making it an exemplary choice for WordPress-based e-commerce stores in Pakistan. Visit the checkout guide to find out more.

How do you integrate payment gateways with online stores in Pakistan?

To integrate a payment gateway with your online store, follow these steps:

1. Select a gateway compatible with your e-commerce platform (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce).
2. Register for the gateway, such as Payoneer, and complete the verification process.
3. Use the platform’s built-in features or APIs to connect the gateway to your store.
4. Test the integration by conducting test transactions.

Payoneer Checkout is particularly suited for online stores targeting global customers, providing secure and efficient payment processing for businesses in Pakistan.

Can Pakistani businesses use Shopify payment gateways?

Yes, Pakistani businesses can use Shopify payment gateways, though options like Stripe and PayPal may not be directly available. Payoneer Checkout is an excellent alternative, allowing for simple integration with Shopify. It supports multi-currency payments and offers a secure way to accept payments from a global clientele.

What is the best international payment gateway for businesses in Pakistan?
This is subjective but it’s safe to say that Payoneer is among the best international payment gateways for businesses in Pakistan. It enables users to receive payments from global clients in multiple currencies, offering features like low fees, fast transfers, and local bank withdrawals. With its secure platform and global reach, Payoneer simplifies international transactions for freelancers, exporters, and e-commerce businesses.

How secure are payment gateways in Pakistan?
Payment gateways in Pakistan follow strict security protocols to protect user data and transactions. Payoneer uses advanced encryption, two-factor authentication, and fraud detection to ensure secure transactions. 

Businesses are encouraged to choose gateways that comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) for added protection.

What are the benefits of using Payoneer as a payment gateway in Pakistan?

Payoneer offers several advantages, including:

• Multi-currency support: Receive payments in USD, EUR, GBP, and more.
• Low fees: Low rates for international transactions.
• Global reach: Trusted by businesses worldwide for smooth cross-border payments.
• Integration: Compatible with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.

These features make Payoneer a top choice for businesses and freelancers in Pakistan looking to streamline their payment processes.

How can small businesses in Pakistan accept credit card payments online?
Small businesses or SMBs can accept credit card payments online by integrating a payment gateway with their website. Options like Payoneer Checkout allow businesses to process secure credit card payments while providing features on top of that, like multi-currency support. For local transactions, JazzCash and Easypaisa are alternatives.