How does Shopify add Middle Eastern payment methods?

May, Tue, 2025
deekpay
Middle East Payments

Adding Middle East payment methods on Shopify requires a combination of popular local payment tools and credit card options, here are the detailed steps and recommendations:

I. Mainstream payment methods in the Middle East

Credit/debit cards
- Visa/Mastercard is universally applicable, some countries need to support local card issuers (e.g. Saudi Arabia SABB, UAE Emirates NBD).
- Recommended to enable3D Secure Certificationto comply with Middle East Risk Control requirements.
Localised e-wallets
- Mada (Saudi Arabia): Access through a partner gateway such as Checkout.com or PayFort.
- Fawry (Egypt): A payment gateway that supports this method is required.
- BenefitPay (Bahrain), KNET (Kuwait) and others.
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
- Tabby (UAE/Saudi Arabia), Tamara (Saudi Arabia): through plug-ins or third-party integration.
Bank transfer/cash payment
- Some countries still rely on cash on delivery (COD), which can be processed manually through Shopify.

II. Configuration steps

(1) Shopify Backend Settings

go into Settings > Payments.
Select:
- Third Party Providers: e.g. Checkout.com, PayFort, Telr and other gateways that support the Middle East.
- maybe
  Direct activation of supported options: Apple Pay/Google Pay (available in some regions).

(2) Recommended payment gateways

Checkout.com: Coverage of Mada, Apple Pay and multi-currency billing.
PayFort: Part of Amazon, which supports the mainstream approach in the Gulf countries.
Telr:: Suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, supports Arabic language interface.

(3) COD setting

exist Payment providersEnable "Manual payment methods" at the bottom, labelled "Cash on Delivery".

III. Precautions

compliancy
Ensure compliance with local regulations:
- VAT registration (e.g. 15% tax rate required in Saudi Arabia).
- PCI DSS compliant processing of credit card data.
Currency and Language
Shop currencies are recommended to be in local currency (AED/SAR) and an Arabic interface is provided to reduce the abandonment rate.
Test Transactions
Test the full process using a sandbox environment to confirm that Mada/Fawry, etc. can jump around properly.
Logistics with COD
If you offer cash on delivery, you need to clarify the return policy and negotiate with the logistics company to share the handling fee.

IV. Expanded recommendations

📌 InstallationMiddle East Payment GatewaysClass plug-ins simplify integration.
📌 Analyse common payment methods used by competitors (Examples of options that Noon/Aramex often co-operate with are).

After completing the configuration, the corresponding logo can be displayed on the checkout page to enhance trust. If you have any technical problems, you can contact the customer service team of the selected gateway to assist with API docking.

V. Advanced Strategies to Deeply Optimise the Payment Experience in the Middle East

After completing the basic payment method configuration, you can further improve the conversion rate and payment success rate of Middle East users by the following methods:

1. Localised checkout process optimisation

✅ Reduced field completion: Middle Eastern users prefer clean processes, suggests:

Enable Shopify's 'Accelerated Checkout' (e.g. Shop Pay or Local Wallet 1-click payment).
Hide non-essential fields (e.g. company name) and populate the country/region by default for the Middle East target market.

✅ Arabic language support::

Using multi-language plug-ins (such asLangify) provides an Arabic checkout page.
take note of: Ensure that gateway jump pages (e.g. PayFort) also support Arabic to avoid losing users.

✅ Display local currency prices::

Shopify backend settings for local currencies (SAR/AED, etc.) to avoid hesitation due to dynamic exchange rates.

2. Detailed design to enhance trust

🔐 Safety signage display: Highlight the following on the checkout page to reduce the abandonment rate:

SSL encryption badge, PCI DSS compliance mark.
Official logos for local payments like Mada/BenefitPay.

📞 Customer Service Visibility: Users in the Middle East tend to manually confirm, and it is recommended to add it:

WhatsApp floating buttons (high penetration in Saudi Arabia/UAE).
24/7 Arabic customer service contact (phone or live chat).

3. COD and return strategy optimisation (for cash on delivery orders)

🚚 Logistics co-operation:

Choose a well-known local logistics company (e.g. Aramex, Naqel Express), COD handling fees need to be negotiated in advance transparent rate table (usually 3%-5%).
Sample clauses: "COD orders are subject to an additional 10 SAR handling fee" and prompt the buyer to confirm before placing the order at a prominent place in the shopping cart.

🔄 Return Policy:
Due to the high rate of COD retirement (up to 30%), it is recommended that measures be taken to reduce losses:
✔️ Partial deposit in advance (via online payment 20% + final payment COD).
✔️ is clearly labelled with rules such as 'no returns after opening' to minimise abuse.

4 . BNPL (buy now pay later) marketing techniques
💡 Promote Tabby/Tamara in the Middle East market with promotions to increase the unit price :)

Banner labelled "0% interest instalment" and calculates the monthly payment amount (e.g. "4 instalments, only 75 AED per month").
contraindication (medicine) :: Avoid direct comparison of interest rates (riba interest is prohibited in Islamic finance) and emphasise "interest-free extensions".

VII. Data monitoring and continuous improvement 📊
The following indicators are regularly checked and optimised for the purpose:
1️⃣ Ranking of Success Rates by Payment Method → Resources are tilted to high converting channels;
2️⃣cod actual sign-up rate vs. rejection rate → adjust presale percentage or regional restrictions;
3️⃣BNPL Usage Percentage → Plan exclusive instalment promotions.

For further examples of technical interfacing refer toTelr Developer Documentation , or engage an agent to handle complex compliance requirements such as Saudi SFDA/FATCA 🏛️

How does Shopify add Middle Eastern payment methods?