What are the best payment platforms for small and medium sellers in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, small and medium sellers need to consider when choosing a payment platformCoverage, fees, settlement cycle and ease of operationand other factors. Here are the leading payment solutions for small and medium-sized local sellers:

1. Mainstream local payment platforms

(1) JazzCash

• cutting edge::
  • Pakistan has a large user base (under Jazz Telecom) and supports mobile wallet, bank card and offline agent point recharge.
  • Provides an e-commerce API that can be integrated into a website or app.
  • Suitable for small, high-frequency trades with low commission (about 1-2%).
• Applicable Scenarios: Mobile-first merchants, social e-commerce (e.g. Facebook/WhatsApp sales).

(2) EasyPaisa

• cutting edge::
  • Part of the Telenor Group, it has a wide coverage and is especially trusted in rural areas.
  • Supports code payment, bill instalment and cross-border remittance (e.g. collection from Gulf countries).
• point of attention: Corporate accounts are required to submit qualification documents and take longer to review.

(3) HBL Pay (Habib Bank Limited)

• cutting edge::
  Digital payment solution from Pakistan's largest bank for merchants with existing public accounts; supports gateway integration and large transactions.

2. International payment instruments

(4) PayPal (limited access)

• status quo: Personal accounts in Baja California can only receive money but not make payments; business accounts require withdrawals to local banks through a third party (e.g. Payoneer).
• Applicable Scenarios: Cross-border e-commerce or receiving overseas payments (but at a higher cost).

(5) Stripe / Checkout.com (via proxy)

3. International payment instruments (continued)

(5) Stripe / Checkout.com (via proxy or cross-border programmes)

• status quo: Stripe is not yet officially operating in Pakistan, but some merchants can be accessed through the following:
  • Registered offshore entities(e.g. UAE, Singapore companies) and tie up local bank accounts.
  • Use of proxy service providers(e.g. PayPro Global, 2Checkout), but with higher fees (3-5%+).
• Applicable Scenarios: High-end e-commerce or SaaS business for international customers.

(6) Payoneer (派安盈)

• cutting edgeMulti-currency collection support, local bank withdrawals (USD to Rupee). Work closely with Daraz and other platforms.
• point of attention: Withdrawal fee of about 1.5%-2%, exchange rate loss is subject to costing.

4. E-commerce platform integration programme

(7) Daraz Payment (for Daraz sellers)

• Daraz has its own payment system with automatic settlement to the seller's account, which is suitable for merchants on the platform.

(8) Shopify Payments + JazzCash/EasyPaisa plugin

• Shopify merchants can avoid relying on international card transactions by integrating local payment methods through third-party plugins such as Pakistani Payment Gateway.

5. Emerging/alternative programmes

(9) Nayapay & SadaPay (Digital Banking)

• Nayapay and SadaPay offer corporate accounts and online payment APIs for tech startups or SMEs with asset-light models.
  • SadaPay has partnered with Mastercard to support virtual cards and online collections.
  • Nayapay transfers are free and suitable for small social e-commerce.

(10) Bank Alfalah / UBL Omni Merchant Services

Digital solutions for traditional banks:

• Alfalah's PAYFAST gateway supports internet banking, sweeps and instalments.
• UBL Omni offers offline agent network cash deposits + online reconciliation.

📌 Selection advice

⚠️ Notes:

1. JazzCash/EasyPaisa requires verification of the real name of the mobile phone number;
2. SadaPay is currently available to invited businesses only;
3. PayPal withdrawals directly to BNA may be rejected - use Payoneer transit in preference.

Further assistance can be provided in terms of specific industries and business size! 🇵🇰