Recommended Payment Gateways Supporting Payments in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Guide and Best Choices

In the era of globalised e-commerce, it is crucial to provide localised payment solutions to Pakistani customers. This article will detail the most suitable payment gateways for the Pakistani market to help merchants expand into this fast growing market.

Why is there a need for a dedicated payment gateway for Pakistan?

Pakistan has a population of 220 million and a fast-growing Internet user base, with the e-commerce market growing at more than 351 TP3 T. However, the country's unique financial environment and regulatory requirements mean that common international payment methods often fall short of meeting local consumer needs.

1. Low penetration of bank cards

Only about 211 TP3T of adults have a bank account, and credit card ownership is less than 31 TP3T, making international credit card payment coverage limited.

2. The prevalence of mobile wallets

Thanks to the high penetration rate of mobile phones (about 85%), mobile wallet users have exceeded 50 million and become the mainstream electronic payment method.

3. Strong preference for localisation

Online consumers above 90% prefer to use familiar local payment methods to complete transactions.

Top5 Premium Gateways Supporting Payments in Pakistan

1. JazzCash

• cutting edge: A product of the largest mobile operator with over 10 million users; supports instant transfer, bill payment and e-commerce settlement.
• cost: Merchant rates 1.5-2%; withdrawal fees 10-20PKR per transaction.
• Applicable Scenarios: Suitable for B2C retail, digital content and service businesses.
• Integration difficulty: Provide standardised API documentation and a technical support team.

2. EasyPaisa

• market share: Coverage of 150,000 agent outlets nationwide; average daily transaction volume of over 2 million.
• Featured Functions::
  • QR Code
  • Instalment options
  • Simplified SMS confirmation process (for low-end mobile phone users)

Case Studies: A cross-border clothing brand's conversion rate increased by 47% after access.

3. Payoneer (Special Enterprise Edition)

Being one of the few international service providers approved by SBP:

Corporate Account Advantage:

✓ USD/PKR Dual Currency Settlement

✓ API automated reconciliation system

✓ VAT calculator tool embedding

Compliance tip: FIA filings are required (usually 3 business days to complete).

Suggested location of [Apply Now] button here

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can NRPs (Overseas Bajans) use these gateways?
A: Yes! We especially recommend the UBL Omni+Alipay combo solution...

By choosing the right localised payment solution...

4. HBL Pay

HBL, Pakistan's largest commercial bank, launched a digital payment solution covering over 1,700 branches and an extensive merchant network across the country.

Core strengths

✅ Bank-grade security - Meets the stringent regulatory standards of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and supports 2FA certification.
✅ Multi-scenario application - Supports e-commerce, utility bill payments, P2P transfers and offline POS payments.
✅ low transaction cost - Merchant rates are only 1.2%-1.8%, much lower than international payment gateways.

Integration method

• API/SDK access (for companies with strong technical teams)
• WooCommerce/Shopify plugin (for small and medium-sized e-commerce)
• HBL Commerce Portal Manual Billing (for low-frequency merchants)

5. Nayapay

Emerging digital wallets and payment platforms are seeing rapid user growth and are particularly popular with young consumers and freelancers.

Why Nayapay?

✔️ Social Payment Features - Receipt requests can be initiated directly via WhatsApp or Facebook
✔️ Cross-border remittance friendly - Seamless integration with international services such as Wise, Remitly, etc.
✔️ Zero monthly fee structure - No hidden fees, withdrawal fee is fixed at 15 PKR per transaction.

📌 Update: Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) option added in 2023, boosting customer unit price by 30%+.

[6] Alipay+ (especially recommended for China-Pakistan trade)

Though not a native Pakistani service, Alipay+ is available through partnerships with local banks such as UBL and MCB:
🔹 Allow Chinese consumers to pay directly with Alipay (automatic conversion to PKR settlement)
🔸 Help Pak merchants to receive RMB and withdraw cash locally

👉 Best practice: displaying both JazzCash and Alipay logos on the checkout page maximises conversions

📊 Key data comparison table

🔍 How to choose the best gateway?

Match the programme to your business model:

🛒 cross-border e-commerce → Payoneer + Alipay combination (for both international & Chinese buyers)
💻 SaaS subscription-based → Nayapay automatic debit function
🏪 Physical retail chains → HBL Pay POS integration solution

⚠️ Note: All gateways are required to complete the following basic registration:
- NTN Tax ID Number - SECP Company Filing - FIA Cybersecurity Certification (Financial Only)

🚀 Forecast of future trends

Innovative directions to watch in 2024:
- SBP's upcoming 'Raast' instant clearing system to reduce interbank transaction costs
- WhatsApp Payments may get full operating licence
- BNPL (buy now pay later) is expected to account for more than 151 TP3T of e-commerce GMV

Regular checking is recommendedState Bank of Pakistan Policy Update PageGet information on compliance changes.

For access guidance or rate negotiation tips for a specific platform, feel free to leave your questions in the comments section!