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Pakistan's ecommerce market crossed $6 billion in 2024 and is growing fast yet one of the most common reasons stores underperform is a payment gateway that doesn't fit the business. Wrong gateway means failed checkouts, delayed settlements, frustrated customers, and lost revenue you'll never know you missed.
Choosing the right online payment gateway in Pakistan isn't just a technical decision. It affects your conversion rate, your cash flow, and which customers you can actually serve. A store targeting mobile wallet users needs a completely different setup than one selling to international buyers.
At Buzz Interactive, we've integrated payment gateways across dozens of Shopify and WooCommerce stores in Pakistan. This guide is built on that hands on web development experience, not just publicly available specs. By the end, you'll know exactly which gateway fits your store, your platform, your audience, and your growth stage.
Quick Reference: Common Questions
What is the best payment gateway in Pakistan?
The best payment gateway depends on your specific business model and target audience. For most ecommerce stores, PayFast and Safepay offer strong starting points due to their integration ease and method coverage.
For audiences with high wallet usage, JazzCash and easypaisa are important additions. For international payments, 2Checkout is commonly used. Banks become relevant for high-volume businesses that can negotiate rates.
Which payment gateway works best with Shopify in Pakistan?
Safepay and PayFast are the most frequently used gateways for Shopify stores in Pakistan. Both offer native checkout integrations and maintain compatibility with Shopify's platform updates. Safepay has particularly focused on the Shopify ecosystem.
What is the cheapest payment gateway in Pakistan?
Most payment gateways in Pakistan charge between 2 percent and 3.5 percent per transaction as the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR). The actual lowest cost depends on your transaction volume and what you can negotiate with the provider. Banks typically offer the most competitive rates for high-volume businesses but require more extensive onboarding.
Gateway Options at a Glance
Best overall for ecommerce stores: PayFast
Best for Shopify integration: Safepay and PayFast
Best for WooCommerce compatibility: PayFast and PayPro
Best for wallet-focused audiences: JazzCash and easypaisa
Best bank-based options: Bank Alfalah and HBL merchant acquiring
Best for international card acceptance: 2Checkout or Paykassma
Best for combined online and offline retail: Keenu
What Is a Payment Gateway
A payment gateway is the technology that connects your ecommerce store to banks, card networks, and digital wallets.If you are wondering how to accept online payments in Pakistan, the answer starts with choosing an SBP approved payment gateway that supports cards, wallets, and bank transfers. When a customer clicks 'Pay Now', the gateway encrypts their payment details, sends them to the relevant bank or wallet for authorisation, and tells your store whether the transaction succeeded or failed all in seconds.
In Pakistan's payment ecosystem, gateways come in two main forms:
Independent Payment Service Providers (PSPs) licensed entities that handle payment processing separate from traditional banks. Examples: PayFast, Safepay, XPay, NayaPay, PayPro.
Bank Merchant Acquiring Solutions payment processing services offered directly by banks such as HBL, Bank Alfalah, MCB, and others.
Pakistan also has a unique challenge that most ecommerce markets don't: a still maturing digital payments ecosystem. PayPal doesn't work for receiving money, Stripe isn't officially available, and mobile wallet penetration varies significantly by demographic. Getting your gateway choice wrong doesn't just cost you the 2–3% fee it costs you the customers who couldn't check out at all.
Payment Journey
A payment gateway processes a transaction in 2–3 seconds. Here is every step your customer's money goes through.
Customer Pays
Enters card or wallet details
Encrypted
SSL + PCI DSS secured
Bank Authorises
Checks balance and approves
Result Sent
Approved or declined signal
Order Confirmed
Webhook fires to your store
Transaction Speed2-3 Seconds
From "Pay Now" to confirmation
Settlement (funds in your account)T+1 → T+3
Varies by gateway. T+1 = next business day. Faster settlement = better cash flow.
Key Payment Gateway Terms You Should Know
Before comparing gateways, these terms will help you evaluate options with clarity:
MDR (Merchant Discount Rate)
The percentage fee charged per transaction typically 2% to 3.5% in Pakistan. Sometimes negotiable based on volume.
Settlement Time (T+1, T+2...)
Days between a customer's payment and funds arriving in your account. T+1 = next business day.
Example: If a customer pays on Monday. You receive the settlement on Tuesday. That is T+1. If settlement happens after two working days, it is called T+2.
PSP / PSO
Payment Service Provider / Payment System Operator both are SBP-licensed categories. JazzCash and Easypaisa operate as PSOs; PayFast and Safepay as PSPs.
Pakistan's instant payment infrastructure built by the SBP. Real-time bank-to-bank transfers, increasingly being added to ecommerce checkouts.
PCI DSS
Global security standard for handling card payment data. All reputable gateways are PCI DSS certified.
Chargeback
A transaction reversal initiated when a customer disputes a payment through their bank. High chargeback rates can get your merchant account suspended.
Webhook
Automated notification from the gateway to your store confirming payment success or failure in real-time.
Key Factors to Evaluate Before Choosing a Gateway in Pakistan
Transaction fees are the easiest thing to compare and often the least important factor in the long run. Here's what actually impacts your day-to-day operations:
1. Integration Type and Platform Compatibility
Some gateways offer native Shopify or WooCommerce plugins. Others require custom API development. A redirect based checkout where the customer leaves your store to pay and returns after typically increases cart abandonment, especially on mobile. Evaluate whether the checkout stays in your store or sends customers elsewhere. For WooCommerce stores specifically, plugin stability matters enormously. Gateways that don't update their plugins after WooCommerce or WordPress updates cause broken checkouts which means lost sales until someone notices and fixes it.
2. SBP Approval and Regulatory Compliance
The State Bank of Pakistan regulates all payment service providers. Using an SBP approved payment gateway that is PCI DSS compliant protects your business legally and gives your customers confidence. All gateways listed in this guide operate under SBP licensing frameworks.
3. Payment Method Coverage
Card-only gateways miss a significant portion of Pakistan's buyers. JazzCash has over 30 million registered users. Easypaisa's reach is similarly broad. If your target audience skews toward mass market, semi-urban, or younger demographics, wallet coverage isn't optional it's revenue-critical.
4. Settlement Speed and Cash Flow
T+1 settlement means your money arrives the next business day. T+3 means you're effectively financing three days of inventory. For stores doing consistent daily volume, this difference is material. Prioritise faster settlement, especially in early growth stages.
5. Onboarding Timeline
PSPs typically onboard in 3 to 10 business days when documentation is complete. Banks take 2 to 6 weeks. If you have a fixed launch date, this alone can determine which type of gateway you can realistically use.
Best Payment Gateways in Pakistan (2026) Our Top Picks
We've evaluated each gateway based on SBP compliance, ecommerce platform integration, real world transaction performance, fee transparency, settlement speed, and our direct integration experience. Gateways are split into three categories: Independent PSPs, Wallet Gateways, and Bank Based Solutions.
Independent Payment Service Providers (PSPs)
PSPs are the right starting point for most ecommerce stores in Pakistan. They offer faster onboarding, native platform integrations, and can have your checkout live within days.
Best all-rounder broadest method coverage and most reliable WooCommerce plugin
Payment Methods
Cards (Visa, Mastercard), JazzCash, Easypaisa, Bank Transfer, Raast
Shopify
Native integration available
WooCommerce
Official plugin with regular updates
Approximate Fees
.5% to 3% MDR; setup fee may apply (sometimes negotiable)
Settlement
T+1 to T+2
Onboarding
3 to 7 business days
Buzz Interactive Integration Insight for Payfast
PayFast offers the broadest payment method coverage of any Pakistani PSP, including Raast which is still relatively uncommon among gateways.
The WooCommerce plugin has shown consistent stability across platform updates, which matters more than most store owners realise until something breaks post-update. Settlement at T+1 to T+2 is faster than most alternatives. Recommended as the primary gateway for most growing Shopify and WooCommerce stores.
🏆 Best For
Growing ecommerce stores on Shopify or WooCommerce
Best for Shopify the most Shopify-native checkout experience in Pakistan
Payment Methods
Cards, JazzCash, Easypaisa wallets
Shopify
Strong native compatibility best Shopify checkout experience in PK
WooCommerce
API based integration requires developer resources
Approximate Fees
~2.9% MDR
Settlement
T+2 to T+3
Onboarding
~5 business days
Buzz Interactive Integration Insight for safepay
Safepay has made significant investments in Shopify ecosystem compatibility, which shows clearly in checkout flow quality it feels more native than competing options.
For WooCommerce implementations, you'll need developer resources for API integration rather than a simple plugin install. Settlement is slightly slower at T+2 to T+3. If Shopify is your platform and checkout experience is the priority, Safepay is a strong choice.
Best for hybrid businesses ecommerce and B2B invoicing in one account
Payment Methods
Cards, bank transfer, over-the-counter
Shopify
Requires custom integration work
WooCommerce
Official plugin available
Approximate Fees
2.5% to 3.5% MDR
Settlement
T+2
Onboarding
5 to 10 business days
Buzz Interactive Integration Insight
PayPro is particularly effective for businesses that handle both automated ecommerce checkouts and manual invoice-based B2B payments.
Having payment links, invoicing, and WooCommerce integration in a single gateway account reduces administrative overhead significantly. Not typically the first recommendation for a pure Shopify store, but excellent for hybrid business models.
Best for tech-forward startups modern API, fast settlement, growing ecosystem
Payment Methods
Cards, NayaPay wallet, Raast
Shopify
Integration available
WooCommerce
API-based integration
Approximate Fees
Varies confirm directly with NayaPay
Settlement
T+1 to T+2
Onboarding
~5 business days
Buzz Interactive Integration Insight
NayaPay operates as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) and has been building out its merchant product suite steadily. Arc, their merchant gateway product, is aimed at startups and growing ecommerce businesses.
The API is modern and well-documented, which appeals to technical teams. Settlement speed is competitive. As the NayaPay user base grows, wallet coverage through their platform becomes increasingly valuable. Confirm current features directly with NayaPay at the time of application as their product scope continues to evolve.
Best all-in-one dynamic routing, fraud protection, multi-channel support
Payment Methods
Cards, wallets (JazzCash, Easypaisa), Raast, bank transfer
Shopify
Yes native integration
WooCommerce
Yes plugin available
Approximate Fees
Varies based on methods and volume
Settlement
T+1 to T+2
Onboarding
~7 business days
Buzz Interactive Integration Insight
XPay is a PCI DSS-certified gateway with dynamic routing that improves transaction success rates by automatically directing payments through the best available path.
It also supports social commerce integrations, making it useful for businesses selling through Instagram or WhatsApp alongside their website. A strong candidate for stores that want one gateway to handle cards, wallets, and Raast together with higher-than-average transaction success rates.
Wallet-Based Payment Gateways
Mobile wallet usage in Pakistan represents a substantial portion of digital payment volume particularly among mass-market consumers and in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.The JazzCash merchant gateway is particularly important for stores targeting mass market and wallet first customers in Pakistan.Best practice: add wallet gateways alongside your primary PSP rather than instead of it.
JazzCash is most effective when added alongside a primary gateway like PayFast or XPay rather than used as a standalone solution. It provides access to the large segment of Pakistani buyers who prefer or rely on wallet payments and may not complete card-based checkouts.
The WooCommerce integration requires API development work it is not a simple plugin install. Worth the setup investment for any store targeting a broad Pakistani consumer base.
Best for geographic reach strong in tier 2 and tier 3 cities
Payment Methods
Easypaisa wallet, linked payment methods
Shopify
Partial integration varies
WooCommerce
API-based integration
Approximate Fees
2% to 3% MDR
Settlement
T+2
Onboarding
3 to 5 business days
Buzz Interactive Integration Insight
The Easypaisa merchant gateway offers strong geographic penetration and is especially valuable for businesses serving tier 2 and tier 3 cities. For stores targeting repeat purchase behavior or serving customers across diverse geographies within Pakistan, offering both major wallets meaningfully reduces checkout abandonment among customers whose preferred method isn't available. Consider adding both if your store serves a broad Pakistani consumer audience.
Bank Merchant Acquiring Solutions
Banks offer merchant acquiring for ecommerce, but they operate very differently from PSPs. Longer onboarding, more documentation, and custom API integration are the norm. The trade-off: negotiated rates that can be significantly lower than published PSP rates once your transaction volume justifies it.
Who should consider bank gateways?
Bank gateways make sense when your store is processing high monthly volumes (typically PKR 10M+), you have a technical team capable of managing custom API integration, and your goal is reducing transaction costs at scale. For new or growing stores, start with a PSP and switch when volumes justify it.
Best bank option most commonly integrated, competitive negotiated rates
Payment Methods
Cards (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay)
Shopify
API-based requires custom development
WooCommerce
API-based requires custom development
Approximate Fees
Negotiated individually based on volume
Settlement
Varies by agreement
Onboarding
Typically 2 to 4 weeks
Buzz Interactive Integration Insight
Bank Alfalah is one of the most commonly approached banks for merchant acquiring in Pakistan. Integration requires allocating developer resources this is not plug-and-play.
The benefit is individually negotiated rates that can be significantly lower than published PSP rates once volume reaches a threshold. Standard requirements: SECP registration, NTN, business bank account, live website with visible refund and privacy policies, SSL certificate. This is not the right first gateway for a new store launch.
Best for enterprises suited to large brands with dedicated technical teams
Payment Methods
Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
Shopify
API-based requires technical coordination
WooCommerce
API-based requires technical coordination
Approximate Fees
Negotiated individually
Settlement
Varies by agreement
Onboarding
Several weeks typically
Buzz Interactive Integration Insight
HBL merchant acquiring is geared toward businesses with the transaction volume to justify the onboarding timeline and the technical capacity to handle API integration with ongoing bank coordination. Expect active communication during integration and maintenance phases this is not a set-and-forget solution.
Other banks in Pakistan offering merchant acquiring include MCB, UBL, Meezan Bank, Standard Chartered, and Faysal Bank. Requirements and timelines vary by institution.
PSP vs Bank Gateway: How to Think About It
Factor
PSP (e.g. PayFast, Safepay)
Bank Gateway (e.g. HBL, Alfalah)
Onboarding Speed
3–10 business days
2–6 weeks
Integration
Plugins for Shopify / WooCommerce
Custom API needs developer time
Minimum Volume
Usually none
Often expected turnover threshold
Fees
Published rate (2–3.5%)
Negotiated per agreement
Settlement
T+1 to T+3
Depends on agreement
Shopify Plugin
Often plug-and-play
Rarely custom build required
Best When
Launching or scaling ecommerce
High volume, established business
International Payment Gateways: What Actually Works in Pakistan
Questions about international payment options are among the most common we receive. Here's the honest answer on each:
Best for international sales accepts global cards from Pakistan
Availability
Available for Pakistan-registered businesses
Payment Methods
International Visa and Mastercard
Shopify
Yes
WooCommerce
Yes
Approximate Fees
Higher than local PSPs confirm on their website
Settlement
T+3 and beyond
Onboarding
Businesses with significant international buyer traffic or selling digital products globally
Buzz Interactive Integration Insight
2Checkout is the most practical option for Pakistani businesses that need to accept international card payments. It's commonly used for SaaS products, digital goods, and ecommerce stores with global customer bases.
Transaction fees are higher than local alternatives, so it's best deployed as a secondary gateway for international traffic rather than your primary checkout for Pakistani customers.
Best for international sales accepts global cards from Pakistan
Availability
Available for Pakistan-registered businesses
Payment Methods
International Visa and Mastercard
Shopify
Yes
WooCommerce
Yes
Approximate Fees
Pricing is customized based on business type, transaction volume, and target markets.
Settlement
Settlement
Onboarding
Key features and supported countries:
– Local payment methods in Pakistan and other supported regions, including mobile wallets and bank transfers
– Multi-currency support to reduce friction for international transactions
- Easy API integration suitable for businesses of all sizes
– High-risk industry support with tailored onboarding and compliance assistance
– Fast settlements to keep cash flow predictable
Buzz Interactive Integration Insight
A-Pay also know as Paykassma is an international payment gateway built for businesses looking to accept payments across emerging markets, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Ethiopia. It provides access to both local and global payment methods, making it a strong fit for cross-border merchants and high-risk industries operating in regions with complex payment infrastructure.
The platform is built around three core priorities: high approval rates, fast settlements, and flexible integration. On pricing, A-Pay keeps things flexible — the setup fee is available on request, the monthly fee scales with transaction volume, and transaction rates start from around 3–5% depending on the region and payment method used.
Stripe & PayPal The Honest Answer
The two most searched payment gateways in Pakistan. Here is exactly what works and what does not.
Not Available
Stripe
Pakistan is not on Stripe's supported countries list. Pakistani-registered businesses cannot open a Stripe account directly.
No direct Stripe merchant account for PK businesses.
Some businesses use foreign entities (US/UK) to access Stripe — requires proper legal and tax setup, not a simple workaround.
Do not attempt without professional legal advice.
Severely Limited
PayPal
Sending payments works. Receiving into a Pakistani bank account does not. Not viable as an ecommerce checkout.
Can send payments to other PayPal accounts.
Cannot receive payments or withdraw to a Pakistani bank account.
Not a viable primary checkout for ecommerce stores in Pakistan as of 2026.
Stripe does not officially support Pakistan-registered businesses. Pakistani businesses cannot open a Stripe account directly. Some businesses access Stripe through foreign corporate structures (typically US or UK entities), but this requires proper legal setup, tax compliance, and professional advice it is not a simple workaround. For ecommerce operations in Pakistan, PayFast, Safepay, or XPay Pakistan are the practical local alternatives.
PayPal's functionality for Pakistan-based businesses is very limited. You can send payments but cannot receive them into a Pakistani bank account in a straightforward manner. PayPal is not a viable primary checkout solution for ecommerce stores operating in Pakistan. For international card acceptance, 2Checkout is the more practical option. There have been ongoing discussions about PayPal entering Pakistan more formally, but as of 2026 no official support for receiving payments exists.
Paddle:
Best suited for SaaS businesses selling subscriptions internationally. Paddle acts as merchant of record and handles international tax compliance. Not designed for traditional physical product ecommerce but very good for SaaS businesses.
Wise (formerly TransferWise):
Useful for receiving international payments via invoice or bank transfer. Not an ecommerce checkout gateway does not integrate with Shopify or WooCommerce for customer-facing payment processing.
How Raast Works for Ecommerce in Pakistan
Pakistan's real-time interbank payment system and what it means for your store's checkout.
1
Customer selects Raast at checkout
Buyer chooses bank transfer via their banking app. No card details required on your store.
2
SBP network routes payment instantly
Raast transfers funds in real-time between the buyer's bank and your merchant account.
⚡ Instant — no T+1 / T+2 delay
3
Store receives confirmation via webhook
Your gateway notifies the store in real-time and the order processes automatically.
4
Funds settle directly to your account
No intermediary float. Lower MDR than card transactions in most implementations.
$ Lower fees than card processing
BUILT BY
State Bank of Pakistan
SETTLEMENT SPEED
Instant (real-time)
CURRENTLY SUPPORTED BY
PayFast & XPay
BEST USED AS
Additional option alongside cards and wallets
HEADS UP
Raast UX for ecommerce is still maturing. Refund workflows and reconciliation are improving. Do not make it your sole checkout method yet.
Raast: Pakistan's Instant Payment System and What It Means for Ecommerce
Raast ecommerce Pakistan is gradually becoming an important addition to checkout options for bank app users.. It enables instant bank-to-bank transfers without delays associated with traditional clearing systems.
For ecommerce, Raast-based payments offer several advantages:
Lower transaction costs compared to card processing
Real-time settlement in most implementations
Growing adoption among urban banking app users
Particularly useful for high-value orders where buyers prefer bank transfers
PayFast and XPay currently support Raast at checkout. Other PSPs are progressively adding it. Our recommendation: if your primary gateway supports Raast, enable it. The marginal implementation cost is minimal and it adds a meaningful payment option for bank-app-comfortable customers. However, don't build your entire payment strategy around Raast as the sole method card and wallet coverage remains essential for broader reach.
Payment Gateway Comparison Table 2026
All fees shown are approximate MDR percentages and should be confirmed directly with providers before making a decision. Integration ease reflects our hands-on implementation experience across multiple client projects.
Gateway
Cards
Wallets
Raast
Shopify
WooCommerce
Approx. Fee
Settlement
Onboarding
Best For
PayFast
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
2.5-3%
T+1 / T+2
3–7 days
Growing stores
PayPro
YES
LTD
LTD
PAR
YES
2.5-3.5%
T+2
5–10 days
B2B ecommerce
Safepay
YES
YES
LTD
YES
API
~2.9%
T+2 / T+3
~5 days
Shopify DTC
JazzCash
LTD
YES
NO
PAR
API
2–3%
T+2
3–5 days
Wallet audience
easypaisa
LTD
YES
NO
PAR
API
2–3%
T+2
3–5 days
Mass market
Keenu
YES
NO
NO
API
API
Negotiated
Varies
Varies
Online + offline
Bank Alfalah
YES
NO
NO
API
API
Negotiated
Varies
2–4 weeks
High volume
HBL
YES
NO
NO
API
API
Negotiated
Varies
Several weeks
Established brands
2Checkout
YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
Higher
T+3+
Varies
International
Note: API integrations for WooCommerce and Shopify require developer resources and dedicated time. Fees change frequently always verify on each gateway's official pricing page.
Which Payment Gateway Should You Choose? (Decision Framework)
The right payment gateway depends on your platform, your audience, your launch timeline, and your transaction volume. Use this decision guide based on our integration experience across Pakistan's ecommerce market:
New Shopify store
PayFast or Safepay
Smoothest onboarding and most native Shopify checkout experience.
New WooCommerce store
PayFast or PayPro
Stable plugins with regular updates, fewer post-update issues.
Mass market / wallet-heavy audience
Add JazzCash + Easypaisa
Alongside primary gateway — reduces cart abandonment from non-card users.
Tech startup / modern API stack
NayaPay Arc or XPay
Modern APIs, fast settlement, growing ecosystem, Raast support.
B2B + ecommerce hybrid
PayPro
Payment links, invoicing, and ecommerce in one merchant account.
High volume / established brand
Bank Alfalah or HBL
Negotiate significantly lower rates once monthly volumes justify it.
Selling internationally
2Checkout + local gateway
2Checkout for global cards, local PSP for Pakistani buyers.
Online + physical retail
Keenu
Unified online and point-of-sale merchant ecosystem.
Local vs International Payment Gateways in Pakistan
Understanding the difference before you compare individual options.
VS
Local & Fintech
Pakistani Gateways
SBP regulated, PKR settlement, wallet support
✓
SBP licensed and regulated
✓
PKR settlements directly to your bank
✓
JazzCash & Easypaisa wallet support
✓
Raast instant payments
✓
Shopify & WooCommerce plugins
✓
Fast onboarding — 3 to 10 days
✕
Limited international card reach
International
Global Gateways
Cross-border cards, higher fees, no wallet support
✓
Accepts global Visa & Mastercard
✓
Best for international customer base
✓
Multi-currency support
✕
Higher transaction fees
✕
No JazzCash / Easypaisa wallet support
✕
Stripe & PayPal not available in PK
✕
Longer settlement times (T+3 and beyond)
ⓘ
Best practice: Most Pakistani ecommerce stores use a local gateway as primary (PayFast, Safepay, or XPay) and add 2Checkout only if they have significant international buyer traffic.
Required Documentation for Gateway Applications in Pakistan
Preparing complete documentation before you start applications significantly reduces delays. Incomplete submissions are the most common reason onboarding takes longer than it should.
Document
PSP Required?
Bank Required?
Notes
SECP Registration
YES
YES
Required by all PSPs and banks must be in place before applying
NTN
YES
YES
National Tax Number required by all gateways
Business Bank Account
YES
YES
Required often must match your registered business name exactly
Live Website
YES
YES
Your store must be fully functional with product pages and checkout
Refund & Privacy Policy
YES
YES
Must be clearly visible on the website a generic template is not enough
SSL Certificate
YES
YES
Must be active and not triggering browser security warnings
Financial Statements
Rarely
Often
Rarely required by PSPs; often required by banks
Processing History
Not Usually
Sometimes
Not usually required by PSPs; sometimes required by banks
Minimum Turnover Proof
No
Sometimes
Common Application Mistakes We've Seen
Business name inconsistencies across documents and bank accounts (most common delay). Privacy policy using generic template text without business-specific details. SSL certificate expired or showing warnings.
Website missing a clearly visible returns or refund policy. NTN registration is still pending at time of application.
Required Documentation for Gateway Applications in Pakistan
Choosing the right payment gateway is step one. Setting up your store to convert with the right platform, the right checkout flow, and proper gateway integration is where most businesses need expert help.
Buzz Interactive has integrated PayFast, Safepay, PayPro, XPay, NayaPay, JazzCash, Easypaisa, and bank gateways across Shopify and WooCommerce stores throughout Pakistan. We can help you build your ecommerce store
★★★★★4.9
Need help setting up payment gateway for your web store?
We can help you make the best decision setting up payment gateway
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single best option for every business. For most ecommerce stores, PayFast and XPay are strong all-rounders due to broad payment method coverage and reliable platform integrations. Safepay is the strongest option if Shopify is your platform and checkout experience is the priority. JazzCash and Easypaisa should be added alongside a primary gateway if your audience includes significant wallet users. Bank gateways (HBL, Bank Alfalah) are best reserved for established businesses with high monthly transaction volumes.
Safepay Pakistan has invested heavily in Shopify ecosystem compatibility, which makes it one of the strongest Shopify focused gateways in the country. Safepay has specifically invested in Shopify ecosystem compatibility. NayaPay Arc and XPay also offer Shopify integration. All provide a smoother checkout experience than most bank alternatives.
PayFast and PayPro are the top recommendations for WooCommerce stores. Both offer stable, regularly updated official plugins. Safepay requires API-based integration for WooCommerce rather than a simple plugin install. JazzCash and Easypaisa can be added via API to cover wallet payments.
No. Stripe does not officially support Pakistan-registered businesses. Some businesses access Stripe through foreign corporate structures (typically US or UK entities), but this requires proper legal setup, tax compliance, and professional advice it is not a simple workaround. For Pakistani ecommerce stores, PayFast, Safepay, and XPay are the practical alternatives.
Not for receiving payments. Pakistan-based businesses cannot receive funds into a Pakistani bank account through PayPal in a straightforward manner. PayPal pakistan is not a viable primary checkout option for ecommerce stores in Pakistan. For international card acceptance, 2Checkout is the most practical alternative.
Most PSPs charge between 2% and 3.5% MDR per transaction. JazzCash and Easypaisa are on the lower end at around 2–3% with no setup fees. PayFast's rates are competitive and sometimes negotiable. Bank gateways can offer the lowest rates but only for high-volume businesses, and require extensive onboarding. The cheapest gateway isn't always the right gateway - integration stability and payment method coverage matter more for revenue.
All PSPs and wallet gateways mentioned in this guide PayFast, Safepay, PayPro, XPay, NayaPay, JazzCash, and Easypaisa - operate under State Bank of Pakistan licensing frameworks as either PSPs, PSOs, or EMIs. Bank gateways (HBL, Bank Alfalah, MCB, UBL, Meezan, Standard Chartered, Faysal Bank) are regulated financial institutions operating under SBP oversight.
Standard requirements include: SECP registration, National Tax Number (NTN), business bank account, live website with clearly visible refund and privacy policies, and a valid SSL certificate. Banks typically require additional documentation such as financial statements and proof of business turnover. Ensure your registered business name matches exactly across all documents - inconsistencies are the most common cause of application delays.
Yes. Most local gateways support international Visa and Mastercard transactions. For stores with significant international buyer traffic, 2Checkout is the most commonly used dedicated international processor. A practical setup for many stores is using a local gateway (PayFast, Safepay, or XPay) for Pakistani customers and 2Checkout for international orders.
PayFast and XPay currently support Raast-based bank transfer payments at checkout. Other PSPs are progressively adding Raast support. It offers lower transaction costs and real-time settlement. Best enabled as an additional payment option alongside cards and wallets not as the sole checkout method at this stage of adoption.
Choosing the Right Gateway: The Bottom Line
The optimal payment gateway for your ecommerce store is not necessarily the one with the lowest published transaction fee. It's the one that aligns with your target audience's payment preferences, integrates reliably with your platform, provides acceptable settlement timing for your cash flow, and scales as your business grows.
For most new Shopify and WooCommerce stores in Pakistan, starting with PayFast or Safepay, adding JazzCash and Easypaisa if your audience profile indicates significant wallet usage, and exploring bank merchants acquiring once volumes justify it-represents a practical, low-risk progression.If you're not sure which gateway fits your specific store, your platform, and your customers that's exactly the kind of question our team helps businesses answer every day.
Fees, settlement policies, and onboarding requirements change frequently. All information in this guide is approximate and based on publicly available information and our direct integration experience with multiple ecommerce stores in Pakistan. Always confirm specific details directly with each payment provider before making a decision.
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