The success of your online business relies on how effectively you collect payments.
Online buying and selling in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recently witnessed a significant surge in adopting online transactions as the norm, regardless of the B2B and B2C sectors.
This increases the need for the best payment gateways in the UAE to offer businesses a trustworthy and secure payment experience.
While local banks in the country may prove to be expensive and time-consuming. That’s where online payment solutions come in, changing how businesses operate and providing entrepreneurs with peace of mind at the click of a button.
However, the payment gateway is an online payment terminal. It acts as the virtual bridge between your local bank to where you want to receive payment on your online store.
But with numerous payment gateway options available online, the question arises:
“Which is the best payment gateways in UAE for eCommerce websites?”
So whether you’re a newly launched startup, a physical store shifting online, or a running eCommerce business seeking the best payment gateway companies.
The guide will discuss the top-performing payment gateways in the UAE, highlighting their key features and benefits. By the end, you’ll gain knowledge and confidence to help you select the best-suited payment platform that aligns with your business needs.
In-Depth Analysis of the Best Payment Gateways in Dubai, UAE
Dubai presents a wide selection of payment gateway providers, each bringing unique payment processing solutions to the table.
However, most transactions are processed within a single working day, so businesses can enjoy the benefits of quick and efficient service.
Now, let’s explore the detailed analysis and features of the best payment gateways in UAE, mainly Dubai. By exploring these local and international payment gateways, you can select the one that suits your business requirements.
Keep reading to discover payment solutions for your e-commerce venture in Dubai, UAE.
1- Paypal – Cheapest Payment Gateway in UAE
As the premier choice for many, PayPal is the most used payment gateway with positive reviews and satisfied customers worldwide. Many online retailers, merchants, business owners, and the eCommerce platform consider PayPal a go-to transaction option.
The platform is best known for ease of use and secure transactions without having to enter payment information each time.
However, creating a PayPal account in the UAE is an easy process. Simply download the app, enter your bank account, credit card, or debit card information, and select which card you want, PayPal to process transactions, and Voila.
You’re ready to receive payments with bank transfers and PayPal’s digital wallet.
Payment Options
Paypal offers a range of payment methods, including
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
- Bank transfers
- PayPal’s digital wallet
Features
- Secure transactions
- Seamless integration
- User-friendly interface
- Robust fraud protection measures
- Payment acceptance in multiple currencies
2- Stripe – Best Payment Gateway in UAE For Shopify
Supporting transactions in 140 currencies, Stripe is one of the world’s largest payment gateways. However, this US-based payment gateway was recently launched in Dubai, UAE.
The convenience makes it easy for businesses to implement Stripe as a suitable payment gateway solution in the UAE and start accepting payments swiftly.
Stripe can also add new features and integrations as your business scale, such as adding subscriptions, generating bills, sharing invoices, managing finances, preventing fraud, and much more.
However, it is important to note that you can join the newly launched Stripe UAE through invitations only.
The best part is it does not charge any monthly fee and has 0% transaction charges.
eCommerce Platform Integration
One of its key benefits is the extensive integration options with major eCommerce platforms, such as:
- Shopify
- Magento.
- WooCommerce
Available Payment Options
- Bank debits, transfers, and redirects
- Subsidiary support
- Cards and e-wallets
- Cash-based vouchers
Features
With Stripe, you can also take advantage of its advanced features, including
- Offers a range of payment options like cards, wallets, and bank transfers
- Customize your payment forms with Stripe design elements
- Subscription management
- Powerful developer tools
- Buy-now-pay-later features
3-Telr
Telr (formerly known as Innovative Payments) is a popular payment gateway in the UAE for social commerce.
It seamlessly integrates with popular eCommerce platforms and provides advanced fraud protection measures, ensuring secure business transactions.
Additionally, based in Dubai and Singapore, Telr has reached 120 countries, supporting transactions in 30 languages, making it a versatile choice for global businesses.
Business owners can open their accounts with zero set-up fees by visiting the Telr website. However, the complete onboarding process, including integration approvals, can take 1-3 days.
The commissions or transaction fees are based on different tiers or level plans. These levels allow merchants to choose the plan best suits their business needs and transaction volumes.
Here is a breakdown of the levels with varying fixed fees and their corresponding commission structures:
1. Entry-level (AED 349)
No transaction commission is charged. Merchants who opt for this level pay a fixed fee, AED 349, without additional transaction-based charges.
2. Small level (AED 149)
Merchants are charged a transaction commission of 2.69% of the transaction amount plus AED 1.00 as a fixed fee.
3. Medium level (AED 99)
With a commission of 2.49% of the transaction amount, merchants pay an additional AED 0.50 as a fixed fee.
Supported eCommerce Platform
Telr provides easy integrations with the following
- Woocommerece
- Prestashop
- OpenCart
- Magento
- Shopify
Payment Options
It supports multiple currencies and a range of international and local payment methods, including
- Visa/MasterCard
- American Express
- Credit cards/Debit cards
- Net Banking (Indian banks)
- SADAD (Saudi Arabian banks)
- UnionPay, STCPay, and Mada cards
Notable Features
Telr’s state-of-the-art security features, including:
- Comprehensive Anti-Fraud Protection
- Data encryption and tokenization
- An online store creation tool
- Buy-Now-Pay-Later facility
- QR Code payments
4- CCAvenue
An Indian payment gateway that offers commerce solutions in Dubai, UAE, for all major eCommerce platforms.
As a widely used payment gateway, CCAvenue provides secure payment processing with a variety of payment options for enhanced user experience and increased transaction rates.
With detailed reporting and analytics tools, businesses can record payment activity, track sales performance, and get valuable insights on trends to make an informed decision.
It supports multiple currencies with easy-to-set-up and manages payment processing accounts. However, the platform offers a zero set-up fee option, a monthly maintenance fee of AED 200, and a 3% cost per transaction.
Payment Options
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- e-Wallets
- Net banking
- And more
Features
CCAvenue also provides some notable features:
- Automated recurring billing and mobile app integration
- Flexible pricing and payment plans for businesses of all sizes.
- CCAvenues supports all major currencies and eCommerce platform integrations.
- Multilingual checkout pages in 18 different native languages for localized shopping and payment experience.
5- CyberSource
As a subsidiary platform of the international firm Visa, Cybersource assures and meets payment security standards. The payment platform offers a wide range of solutions in more than 190 countries worldwide.
Cybersource started in 1994. However, the platform soon got traction with global reach and was mostly chosen for its modern capabilities and creative eCommerce solutions.
Payment Options
It supports digital payment methods with API integration, including
- Android Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Also supports regional wallets like Alipay.
Features
PayFort offers comprehensive security features like
- Fraud alert and account Takeover protection
- Customizable payment pages
- Delivery address verification
- Cross-channel payments
6- Skrill
Based on a comparison study from April 2022 to April 2023, Skrill stands out as one of the top international payment transfer platforms in the UAE.
However, Skrill is a digital wallet that helps users receive or send money to friends, family, or businesses anywhere in the world using only email addresses or mobile numbers.
Not only that, Scrill scores 8.3 overall rating on a scale of 10, checking all the boxes of trust and credibility, service and quality, fees and exchange rates, and customer satisfaction.
Available Payment Options
The company covers a range of payment options, including.
- Bank transfers
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Bitcoin
Notable Features
- Digital wallet with multiple currency support
- Range of payment options, including Bitcoin
- Multiple currency support for preferred currency transaction
7- Payoneer
Payoneer is a highly-regarded platform for smooth cross-border payments without compromising on security. The extensive international payment processing solutions allow its users to send money to 130 countries and over 100 currencies.
This broad coverage makes it an ideal choice not only for eCommerce platforms and business owners but also for freelancers who collaborate with clients or vendors across different countries.
Payoneer’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of transactions sets it apart from other payment processors. Users can confidently transfer funds, knowing that Payoneer has implemented robust security measures to protect sensitive financial information. This peace of mind allows business owners to focus on growing their businesses without worrying about potential security issues.
Payment Options
- Bank transfers
- Credit and debit cards
- Payoneer’s digital wallet
Features
- Multiple currency support allows users to make and receive payments in local currency without exchange rates.
- Payoneer prioritizes the security of transactions with robust security measures and the protection of sensitive financial information.
- The platform offers a user-friendly interface to manage transactions, track payments, and access funds.
- Simplified withdrawal options allow users to access their funds conveniently.
8- 2Checkout
Another popular international payment gateway solution, supporting almost all eCommerce platforms.
However, Checkout.com and 2Checkout are two different companies, don’t confuse them with their names.
2Checkout is a global brand that offers payment solutions to 200+ countries through 8 payment channels in 15 languages and 87 currencies.
The payment platform has collaborated with FreshBooks accounting software to provide online payment solutions for small businesses.
The best part of 2Checkout UAE is neither a one-time set-up fee nor an ongoing monthly maintenance fee.
However, the commission per transaction and fixed fees vary depending on the specific plan chosen on the 2Checkout platform. It’s important to consider these fees when evaluating the cost-effectiveness of your business.
Here’s the breakdown of the commission per transaction for each plan:
1. SELL: 3.5% + AED 1.28
For the 2Checkout SELL plan, a commission of 3.5% of the transaction amount and an additional fixed fee of AED 1.28 for every transaction processed.
2. SUBSCRIBE: 4.5% + AED 1.84
SUBSCRIBE plan cuts a commission of 4.5% of the transaction value, along with an additional fixed fee of AED 1.84 as a fixed fee for every transaction.
3. MONETIZE: 6% + AED 2.2
Under the MONETIZE plan, 6% of the transaction amount, with additional fees of AED 2.2, will be charged on each transaction processed.
Payment Options
- Visa
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
- MasterCard
- Credit Cards
- American Express
- Simple Bank Transfer
Features
- API integration with PCI DSS compliance
- Customizable payment forms and checkout pages
- Providing payment processing solutions for businesses of all sizes
- Convenient and secure transactions from customers around the world
9- Noon Payments
Noon Payment is a well-recognized fintech company in the UAE that provide convenient and secure transaction options, making it easy for businesses and consumers alike.
Available Payment Options
The platform works across several different payment methods, including.
- Digital wallets
- Bank transfers
- Credit/debit cards
Features
Hassle-free experience for all parties involved
- User-friendly interface for seamless transactions
- Cutting-edge technology for speed, security, and innovation
10- Checkout.com
Checkout.com is an international payment gateway known for its seamless transaction and exceptional user experience. The system operates in the UAE and provides features such as real-time reporting, fraud prevention tools, and easy integration with e-commerce platforms.
The cost per transaction is 2.9% +AED 1.10. However, the overall transaction fee is based on the total volume and ranges from 0.75 to 2.75.
Supported Platforms
- WooCommerce
- Prestashop
- Magento
- Shopify
Payment Options
Alternative payment methods
- Major credit cards
- Digital wallets
Features
- Simple set-up with no charges
- Flexible and customization options
- Verifies payment integration method
11- PayTabs
Starting in 2014, PayTabs stands out as one of the best payment gateways in UAE for its reliable, modern, and effortless integration features into various merchant websites.
This allows eCommerce businesses to easily integrate PayTabs into their website or mobile applications and start accepting payments without the need for additional coding.
The overall integration process, from approvals to onboarding time, can take anywhere between 24 to 48 hours.
The best part is you can create your PayTabs account for free on your site. However, the platform charges 2.7% cost per transaction with AED 1.
eCommerce Supported Platforms
- Shopify
- Magento
- Prestashop
- WooCommerce
- OpenCart, CSCart, Expand Cart
Payment Options
PayTabs is a versatile payment gateway that caters to businesses of all sizes. It supports various payment methods.
- Credit cards/Debit cards
- Local payment options
- American Express
- MasterCard
- Mada Card
- STCPay
- Visa
Features
- The platform offers customizable checkout options.
- Moreover, it provides robust security features and fraud prevention technology to protect customer data.
- Businesses can generate, receive or deliver daily invoices with the latest technology such as QRcode, WhatsApp, SMS, emails, and social media channels.
- Innovative features for simple and trusted payment solutions
- Hosted payment pages, managed forms, and owned merchant forms with Direct API.
12- Amazon Payment Services
Amazon Payment Services (earlier known as PayFort) is the second-most used platform in the UAE. In Q4 2020, Amazon acquired PayFort and coined the new name.
The platform is popular among entrepreneurs offering cost-effective options for businesses in the UAE, GCC, North Africa, and other countries in the region.
PayFort is a dominant payment gateway provider in Arabic-speaking countries, tailored for Arab shopping needs and habits and following trends.
Amazon Payment Services deducts 2.8% cost per transaction with an extra AED based on the exchange rate of the country. Moreover, the platform charges AED 280 as a monthly maintenance fee with free set-up.
However, the complete onboarding takes 3-5 working days, including approval and integration processes.
Payment options
- Credit cards/Debit cards
- Local payment options like SADAD and Mada card
- Installment options are available only for customers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and Egypt.
Supported eCommerce Integration
Amazon Payment Services can easily integrate with the following:
- CS-Cart
- Prestashop
- Woocommerce
- Shopify and Magento
- OpenCart/Open Cart 2
Notable Features
- Fraud detection and 24/7 customer support
- Reliable platform to avoid potential risks of transactions
- Range of services, including online and mobile payments
13- PayCaps
PayCaps is another recommended payment processor in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond. New businesses choose the platform for its API-driven automation features.
The platform offers highly customizable white-label payment gateway solutions for Apps and websites, so businesses can select the design of their choice, payment methods, and themes that suit their brand.
Features
- Fast and user-friendly interface
- Multiple currency support
- Chargeback management
14- Hyperpay
As the fastest-growing payment-providing solution in the MENA region, HyperPay is based in Saudi Arabia, with over 100 banking partners and well-known credit card companies in the UAE.
The payment platform processes millions of transactions annually for thousands of merchants across various industries.
Supported eCommerce Platforms
Hyperpay offers easy integration with major eCommerce platforms like:
- WordPress
- Magento
Available Payment Options
- PayPal
- Apple Pay
- MadaSTCPay
- Visa/MasterCard
- American Express
Features
- Platform with high acceptance rates
- Highly-secured fraud management system
- Customizable checkout experience for customers
- An easy-to-use yet powerful dashboard for insights
Factors to Consider While Selecting the Best Payment Gateways in UAE
Selecting the right payment gateway shapes a seamless and secure payment experience for your customers in the UAE.
With a wide range of payment gateways available, it’s important for businesses to consider several factors, such as transaction fees, integration options, supported currencies, customer support, and security features.
Take the necessary time to evaluate your business needs and select the best payment gateways in UAE that align with your requirements.
However, you need to narrow down the payment processing companies by compiling a list of business requirements.
Here is a list of basic services you should expect from a payment gateway. Know the criteria to look out for.
Security
Security should be your top priority when selecting a payment gateway. The presence of valuable customer data and transaction details makes it a prime target to attract cybercriminals.
You should look for a digital payment platform that complies with industry standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and offers advanced security features like robust encryption and tokenization.
Additionally, consider a payment gateway that supports 3D Secure authentication to protect against online fraud. Moreover, the company should have an option for live monitoring to flag suspicious transactions and rebuff any intrusion attempt.
Integration Options
The ease of integration allows businesses to connect payment gateways to their existing systems and start accepting payments immediately without additional coding or development.
So consider the ease of integrating while looking for a payment gateway for your eCommerce business website or mobile app.
Look for a provider that offers seamless integration with popular eCommerce platforms and provides robust APIs and developer resources. This ensures a smooth payment experience for your customers and minimizes technical challenges for your development team.
Transaction Fees
Evaluate the transaction fees of different payment gateways. While some providers may offer competitive rates, it’s essential to understand the fee structure and pricing plans, including any hidden charges.
Compare the fees against the services and features to find the best balance between cost and functionality for your business. Keeping costs in check is extremely important for startups as they usually have limited funding.
However, looking only at price when choosing the best payment gateway is a bad decision. You need to ensure other key-deciding factors too.
Currency Support
Multiple currency processing avoids conversion disputes.
If your business deals with international customers and operates in a multi-currency environment, it is important to ensure that the payment gateway supports the currencies relevant to your operations.
So look for a provider that offers a wide range of currency options and accepts payments in various currencies without requiring additional conversions or high exchange fees.
Moreover, it puts your customers first and allows them to pay in the currency they know best, from Riyal, Dirham, and Dinar to Dollar, Euro, and Pound.
Settlement Time
Consider the time it takes for funds to be settled into your business account. Faster settlement times can improve your cash flow and provide financial flexibility. Different payment gateways have varying settlement periods, so choose one that aligns with your business requirements.
Customer Support
Payment gateways are paving the way for customer satisfaction. However, reliable and knowledgeable customer support is vital when dealing with payment-related issues.
Your customers facing problems need to be accurately diagnosed and then promptly fixed. This is only possible on a gateway committed to quality customer support.
Opt for a payment gateway provider that offers responsive two-way communication between your startup and the support staff. Look for options that provide multiple support channels, such as phone, email, and live chat, ensuring prompt assistance whenever needed.
Reputation and Reliability
One of the most common features of a payment gateway is the reliability factor.
When you need timely payments, you need a reliable platform to accept and transfer payments from one merchant to another.
Search the company’s online reputation and the reliability of the payment gateway provider before making your decision.
Read customer reviews and testimonials to gain insights into other businesses’ experiences. Choose a trusted and established payment gateway with a track record of reliable service and positive customer feedback.
Compatibility with UAE Regulations
Ensure that the payment gateway complies with the regulatory framework of the UAE. The provider should adhere to local regulations and have the necessary certifications and licenses to operate within the country. Choosing a payment gateway that aligns with UAE regulations ensures legal compliance and minimizes potential risks.
Also Read: How to Get an eCommerce License in Dubai?
Final Words
How you collect payments for your eCommerce store could make or break your business.
In the vast world of payment companies, finding the best payment gateways in UAE that truly meets your business needs and easily makes a payment can be challenging.
With numerous payment gateways offering unique blends of features and costs, making the best decision for your company can be a tad overwhelming.
However, the eCommerce payment gateways listed in this blog are all popular in UAE and come with their own sets of benefits. By thoroughly researching, analyzing the discussed options, and comparing the pros and cons of each, you can make a well-informed choice for your eCommerce website.
Now the ball is in your court!
Hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it has provided you with the necessary information to find the perfect payment processing company to enhance your online business.
