The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced a significant surge in e-commerce growth in recent years, with online sales projected to reach $27 billion by 2025. As the market continues to expand, businesses operating in the UAE need reliable and secure payment gateways to facilitate transactions and provide a seamless customer experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top payment gateways available in the UAE, their features, pricing, and suitability for different types of e-commerce businesses.
Table of Contents
Why Choose the Right Payment Gateway?
Selecting the right payment gateway is crucial for several reasons:
- Security: With increasing cyber threats, a secure payment gateway protects sensitive customer information.
- User Experience: A seamless payment process enhances customer satisfaction and can lead to higher conversion rates.
- Payment Options: Offering various payment methods caters to a broader audience and can improve sales.
- Fees: Understanding transaction fees and costs associated with different gateways can significantly affect your bottom line.
Key Features to Look for in a Payment Gateway
When evaluating payment gateways, consider the following features:
- Security Protocols: Look for gateways that comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).
- Integration: Ensure the gateway can easily integrate with your e-commerce platform (e.g., Shopify, WooCommerce).
- Multi-currency Support: If you plan to sell internationally, choose a gateway that supports multiple currencies.
- Customer Support: Reliable customer service can help resolve issues quickly.
- Mobile Compatibility: With the rise of mobile shopping, ensure the gateway is optimized for mobile transactions.
Overview of the Best Payment Gateways in the UAE
Here’s a detailed look at some of the best payment gateways available for e-commerce businesses in the UAE:
1. Telr
Telr is a leading payment gateway in the UAE, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions for online businesses. With a presence in over 30 countries, Telr supports multiple currencies and payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and local bank transfers.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel payments: Telr allows businesses to accept payments across various channels, including online, mobile, and in-person.
- Fraud prevention: The gateway offers advanced fraud detection and prevention tools to protect against unauthorized transactions.
- Recurring payments: Telr supports recurring payments, making it ideal for subscription-based businesses.
- Reporting and analytics: The platform provides detailed reporting and analytics to help merchants track their sales and performance.
Pricing:
Telr offers three pricing plans tailored for startups, SMEs, and enterprise-level businesses. Pricing is based on transaction volume and includes a monthly fee and a percentage-based transaction fee.
Suitability:
Telr is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises. Its flexible pricing and comprehensive features make it a popular choice among e-commerce merchants in the UAE.
2. Amazon Payment Services
Formerly known as Payfort, Amazon Payment Services is a trusted payment gateway in the UAE, offering secure and reliable payment processing solutions. As part of the Amazon ecosystem, the platform benefits from the company’s extensive experience and resources in the e-commerce industry.
Key Features:
- Localized payment methods: Amazon Payment Services supports popular local payment methods in the UAE, such as Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Mashreq Bank.
- Fraud management: The gateway offers advanced fraud prevention tools to protect against fraudulent transactions.
- Reporting and analytics: Merchants can access detailed reports and analytics to track their sales and performance.
- Seamless integration: The platform integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms, such as Magento, WooCommerce, and Shopify.
Pricing:
Amazon Payment Services offers two pricing plans: a standard plan for lower transaction volumes and a customized plan for larger businesses. Pricing includes a monthly fee and a percentage-based transaction fee.
Suitability:
Amazon Payment Services is suitable for businesses of all sizes, particularly those targeting the UAE market. Its localized payment methods and strong fraud prevention make it an attractive choice for e-commerce merchants.
3. Checkout.com
Checkout.com is an international payment gateway that offers a streamlined solution for online payments. With a presence in over 150 countries, the platform supports multiple currencies and payment methods, making it a popular choice among global e-commerce businesses.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel payments: Checkout.com allows businesses to accept payments across various channels, including online, mobile, and in-person.
- Fraud prevention: The gateway offers advanced fraud detection and prevention tools to protect against unauthorized transactions.
- Reporting and analytics: Merchants can access detailed reports and analytics to track their sales and performance.
- Customizable solutions: Checkout.com offers tailored solutions for businesses of different sizes and industries.
Pricing:
Checkout.com pricing is based on transaction volume and includes a percentage-based transaction fee. The platform does not disclose its exact pricing on its website, and merchants are encouraged to contact the sales team for a customized quote.
Suitability:
Checkout.com is suitable for businesses of all sizes, particularly those with a global customer base. Its comprehensive features and customizable solutions make it a versatile choice for e-commerce merchants.
4. 2Checkout
2Checkout (formerly Avangate) is a global payment gateway that offers a wide range of payment solutions for online businesses. With a presence in over 200 countries, the platform supports multiple currencies and payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and local bank transfers.
Key Features:
- Affiliate management: 2Checkout offers an affiliate management system that allows merchants to create and manage affiliate programs.
- Subscription management: The platform supports recurring payments and subscription management, making it suitable for subscription-based businesses.
- Fraud prevention: 2Checkout provides advanced fraud detection and prevention tools to protect against unauthorized transactions.
- Reporting and analytics: Merchants can access detailed reports and analytics to track their sales and performance.
Pricing:
2Checkout pricing includes a setup fee and a percentage-based transaction fee. The platform’s transaction fees are relatively higher compared to other payment gateways in the UAE.
Suitability:
2Checkout is suitable for businesses of all sizes, particularly those with a global customer base. Its affiliate management and subscription management features make it a good choice for businesses with complex payment requirements.
5. PayTabs
PayTabs is a popular payment gateway in the UAE, offering a range of solutions for online businesses. With a focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the platform supports multiple currencies and payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and local bank transfers.
Key Features:
- Quick onboarding: PayTabs offers a fast and easy onboarding process, allowing merchants to start accepting payments quickly.
- Fraud prevention: The gateway provides advanced fraud detection and prevention tools to protect against unauthorized transactions.
- Reporting and analytics: Merchants can access detailed reports and analytics to track their sales and performance.
- Customizable solutions: PayTabs offers tailored solutions for businesses of different sizes and industries.
Pricing:
PayTabs pricing is based on transaction volume and includes a monthly fee and a percentage-based transaction fee. The platform offers various pricing plans suitable for startups, SMEs, and enterprise-level businesses.
Suitability:
PayTabs is suitable for businesses of all sizes, particularly those targeting the MENA region. Its quick onboarding process and customizable solutions make it an attractive choice for e-commerce merchants in the UAE.
6. CCAvenue
CCAvenue is a leading payment gateway in the UAE, offering a wide range of payment solutions for online businesses. With a presence in over 200 countries, the platform supports multiple currencies and payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and local bank transfers.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel payments: CCAvenue allows businesses to accept payments across various channels, including online, mobile, and in-person.
- Fraud prevention: The gateway provides advanced fraud detection and prevention tools to protect against unauthorized transactions.
- Reporting and analytics: Merchants can access detailed reports and analytics to track their sales and performance.
- User-friendly interface: CCAvenue offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for merchants to manage their payments.
Pricing:
CCAvenue pricing is based on transaction volume and includes a percentage-based transaction fee. The platform does not disclose its exact pricing on its website, and merchants are encouraged to contact the sales team for a customized quote.
Suitability:
CCAvenue is suitable for businesses of all sizes, particularly those with a global customer base. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it a popular choice among e-commerce merchants in the UAE.
7. Cybersource
Cybersource is a payment gateway owned by Visa, offering a comprehensive suite of payment solutions for online businesses. With a presence in over 200 countries, the platform supports multiple currencies and payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and local bank transfers.
Key Features:
- Fraud management: Cybersource offers advanced fraud management tools, including machine learning-based fraud detection and case management.
- Reporting and analytics: The platform provides detailed reporting and analytics to help merchants track their sales and performance.
- Customizable solutions: Cybersource offers tailored solutions for businesses of different sizes and industries.
- PCI compliance: The gateway is PCI-compliant, ensuring that merchants meet the necessary security standards for handling payment data.
Pricing:
Cybersource pricing is based on transaction volume and includes a percentage-based transaction fee. The platform does not disclose its exact pricing on its website, and merchants are encouraged to contact the sales team for a customized quote.
Suitability:
Cybersource is suitable for larger e-commerce businesses, particularly those with complex payment requirements. Its advanced fraud management tools and customizable solutions make it an attractive choice for enterprises in the UAE.
8. PayPal
PayPal is a well-known global payment gateway that allows businesses to accept payments from customers worldwide. While it is widely recognized and used in many countries, its effectiveness in the UAE can vary due to local preferences and transaction fees.
Key Features:
- Global reach: PayPal allows businesses to accept payments from customers in over 200 countries and territories.
- Fraud protection: The platform offers fraud protection tools to help protect merchants against unauthorized transactions.
- Reporting and analytics: Merchants can access detailed reports and analytics to track their sales and performance.
- Seamless integration: PayPal integrates seamlessly with popular e-commerce platforms, such as Magento, WooCommerce, and Shopify.
Pricing:
PayPal pricing includes a percentage-based transaction fee, which can be higher compared to local payment gateways in the UAE. The platform also charges a fixed fee for certain types of transactions.
Suitability:
PayPal is suitable for businesses targeting a global customer base, particularly those with a significant number of international customers. However, its effectiveness in the UAE may be limited due to local preferences and transaction fees.
9. XPay by XStak
XPay by XStak is a payment gateway specifically designed for businesses operating in the UAE. The platform offers a range of payment solutions tailored for the local market, including support for popular local payment methods and strong customer support.
Key Features:
- Localized payment methods: XPay supports popular local payment methods in the UAE, such as Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Mashreq Bank.
- Customer support: The platform offers dedicated customer support to help merchants with any issues or questions they may have.
- Reporting and analytics: Merchants can access detailed reports and analytics to track their sales and performance.
- Customizable solutions: XPay offers tailored solutions for businesses of different sizes and industries.
Pricing:
XPay pricing is based on transaction volume and includes a percentage-based transaction fee. The platform does not disclose its exact pricing on its website, and merchants are encouraged to contact the sales team for a customized quote.
Suitability:
XPay by XStak is suitable for businesses targeting the UAE market, particularly those looking for a payment gateway with strong local support and integration with popular local payment methods.
10. CashU
CashU is a payment gateway focused on the Middle Eastern market, offering a prepaid card solution that allows users to make online purchases without needing a bank account. The platform supports multiple currencies and is popular among users who prefer anonymity or lack access to traditional banking services.
Key Features:
- Prepaid card solution: CashU offers a prepaid card that can be used for online purchases, eliminating the need for a bank account.
- Anonymity: The platform allows users to make purchases anonymously, which can be appealing to some customers.
- Reporting and analytics: Merchants can access detailed reports and analytics to track their sales and performance.
- Customer support: CashU offers customer support in multiple languages to assist users with any issues or questions they may have.
Pricing:
CashU pricing includes a percentage-based transaction fee, which can vary depending on the type of transaction and the merchant’s industry. The platform also charges a fee for issuing and reloading prepaid cards.
Suitability:
CashU is suitable for businesses targeting the Middle Eastern market, particularly those with customers who prefer anonymity or lack access to traditional banking services. The platform’s prepaid card solution can be an attractive option for certain customer segments.
11. Noon Payments
Noon Payments is a relatively new entrant in the UAE payment gateway market, associated with the Noon e-commerce platform. The platform offers integrated payment solutions tailored for local businesses, with a focus on providing a seamless customer experience.
Key Features:
- Integrated solutions: Noon Payments offers integrated payment solutions that are tailored for businesses using the Noon e-commerce platform.
- Localized payment methods: The platform supports popular local payment methods in the UAE, such as credit/debit cards and bank transfers.
- Fraud prevention: Noon Payments provides fraud prevention tools to help protect merchants against unauthorized transactions.
- Customer support: The platform offers customer support to assist merchants with any issues or questions they may have.
Pricing:
Noon Payments pricing is based on transaction volume and includes a percentage-based transaction fee. The platform does not disclose its exact pricing on its website, and merchants are encouraged to contact the sales team for a customized quote.
Suitability:
Noon Payments is suitable for businesses using the Noon e-commerce platform, particularly those looking for an integrated payment solution tailored to the local market. The platform’s focus on providing a seamless customer experience can be an attractive feature for merchants in the UAE.
Comparison Table of Payment Gateways
| Payment Gateway | Setup Fee | Transaction Fee | Multi-Currency Support | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telr | AED 1,500 | 2.5% + AED 1.00 | Yes | Anti-fraud protection, free plan |
| Amazon Payment Services | None | 2.5% + AED 1.00 | Yes | Advanced fraud protection |
| Checkout.com | None | Custom pricing | Yes | Flexible integration options |
| 2Checkout | None | 3.5% + $0.35 | Yes | Comprehensive API, fraud protection |
| PayTabs | None | 2.85% + AED 1.00 | Yes | Fast processing, easy onboarding |
| CCAvenue | AED 5,000 | 2% + AED 1.00 | Yes | Strong customer support |
| Cybersource | Custom | Custom pricing | Yes | Advanced fraud management |
| PayPal | None | 3.4% + AED 1.00 | Yes | Buyer protection, trusted brand |
| XPay by XStak | Custom | Custom pricing | Yes | Local support, user-friendly interface |
| CashU | None | Varies | Limited | Prepaid card solution |
| Noon Payments | Custom | Custom pricing | Yes | Integrated with Noon platform |
Conclusion
The UAE e-commerce market offers a diverse range of payment gateways, each with its own unique features and pricing models. When choosing a payment gateway for your e-commerce website, it’s essential to consider factors such as your target market, transaction volume, and specific business requirements.
Some key considerations when selecting a payment gateway in the UAE include:
- Local payment methods: Ensure the gateway supports popular local payment methods in the UAE, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers.
- Fraud prevention: Look for a gateway with advanced fraud detection and prevention tools to protect your business and customers from unauthorized transactions.
- Reporting and analytics: Choose a platform that provides detailed reporting and analytics to help you track your sales and performance.
- Pricing: Compare pricing models across different gateways to find the most cost-effective solution for your business.
- Customer support: Consider the level of customer support the gateway offers, particularly if you anticipate needing assistance with onboarding or troubleshooting.
By carefully evaluating your options and selecting the right payment gateway for your e-commerce business, you can ensure a smooth and secure payment process for your customers, ultimately driving sales and growth in the UAE market.
